Margaret Wacyk, Biography

Hailed by the American Music Guide for her “versatility in many styles that emphasize chameleon-like transformations” Margaret Wacyk is a trailblazer who is breathing new life into the art of piano playing.

Ms. Wacyk is a concert pianist trained in the 19th century tradition of Golden Tone. Additionally, she is the author of two books, a composer and recording artist. Her second recording, Piano Works was chosen as Gramophone Magazine’s Best New Releases from North America.

Margaret was born into a musical family and her talent for music became evident from an early age. She graduated from New York University and studied with legendary teachers such as Jasha Zayde, Dorothy Priesing, Justin Dello Joio and Mordecai Shehori. She supplemented her studies in composition at the Juilliard School with Stanley Wolfe and Dan Coleman. Her original compositions were featured in the film The Lesson. 

As a soloist, Ms. Wacyk made her NYC debut at Carnegie Recital Hall in 2000 and has since concertized in the United States and Europe. Notable appearances include her performance with the Gulf Coast Symphony in Florida, a solo appearance at the BIG Arts festival in Sanibel, Florida and multiple returns to Carnegie Recital Hall in NYC.

As a performer Margaret revives the tradition of expressive piano playing from the 19th century. For several years she has collaborated with master piano technician Marc Wienert (the subject of the NY Times best seller Grand Obsession by Perri Knize). He curates, prepares and tunes selected instruments from the ‘Golden Era’ of piano making that Margaret and Atamian use in recordings and recitals. It is a unique, artisan approach where musician and instrument-maker work hand in hand to achieve an artistic ideal.