Louis Nagel is a renowned classical pianist and professor of music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. He was born on August 18, 1942, in New York City, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Nagel began playing the piano at the age of four and showed exceptional talent from an early age. Nagel received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School in 1963, where he studied with Rosina Lhévinne. He then went on to earn his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in 1965, where he studied with Constance Keene. Nagel continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1970. Nagel has had a distinguished career as a performer, teacher, and adjudicator. He has performed as a soloist with many major orchestras, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He has also given recitals throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. One of Nagel's most notable performances was his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1972. He performed a program of works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy to critical acclaim. The New York Times praised Nagel's "impeccable technique and musical sensitivity." Nagel has also been recognized for his recordings. He has recorded the complete piano works of Chopin, as well as works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Debussy. His recording of Chopin's complete Nocturnes was named one of the top ten classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. In addition to his performing career, Nagel has been a dedicated teacher. He joined the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1969 and has been a professor of music there ever since. He has also taught at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Meadowmount School of Music. Nagel has been recognized for his teaching with numerous awards and honors. He was named a Distinguished University Professor at the University of Michigan in 2003, and he received the Harold Haugh Award for Excellence in Studio Teaching in 2010. He has also been a recipient of the Michigan Association of State Universities Distinguished Professor of the Year Award. Nagel has also been an active adjudicator and has served on the juries of many international piano competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. Throughout his career, Nagel has been a passionate advocate for classical music. He has given lectures and masterclasses on the history and interpretation of piano music, and he has written articles and reviews for various music publications. In addition to his work as a performer, teacher, and adjudicator, Nagel has also been involved in various music organizations. He has served as president of the American Liszt Society and the Ann Arbor chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He has also been a member of the board of directors of the Music Teachers National Association. Nagel's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was named a Steinway Artist in 1972, and he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Music Teachers Association in 2017.

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