Dr. Thiago Ferreira is an active pianist and educator whose career as a soloist and collaborative pianist spans the United States and Brazil. He regularly performs with faculty artists at national and international conferences, including events of the College Music Society, the International Clarinet Association, and Chamber Music Festivals. His performances have gained recognition for repertoire variety, musical sensitivity, clarity of expression, and strong communication with audiences. A committed advocate for underrepresented, Latin American, and contemporary composers, Dr. Ferreira frequently features their music in his concert programs. Additionally, he has worked with the renowned Brazilian and award winning choir Ars Nova – Coral da UFMG, participating in performances of the highest artistic and musical level.

Dedicated to his role as artist-teacher, Dr. Ferreira is a passionate educator who is frequently invited to present master classes throughout the country and abroad. He serves as an Adjunct Piano Faculty at North Dakota State University, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, coordinates the piano class sequence, and supervises graduate teaching assistants in the piano area. Dr. Ferreira is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship. His pedagogical approach emphasizes strong technical foundations, thoughtful musicianship, effective problem-solving strategies, and meaningful performance experiences for both students and audiences. His previous appointments as Piano Instructor include the Lorenzo Fernandez Conservatory of Music and the Centro de Formação Artística e Tecnológica in Brazil. As an experienced teacher, he has worked with students from diverse musical and social backgrounds, many of whom have gone on to become successful musicians and educators.

Dr. Ferreira has received numerous honors and awards, including a prize at the 2025 Thelma Willett International Piano Competition and Dorothy Sewall Hector Scholarship. He was also recognized with the North Dakota State University College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Teaching Award and has received multiple scholarships and assistantships in recognition of his artistic achievement and pedagogical excellence. In addition to his performing and teaching activities, Dr. Ferreira is frequently invited to serve as a judge for piano competitions in Brazil and the United States and is actively involved in the management of the PianoArts North American Competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Actively involved in the Fargo–Moorhead community, Dr. Ferreira is a member of the Fargo–Moorhead Music Teachers Association and is frequently invited to adjudicate rallies, festivals, and scholarship competitions. He also serves as the pianist and organist at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church.

Dr. Ferreira began his piano studies at the Lorenzo Fernandez Conservatory of Music and earned the Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the Federal University of Minas Gerais, graduating summa cum laude under the guidance of Celina Szrvinsk. He completed a Master of Music in Piano Performance at the University of North Dakota, studying with Nariaki Sugiura. Dr. Ferreira earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at North Dakota State University, where he studied with Tyler Wottrich and was awarded the prestigious Challey Doctoral Fellowship. Also at NDSU, he completed a Master of Music in Music Theory Pedagogy with Cassie Keogh.

In addition to his formal training, Dr. Ferreira has received artistic guidance from renowned pianists such as Lydia Artymiw, Warren Jones, Oda Voltersvik, and Miguel Rosselini.

• 2025 Thelma Willett International Piano Competition
• Dorothy Sewall Hector Scholarship
• NDSU Collage of Arts and Sciences Graduate Teaching Award

• College Music Society
• Music Teachers National Association