Piano
Education
Michael obtained his BM in Piano Performance and a BA in English Literature cum laude from the Eastman School of Music and the University of Rochester, respectively. He then went on to receive his MM and DMA in Piano Performance from Yale School of Music. In addition, Michael attended the Paris Conservatoire and the Royal Ghent Conservatory, the latter as a Fellow of the Belgian American Educational Foundation.
As a Performer
Michael Noble, DMA is a pianist and composer who is interested in engaging audiences through ambitious initiatives and illuminating programming. Since his debut at the age of six, he has developed an international reputation as a pianist whose performances have engrossed audiences throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Michael has won awards in numerous competitions, including the Grand Prize at the Carmel Music Society Competition, the Gold Medal at the Crescendo Music Awards (Tulsa, OK), and prizes in the Chopin International Competition of the 1000 Islands and The Plowman Chamber Music Competition. His most recent accolades include nominations in the Best Classical Artist and Best Classical Song categories at the 2024 Wammie Music Awards, the DC metro area’s counterpart to the Grammys. Michael has been called “a pianist to remember” and “poetic” by Het Nieuwsblad, and his playing has been hailed as “elegant, stylish, and powerful” (Peninsula Reviews).
Michael has performed in renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall, Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis), the Preston Bradley Center (Chicago), the Museum of the History of Polish Jews (Warsaw), the National Academy for the Performing Arts of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Musical Instrument Museum (Brussels). Additionally, he is a sought-after guest artist, appearing regularly at festivals and series including the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Series (Chicago), the Gentsche Festspiele (Belgium), the Kwadrofonik Festival (Poland), the Lake George Music Festival (New York), Musiksommer Schloss Rosenegg (Austria), and the Thailand International Composition Festival. He has been featured as soloist with the Monterey and Tulsa Symphonies, and the Idyllwild Arts Academy Alumni Orchestra, among others.
Michael’s debut album, American Dissident, which features political pieces by Frederic Rzewski and Margaret Bonds, was released in November 2022, and his second album, Ascension, which juxtaposes Michael’s own transcriptions of Medieval and Renaissance works with contemporary ones, was released in September 2023.
As a Teacher
Michael has had the privilege of teaching at renowned institutions, including Yale University, Rutgers University, Avenues: The World School (NYC), and Wetherby-Pembridge School NY. His instructional experience also extends internationally, where he led a private studio in Brussels, Belgium, for a year. He frequently conducts master classes at universities and schools across Asia, Europe, and the Americas at institutions such as Georgetown University, the University of Chicago, The Royal Ghent Conservatory (Belgium), Mahidol University (Thailand), and The University of Trinidad and Tobago.
Teaching Philosophy
As an educator, my foremost aim is to cultivate within my students a profound love and appreciation for music, mirroring the driving force behind my own artistic journey.
With intermediate and advanced students, I am dedicated to guiding students in the nuanced journey of actualizing a composer’s intentions while simultaneously empowering them to cultivate a distinctive artistic persona. Achieving fidelity to a composer’s vision necessitates a robust foundation in analysis, historical context, and technical proficiency. However, to truly breathe life into a composer’s composition and develop a unique artistic identity, students must embrace curiosity and a critical mindset.
These initial steps are crucial when approaching a piece, but the journey goes beyond. How does one unearth the genuine essence of a composition, making it truly one’s own as a performer? My mission is to assist students in evolving as individual artists by prompting them to engage with the fundamental question: “What is the composer trying to convey?” Together, we then embark on crafting a singular and inspiring interpretation for each work.
Dr. Michael Noble
At Levine
Michael joined Levine’s piano faculty in 2024.
One of my favorite aspects of being on faculty at Levine is the vibrant and diverse community of students. Witnessing their passion for music and their eagerness to learn creates a dynamic and inspiring teaching environment. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to their musical journey and foster a love for music.
I also value the opportunity to collaborate with a faculty of exceptionally skilled and passionate musicians. The collective expertise and dedication among my colleagues create an enriching environment where we continuously strive for excellence. Collaborating with these colleagues serves as a constant source of motivation, propelling me to elevate my teaching skills each day.
Dr. Michael Noble
More About Michael
Learn more about Michael on his website.