Claflin University Invests in Student Success to become the only HBCU with Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano

Claflin University Invests in Student Success to become the only HBCU with Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano

Claflin University's commitment to student success and academic excellence extends beyond the traditional classroom and research laboratories. The University has also earned a unique distinction for producing multi-talented and highly skilled artists and educators in its performing and visual arts programs.

The announcement that Claflin has acquired a Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano marks another historic milestone for the University - listed as the No. 1 Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in South Carolina in the 2027 U.S. News and World Report's Best HBCUs Ranking. Claflin -- the only HBCU to own Yamaha's flagship instrument - is ranked No. 10 among all HBCUs by U.S. News. Claflin is No. 5 among all National Liberal Arts Colleges/Universities in the Palmetto State.

The announcement was made on Wednesday (Sept. 30) during a presentation that included University administrators, faculty, staff, students and media.

"This decision began with our students," said Dr. Isaiah McGee, dean of Claflin's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. "When we consider the return on an academic investment, students must be the first and foremost consideration. We wanted to provide them with an outstanding instrument-one they can be proud to practice and perform on, and to share with the broader community. The CFX supports Claflin's commitment to transformation and elevation by giving our students the tools and opportunities they need to reach an even higher level."

Claflin's Department of Music is widely respected for seamlessly integrating rigorous academic curricula with dynamic performance opportunities to prepare the next generation of global musicians and scholars. The Yamaha CFX will serve as a centerpiece for music education and performances at Claflin's W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center. It will support individual instruction, student and faculty recitals, ensemble performances, master classes, guest artist appearances, and other University and community programs.

"This acquisition reflects where Claflin is headed as an institution," said Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. "We are building programs and making investments that position Claflin among the nation's leading destinations for the arts. This piano is a visible symbol of that ambition. It is a statement about the standards we uphold for our students and the confidence we place in their future."

Claflin's investment gives students experience playing an instrument designed for the world's leading concert stages. Renowned among concert pianists and educators for its tonal range, clarity, projection, and responsiveness, the CFX will help students refine their technique and musical expression while preparing for graduate study, auditions, competitions, and professional careers.

The new CFX complements the Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos already in use in Claflin's piano laboratories. Together, the instruments create a consistent Yamaha learning environment across classroom instruction, individual preparation, and performance. With the addition of the CFX, Claflin becomes an all-Yamaha piano school.

Dr. Eunjung Choi, a professor of music at Claflin and head of the University's keyboard program, traveled to Yamaha Corporation of America's facility in Buena Park, California, to personally select the University's instrument from among three CFX concert grands.

"Each concert grand has its own musical personality, so selecting the right piano for Claflin was an important responsibility," Choi said. "Our students can now learn and perform on an instrument that can respond to the full range of their musical ideas. I am excited about what this will mean for their development and for our music program's future."

The acquisition was completed in collaboration with Fox Music House. This Charleston-based, family-owned music company has served schools, churches, institutions, professional musicians, and families throughout the Carolinas since 1928.

"Claflin University approached this acquisition with a clear purpose and great care," said Joseph Fox of Fox Music House. "Dr. Choi's personal selection of the instrument reflects the University's commitment to finding the right musical voice for its students, faculty, and performance space. This is an investment designed to serve Claflin for generations."

Artists have selected Yamaha CFX pianos for major concert performances, international competitions, and professional recordings. Its presence at Claflin will give students access to the same caliber of instrument found on prominent stages and in leading music institutions.

"Yamaha is proud to partner with Claflin University as it continues investing in meaningful opportunities for its students," said Amy Sorter, general manager of the Piano Division at Yamaha Corporation of America. "Having access to a world-class concert grand like the Yamaha CFX connects what students learn in the classroom with the demands of professional performance. This investment will inspire Claflin's students and help prepare the next generation of musicians and music educators to reach their fullest potential."

The CFX will also help Claflin broaden its cultural programming by welcoming guest performers, supporting educational programs and inviting audiences to experience exceptional live music on campus.

"This is not simply the delivery of a new piano," McGee said. "It is an investment in what our students can become. It strengthens what we can teach, what they can perform, and what Claflin can contribute to our community's cultural life."

About Claflin University

Founded in 1869, Claflin University is a nationally recognized, Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Claflin is committed to providing students with an exemplary educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership development, and a tradition of preparing visionary leaders with global perspectives.

About Fox Music House

Founded in 1928, Fox Music House is a family-owned music company based in Charleston, South Carolina. The company provides acoustic and digital pianos, institutional music solutions, and professional services to educational institutions, churches, performance venues, music professionals, and families throughout the Carolinas.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America is the largest subsidiary of Yamaha Corporation, the world-leading music and sound company, based in Hamamatsu, Japan. The Yamaha team is committed to helping everyone progress, express, and connect through music and sound. We offer innovative, finely crafted, award-winning products for your entire musical journey, including pianos, brass instruments, woodwinds, strings, electronic keyboards, guitars, drums, professional and home audio equipment.

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