Evans Named to Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame

Dr. Margaret Evans, piano faculty at Meredith, has received many honors in her career, including her latest accolade – induction into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame.

When asked about her career highlights, Evans is quick to draw attention to the successes of her students. These include top awards in state, national, and international competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Outstanding Amateurs Competition; two winners of the Music Teachers National Association competition at the state level, and one second-place winner of its Division level. She also takes pride in her students being accepted into top schools with scholarships, concerto competition victories, and feature articles about them in newspapers and magazines.

Along with these public successes, Evans recalls the more private highlights of a career in teaching.

“There are also ‘secret’ highlights which are no less rewarding, such as witnessing private victories when students have given their all and triumphed over various personal challenges,” Evans said. “It is a well-known fact that learning to play the piano well requires tremendous self-discipline. We hope that our piano teaching results not just in musical and instrumental mastery, but also in a student’s growing self-mastery. The study of music can challenge and develop this more than anything else I know.”

Evans recently reflected on what she calls the “great honor” of being recognized by Steinway. 

“It was so deeply gratifying and humbling to see my name engraved on the brass plaque along with others I have long respected and admired,” Evans said. “Teachers, perhaps a bit like parents, work very hard all the time, often going unrecognized behind the scenes and not always sure of the ultimate result. This validation, coming from Steinway, ‘the gold standard,’ is extra special.”

The Steinway Hall of Fame was inaugurated in 2019 and occurs biennially. Among the other inductees in Evans’s class were Yoheved Kaplinsky (head of piano, Juilliard School), Michelle Cann (head of piano, Curtis Institute), Gerardo Tessonniere (Cleveland Institute), Lambert Orkis (Temple University and a famed collaborative artist), and Dmitri Rachmanov (California State Northridge). 

Evans expresses “gratitude at having been blessed with truly wonderful mentors, fine students, and inspiring opportunities” in her career.

“It is an honor to pass on what has been given to me,” Evans said. “Quoting the great Sergei Rachmaninoff, ‘Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music.’  

The Steinway induction ceremony was held in New York City in October 2025. The ceremony was an opportunity for her to reunite with colleagues and meet others in the field. Evans was joined by Dr. Jean Wozencraft-Ornellas, Meredith Music department chair, and Keith Pendergraft, who represented the Hopper Piano Company of Raleigh. 

For Evans, building relationships is another important aspect of teaching. She is honored when students keep in touch after graduating.

“These ongoing relationships are truly rewarding and fulfilling for me, and make my own efforts and sacrifices worthwhile,” Evans said. “How wonderful to be part of the great stream of music history, the long lineage of the most beautiful art, something much larger than ourselves.”  

Evans is the second Meredith music faculty member in the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame, following Professor of Piano Kent Lyman, who was inducted in 2023.