2026 Adjudicators

Described as “Powerful, big-boned” (American Record Guide) and “graceful, agile, and spontaneous” (Fanfare), pianist Asher Armstrong performs across Europe and North America, and has recorded three solo albums on Classical label Blue Griffin, including surveys of Brahms, Busoni transcriptions, and virtuoso late Romantic and 20th century works.  Notable recent engagements include solo recital performances at the Penderecki Academy in Kraków, the Royal College of Music in London (UK), the Iceland University of the Arts, the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto), The University of Toronto’s New Music Festival, and as a concerto soloist with the Washington-Idaho Symphony Orchestra. 

Armstrong worked with many of the leading pianists of North America and Europe.  Studies with Rachmaninoff’s pupil Ruth Slenczynska molded his artistry, as did his principal doctoral studies with the world-renowned Romanian concert pianist and teacher Marietta Orlov, herself a student of the legendary Florica Musicescu (teacher of Radu Lupu and Dinu Lipatti).  Additionally, Armstrong worked with Michael Chertock (MM, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music), Kevin Kenner (Royal College of Music, London), Nicholas Ashton (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland), Margarita Schevchenko (Cleveland Institute of Music), and others.

 Armstrong has taught all levels of Applied Piano, as well as Chamber Music, Piano Literature, and Piano Masterclass at the University of Toronto.  Prior to his faculty posting at UofT, Armstrong served as an Assistant professor of Piano at the University of Arkansas.  He has taught at several other institutions, including the Interlochen School for the Arts.

A sought-after adjudicator, Armstrong has served as a clinician at international festivals and competitions including the Chinese-Canadian Competition, the Canadian Provincial Piano Finals, Kiwanis, all levels of the MTNA competition, as well as many other local festivals throughout North America, and additionally serves as an Advanced Examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music.