Amano works to build a stroner music program
Editor’s note: The Variety section of the Statesman will periodically spotlight a member of the USU faculty. Knowing more about the people they learn from will help students get more from their education.
Gary Amano spends most days and nights in the Fine Arts Building on campus. He said he finds it necessary to devote most of his time to his students.
“Most of my time is spent with my job. I am here most days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.,” Amano said.
Amano is also the assistant head of the Music department. Aside from teaching four classes and assisting the department, he also provides music lessons.
Born in Helper, Utah, Amano studied in Julliard, N.Y. Amano received his bachelor’s degree and a master’s in piano performance and was enticed back to teach at USU by the former head of the piano department.
Since that time, Amano has produced top performing students who have participated in 20 state and six international competitions, including the Kosciuszko Chopin competition in New York, the Kingsville Competition in Texas, and the Stravinsky in Illinois. In 1996, one of his students won the silver medal and $10,000 in the Honens Calgary International Competition, and last year Adam Nielsen, 18, was the youngest competitor to win first place in the National Music Teacher’s Association Competition in Minneapolis, Minn. His prize was a $36,000 Steinway grand piano.
Amano also started a Youth Conservatory Program at USU 20 years ago and hopes to keep it flourishing.
“We have 200 to 300 pre-college students who come up and take piano lessons,” Amano said. “I would like to maintain the program and to keep it growing.”
His future goals for the program include searching out better faculty and better talent, and to attain higher standards. Amano is currently preparing for the Monster Concert, which will be held Tuesday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. in the Kent Concert Hall. Admission is free with a USU ID card and is $3 without a card.