Dr. Gary Graning, Piano

Dr. Gary Alan Graning earned his doctorate in piano pedagogy from Columbia University, Teacher’s College where he was course assistant to Robert Pace. He received his master’s in piano performance from the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s in piano performance from Oberlin Conservatory where he studied pedagogy with Janet Owens and piano with Joseph Schwartz and Axel Sigunde.

Gary taught at the Cleveland Institute of Music Preparatory Division for over 40 years and is highly experienced in teaching children as young as age 5 up through adults. His teaching career began with teaching assistantships at the University of Miami and Florida State University. Later he taught at Cuyahoga Community College, as well as the University of Akron, where he taught group piano, keyboard harmony, and piano pedagogy. He also taught piano in New York City at the Stecher and Horowitz School of the Arts, Greenwich House Music School, and the Community Music Center.

He has performed as a collaborative artist at Pomona College and the Aspen and Scotia Music Festival. Gary has premiered solo piano works with the following composers present: Samuel Adler (Sonatina 1979), Vohn Hilliard (Sonata in the Sun), and Camargo Guarnieri (Dansa Brasileira, Dança Selvagem, and Sonatina VI).

“Dr. Gary is amazing and [my daughter] is always looking forward to her piano lesson. He keeps his lessons with her engaging for her age while also challenging her to be better each week. His lessons and approach to teaching makes it easier for her to retain her learnings.”

- Mei-Lin

“Dr. Gary Graning is an excellent teacher, who is incredibly patient and a master of his craft…Lessons are more than just reading notes on a page- they provide many different opportunities to build strong foundational skills from week to week.”

- Vince

“Great learning experience. Gary Graning's teaching makes me look forward to practicing the piano!”

- Lowell