The University of Mobile (UM) became an All–Steinway Institution in 2016. A decade later, the university’s Alabama School of the Arts (ASOTA) music program has doubled in size, earned national recognition, and transformed its artistic identity. UM is now ranked the #1 Best College for Music in Alabama and among the Top 100 Best Colleges for Music in America in the 2026 Niche Best Colleges rankings. For ASOTA, such distinctions affirm a long arc of intentional growth — and at the center of that story stands the Steinway legacy.

Founded in 1961 on an 880–acre campus just north of Mobile, UM began as a Christ–centered institution with a vision of preparing students academically, artistically, and spiritually. From its earliest years, the university placed a high value on the performing arts. Small ensembles and music programs became signatures of campus life, and over time the school expanded its offerings, building a reputation for producing skilled, service-minded musicians and arts leaders.

By the time UM reached its 50th anniversary, the Alabama School of the Arts had emerged as one of the Southeast’s premier performing arts centers. The decision to pursue and achieve All–Steinway Institution status in 2016 marked a pivotal chapter in that evolution. It accelerated growth, elevated artistic standards, and helped reshape the program’s national profile.

BUILDING AN ALL–STEINWAY FUTURE TOGETHER

UM’s transition to an All–Steinway Institution was made possible through strategic vision, faculty leadership, and a strong regional partnership with Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort, the authorized Steinway & Sons representative serving the central Gulf Coast. A central figure in the process was Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva — Professor of Music, Director of Piano Studies, and Steinway Artist — whose artistic leadership and institutional advocacy helped guide ASOTA through a defining period.

In collaboration with ASOTA leadership, Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort played an essential role in planning, fundraising, and acquisition. Together, they supported ASOTA’s focused campaign, “All Steinway, All Together,” which reached its goal in just twelve months and united donors, alumni, and supporters around a shared commitment to musical excellence.

As part of this institutional effort, Dr. Onalbayeva represented the University of Mobile at Steinway & Sons’ flagship fundraising program, Keys to Finding Funds, in New York City. Over three consecutive years, she honed UM’s vision, strategy, and progress. Her presentations deepened the university’s relationship with Steinway & Sons and reinforced ASOTA’s standing among leading music programs nationwide.

The partnership between UM and Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort has extended well beyond campus. In collaboration with Dr. Onalbayeva, the Gallery helped launch the Gulf Coast Steinway Society, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to high-level music education and performance opportunities throughout the region. The Gallery remains a committed annual donor, supporting the Society’s competitions, concerts, and educational outreach.

Christy Myers, owner of Steinway Piano Gallery Spanish Fort, reflected on the collaboration: “Our relationship with the University of Mobile has been a solid and inspirational partnership from the very beginning. The connections we have built with UM’s administration, faculty, and Dr. Onalbayeva continue to thrive because of a shared vision and a deep commitment to musical excellence. We are proud to support ASOTA and to be part of a program that is changing students’ lives through music.”

FACULTY LEADERSHIP AT THE CENTER OF TRANSFORMATION

As Professor of Music and Director of Piano Studies, Dr. Onalbayeva has been one of the defining figures in ASOTA’s era of growth. Her international performance career, combined with her standing as a Steinway Artist, brings exceptional artistic authority to the program. For students, the opportunity to study with a Steinway Artist — and to practice and perform on Steinway pianos — creates both aspiration and daily accountability.

“My connection with Steinway began when I was nine years old,” Dr. Onalbayeva said. “The first time I saw a Steinway on stage, it felt like a dream just to imagine playing it. I still remember that feeling — the sound, the tone, the emotional warmth. A Steinway allows you to create your own personal interpretation.”

Her leadership has ensured that the All–Steinway distinction is not merely a designation, but a lived part of ASOTA’s pedagogy, performance standards, and artistic culture.

“Students advance so much more quickly when they practice on a Steinway,” she said. “The instrument supports them. It helps them shape the music the way they feel it. I tell my students, ‘You have no excuses. We’ve given you the greatest tools.’”
 

“Our program has doubled in size since we became an All–Steinway Institution. Excellence attracts excellence.”

A COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMING-ARTS EXPERIENCE

Today, ASOTA is recognized as one of the most comprehensive performing arts programs in the Southeast. Students gain real-world experience through more than sixteen ensembles spanning classical, contemporary, commercial, and sacred music traditions.

The university’s annual Christmas Spectacular, which draws more than eight thousand attendees, has become both a regional tradition and a signature expression of UM’s artistic identity. Steinway pianos figure prominently in these performances, supporting student and faculty artists with the nuance, power, and reliability such large-scale productions demand.

“We are a Christ–centered school with strong academics, a safe campus, and world-class instruments,” Dr. Onalbayeva said. “Steinway supports our mission by giving students the best possible foundation. Piano is the basis for everything in music, and when students have these instruments, they thrive. Our program has doubled in size since we became an All–Steinway Institution. Excellence attracts excellence.”

For the University of Mobile, the Steinway commitment has become more than an investment in instruments. It has become an institutional standard — visible in recruitment, audible in performance, and felt in the confidence of students being trained to meet a higher level of artistic expectation.