Dr. Sarah Chan engages a rich contribution in the musical arts as an international concert pianist, artist-teacher, and scholar. Winner of numerous awards in performance artistry, teaching, and service, Chan has garnered The American Prize in Piano Performance, “Rising Artist” honor of New York Concert Artists and Associates, and the PianoTexas International Festival Professional Prize, along with the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholar Distinguished Teacher Award as bestowed by the U.S. Presidential Commission and U.S. Department of Education. Institutional faculty awards include the 2022 California State University-Stanislaus Outstanding Professor Award; the 2021 California State University-Stanislaus Outstanding Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award; and the Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Eastman School of Music. For her contributions and service, Chan received the 2018 Outstanding Member State Recognition Award from the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

An international concert pianist, Sarah Chan engages a compelling artistry that has taken her throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and South America.  She has performed at such venues as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Berlin Philharmonic Hall, National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Salle Cortot in Paris, St. James Piccadilly in London, Künstlerhaus in Munich, Sala Ateneu in Bacău, Teatro Municipal de Las Condes in Chile, Merkin Hall and Symphony Space in New York, and Beifang Performing Arts Center and Ningxia Normal University Concert Hall in China.  As concerto soloist, Chan has appeared with the National "Mihail Jora" Philharmonic of Romania, MÁV Symphony Orchestra Budapest, Orquesta Sinfónica Universidad Mayor, New York Concert Artists Symphony, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony, and Enid Symphony. Chan’s debut solo recording album, “Portraits of France and Spain:  Piano Music from Impressionism and National Romanticism to the Avant-Garde, 1880-1960”, is anticipated for release in 2025-2026, culminating a season of musical-arts-cultural research that originated at Le Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, Les Galeries Nationales de France, and La Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

As professor, Dr. Chan serves as Coordinator of Keyboard Studies and Associate Professor of Music in Keyboard Studies/Music Theory at California State University-Stanislaus where she teaches applied piano, collaborative piano, piano literature and pedagogy, music theory, music history, and interdisciplinary fine arts.  She has also served on the piano faculties of Stanford University, the Eastman School of Music, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Dr. Chan integrates a multidimensional approach in her teaching that engages interpretive (historical/contemporary), creative (music improvisation/extemporized art), and interdisciplinary arts (music/humanities/STEAM) performance, research, and instruction.  Insights into Chan’s perspectives and approaches may be gleaned through interviews with Ukrainian TV, Berlin Fueilletonscout, CSU Stanislaus article feature, and in her journal article, “Innovative Teaching Practices in 21st-c. Music Pedagogy”, Мистецтво та освіта (No. 3 (93) 2019), published in the Ukrainian international “Art and Education” journal founded by the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine.

Dr. Chan has engaged international artist-teaching residencies in France (L’Institut de Culture Musicale-Paris), in Ukraine (Ukrainian Global School, “Toloka” Center for Educational Initiatives, University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Mariupol Specialized School of Music), in China (Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Beifang University of Nationalities, Ningxia Normal University), in Chile  (Conservatorio de Música de la Universidad Mayor), in Canada (University of Lethbridge), and in Ghana (via remote instruction to the University of Ghana).  U.S. residencies include Stanford University, the Global Innovation Exchange (GIX)-University of Washington, California State University-Sacramento, Oklahoma City University, University of Central Missouri, Charleston Southern University, Erskine College, International Music Festival, and Pacific Institute of Music. Dr. Chan has adjudicated for The American Prize, IPPA Conero International Piano Competition, Enkor International Music Competition, U.S. Open Music Competition, Celia Mendez-Beethoven Society Piano Competition, Zeiter Piano Competition, Ghiglieri Piano Competition, and events of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) and CAPMT. 

Sarah Chan received her education the U.S. and in France, traning musically at the Eastman School of Music (D.M.A.), Le Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (Paris Conservatory of Music), Peabody Conservatory of Music (M.M), Manhattan School of Music (B.M.), and the University of Michigan. She engaged liberal arts studies with a concentration in French and French Literature studies at La Sorbonne, Columbia University, and the University of Michigan.

Sarah Chan serves as a Board Member and an Artistic Advisor at The Steinway Society-Bay Area, grant panelist for the California Arts Council, and national conference planning member at The College Music Society where she previously served as Board Member and Chair of Performance Council.  

Music

  • Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester (D.M.A.)
  • Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (Paris Conservatory of Music)
  • Peabody Conservatory of Music, Johns Hopkins University (M.M)
  • Manhattan School of Music (B.M.)
  • University of Michigan (Wolaver Award full scholarship, dual degree studies)

Liberal Arts and Humanities (concentration in French and French literature)

  • La Sorbonne
  • Columbia University
  • University of Michigan (Wolaver Award full scholarship, dual degree studies)

Performance Artistry Awards
  • The American Prize in Piano Performance
  • "Rising Artist" honor, New York Concert Artists and Associates 
  • Piano Texas International Festival Concerto Competition Professional Prize
Teaching Awards 
Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Activity Awards
Professional Awards
  • CAPMT Outstanding Member State Recognition Award (2018), California Association of Professional Music Teachers

 

Masterclasses and seminars - sample videos
 
Artist-Teaching Residencies
  • U.S.:  Stanford University, Global Innovation Exchange (GIX)-University of Washington, California State University-Sacramento, Oklahoma City University, University of Central Missouri, Charleston Southern University, Erskine College, International Music Festival, Pacific Institute of Music, Modesto Junior College, Contra Costa College; events of Music Teachers Association of California, California Association of Professional Music Teachers
  • France:  L’Institut de Culture Musicale-Paris
  • Ukraine:  Ukrainian Global School, “Toloka” Center for Educational Initiatives, University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Mariupol Specialized School of Music, Mariupol School of the Arts
  • China:  Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Beifang University of Nationalities, Ningxia Normal University (official appointment as Visiting Professor of Music, 2015), Yue Yuan Arts Center Yinchuan, Arts Life Center Yinchuan.
  • Ghana (remote):  University of Ghana School of Performing Arts
  • Chile:  Conservatorio de Música de la Universidad Mayor 
  • Canada:  University of Lethbridge

 

 
Performance Sample Videos 

 

Solo Recitals - Highlights
  • Rectal in Europe (Spring 2026)
  • Recital at Youngsan Art Hall, Seoul, KOREA (Jan 2026)
  • Recital in Kumho Art Center, Seoul, KOREA (Nov 2025)
  • University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, CANADA, Jan 2024
  • Stanford University, Campbell Recital Hall, Stanford, CA, USA, 2024
  • Salle Cortot, Paris, FRANCE, 2023
  • Lysenko Hall of Columns, National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 2020
  • California State University, Stanislaus, Snider Hall (performance, 21st c. piano compositions), April 2019
  • Thalia Theater, Symphony Space, New York, NY, USA, 2018
  • CAPMT 50th-Anniversary State Conference, California Association of Professional Music Teachers, CA, USA, 2018
  • Ningxia Normal University Concert Hall, Guyuan, CHINA,  2018
  • Society of Composers (SCI) National Conference, Tacoma, WA, USA, 2018
  • Charleston Southern University, Charleston, SC, USA, 2017
  • University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, USA, 2017
  • Beifang University of Nationalities Performing Arts Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia, CHINA, 2017
  • St. James’s Piccadilly, London, U.K., 14 Jan 2016
  • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., USA, 2015
  • Ningxia Normal University Concert Hall, Guyuan, Ningxia Province, CHINA,  2015
  • Beifang University of Nationalities Performing Arts Center, Yinchuan, Ningxia, CHINA,  2015
  • Berlin Philharmonic Hall, Kammermusiksaal, Berlin, GERMANY, 2015
  • Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Center, solo debut recital, New York, NY, USA, 2013
  • Künstlerhaus Concert Hall, Munich, GERMANY, 2013
  • Erskine College, Memorial Hall, Due West, SC, USA, 2013
  • Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, New York, NY, USA, 2011
  • Society of Composers-Region VI Conference, West Texas A&M University, TX, USA, Oct 2012
  • Official Visit: U.S. General Tommy Franks, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Enid, OK, USA, 2012
  • Pacific Northwest, USA:  Frye Art Museum, Seattle Chamber Music Festival, Northwest Young Artists Battelle Series, American Institute of Musical Studies-Graz Concert

 

Concerto Performances with Orchestra
  • Piano Soloist with Prague Philharmonia Orchestra (recording), Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC (anticipated Summer 2026)
  • Piano Soloist with MÁV Symphony Orchestra Budapest (recording), Budapest, HUNGARY, 2025
  • Piano Soloist with Orquesta Sinfónica Universidad Mayor, Teatro Municipal de Las Condes, Santiago, CHILE, 2024 (Performed in presence of the Ambassadors of Chile and Austria)
  • Piano Soloist with New York Concert Artists Orchestra, Merkin Hall, New York, NY, USA, 2019
  • Piano Soloist with Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, PianoTexas International Festival Concerto Concert, Fort Worth, TX, USA, 2014
  • Piano Soloist with New York Concert Artists Symphony Orchestra, Evenings of Piano Concerti Series V, New York, NY, USA, 2013
  • Piano Soloist with Enid Symphony Orchestra, Enid Symphony Hall, Enid, OK, USA, 2012
  • Piano Soloist with New York Concert Artists Symphony Orchestra, Evenings of Piano Concerti Series IV of New York City, New York, NY,  USA, 2012
  • Piano Soloist with Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Evenings of Piano Concerti Series III, Merkin Concert Hall, New York, NY, USA, 2010
  • Piano Soloist with National Philharmonic Orchestra “Mihail Jora” of Romania, Sala Ateneu, Bacau, ROMANIA, 2003
  • Piano Soloist with Romanian State Symphony Orchestra, Altamura Center for Arts and Cultures, Round Top, NY, USA, 2001
  • Piano Soloist with Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, Meany Hall for the Performing Arts, Seattle, WA, USA

 

Piano Improvisations (Extemporaneous Performances)

Sarah Chan remains a strong proponent of forward-thinking research and integrated engagement of intellectual and creative activity of multi- and cross-disciplinary interest.  Highlights of presentations and publications include the following:

 

Piano and Historical Keyboard Topics

  • CD album recording:  “Portraits of France and Spain:  Piano Music from Impressionism and National Romanticism to the Avant-Garde, 1880-1960”.  (Anticipated release in 2026). Publication culminates season of musical-arts-cultural research initiated at Le Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, Les Galeries Nationales de France, and La Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

  • Lecture-Recital:  “An Evening of Solo and Concerto Music by Robert Schumann, with Special Tribute to the 6th Generation of the Robert and Clara Schumann Family”, solo/concerto collaborative piano recital, Snider Hall, CSU Stanislaus, March 2024.

  • Lecture-Recital, “The Art of Music Extemporization:  Keyboard Improvisation from Chorales and Cadenzas to the Contemporary”, given variously in the U.S. (California State University, Stanislaus, Charleston Southern University), China (Beifang University of Nationalities), and Ukraine (Ukraine National Music Teachers Conference), 2017-2020.

  • Lecture-Recital, “Between Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid:  Flourishing Musical Liaisons in French and Spanish Piano Music at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century”.  Thalia Theater, Symphony Space, New York, July 2018.

  • Lecture-Recital, “Explosion: Historical, Cultural, and Musical Forces Shaping the Transition from the Classical to Romantic Era, with Focus on German Piano Music (Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann and Brahms)”, California State University of San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, April 2011.  

 

Piano & Music Pedagogy:  Tone/Technique, Innovation, Improvisation, and Creativity

  • Journal Article:  Chan, S., "Innovative Teaching Practices in 21st-century Music Pedagogy," Мистецтво та освіта, Art and Education (No. 3 (93) 2019).  Article in international Ukrainian art and educational sciences journal, founded by the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.  Article expounds on current global trends of educational, institutional, and interdisciplinary engagement of creative teaching and performance practice.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.32405/2308-8885-2019-3-2-7.

  • Presentation (capstone address): "Cultivating Comprehensively Skilled Artist-Musician-Citizens:  Leading with Creative, Innovative, and Interdisciplinary Engagement in 21st-c. Music & Arts Practice and Pedagogy", University of Ghana School of Performing Arts Colloquium, 2024.

  • Lecture-Masterclass:  “Tone, Tonality, and Technique in a Changing Landscape of Keyboard Technology”, Presentation discusses how to help students build approach and technique from a foundation beginning (starting with a large-scale physiology and awareness of sound) toward a healthy and effective technique that involves journeying from digital keyboard playing to true acoustic grand piano technique, with differences explained.  Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), Sacramento Branch, April 2021.

  • Keynote Speaker:  “Cultivating Comprehensive Artistry in the Formation of Pianist-Artists:  Incorporating Creativity and Innovation in Piano Performance and Teaching”, The Shanghai Graduate Summer Arts Conference on Piano, Piano Pedagogy, Research and Transdisciplinary Engagement, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, CHINA, 2 July 2019.  Presented all-day series of lectures, seminars, masterclasses to 200+ music teachers, professionals, graduate students from throughout China. 

  • Roundtable Think Tank:  “Innovative:  Repositioning Creativity at the Center of Music Education”, 2023 National Conference, College Music Society, Miami, Fl.  Panel discussant among faculty colleagues from the U.S. and Canada, Oct 2023.

  • Webinar Course:  “The Potential of Sound, Creativity, and Personal Expression through Music Improvisation”,  "Toloka" Center for Educational Initiatives, University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Educational Science of Ukraine, 18 Feb 2022.  

  • Music-Art Lecture and Collaborative Performance:  "Creative Conversations:  Music and Visual Art in Interdisciplinary Dialogue,  U.S.-Ukraine International Webinar, "Toloka" Center for Educational Initiatives, University of Educational Management, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 4-5 Sep 2020.

  • Ukraine National Teachers’ Workshop-Seminar:  “Cultivating Comprehensive Artist-Musicians: Incorporating Improvisation and Creative Methodologies in Music Teaching”, Center for Educational Initiatives “Toloka”, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 13-14 Jan 2020. Two-day national teacher training conference (certificate-granting event for teachers) entirely featuring my work, sharing on pedagogical perspectives and methodologies on incorporating creative performance, composition-performance artistry in learning, music improvisation and extemporaneous performance as tools to increase learning capacity, comprehensive musicianship, understanding and skill.  Lectures, workshops, group/individual teacher training and music improvisation performances in a variety of methods, styles, and genres.  Participants comprised over 77 professional community of music teachers, performers, composers, music/arts journalists from 15 regions of Ukraine.

  • Lecture-Recital:  “Extemporaneous Musical Creation:  The Art of Musical Improvisation”, Ukraine National Teachers' Conference, featuring solo musical improvisation in discussion and piano recital performance of extemporized music. Ukraine Global School and the Center for Educational Initiatives “Toloka”, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 13-14 Jan 2020.

  • East Ukrainian Teachers’ Workshop-Seminar:  “Incorporating Improvisation and Creative Methodologies in Music Teaching”, Mariupol Specialized School of Music, Mariupol, UKRAINE, all-day feature of Chan's work, 18 Jan 2020. 

  • Presentations (conference keynote):  "Cultivating Comprehensive Artistry in the Formation  of Pianist-Artists:  Incorporating Creativity and Innovation in Piano Performance and Teaching", The Shanghai Graduate Summer Arts National Conference on Piano, Piano Pedagogy, Research and Transdisciplinary Engagement.  Shanghai Conservatory of Music, CHINA, July 2019.  Presented all-day series of lectures, seminars, masterclasses to 200+ music teachers, professionals, graduate students from throughout China.

  • Lecture-Masterclass:  “Approaching the Instruction of Tone and Tonality through Piano Technique:  Cultivating Interpretive Sensitivity and Musical-Linguistic Expressivity through an Exploration of Physiological, Aural, and Physical Awareness at the Keyboard”, CAPMT 50th-Anniversary State Conference, Oct 2018.

  • Lecture:  “Incorporating Creativity, Improvisation and Composition into Studio Applied Lessons”, CAPMT Sacramento, El Dorado Hills, CA, Sept 2018.

  • Lecture-Recital:  “From Antiquity to Modernity:  The Art of Keyboard Improvisation in Historic Styles and Demonstration”, Ningxia Normal University, Guyuan, CHINA, June 2018.

  • Lecture-Workshops, “Improvising Techniques at the Piano”, Piano Institute, University of Central Missouri, June 2017.

  • Lecture-Recital:  “The Art of Music Extemporization:  Keyboard Improvisation from Chorales and Cadenzas to the Contemporary”, Beifang University of Nationalities, CHINA, June 2017.  Also given in Ukraine and throughout the U.S., 2013-2022.

  • Lecture-Recital:  “Improvisation and Extemporaneous Performance:  Historical Overview and Keyboard Demonstration”, Erskine College, SC, April 2013.  

  • Presentation:  “The Creativity of Musical Language in Multidimensional Consideration:  Music Improvisation through the Lens of History, Neuroscience, and Applied Practice”, presented throughout the U.S., Ukraine, and China, 2017-2022.

 

Interdisciplinary/Cross-Disciplinary Arts, STEAM

  • Presentation/Roundtable Discussion:  “Creative Strategies in Teaching Interdisciplinary Fine Arts:  Music, Visual, Poetic, and Dramatic Arts in Creative Conversation and Collaborative Pedagogy”, roundtable discussion, 2025 College Music Society National Conference, Nov 2025.

  • Presentation: “CMS Performance Council Panel Discussion/Q&A:  Exemplaries of Expanding Directions in Creative, Innovative, and Interdisciplinary Performance Artistry, Research, and Pedagogy". Panel speakers:  Sarah Chan (chair, CMS Performance Council, CSU Stanislaus/Stanford University), Timothy Cheek (University of Michigan), John Irrera (Virginia Tech), Martha Mooke (New Jersey City University), Yunn-Shan Ma (Rochester Institute of Technology), Brad Parker (University of Lethbridge). 2024 College Music Society National Conference, Washington, D.C., Nov 2024.

  • Presentation: “Imagining Creativity Centered Music Schools:  An Interdisciplinary Discussion Demonstration”, 2023 College Music Society National Conference.  Panel presentation: Dr. Sarah Chan (CSU Stanislaus-Keyboard/Theory), Dr. Suzanne Hall (Temple University-Music Education), Dr. Peter Webster (USC-Music Education/Music Technology), Dr. Dylan Savage (UNC-Charlotte-piano), Dr. Danielle Herrington (UCO-Musicology), Oct 2023. 

  • Presentation:  "Systems of Musical Networks Interpreting Virtual Technology Applications:  Musical Systems Translating Virtual Technology Verticalization, Horizontalization, Handovers, and Transfers Among Contrasting Language Systems (as cp. Western common practice modes, Eastern pentatoncism; rhythms, modulations, transfererence)",  presented to faculty of technology, business innovation course, Global Innovation Exchange (GIX)-The University of Washington, Bellevue, WA, Aug 2023.

  • Presentation:  “Systems of Structure and Dynamic Organization in Form:  A Study in Physics of the Piano, Beethoven Motivic Development in Symphonic Outgrowth, and Improvisation in Musical Narrative and Networks”, presentation/demonstration given to computer science graduate students working on Mission to Mars project, Global Innovation Exchange (GIX)-The University of Washington, Bellevue, WA, Aug 2023.

  • Lecture-Workshop:  “The Creativity of Musical Language in Multidimensional Consideration:  Music Improvisation through the Lens of History, Neuroscience, and Applied Practice,”  California State University, Stanislaus, Feb 2023. 

  • Webinar Course: “The Potential of Sound, Creativity, and Personal Expression through Music Improvisation”, Center for Educational Initiatives “Toloka” of the University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Educational Science of Ukraine, Feb 2022.  

  • Presentation: “Music and Art, Creativity and Improvisation”.  Conference collaboration among professional artists and professors in live and livestreamed interview-Q&A-lecture-demonstration. Sponsored by Center for Educational Initiatives “Toloka”, University of Educational Management of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, 7-25 Feb 2022.

  • Presentation: “Creative Conversations:  Music and Visual Art in Interdisciplinary Dialogue”,  U.S.-Ukraine International Webinar Conference presentation and music-art co-creative performance, 4-5 Sept 2020, Center of Educational Initiatives “Toloka”, University of Educational Management, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.  Rebroadcasts Feb 2021 and Nov 2021 in teachers’ courses at Toloka as well as at the University College of Arts. Acceptance into international ESVIT STEAM Conference of Ukraine, Summer 2020, as part of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics conference presentation. Presentation explored corresponding materials, tools, and techniques between music and visual arts disciplines in interdisciplinary relationship, as seen through historical arts and through creative innovation.  Concluding performance:  livestreamed music-art interpretive performance with Sarah Chan in piano improvisation; music simultaneously interpreted into visual art by a Ukrainian artist.

  • Presentation of music-math teaching module:  "Increasing Science and Math Curiosity through Interdisciplinary Pollination with Art Disciplines:  The Music of Math and Science – Incorporating Musical Investigation into Calculus I”, NSF-funded KNOW INNVATION IDEAS LAB "Catalyzing Creativity for STEM Success" interdisciplinary think tank, California State Universities Stanislaus, Fresno, Bakersfield., 6-29 July 2020.  Contributed interdisciplinary course model focusing on calculus and music. “Music and Calculus” presentation proposal developed the potential of seminar and mathematics course instruction that explores an integrated understanding of calculus as seen through intersectionality of math and musical relationships and concepts. IDEAS LAB Think tank comprised professors and professionals in the sciences, technology, engineering, math, arts, social sciences, and humanities. Explored and developed concepts, ideas, program modules to assist in the upward advancement of STEM engagement and instruction at California State Universities in the Central Valley, with vision for professional engagement and societal impact in the region through increased student, academic, and professional engagement in STEM. 

  • Presentation:  “Creative Conversations:  Music and Visual Art in Interdisciplinary Dialogue”.  U.S.-Ukraine conference webinar presentation and music-art co-creative performance.  Hosted by the "Toloka" Center for Educational Initiatives, University of Educational Management, National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 4-5 Sep 2020.

  • Lecture-Recital, “Extemporaneous Musical Creation:  The Art of Musical Improvisation”, Ukraine National Teachers’ Conference, featuring solo musical improvisation in discussion and piano recital performance of extemporized music. Ukraine Global School and the Center for Educational Initiatives “Toloka”, Kyiv, UKRAINE, 13-14 Jan 2020.

  • Lecture, “Music Aesthetics, and Linguistic Influence in Chinese Classical Music Composition”, inaugural East Asian Educators Conference, The University of Oklahoma 2012, 21 April 2012.  

 

International Arts Culture, Creative Leadership, and Cultivation

  • Presentation: “Cultivating Comprehensively Skilled Artist-Musician-Citizens:  Leading with Creative, Innovative, and Interdisciplinary Engagement in 21st-Century Music & Arts Practice and Pedagogy”, capstone webinar presentation for Colloquium Series, School of Performing Arts, Departments of Music/Theatre/Dance, University of Ghana, Accra, GHANA, July 2024.

 

Music and Business, Society, and Government

  • Lecture:  “China’s One Belt, One Road in the Musical Arts and Higher Education:  Advancing the Silk Road through New Business Partnerships with U.S. Universities and Conservatories of Music, 2015-2018”, MBAA International Conference, Chicago, IL, April 2018.

  • RoundTable Discussion:  “Incorporating Assessment in Class Designs and Ethics Across the Different Disciplines”, Business, Society, and Government Consortium, 2018 MBAA International Conference, Chicago, Il, April 2018.

  • Lecture: “China’s One Belt, One Road in the Musical Arts and Higher Education:  Advancing the Silk Road through New Business Partnerships with U.S. Universities and Conservatories of Music, 2015-2018”, 2018 MBAA International Conference, Chicago, IL, USA, April 2018.

  • Lecture:  “Why Invest in Music and Art:  Key Moments of Historical Impact in Western Civilization and a Modern Case Study in Northwestern Oklahoma”, MBAA International Conference 2013, joint lecture by Dr. Sarah Chan (Music) and Dr. Wei Zhou, (Business), Northwestern Oklahoma State University, March 2013.  Conference theme:  "Relevant and Innovative: Advancing Thoughts, Theories, and Practice in Business Disciplines".

 

Other Historical Musical Research and Arts Interests

  • Lecture:  “Geopolitical, Cultural, and Musical Shifts in Renaissance History During the Reformation and the Counter-Reformation”, European History Program, Department of Social Sciences, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Nov 2023.

  • Lecture: “Sacred Musical Transitions in the Renaissance,” European History Program, Department of Social Sciences, Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Nov 2021.

  • Lecture, “East Meets West:  Asian Musical, Cultural, and Aesthetic Influence on Late 19th-c. European Art Music, 1880-1920”, Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA, USA, Dec 2017.  Japanese and Javanese influence on operatic, orchestral, piano music of England, Italy, France.  Lectured in conjunction with “Contemporary Ceramics from Japan” exhibition. 

  • Workshop: “The Art of Calligraphy: Medieval, Renaissance, Classical Lettering and Expressive Style”, Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA, USA, Nov 2015.

  • Lecture:  "Songs of the American West Frontier and Settlement: Music of the Pioneers, Soldiers, Railroaders, Miners, Cowboys, Ranchers, and Homesteaders", 2014 Oklahoma Historical Society Annual Conference and Oklahoma Sod House Museum, 2014 and 2013.

 

U.S.

  • The College Music Society National Conferences (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • MBAA International Conferences (2018. 2013)
  • California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) State Conference (2018, 2016)

Ukraine:  

  • Ukrainian National Music Teachers Conference, Ukrainian Global School and "Toloka" Center for Educational Initiatives, Kyiv (2020). (Two-day conference featuring Dr. Sarah Chan as sole artist-teacher-presenter)
  • East Ukraine Regional Music Teachers' Conference, Mariupol School for Specialized Music, Mariupol, 2020.  (One-day conference featuring Dr. Sarah Chan as sole artist-teacher-presenter)

China: 

  • Shanghai International Graduate Music Teachers' Conference on Piano Pedagogy and Transdisciplinary Musical Engagement, Shanghai (2019). (Keynote speaker, all-day feature)

 

Dr. Chan integrates a multidimensional approach in her teaching that engages interpretive (historical/contemporary), creative (music improvisation/extemporized art), and interdisciplinary arts (music/humanities/STEAM) performance, research, and instruction.  Insights into Chan’s perspectives and approaches may be gleaned through these interviews:

  • The American Prize - standing judge, national music competitions, 2011-present 
  • Steinway Society of the Bay Area - Board Member, Artistic Advisory Panel, 2025-present
  • California Arts Council - State-Level Evaluator, 2025-present 
  • The College Music Society (CMS)
    • CMS National Board Member for Performance, 2022-2024
    • CMS National Chair of Performance Council, 2022-2024
    • 2025 CMS National Conference Sub-Committee Member
    • Member, CMS Think Tank Task Force and Committee on Re-Imagining Conferences, 2025 & Beyond
    • Member, CMS Imagining Creativity-Centered Music Schools Cohort, 2023-2025
    • Chair, CMS Southwest Chapter Board Nominations Committee, 2024-2025
    • Peer Mentor, 2024-2025
  • California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT), state affiliate of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA)
    • Executive Board Member-at-Large for Northern California, 2017-2019
    • Director, District V (16-county district membership), 2017-2021
    • Chair, CAPMT North Regional State Concerto Competition, 20
  • Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Department of Social Sciences - Advisory Council Member, 2024-present
  • Carnegie Arts Center, Turlock, CA - Programs Committee Member, 2014-2021
 

Music Competitions
  • Enkor International Music Competition
  • International Piano Professionals Association (IPPA) Conero International Piano Competition
  • The American Prize Competitions in Piano Performance, Composition, Chamber Music
  • The United States Open Music Competition
  • Frances Walton Music Competition 
  • Celia Mendez-Beethoven Society Piano Competition
  • Sylvia M. Ghiglieri Piano Competition
  • Henry and Carol Zeiter Piano Competition
  • International Piano Festival Competition
  • Classical Music Masters Competition
  • Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC)- state, regional competitions  
  • California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) - state, regional competitions
Multi-Disciplinary Research Competitions
  • California State University-Stanislaus Multi-Disciplinary Student Research Competition

 

Keyboard Studies - core courses
  • Applied Piano
  • Chamber Music
  • Collaborative Piano/Accompanying I-II
  • Piano Literature I-II
  • Piano Pedagogy I-II
Music Theory - core courses
  • 18th-c. Counterpoint
  • Form and Analysis (WP)
  • Music Fundamentals
Interdisciplinary Fine Arts - core course
  • Introduction to the Fine Arts - Music, Art, Theatre (co-taught with instructors of Art and Theatre)

____________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Music courses 
  • Orchestration (Spring 2020-2024)
  • Chromatic Harmony (through Fall 2016, 2022)
  • 20th-c. Techniques (through Spring 2016)
  • Piano Pedagogy III (through Spring 2016)
  • Harpsichord Literature (through Fall 2015)
  • Music History and Literature I (Spring 2025)
  • Class Piano (variously taught)
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Interdisciplinary Studies  - graduate independent study courses
  • 17th-c. English Harpsichord Keyboard Literature and Performance Practice (Spring 2015)
  • Harpsichord and Pianoforte Keyboard Technology:  Developments and Relationship to Period Music Composition and Performance Practices (Fall 2016)
  • Graduate Student Project Supervision:  student film-documentary and research paper, “Women’s Roles in Musical Life, Performance, and Composition in 17th-c. England” (Spring 2017)