Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

Tina Faigen

Dr. Tina Faigen

Piano Division

Address
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Bio

TINA FAIGEN, pianist, holds DMA and MM degrees from University of Miami where she studied under renowned pianist Ivan Davis. An Oberlin College graduate, she is a recipient of many prizes and awards. She has performed on the distinguished Pittsburgh “Y” Recital Series, and is a 1989 winner of the Pittsburgh Concert Society Majors. Faigen has been engaged as guest pianist with numerous orchestras including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the age of 13. She was also awarded a debut tour in Italy with Orchestra Sinfonica Abruzzeze. Recent performances include concerto appearances with DeKalb Symphony Orchestra in Atlanta, featured soloist with Edgewood Symphony Orchestra at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Music Hall in celebration of their 30th anniversary, and guest soloist with University of Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

An active chamber musician, she has most recently collaborated with renowned violinists Catherine Cho (The Juilliard School) and Orion String Quartet members Daniel and Todd Phillips. She performs regularly with Zaffiro Trio of which she is a founding member. Locally, Faigen has appeared on the Steinway Recital Series, Johnstown Music Series, Chatham Guest Artist Series, Pittsburgh Concert Society, was featured artist on the Carnegie Mellon University special event concert, “Schultz, Faigen & Friends,” and has performed live on WQED-FM.

Appearing in over 30 performances of Tchaikovsky’s 3rd Piano Concerto with Edward Villella’s Miami City Ballet, the Miami Herald writes, “Tina Faigen played so brilliantly that it was difficult at times to concentrate on the dancing.” Music critics have described her as “commanding a rich palette of pianistic colors and fingers of awesome dexterity,” and as having “a compelling combination of solid technique and distinctive interpretation, full of color and nuance, with her virtuosity the servant of the music. A stunning performer who plays with assurance, fluidity and power.” “Remember her name.”

Faigen’s recordings of Robert Schultz’s works Visions of Dunbar and Tina Faigen Plays Piano Transcriptions have received rave reviews. “Faigen plays Schultz’s works superlatively, effortlessly clarifying their rippling complexities and performing with supple dexterity, a clear, resonant tone and sensitive touch.” Faigen is co-author of the acclaimed Accelerando Piano Technique Series, along with numerous other editions of educational piano music. Since 1992 she has served as the principal editor for The Robert Schultz Piano Library. Faigen has maintained an active teaching studio since the age of 14, is on the piano faculty at University of Pittsburgh, and is a faculty member of the Carnegie Mellon University Music Preparatory School. Also a violinist, Faigen serves as Principal 2nd in the Edgewood Symphony Orchestra.