Anthony Birnbaum

Anthony developed an affinity for keyboard instruments at a young age. Starting his professional keyboard career at St. Olaf College as a pianist, he soon realized his passion for the organ. In his undergraduate years, Anthony became a versatile musician in both piano and organ. Following his graduation cum laude from St. Olaf, he continued his education in sacred music at Westminster Choir College. During this time, he cultivated his personal style and played for various churches in the area. After earning his Master of Music with Distinction, Anthony found himself at home in Iowa. While working as a full-time church music director, he continued to hone his organ skills with the University of Iowa organ faculty. Anthony now enjoys serving as the organist and choir director at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel in Iowa City. The Birnbaum Keyboard Studio has fulfilled Anthony’s dream of inspiring the next generation of musicians.

The passion of Birnbaum Keyboard Studio is to help children and adults discover their potential through music. Anthony receives the greatest joy through observing young musicians grow and flourish. He does not expect every student to become a concert pianist but believes that learning music, in particular a keyboard instrument, helps a child excel in other academic disciplines.

When working with students, Anthony strives to create well-rounded musicians. Students understand the theory behind the music; studio recitals teach performance skills, and participation in piano festivals gives experience in receiving and growing from critique. Anthony goes beyond the basics to develop a student’s personal style and musicianship. The combination of skills students gain through the Birnbaum Keyboard Studio translates into success in school. His students master discipline and the language of music, all while gaining an enjoyable lifelong hobby.

Anthony is a member of the Music Teacher’s National Association and regularly attends the biennial National Conference on Piano Pedagogy organized by the Francis Clark Center on Piano Pedagogy. Anthony is also a member of the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the Hymn Society of America and the British Isles. Currently, he is working towards obtaining his Teach Music Online’s Pro Teacher Certificate.

When not teaching, playing or practicing, Anthony enjoys live blues, jazz and symphonic concerts. Music permeates every aspect of his life; a few of his favorite composers are Antonin Dvorak, Cesar Franck, Franz Schubert, and Edward McDowell. As a pianist, he enjoys listening to the performances of Alfred Brendel, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Claudio Arrau and Menahem Pressler. In the sacred music realm, Anthony appreciates the works of J.S Bach, and Jeffery Blersch.