Philip Powell, a professor of music at CCU, assisted his colleagues in bringing two new Steinway & Sons pianos to campus for advancement in students learning. 

Powell was one of the first music professors to come to Coastal in 1988. He teaches piano and piano pedagogy and was a main contributor in developing the music program Coastal has today.  

“[For students] To be able to practice on an instrument like this, it makes all the difference in the world. It is about learning to listen and react to the sound. That thing [the piano]is world class” Powell said.  

Powell is still actively playing piano; he has played with various artists and performed with symphonies both locally and around the country. His accomplishments in teaching and playing have not gone unnoticed. Powell was nominated into the Steinway teacher’s hall of fame which acknowledges North America’s most committed and passionate piano educators.