Brad Blackham is a teacher of piano and directory of keyboard studies. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What is one of the things that you enjoy teaching the most?

I especially enjoy helping students to experience a work of music that is completely new to them and seeing that they’ve made a real emotional connection with that work. 

What is one of your favorite pieces of music to play?

Maurice Ravel’s “Concerto for the Left Hand.” My memories of first discovering that piece way back as an undergrad piano major are still quite vivid and deep. I’ll always remember the amazement I had that it was actually one hand playing, and the left hand as well! 

Who is one of your favorite composers?

Maurice Ravel.

How long have you been playing music?

My parents told me that I started picking out tunes on our piano at home when I was four. They got me into lessons when I turned five, so I’ve been playing for 47 years now. 

Do you have any hobbies you enjoy?

I’m a pretty die-hard reader and a movie nut, and I used to play tennis pretty seriously. Now I’m getting my daughters into tennis, so it’s given me a reason to start hitting again.

Are you a coffee person, a tea person, neither, or both?

I am definitely a coffee person, and I prefer an americano in the morning—with cream and sugar. I’ve tried tea, but I’m really hooked on the taste of good espresso and I think americanos hold the flavor of good espresso really well.

What is something that is on your bucket list?

One bucket list item for me would be to go with a couple friends and tour the Islay distilleries in Scotland. Specifically, I’d want to tour Ardbeg and Lagavulin, but I’d tour all of them if I got to go. 

What is a controversial opinion that you have?

I am a firm believer that Van Halen was, without question, better with David Lee Roth than with Sammy Hagar. Nobody can convince me otherwise. 

How do you unwind?

I love watching movies at home with my wife and daughters. A dram of good bourbon is a wonderful accompaniment but not a necessity. 

What is one of the most beautiful places you have ever been?

Years ago, I was fortunate enough to get to go on a European tour with the Pittsburgh Symphony, and my wife went with me. We had one free day where we took the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris and spent the afternoon there. We saw some of the Louvre and walked down the Champs-Élysées and almost made it all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. We had a pretty strict time limit to get back on the train, but we did get close enough to have the image of the Arc de Triomphe permanently etched into our memory. The eight lane roundabout is an amazing thing to behold as well. 

Do you like to cook? If so, what kinds of things do you like to cook?

I love to cook. Lately, I really enjoy making authentic Italian pasta dishes. Stanley Tucci’s recipes are some of my favorites.

What do you think you would be doing if you were not a professor?

If I wasn’t teaching, I’m sure I’d be performing even more, probably as an orchestral keyboardist.

What is one of the craziest things you have ever done?

The craziest thing I’ve done was choosing to become a parent, without a doubt. At the same time, I wouldn’t have my life any other way!