Faculty || Pascal Salomon (Pianist)

A doctoral alumnus from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), his teaching philosophy harmonizes academic rigor with an intrinsic appreciation for the artistic essence of music. Internationally acclaimed pianist Pascal Salomon brings a wealth of musical mastery and educational expertise to Southern California’s cultural landscape. Having captivated audiences across three continents—from European concert halls to Asian cultural centers and North American stages—Mr. Salomon is more than just a performer; he is an ardent advocate for music education. Through his unique, patient, and passionate teaching style, he empowers the next generation of musicians to explore and achieve their fullest potential. Committed to the notion that music is an experiential journey integral to human life, Mr. Salomon integrates his pioneering research in music phenomenology into his pedagogical approach. A doctoral alumnus from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), his teaching philosophy harmonizes academic rigor with an intrinsic appreciation for the artistic essence of music.

Mr. Salomon taught at the Geneva Conservatory of Music (Switzerland) for a decade and at Westmont College for two years. He currently serves as the Vice-President of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) Santa Barbara Branch and as the Music Director at the First Congregational Church in Santa Barbara. There, he not only spearheads quarterly festival programs but also nurtures a dynamic piano studio that is a nurturing ground for budding musicians. He is also on the SB Chamber Music Society faculty.

Prior to his move to the United States, Pascal Salomon garnered numerous accolades that include being the recipient of a scholarship from the Société de Musique d’Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland, winning the prize for the best French pianist at the Senigallia International Competition in Italy, and earning an Honor Diploma in the Maria Canals International Competition in Barcelona. “With an impressive list of past performances that have spanned multiple continents, Mr. Salomon’s repertoire is as diverse as the stages he has appeared on—from Switzerland’s Ernest Ansermet Studio and Stravinski Auditorium to China’s Forbidden City Concert Hall, as well as venues in various European countries, Israel, and the United States. These performances are not just technical masterpieces but soul-stirring experiences that resonate with audiences. Concurrently, his academic contributions have significantly enriched institutions like the Geneva Conservatory of Music and Westmont College in Santa Barbara, where he has held faculty positions.”

Pascal Salomon’s educational background includes studies at the Conservatoire National de Musique de Paris under the tutelage of Gabriel Tacchino, further instruction at the Conservatoire Supérieur de Musique de Genève with Edson Elias and Nelson Goerner, and advanced coursework at UC Santa Barbara under the guidance of Paul Berkowitz. He has also refined his artistry by attending master classes with world-class pianists and pedagogues such as Yo-Yo Ma, András Schiff, Murray Perahia, Jeremy Denk, Vera Gornostaeva, György Sebök and Paul Badura-Skoda.