Music

 

Education

• D.M.A., Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Texas at Austin, 2011
• M.M., Master of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, 2006
• B.M., Bachelor of Music, Southern Methodist University, 2003

Biography

Hailed by the New York Times as a "virtuoso pianist," Artina McCain, has built a formidable career as a multi-faceted creative. As a recitalist, her credits include performances at Wigmore Hall and Barbican Centre in London, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Weill Hall at Carnegie in New York City, and more. Other highlights include guest appearances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and others. 

 

Dedicated to presenting works of unsung voices, she is a recording artist and publishing advocate. Recordings including collaborative projects: I, Too (Naxos) focused on African American Spirituals and Art Songs and multiple recordings with husband and duo partner, Martin McCain. She arranged Twenty-Four Traditional African American Folk Songs published by Hal Leonard for intermediate pianists. In 2026, Frances Clark Center will publish her edition of virtuosic piano works by grammy award winning composer, Joseph Joubert.

 

A multi-faceted artist, McCain has been featured in a mirage of spaces. Most recently, she performed as part of El Dorado Ballroom, a multidisciplinary production curated by Solange Knowles. From mistress of ceremony at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition to guest artist at the annual Gates Foundation Goalkeepers event at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Television appearances include the award-winning PBS documentary series Roadtrip Nation: Degree of Impact in an episode exploring the real-world impact of professionals with doctoral degrees in and outside of academia. Other television appearances include features on CSPAN for the MLK 50 Commemoration. 

After not performing for 6 years while battling a performance injury, she enjoys a prolific concert career with more than 10 years of full injury recovery. She uses her recovery to serve as an advocate of musicians’ wellness–curating articles, lectures, and forums to educate teachers and students. Most recently, the BBC featured her on the podcast Sideways, telling her miraculous story of injury to recovery. McCain has written and presented on wellness and other topics in publications and at multiple universities and national conferences.

 

McCain graduated from Southern Methodist University (BM), Cleveland Institute of Music (MM) and the University of Texas at Austin (DMA). An avid presenter of chamber music, she is Artistic Curator at PRIZM ensemble. As an educator, she is Associate Professor of Piano and Coordinator of the Keyboard Area at the University of Memphis and Co-Founder/Director of the Memphis International Piano Festival and Competition. 

 

In her spare time, Artina enjoys boutique shopping, traveling internationally, and is an enthusiastic foodie and tea aficionado. 

 

Artina McCain is a Yamaha Artist. More info artinamccain.com