Samford music professor recognized by Steinway & Sons for impactful teaching career

One of Samford University’s associate professors recently received an international honor for her music teaching career. 

Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Cindy St. Clair was selected by Steinway & Sons to be in its Music Teacher Hall of Fame. St. Clair is one of 43 music educators in the U.S. and Canada to be inducted this year. 

She was nominated by the local Steinway Piano Gallery located in Mountain Brook. 

“It is a profound honor to be inducted into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame. This recognition is deeply humbling and a testament to the enduring influence of the exceptional teachers who have guided and inspired me throughout my journey.”

Cindy St. Clair

St. Clair first received her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and business in 1990 from Samford. After working for 16 years in the legal field, she returned to get another bachelor’s in piano performance in 2009.

She is well-recognized in her field, having won several regional piano competitions, frequently being invited to adjudicate masterclasses and performing throughout the U.S. and Europe.

More recently, she collaborated with baritone Christopher Jordan to highlight music by Black composers, with performances at the 25th Anniversary of the African American Art Song Alliance Conference at the University of California, Irvine, and on the Atelier Concert Series at the American Church in Paris.

But throughout much of that time, St. Clair has taught at Judson College, Birmingham-Southern College and Samford. 

She is the founding president of the Alabama chapter of the World Piano Teachers Association, highlighting her devotion to her calling to teach. 

“I am privileged to share this honor with the extraordinarily gifted, diligent and disciplined students I have had the opportunity to teach. It brings me immense joy to contribute, even in a small way, to helping them discover their God-given passions and pursue their highest aspirations.”

Each teacher inducted into the hall of fame is part of the Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner Program (STEP). The teachers’ names are now displayed on a commemorative display wall inside the piano manufacturer’s factory. 

“Music education has been a cornerstone of our historic company since the late 1800s, and today is no different … These teachers foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists. Their work deserves the highest praise.”

Gavin English, President of Steinway & Sons Americas

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