Donald A. Zent

Donald A. Zent, D.M.A., is an Adjunct Faculty member in Piano at Asbury University since 1988 and has over 50 years of teaching experience at Indiana Wesleyan University. Affiliated with the Department of Music, he specializes in piano instruction across all levels and categories. His academic lineage traces back to Franz Liszt and Ludwig van Beethoven through his former teachers.

• Education: D.M.A. in Piano Performance (University of Cincinnati, 1988), M.M. in Piano Performance (Indiana University, 1973), B.M. in Piano Performance (Indiana University, 1971).
• Research & Expertise: Focus on piano pedagogy, harmonic analysis, and classical/romantic performance traditions. Thesis on Karol Szymanowski’s Metopes and Masques.
• Performing & Adjudication: Extensive solo and collaborative performances in Kentucky, Indiana, and Europe; adjudicator for National Guild of Piano Teachers, Kentucky Music Teachers Association, and Kentucky Baptist Convention.
• Awards & Recognition: Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (MTNA), KMTA Teacher of the Year 2024.
• International Outreach: Taught graduate piano students at Seminário Teológico Batista do Norte do Brasil.
• Community Involvement: Active in Wilmore Free Methodist Church with his wife, a former educator, and their family.