Lora Clark Kolean

Lora Clark Kolean serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Hope College, where she has taught since 2001 and currently heads the keyboard area. Her responsibilities include applied piano instruction and courses in Piano Pedagogy, Collaborative Piano, and Piano Literature across beginning through advanced levels.

Her academic background features:

• Bachelor of Music from Hope College (studied with Joan Conway)
• Master of Music from Western Michigan University (studied with Lori Sims)
• Three-year advanced study at Accademia Musicale Umbra in Perugia, Italy (studied with Fabio Bidini)

Professor Kolean's professional focus centers on piano pedagogy and performance practice, integrating historical literature with contemporary collaborative techniques. Her instructional approach emphasizes both solo repertoire development and ensemble skills through chamber music partnerships, reflecting her active performance career.

She has achieved recognition as a finalist and winner in multiple regional piano competitions throughout Michigan, demonstrating sustained excellence in performance. Professor Kolean also serves as a regular adjudicator for state-level piano competitions.

As an engaged community member, she directs the Holland Piano Club and serves on the Holland Piano Forum Executive Board. Her performance activities include Hope College faculty recitals, the Sundays at 2 series, Brown Bag concerts, and collaborations with the Amici Trio and Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck. She additionally contributes to her church's children's music education program.