Salem College to Celebrate 40 Years of Barbara Lister-Sink’s Artistic Leadership with Gala

Winston-Salem, N.C. — Salem College will celebrate the 40-year legacy of internationally recognized pianist, educator, and Director of Music Barbara Lister-Sink with a gala celebration on April 10-11, 2026. The event will honor her contributions to the college, its students, and the global music community.

A Weekend of Celebration

The Lister-Sink 40th Year Gala Celebration will bring together alumnae, students, colleagues, family, and friends for a weekend of events, including concerts, an art exhibit of Lister-Sink’s works, receptions, brunch gatherings, and conversations reflecting on four decades of musical excellence and mentorship at Salem College.

Barbara Lister-Sink’s Impact on Salem College

Lister-Sink joined Salem College in 1986 and has held numerous leadership roles, shaping the School of Music into a vibrant center for artistic and professional development. From 1986 to 1992, she served as the first female Dean of the School of Music, launching initiatives such as the Friends of the School of Music, the “ON THE TOWN!” concert series, the Alumnae Artist Series, the Career Spectrum Series, and the SALEM MUSIC newsletter.

She led the College through its 1990 reaccreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and later served as a visiting evaluator for the organization. Lister-Sink likewise organized and performed in major musical events, including the Moravian Chamber Music Festival and the Percy Grainger International Festival, bringing renowned musicians to Salem.

As Artist-in-Residence (1992–2009) and later Director of the School of Music (2009–2019), Lister-Sink continued to innovate through programming and curriculum. She spearheaded a $180,000 fundraising campaign to restore the Sandresky/Lister-Sink Steinway piano, directed the Clemens &amp. Margaret Sandresky Artist Faculty Concert Series, and organized interdisciplinary musical events. A notable project was “Forgotten Fruit: 1,000 Years of Music by Women,” a 1994 festival highlighting works by women composers and featuring 40 performers.

Recognition and Awards

Lister-Sink’s dedication to Salem and its students has been recognized with several honors, including the H.A. Pfohl Award for Excellence (2024), Faculty Marshal (2020–2026), Salem College Distinguished Professor (2013–2018), and the Omicron Delta Teacher of the Year Award (1995).

A Global Leader in Musicians’ Health

In addition to her work at Salem College, Lister-Sink has achieved international recognition for her work in musicians’ health and injury-preventive piano technique. She was named one of “America’s 30 Top Professionals of 2018” by Musical America Global for her contributions as an innovator and visionary leader. She received a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) from Columbia University in 2015.

Her educational video, Freeing the Caged Bird: Developing Well-Coordinated, Injury-Preventive Piano Technique, established her as a global leader in the field. She designed and directed Salem’s Professional Certificate Program in Injury-Preventive Keyboard Technique and helped develop the Master of Music in Performance & Pedagogy with an Emphasis in Injury-Preventive Technique—the first program of its kind in the United States approved by NASM.

Looking Ahead

Since 2019, Lister-Sink has continued her leadership as Artistic Director of the School of Music, organizing concerts and events, including the Sandresky Artists Series. The upcoming gala celebration will honor her extraordinary legacy and the relationships and achievements that have shaped Salem’s musical community for four decades.

About Salem College

Founded in 1772, Salem College is the oldest continuously operating educational institution for women in the United States. Salem provides a liberal arts education focused on health and leadership, preparing graduates to lead meaningful lives and build healthier communities.