ILonka Rus

ILonka Rus, DMA, is a Professor and Director of Keyboard Studies at the School of Music, Sam Houston State University. A Transylvanian-born pianist, she studied at the Music Academy in Bucharest, Texas Christian University, Oberlin Conservatory, and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Houston with a Fulbright scholarship. Her career spans performances with orchestras and chamber ensembles across Europe and the Americas, including a Carnegie Hall debut in 2008.

• Specializes in Piano Performance with emphasis on Collaborative and Chamber Music
• Serves as Vice President of the World Piano Teachers Association-Texas Chapter
• Regularly teaches and performs at international music festivals in Colombia, Romania, and Mexico

Recent accolades include the 2021 Kawai Educator Medallion Award and recognition as a Shigeru Kawai Artist.