Pianist Katie Yao Morgan, who graduated in June with a major in répétiteurship, has been awarded the Frans Schreuder Prize by EPTA Netherlands (European Piano Teachers Association) for the best Master's research of 2024 across all Dutch conservatories. She will receive this prize and present her research during the EPTA conference, on 9th November from 10:30 to 11:30 at the Akoesticum in Ede.

The title of her research is as follows:
Tracing the Piano's Bias Against Women from the Past to Contemporary Perspectives
Her research: "delves into the long-standing, often-overlooked issue of gender bias within the realm of piano playing. Examining historical roots, societal expectations, and physical limitations imposed by conventional pianos, the paper unravels the discriminatory practices women face in pursuing a career as pianists. From compositional biases to performance expectations, the study explores women’s multifaceted challenges and how these issues persist in the contemporary landscape. The research concludes with examining potential solutions, including the proposal and implications of adapting pianos to accommodate diverse hand sizes, thus striving towards a more equitable and inclusive musical world.”