Thomas Weaver

Musical Studies

Thomas Weaver is a composer and pianist whose active solo and chamber career has included performances throughout major cities in the United States and Germany. He joined the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music in 2015.

He has collaborated with Kenneth Radnofsky, Elmira Darvarova, David Amram, and Eric Ruske, as well as members of major symphony orchestras. An active chamber musician, Mr. Weaver is currently a member of the Amram Ensemble and New England Chamber Players. A champion of new music, Weaver has premiered numerous works both in the United States and abroad.

Mr. Weaver’s compositions have been heard throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, and Japan. His music has been programmed by a variety of ensembles, including the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Daraja Ensemble, Alea III, and the Mannes American Composers Ensemble.

Mr. Weaver holds a Master of Music degree in piano performance and composition from Mannes College, where he studied with Victor Rosenbaum and David Loeb. He also attended Boston University, studying piano with Anthony di Bonaventura and Pavel Nersessian, and composition with Martin Amlin and Dr. John Wallace. He is also on faculty at Boston University’s Tanglewood Institute.

Who were/are some of your idols/inspiration, musical or otherwise?

One of my biggest inspirations was my piano teacher at Boston University, Anthony di Bonaventura (Curtis ‘53). He taught me a deeper understanding of our mission in music and helped me to gain greater insight into how one might respect a composer’s intentions. His own clarity in playing and sound at the piano is a style that I continue to strive for today.

What do you enjoy most about being a teacher at Curtis?

Working with inspirational students has been one of the most enjoyable parts of teaching at Curtis. Seeing their passion while speaking about musical concepts in the classroom is incredibly inspiring. The love and dedication they bring to their craft is exciting and I’m honored to be a small part of their education here.

What do you think is special about Curtis?

The close knit environment at Curtis makes it unlike any other conservatory in the US. Being able to offer the students unique educational experiences is one of the biggest strengths of our school. The musical relationships that are developed at Curtis will also last a lifetime, creating a point of connection for people that meet again later during their professional lives.

What advice do you always give your students?

I hope that my teaching always inspires students to think deeper about the music that they are studying. In counterpoint I always encourage students to ask themselves, “Where are you? Where did you come from? Where are you going?” If one can answer that honestly then one starts to have a stronger idea of the purpose of each note and how it can serve the larger phrase.