Brian Ciach

Dr. Brian Ciach (pronounced 'SIGH-ack') is a composer, new music pianist, and educator based in the Bay Area since 2015. He holds a Doctor of Music in Composition from Indiana University-Bloomington, two master's degrees in Composition and Piano Performance, and a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from Temple University. Currently serving as a Lecturer of Music Theory at San José State University (SJSU) in the College of Humanities and the Arts, Dr. Ciach also co-founded the Hunter School of Music in San Jose, where he works as Assistant Director and Instructor of Piano, Music Theory, Composition, and Piano Improvisation.

Educational Background:

• Doctor of Music in Composition - Indiana University-Bloomington
• Master of Music in Composition - Indiana University-Bloomington
• Master of Music in Piano Performance - Indiana University-Bloomington
• Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance - Temple University

Dr. Ciach's research focuses include Music Composition, with notable projects involving the completion of Bach's unfinished Contrapunctus XIV and the creation of 24 New Preludes and Fugues for piano. His work also encompasses Music Theory Pedagogy, where he collaborated on developing an inclusive curriculum balancing classical canon with contemporary student-relevant works.

Scientific Awards:

• Two-time winner of The American Prize in Composition
• Winner of American Liszt Society Bicentennial Composition Competition

As an educator, Brian has taught music theory and musicianship at eight universities across the US over 20+ years. His compositional works are published by Potenza Music and have been performed by prestigious ensembles including the Minnesota Orchestra and Alarm Will Sound, with premieres at venues like Carnegie Hall.