Hayes School of Music

Dean James Douthit Inducted into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame

James Douthit, DMA, Dean of the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, was recently inducted into the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.

Every two years, exemplary piano teachers are selected to receive the honor, which "recognizes the talented educators who foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists."

 The induction ceremony was held in the Steinway and Sons factory in Astoria, Queens, New York, and included around 40 teachers from across North America. Douthit was nominated by Steinway Piano Gallery - Charlotte, owned by Mark and Katherine Love. The names of pianists inducted in the Fall of 2023 are displayed on a commemorative wall at the Steinway Factory.

Dean James Douthit (left) and Gavin English, President of Steinway

Though at this point Douthit is no longer a professor of piano, that teaching experience informs his work as the dean, which encompasses many educational components that inspire young musicians as they transform their passion for music into a profession for life. 

“I am excited and inspired to work with a stellar group of faculty, staff, and students to bring new musicians into professional careers in music education, music therapy, music performance, and the music industry," Douthit says.

“It is especially gratifying to be recognized by such an integral part of the music industry - Steinway and Sons - that has produced the pianos that allow musicians to present the best of our efforts onstage.” - Dean James Douthit, DMA

Douthit lends his piano artistry to solo and chamber music performances that highlight the excellence of the Hayes School of Music - whether playing piano in a solo lecture-recital for the community, with faculty in a chamber music series, or with scholarship recipients at special events for Hayes School of Music supporters. An experienced conductor, Douthit occasionally takes to the podium to lead App State ensembles such as the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra or the Appalachian Chorale in a special holiday performance. 

Dean James Douthit conducts the Appalachian Chorale at the 2023 Holiday Scholarship Concert

James Douthit began his tenure as the Dean of the Mariam Cannon Hayes School of Music in July 2017. Before that appointment, he was the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, and the former Chair of the Department of Music. Douthit has performed extensively in the United States as well as Austria, Poland, China, and Great Britain. Douthit holds three degrees in piano performance: a doctoral degree in piano from the Eastman School of Music, a master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a bachelor of music degree from Mars Hill University. His biography can be found here.

Katherine Love (Steinway Piano Gallery-Charlotte), Dr. Kathryn Douthit, Dean James Douthit, and Mark Love (Steinway Piano Gallery-Charlotte)

Three inductees from this region:  Dr. Ruby Morgan (Furman University), Dr. James Douthit (Hayes School of Music - App State), and Dr. Peter Kairoff (Wake Forest University)

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