THIBODAUX – Music students at Nicholls State University now have access to world-class pianos, thanks to a 2007 grant from the Lorio Foundation totaling nearly $200,000.
Two Steinways, priced at $51,000 apiece, have been delivered to the Nicholls Division of Music – to be followed later this year with another piano and a harpsichord.
“We are thrilled to have Steinway pianos available for teaching and performing,” said Dr. Luciana Soares, assistant professor of music. “This acquisition represents a great step towards raising the profile of the school. It demonstrates the university’s commitment to excellence and makes us more competitive with other institutions in the area and beyond. We can now say that our students will have the best instruments to inspire and challenge them as they reach their fullest potential. Steinways are considered to be the best pianos available, as each instrument is handmade and takes up to one year to be built.”
Dr. David Boudreaux, vice president of institutional advancement and professor of English, said the Lorio Foundation’s generosity strengthens Nicholls’ recruitment and retention efforts.
“Students who want to practice and perform on the finest instruments in the world now have the opportunity to do so at Nicholls.”