Ronald Hawkins

Hailed for his "great depth of poetry, understanding and excitement" (Gazette), American pianist, Ronald Hawkins is quickly establishing himself as one of the country's leading pianists and has earned international acclaim for his sensitive and insightful performances. Mr. Hawkins began his musical studies at the age of sixteen and was performing in concert within eighteen months.

Mr. Hawkins has performed in modern and historic venues throughout North America and Europe. Recent appearances include Carnegie Hall, Milford Center for the Arts, Russian Culture Center and St. Martins-in-the-Fields. Mr. Hawkins made his international debut in 1997 at The Rachmaninoff Conference held in England. The UK Independent stated: “Ronald gave a thoughtful and insightful performance. His keyboard manner is undemonstrative and leaves one free to enjoy his music without distraction.”

Mr. Hawkins is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including: the Richard Ford Foundation Deeper Piano Studies Grant, the Hartt School Faculty Development Grant, the Rose Hanus Full Scholarship, the Sullivan Grant, Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges, the Marion Park Lewis Foundation for the Arts Endowment, the Cecil Hefner Scholarship, the Shenandoah Conservatory Keyboard Scholarship, the Greer Young Artist Scholarship, the Greer Music Club Scholarship and honors in piano and composition at Brevard Summer Music Camp. In February 2002, Web Concert Hall named him Artist of the Month.

Shenandoah Conservatory awarded Mr. Hawkins his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance. His principal teachers include Samuel Bartos, Frederic Chiu, Paul Ostrovsky, Elizabeth Temple and Ruby Morgan. He has also performed in master classes with such internationally acclaimed artists as: John O’Conor, Andre Watts, Mario Kay Ocker, Gerhardt and Barbara Suhrstedt, Maurice Hinson, Jack Roberts, Richard Cass, Leon Bates, and Max Camp.

Ronald appears on Jamlet Records, Pier Records, PBS Records and MSR Classics labels. His discography includes seven recordings: Ronald Hawkins, Piano; Journey; Christmas Is; Ancient Irish Airs & Dances; Biltmore Estate Christmas; The War That Made America; and in 2009 J.S. Bach - Goldberg Variations. He has also recorded for two PBS mini-series, They Made America and The War that Made America (French & Indian War).

In 2007, Mr. Hawkins completed a year-long Concert Tour with concerts throughout the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Germany and Russia. The tour featured Johann Sebastian Bach’s masterpiece, The Goldberg Variations.

Ronald lives in Connecticut, USA, where he enjoys spending his free time with his dogs, Andy, Ty and Dakota. He is a native of South Carolina.

Anniversaries, Apres Ski Parties, Awards Nights, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Casinos, Celebrations, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Studio Session, TV Soundtracks

• Ron did a great job and accomodated our space and requests for my Mom's suprise b-day party. We were very happy to have him and he made the party all the more special. -- Julie G, Chatham, MA, 10/10/2009