Benjamin Curtin is a 2024 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, having earned his degree in business administration at the Tepper School of Business and a minor in music at the College of Fine Arts. His parents, both professional pianists, began teaching him piano at the age of 6.
Benjamin began learning from his father, David, before spending most of his childhood and teenage years learning from his mother, Hyun Ju. In the State College area, Benjamin was the recipient of several awards and nominations for various competitions, including the Phyllis Triolo Music Competition and the Ann Keller Young Soloist Competition.
At CMU, Benjamin began his studies under Professor Frederic Chiu. Under Professor Chiu’s guidance, Benjamin expanded his solo and concerto repertoire, performing on numerous occasions at university recitals.
He performed the Shostakovich Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major as part of a piano studio concerto fest, and numerous solo pieces, including several of Chopin’s Études. For his senior recital, Benjamin gave a virtuosic and acclaimed performance of the first movement of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major.
In addition to piano, Ben has taught himself both bass guitar and guitar, starting at the ages of 16 and 18, respectively. He performs both instruments at a professional level as well, either as a solo artist or as part of an ensemble or band setting.
You can find Benjamin’s 19th Century Music Competition 2024 piano performance here.