Lorna Griffitt

Lorna Griffitt serves as Professor of Teaching and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Music at the University of California, Irvine, a position she has held since joining the faculty in 1993 after teaching at DePauw University starting in 1974. An active international performer, she appears as soloist and chamber musician across the United States, South America, Europe, and the Middle East.

Her education includes a Doctor of Music with distinction in piano performance from Indiana University under Menahem Pressler, with formative studies under Doris Owen (Bickel), Tong Il Han, Gyorgy Sebok, and Maria Curcio. She launched her career at age 16 performing Grieg's Piano Concerto with the Louisville Orchestra under Robert Whitney.

Griffitt's scholarly and artistic focus centers on classical piano performance, chamber music interpretation, and music pedagogy. Her creative work includes the 2008 Centaur Records release of J.S. Bach's Six Sonatas and Partitas with Robert Schumann piano accompaniment, performed with violinist Haroutune Bedelian. Each summer, she engages as guest artist at Italy's Schlern International Music Festival and Brazil's International Cello Encounter, delivering masterclasses and performances.