Piano Performance Major Named CPVA Valedictorian

Published: April 20, 2020 | Author: Lyndsey Nelson | Read Time: 2 minutes

Originally from Cedar City, Anthony Malachowski has always loved music. Growing up playing piano and listening to music with his family, a passion for music drove him to major in piano performance at Southern Utah University and as graduation approaches, earned him a place as the College of Performing and Visual Art’s 2020 Valedictorian.

Malachowski was drawn to SUU by the opportunity to go to school in his hometown and work with the music faculty, who he greatly admired. He was especially grateful to work with Dr. Christian Bohnenstengal throughout his personal studies.

“He’s been my one-on-one instructor and mentor in piano for the last four years, and he’s really done a lot to help me elevate my musicianship to the next level,” said Malachowski. “I learned more about piano repertoire and music history than I could have imagined, and it’s inspired me to want to keep listening, studying, and discovering more music on my own for fun.”

"Anthony is the type of student one doesn't have to worry about,” said Dr. Bohnenstengal. “It is no accident that he will graduate with a perfect grade point average – he is motivated, disciplined and a self-guided learner. Anthony just presented a stellar senior piano recital and I am convinced that he will have a very bright future."

During his time at SUU, Malachowski has had the opportunity to participate in the SUU Piano Ensemble and Wind Symphony, as well as the SUU Jazz Ensemble. He has also had the opportunity to teach private piano lessons, which he said helped him grasp his studies from the perspective of a teacher.

However, Malachowski’s time at SUU hasn’t been a walk in the park, but Malachowski’s determination and the help of faculty members like Dr. Bohnenstengal has pushed him towards this success.

“My time at SUU has been an absolute war,” Malachowski said, “It hasn’t been an easy road by any means, but through hard work, dedication, determination, and discipline, I’ve accomplished more than I could have ever imagined, and it feels incredible to come out on the other end victorious.”

After graduating, Malachowski plans to pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Utah. He hopes to one day find steady work as a one-on-one piano instructor, in a similar capacity to Dr. Bohnenstengal.

As he graduates, he offers a few words of advice to incoming and current SUU students.

“We have an amazing music faculty here who are all very likable and very skilled at what they do,” said Malachowski. “My advice for current students is to endure and survive. University is not easy, and things can become difficult, frustrating, and painful at times, but you have to keep fighting until the end.”

SUU’S College of Performing and Visual Arts offers gifted professional faculty who are dedicated to teaching and transforming students into professionals themselves. The Department of Music is nationally accredited and offers a wide array of musical opportunities. 

In recognition of their hard work and dedication, five incredible students have been named SUU’s valedictorians for 2020.

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Tags: Graduation College of Performing and Visual Arts

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