ESTHER JONES
Esther Jones is a recent graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA in piano performance. During her time there, she participated in several events such as the Gala piano concerts of 2019 and 2020. She also enjoyed the experience as concert band and chamber ensemble pianist where she collaborated with performers and producers to create an enjoyable musical experience for patrons. In fall of 2018, Esther was chosen out of over 4,000 applications to perform at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. This special event took place in April 2019 at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.
At Eastern Connecticut State University, Esther attained unto the dean’s list each year and was thereby awarded the SBM Charitable Foundation Scholarship annually for her high marks. She graduated in May 2021 with highest honors — Summa Cum Lauda. During her 3 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, Esther was privileged to study piano under Dr. Okon Hwang whose patience and guidance led to the pinnacle of Esther’s success — her Senior Recital played solo from memory in the Fine Arts Instructional Center concert hall on May 1, 2021.
Prior to attending Eastern Connecticut State University, Esther studied piano performance at Manchester Community College under Dr. Miguel Campinho. During these years from fall 2016 to spring 2018, she reached the President’s List twice (4.0) and on account of her exceptional marks was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in April 2017. The pinnacle of her studies at Manchester Community College was the Capstone Recital played solo from memory in the concert hall in May 2018.
Esther Jones moved to the United States from Canada in 2015. She grew up in Nova Scotia as #9 in a family of 15 siblings. They were a musical family that often traveled around singing and playing together as a family. In earlier years from 2004 to 2014, Esther served as music teacher and director for Calvary Baptist Academy in Meadowvale, Nova Scotia. She communicated effectively with students in grades K—12 to create a warm and inclusive classroom environment. She was responsible for the educational instruction of a rounded curriculum that included classical and religious music, singing, percussion, acting, and drama. This musical background instilled in her a desire for further education which culminated in her graduation this past spring from Eastern Connecticut State University with a BA in piano performance. She hopes in the future to pursue her next music degree but at present is enjoying her inspiring profession as piano teacher.