Biography

William Hume is a pianist, educator, and musical arts advocate. He has performed on NPR’s From the Top, at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, and at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. His artistry has been recognized through awards in numerous competitions, including The American Prize, the New Jersey Young Artist Piano Competition, and the ENKOR International Music Competition, where he also serves annually as a jury member.

William completed his bachelor’s degree in piano performance at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Barry Snyder, Ann Schein, and Alan Chow. He also earned the prestigious Arts Leadership Certificate, gaining hands-on experience in arts operations and education through internships with major orchestras. During his master’s studies in piano performance at New York University, he worked with Marilyn Nonken, performed in a wide range of ensembles, and taught multiple piano courses as an adjunct instructor. He further specialized in pedagogy through advanced coursework in education, theory, and coaching techniques.

William earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree and a Certificate in Arts Management from Boston University. His doctoral dissertation, Hummel Reforged: Piano Sonata Op. 81, offers a critical analysis of one of Johann Nepomuk Hummel’s most intricate piano sonatas, exploring its relevance within today’s advanced piano repertoire.

Throughout his studies, William deepened his commitment to teaching and educational innovation, focusing on piano curriculum design and interdisciplinary collaboration in higher education. He believes that keyboard skills are essential for developing musical fluency across performance, analysis, composition, listening, and creative musicianship.

As an instructor in keyboard harmony at BU, William worked closely with the music theory faculty to design a curriculum that strengthened students’ understanding of theory while building foundational piano skills. He also encouraged students to explore how the piano can support their personal and professional aspirations.

During his time at BU, William studied piano performance and pedagogy with Gila Goldstein and Linda Jiorle-Nagy.

During his doctoral studies, William served as the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra Education and Community Engagement Coordinator.

William is dedicated to helping audiences build meaningful connections with music. He advances this mission through his role as Director of Education for the Multiverse Concert Series, his previous work as Education and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, and his ongoing contributions as a church pianist, teacher, and educator. His recitals and workshops often blend performance, visuals, lectures, and interactive elements to create immersive musical experiences. In recent projects, William has collaborated with small ensembles to introduce classical music to new audiences, pairing traditional works with his own arrangements of popular and film music. This approach encourages listeners to explore unfamiliar genres, appreciate the richness of classical music, and broaden their musical tastes. A passionate collaborator, William is especially drawn to instrumental, vocal, and ensemble repertoire, continually seeking innovative partnerships that foster creativity and connection.