The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State encompasses nine departments, and the Armenian Studies Program. Each year, new faculty are brought on to elevate the academic offerings here at Fresno State. These new faculty members bring innovative research, diverse fields of study, and technical expertise to our college, inspiring fresh ways of thinking throughout our many disciplines.
Michael Krikorian returns to his alma mater as he joins the Department of Music as an Associate Professor. He has also taught at the USC Thornton School of Music, and at the Concordia Summer Chamber Music Camp at Concordia University in Irvine, CA. In high demand as an adjudicator for festivals and competitions, Dr. Krikorian has served as a judge for the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT), the University of Alabama Huntsville Piano Competition, the Image International Music Festival Competition, and the Artciál International Piano Competition. He is also the co-founder of the SoCal International Piano Competition which draws participants from across four continents.
In addition to performing and teaching, Dr. Krikorian composes music for the concert stage and visual media. His original score for “The Fidelio Incident” (Act 3 Games), has been praised as “brilliant,” “powerful” and a soundtrack that “effectively conveys the mood.”
What are your office hours?
Monday: 12:00PM–1:00PM
Tuesday: 10:00AM–12:00PM
Thursday: 10:00AM–12:00PM
Tell me a little about yourself. Where were you born? Where did you grow up? What schools/universities did you attend?
I was born and raised in Fresno, and am an alumnus of Fresno State! I also earned my MM from the Manhattan School of Music, and my DMA from USC.
What do you love about music?
Music is the most powerful form of emotional communication—it is the full range of human feeling and experience translated into sound. It can be emotionally stirring and intellectually profound all at the same time. Most of all, I love how it feels when I’m playing it, and being able to share this with others.
What is your primary instrument? Why?
Piano is my primary instrument. I did not choose the piano, the piano chose me! I grew up hearing my dad and brothers practicing the piano we had at home, so naturally I would sit down on the bench and tinker away on the keys trying to feel my way through familiar tunes. Most of these were from the video games I played in those days, like Ocarina of Time and Castlevania. What I really love about the piano, and one of the things that makes it such a fantastic instrument, is that it offers a HUGE range—it’s like having an entire orchestra at my fingertips!
Why do you think music is important?
Music has been connecting people for as long as we have populated the earth. In fact, many of the most important people in my life are those I connected with through a shared love for music. My wife is also a pianist, and it was our passion for music that brought us together. I strongly believe that if more people played music together, the world would be a better place.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in all things—good, bad, exciting, mundane. Music expresses the full spectrum of the human experience. So, the richer that experience, the better the music-making! Also, really good food. Some of the most sublime moments of my life have been enjoying the perfect bites of a perfect dish.
What are you looking forward to at Fresno State?
Coming back to Fresno State is a homecoming for me. I’m looking forward to being back in my old stomping grounds and working with all the wonderful students and faculty here!
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 