Steven Graff Appointed Inaugural Zimmerli Professor of Piano

Written by Karen Rhodes

In recognition of his mentorship, transformative teaching, and impact in and out of the classroom, Dr. Steven Graff was recently named the inaugural recipient of the Zimmerli Professorship in Piano.

Thanks to a generous gift given by Mrs. Nelly Zimmerli, this newly established endowed professorship represents an investment in excellence and a commitment to attracting and supporting dynamic faculty, ensuring that Converse can continue to build on its incredible history of talented piano teachers.

Graff is known for his distinctive approach to teaching that blends rigor with creativity, structure with flexibility, and expertise with genuine student care.

Graff is known at Converse for his distinctive approach to teaching that blends rigor with creativity, structure with flexibility, and expertise with genuine student care. Whether working with beginners or helping advanced students refine their craft, he creates an environment where learning is both challenging and joyful.

Graff’s contributions to campus extend far beyond the classroom. Through his performances and mentoring, he demonstrates that excellence is not only about mastery, but also connection, as he has treated colleagues and students to performances at many events throughout the year.

Since his concerto debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the age of 15, Graff has enjoyed a thriving career as both a performer and educator. He joined the Petrie School of Music in Fall of 2020, having previously served on the faculty of New York’s Hunter College, the Macaulay Honors College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He has been recognized with the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award, which honors exemplary music educators for their passion, artistry, and commitment to students.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where he was a Petschek scholarship awardee, and his Doctorate of Musical Arts from The Graduate School of the City University of New York. Graff is a sought-after recitalist and chamber musician, having performed with the New York Philharmonic and in memorable performance venues including the Weill, Zankel and Stern Auditoriums at Carnegie Hall, Merkin and Alice Tully Halls in New York City, plus tours of Norway, Japan, and China. 

“This Professorship…is a promise to our students that they will learn, grow, and be inspired by the very best.”

President Boone Hopkins

About the Zimmerli Professorship in Piano

“This Professorship is more than a named position,” said President Boone Hopkins when the endowment was announced this spring. “It is a promise to our students that they will learn, grow, and be inspired by the very best. It reminds us that this tradition is not static, but it is, in fact, living, evolving, and connected to the people who believe in Converse.”

Endowed funds and scholarships like the Zimmerli Professorship ensure that future generations of students can pursue their dreams and experience the transformation of a Converse education – now and forever.