SEPF Guest Faculty Elizabeth Churchya
Piano Ensemble Coach
Elizabeth Churchya is a pianist, educator, and arts administrator recognized for her sensitive musicianship and dynamic leadership in the performing arts.
As an arts leader, Elizabeth has extensive experience managing large-scale programming, including international festivals, competitions, and concert series. Her work spans artist relations, communications, fundraising, community outreach, and audience engagement, with a focus on creating meaningful artistic experiences and sustaining vibrant arts communities.
An accomplished pianist, Elizabeth has performed throughout the United States and Europe and is a prizewinner in several international competitions. She was a finalist in the 2023 American Prize in Piano Performance (Concerto) and the Petrichor International Music Competition, and a prizewinner in the 2022 Charleston International Piano Competition. She has appeared as a soloist with the University of South Carolina Orchestra and the Christopher Newport University Orchestra. Her major mentors include Joseph Rackers, Phillip Bush, Lelia Sadlier, and Jeffrey Brown.
A dedicated educator, Elizabeth has taught courses in music history and film music at the University of South Carolina, where she designed and launched Introduction to Film Music, now a popular undergraduate elective. She is the recipient of the university’s 2023 Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award and maintains an active private studio of pre-college pianists, mentoring students from early development through advanced study; her students have earned honors from the Royal Conservatory of Music and prizes in regional competitions.
She currently serves as Director of Operations for the Southeastern Piano Festival and Executive Director of Sinfonia da Camera, where she leads strategic planning, artist coordination, and organizational development initiatives. Elizabeth holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from the University of South Carolina.
