Biography

A versatile pianist and dedicated teacher, Dr. Robert Carney consistently finds unique and creative ways for approaching the concert stage and the piano studio. His concert programs frequently feature hidden gems in the piano literature including contemporary works by American composers such as Corigliano, Menotti, Rzewski, and Liebermann. As a pedagogue, Dr. Carney's research has focused on defining a new pedagogical paradigm for integrating Web-based instruction with traditional theory instruction in the piano studio. He is currently Assistant Professor of Music at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri where he teaches piano.

Originally from Kansas City, Dr. Carney completed his undergraduate studies at Missouri State University as a student of Dr. Peter Collins. While at Missouri State, he received performance and academic scholarships and was recognized as a leader in the academic community by being appointed President of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society and Vice President of Mu Phi Epsilon. Also during this time, he pursued further studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado and the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina. In 2002, Dr. Carney completed the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Louisiana State University as a student of Dr. Jennifer Hayghe. While at LSU, Dr. Carney was awarded competitive teaching and accompanying assistantships and scholarships. Additional lessons have been taken with Alan Chow from Northwestern University in Chicago and Frank Heneghan from Ireland. In May of 2010, Dr. Carney completed the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree at the University of North Texas as a student of Dr. Pamela Mia Paul. While at UNT, he was awarded performance and academic scholarships.

As a soloist and collaborative pianist, Dr. Carney has performed throughout the Midwest, South, and East Coast. He has appeared as soloist with the Louisiana State University and Missouri State University Orchestras. Competitive performances have yielded numerous top prizes including first place in the Janice K. Hodges Contemporary Piano Competition, first place in the Missouri Music Teachers’ Association State Competition, and special recognition as a Presser Scholar by The Presser Foundation.

While living in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Dr. Carney built a large and successful private studio in which his students received top awards in numerous local, regional, and international piano competitions. He also served on the faculty of North Central Texas College and was Coordinator of Instruction at The Master's Touch School of Music, a large private music school in the Dallas area. He is in great demand as a clinician and adjudicator and has presented lectures to local music teachers associations on how piano teachers can use Web-based tools within their private studios. Dr. Carney has been active in many professional organizations and most recently served as president of the Mid-Cities Music Teachers Association near Fort Worth.