Piano Students Present Preparatory Recital for Guest Artist Masterclass

Rust College Piano Studio students Taliah Pye and Parfait Ndagijimana recently performed in a preparatory recital in Doxey Morehouse Auditorium as they prepare to represent the College in a Guest Artist Masterclass with internationally renowned pianist Takeshi Nagayasu at Freed-Hardeman University.

The masterclass will give Pye and Ndagijimana the opportunity to perform works by Ludwig van Beethoven and receive professional instruction and feedback from Mr. Nagayasu. The experience supports their continued development as musicians while providing meaningful exposure to artistic mentorship and professional performance settings.

During the recital, Pye and Ndagijimana were joined on stage by Rust College Assistant Professor of Music Mauve Brophy and her daughter, Olivia. Their participation added to an evening that celebrated musical collaboration and the accomplishments of Rust College students.

Pye, a Piano Performance major, began playing piano at age 7. Her musical background includes gospel, contemporary, rock, blues, jazz, and classical music. She is an alumna of Colonial Middle School for the Performing Arts, Germantown High School, Stax Music Academy, and Memphis Jazz Workshop, and she serves as music director of First Historical Eads Baptist Church. Pye is expected to become Rust College’s first Piano Performance major to graduate in 2028.

Ndagijimana, a Computer Science major from Rwanda, began his musical journey through classical piano. Through formal study and performance, he continues to develop his technique, interpretation, confidence, and appreciation for the expressive and technical elements of piano performance.

Rust College congratulates Pye and Ndagijimana and thanks Assistant Professor Brophy, Olivia, and the Rust College community for supporting this special recital and the students’ upcoming masterclass experience.