About
Michael Rector is an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in the Department of Music under the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. As a dedicated pianist and educator, he focuses on revitalizing classical music through innovative programming, teaching, and research. His expertise spans performance practice, style change, and piano pedagogy.
- D.M.A., Manhattan School of Music
- M.M., University of Maryland
- Artist Diploma, Vancouver Academy of Music
- B.M. and B.A., Oberlin College
Michael Rector is renowned for his piano duo collaborations with Sylvia Hong, including performances at the Kennedy Center and Lotte Concert Hall. He founded the UWGB Piano Academy, a precollege program emphasizing access and inclusivity in music education.
His academic research has been featured in journals such as Empirical Musicology Review, Perspectives of New Music, and Zeitschrift der Gesellschaft für Musiktheorie. He has presented at international conferences, including the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy and Performance Studies Network (UK).
- 2021 First Prize, Ellis Competition for Duo-Pianists
Michael Rector actively mentors students and contributes to community music initiatives, blending performance, pedagogy, and scholarly work to expand classical music's relevance across diverse audiences.
