Dr. Allison Star: Accomplished Pianist, Educator, and Scholar

Education and Training

Dr. Star is an internationally recognized classical pianist, accompanist, adjudicator, and musicologist. Her musical journey began with studies at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where she trained with Mary Tickner and Jane Coop. She earned scholarships for graduate studies at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, learning under Brooks Smith and Jean Barr. Later, Dr. Star was awarded a full scholarship to continue her graduate education at Dominican University of San Rafael in the San Francisco Bay Area, studying with Dr. Ted Blair.

Performance Career

Dr. Star has enjoyed a vibrant career as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral performer. She was especially active with the Marin Symphony in the Bay Area under the direction of Hugo Rinaldi, accompanied the UVic Chamber Singers, and performed at the International Beethoven Symposium hosted by the University of Victoria in British Columbia. 

Teaching, Research, and Publications

Combining her passion for teaching, performance, and research, Dr. Star frequently presents lecture-recitals across the United States and Canada. Her scholarly work is featured on several prominent websites, including those dedicated to Hector Berlioz, Beethovenhaus Bonn, and the University of Victoria. She has also contributed articles to Musicological Explorations, a publication of the University of Victoria. Currently, her research focuses on French Romanticism.

Academic and Studio Teaching

Dr. Star has held teaching positions at Dominican University of San Rafael, Brandon University’s School of Music, and at the University of Victoria. She has taught a range of subjects, including Classical Music History, Theory and Aural Skills, Piano, Chamber Music, and Performance Practice.

Community Involvement and Recognition

Alongside her academic and performance pursuits, Dr. Star manages a thriving music studio with many award-winning students. She serves as a Senior Examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, specializing in advanced piano performance and pedagogy. Her commitment to music education extends to her volunteer work with the B.C. Registered Music Teachers Association, supporting music programs for children.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

Dr. Star resides in Victoria with her family and regularly participates in charity sporting events to benefit the Victoria Hospitals Foundation and Santa's Anonymous.
Allison Star, Ph.D.; M.A. (Musicology); M.Mus. (Piano Performance)
Senior Examiner, Royal Conservatory of Music
B.C. Registered Music Teachers Association