Gabriel Dobner

Dr. Gabriel Dobner is a Professor of Piano at the School of Music, James Madison University (JMU). He specializes in collaborative piano, with a focus on art song accompaniment and chamber music. Prior to JMU, he taught at Indiana University and the Nürnberg/Augsburg Hochschule für Musik in Germany. His career includes extensive performances and recordings with renowned artists such as Cornelia Kallisch, Gerhard Siegel, and René Kollo.

Dr. Dobner holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Chicago Musical College (Ludmila Lazar), a Master’s from Indiana University (James Tocco), and a Doctorate from Indiana University (Leonard Hokanson). His research and performance interests revolve around classical piano techniques, Lied accompaniment, and interdisciplinary collaborations in music.

He has received notable awards, including the DAAD Scholarship for study in Germany and the Special Collaborative Pianist’s Prize at the International Hans Pfitzner Lieder Competition. His recordings for labels like MDG and Hänssler Klassik Profil have garnered acclaim from international media.

Dr. Dobner’s performances span major venues in the U.S., Europe, and Japan. He collaborates regularly with instrumentalists and vocalists, including Lori Piitz in piano duo performances. His work extends to radio broadcasts with organizations like Westdeutscher Rundfunk and Südwestfunk.