Molly Sanford joined the NSMS faculty and administrative team in 2024. She earned her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with a minor in Musicology at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), studying with Michael Chertock. She was also the Head Graduate Assistant of Secondary Piano for Dr. Michelle Conda, serving as administrative support for the piano department. Dr. Sanford completed her Master’s degree at CCM, and she holds a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, where she studied with Lori Sims and was a member of the contemporary music ensemble Birds on a Wire.
Dr. Sanford specializes in contemporary and American music; her most recent projects include presentations on interpreting Charles Ives’ “Concord” Sonata, solo piano transcriptions and lecture recitals of John Williams’ film music, and a CD album premiering several of Allen Sapp’s piano works. Her recital programs often include creative pairings of well-known and unknown repertoire.
In both group and private lessons, Dr. Sanford enjoys teaching students of all ages and spreading a love for music. At CCM, she was the instructor of record for music major group classes, non-major electives, and honors-level private lessons. She constructed and refined curricula to help students develop a variety of musical skills. In addition, she taught at the Piano Sensei studio in Cincinnati from 2020-2024. Dr. Sanford is an active member of MTNA, and she has presented at various conferences on motivation through contemporary music, teaching students with visual impairments, practice strategies for adult piano students, and technology in group piano classes.
When she is not at the piano, Dr. Sanford works on music editing, mixing, mastering, and audio restoration for film scores, instrumental works, and private recordings. She is now helping to run the NSMS Silent Film Celebration.