LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -
Lock Haven University can now boast that it is the only college or university in the region to have a Steinway Artist on its faculty. Pianists David T. Curtin and his wife, Hyun Ju Curtin, received Steinway Artist credentials at the Lock Haven University commencement ceremonies May 1 and 2. David Curtin is associate professor of music at Lock Haven University. Hyun Ju Curtin is a frequent guest performer at LHU.

The Steinway Artist designation is an internationally-recognized designation given to only the finest concert pianists. The Curtins are the only Steinway Artists residing in the Central/Northeast region of Pennsylvania.

Ronald Losby, President of Steinway & Sons-Americas, presented Steinway Artist credentials to David and Hyun Ju Curtin as part of his commencement speech to the 2009 LHU graduating class.

Prior to the ceremony, Losby explained that there are only about 1500 Steinway Artists in the world. “They represent the crème de la crème of performance and education,” he said. “They truly are the pinnacle of artistic achievement and we are honored to have David and Hyun Ju Curtin as Steinway Artists. They will follow in the footsteps of notables such as Horowitz, Rubenstein, Gershwin and Billy Joel,” he added.

The process of becoming a Steinway Artist is a lengthy and rigorous one. The Curtins have achieved Steinway Artist designation individually and as a duet, and will be listed on the Steinway & Sons website under Artists and Ensembles.

David Curtin described his inclusion on the elite roster of Steinway Artists as “The fulfillment of a dream.” He said, “I am honored to be associated with Steinway.”

The Curtins’ designation as Steinway Artists follows Lock Haven University’s recent achievement of All-Steinway status. In his commencement speech, Losby noted that, as an All-Steinway school, Lock Haven University demonstrates its commitment to excellence not only in music, but to all aspects of the students’ experience. Lock Haven University is listed as an All-Steinway School on the Steinway & Sons website.

Alysha Sides, co-owner of Robert M. Sides family Music Centers, said that the Curtins’ achievement of Steinway Artist status “reaffirms Lock Haven University’s decision to become an All-Steinway institution. It shows that LHU has the talent in place to drive this program forward.” She added that Lock Haven University is now “in a unique position to recruit the very best music students and to provide them the highest level of music education and performance experience.” Graduates of the music and music education programs will be able to list among their credentials the fact that they studied at an All-Steinway school and under Steinway Artist David T. Curtin.

David Curtin, a native of Rochester, N.Y., earned his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He has performed nationally and internationally. Korean-born Hyun Ju Curtin is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and has performed concerti, chamber music, and solo recitals throughout the United States and Korea.