Paul Berkowitz

Paul Berkowitz is a Professor of Piano and Chamber Music at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), serving as Area Head of the Keyboard Program. He previously held a professorship at the Guildhall School of Music in London from 1975 to 1993 before joining UCSB. He holds degrees from McGill University and the Curtis Institute, where he studied under Rudolf Serkin. His specialization lies in classical piano performance, particularly the works of Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms.

Notable achievements include his acclaimed recording of Schubert's Piano Sonatas, praised by the Sunday Times as placing him among the 'royal class of Schubert interpreters.' His recordings of Schumann's Kreisleriana were hailed as the best available by BBC Radio. Berkowitz has performed internationally, appearing at prestigious venues like the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Wigmore Hall, and has taught at leading institutions worldwide, offering masterclasses that have shaped the careers of numerous prize-winning students.

His discography includes a 9-CD cycle of Schubert's major piano works, reissued alongside new recordings of Impromptus and Moments Musicaux. As a former Department Chair at UCSB (2007–2012), he has contributed significantly to music education and academic leadership.