Hi! My name is Michael Sheppard, and I’m a professional concert pianist.

For many years I’ve had the extraordinary good fortune of practicing on a Steinway that was generously loaned to me by a mentor and friend. Recently, that instrument needed to return to its owner’s family, which means that for the first time in my life I’m searching for a piano of my own.

As a pianist, teacher, and coach working throughout the Baltimore–DC region — as well as touring nationally and internationally — the piano isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s the core tool of my work. It’s where repertoire is learned, concerts are prepared, students are coached, and new musical ideas come to life.

For a long time, the loaned instrument made it possible to postpone this step. But that moment has clearly arrived.

Many friends and colleagues have already been incredibly generous with advice, leads, and offers of temporary practice spaces, and I’m deeply grateful for that support. This fundraiser is an effort to take the next step: securing a permanent instrument that will allow me to continue performing, teaching, and creating at the highest level.

Professional pianos are significant investments, and beyond the purchase itself there are additional costs — moving, regulation, voicing, and climate control systems — that help keep an instrument healthy for decades.

Any contribution, large or small, will go directly toward the acquisition and preparation of a piano worthy of the music it will be used to make.

If you’re able to contribute or share this, it would mean a great deal.

Music has always been sustained by community, and I’m grateful to be part of one that believes in the value of live performance, teaching, and shared artistic life.

Thank you for being part of that.

— Michael