NEWS | October 30, 2003

At Home in Music
A pianist travels across the globe to set an example for UTA music students.

By Kate Bolen
The Shorthorn staff

Fabio Bidini began his career when he was 4 years old.

He listened to music every day in the small town of Arezzo, Italy, teaching himself to play piano on a small keyboard his father gave him as a gift. He learned to play by ear. He said it just came naturally.

But it wasn’t enough.

A man living in the apartment above Bidini’s family played piano and took an interest in the child. Every day, the two practiced from 3 to 8 p.m. Bidini said those lessons put him on the right path. He and his teacher developed a special bond through music, he added.

“He never had any children of his own. He loved me like a son,” he said. “He was a good man.”

Bidini, 35, has been recognized around the world for his skills as a pianist. He came to the Metroplex in 1993 as a competitor for the Fort Worth Van Cliburn Competition, where he placed sixth. He returned to the area numerous times in the next eight years. In 2001, Bidini inquired about teaching and performing at UTA.

Music Chairman Larry Wiley said Bidini’s reputation preceded him. He said when he finally met the pianist, he saw that his teaching could benefit the university. Bidini has delivered what Dr. Wiley thought he would.

“He has added a whole new dimension to the Music Department, especially the piano division,” Wiley said. “The students really look forward to his visits because of his wonderful instruction.”

Bidini’s reputation comes from years of success in the international community.

By the age of 7, he began taking professional lessons. At 8, he entered his first competition, walking away with first place. Over the next six years, he won each competition of the 11 he entered.

However, he said his youth was not as glamorous as it seemed.

“When you begin to play so young and you start winning, it stops being fun and becomes a habit,” he said.

With his parents’ support, Bidini continued to compete. He placed in eight international competitions, earning world-wide recognition.

He has performed with several orchestras across the globe, including the London Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestra Filharmonica Italiani.

During his two-week stay here this semester, the Steinway piano artist has taught master piano classes for a third year. Bidini said he has enjoyed working with students and hopes they see him as an example.

Piano performance sophomore Wim Van Rooyen is working with him for the second time. Van Rooyen said he enjoys studying with Bidini because of his honesty in telling students where they need improvement.

“He is direct,” he said. “When something is wrong, he immediately points it out and helps you fix it.”

He also said Bidini has been an inspiration to him and other students.

Bidini has his own inspiration.

In June, he got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Sabrina-Vivian Hopcker. Now, he said, she has become his muse.

“Aside from my music, she is the most important part of my life,” Bidini said. “Love is one of the most important things to a musician. She is fundamental in my life.”

The next few years are booked for Bidini. He will not only travel around the United States, he will also make trips to Germany, France, Italy, Holland and China for performances.

“I don’t know where home is anymore. I live week by week on planes,” he said. “It’s very hard to live like this, but it’s not only my job, it’s my life. To make music is all my life. I can’t think of life without music.”

The University of Texas at Arlington | Department of Student Publications
© Copyright 2001. All Rights Reserved. Corrections | Webmaster