Critics have raved about Noel Engebretson’s powerful performances.  The critic for the Austin, Texas Statesman said he was left “gasping in amazement.”  The Tuscaloosa news cited Engebretson’s “astounding keyboard skills”, while the Rochester NY newspaper stated that compared with the average pianist who reproduces notes without emotion, “Engebretson is a breed apart.”  In a different review from Tuscaloosa, the critic admired the power of projection from Dr. Engebretson, noting that at times the “piano overpowered the orchestra…”

Dr. Engebretson has had a wide and varied career.  As a pianist who has played widely throughout the United States, he has garnered a reputation as not just a technician at the keyboard, but as an artist who studies and deeply penetrates the meaning of the musical score, with a subtlety in his address that has also attracted critical notice.  He has toured China three times, and performed with four of the most prestigious orchestras there.  Recent performances have also included Serbia and Sicily.  He has also established a reputation as a teacher, clinician, and masterclass teacher.  His students have garnered prizes and awards in the Joanna Hodges International Piano Competition, the MTNA regional competitions, the California CAPMT competition, as well as many local and state competitions throughout the southeast and southwest United States.  He has presented clinics on pedaling for the International Piano Pedagogy Conference, and given masterclasses throughout China.  One of the major conservatories in China, the Shenzhen Conservatory, named Dr. Engebretson as a permanent guest faculty.  Dr. Engebretson has performed more than 25 piano concertos, and can offer repertoire as a soloist that would encompass more than 20 different recitals.