Dr. Joseph Welch

Dr. joseph welch

The Business of Being a Pianist    Dr. Joseph Welch

As pianists, we diligently learn our scales, repertoire, history, and theory.  We rigorously train to enter a competitive field.  But musicianship skills are not enough to have a successful career for the average piano major.  We will learn what the future of the field looks like, how each of us fits in the picture, and strategies for success.  We will also discuss the implications for us as pianists, teachers, and mentors.

Biography:

Dr. Joseph Welch serves as Visiting Professor of Music at Blackburn College.  An advocate for the vocal and keyboard arts, Dr. Welch is the Founder and Artistic Director of St. Louis Art Song, which recently hosted Libby Larsen in a weekend residency.  He coaches studios in the Opera Theatre of St. Louis Artists-in-Training program and is the Director of Music at First Congregational Church in Bunker Hill, IL.  He is the Assistant Music Director for Variety Theatre in St. Louis.  His previous music direction credits include Opera Edwardsville, SIUE's Summer Showbiz, Marble City Opera, Midwest Institute of Opera, and many summer programs.  Dr. Welch is the resident pianist for Opera Edwardsville and frequently works with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.  As choral accompanist, he plays for the St. Louis Children's Choirs’ Young Men's Chorus and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Festival Chorus.  Dr. Welch serves on the boards of the Southern Illinois Young Artist Organization and the Bunker Hill Education Foundation.  Recent awards include Member of the Year for the Illinois State Music Teachers Association - Gateway Arch East Chapter and Adjunct Instructor of the Year at Blackburn College.  Dr. Welch enjoys studying genealogy, gardening, photography, farming, and home remodeling in his free time.