School of Music

Duane Funderburk was raised in a minister’s home, growing up in the Pacific Northwest. His musical training began at the age of four. He earned his undergraduate degree from Seattle Pacific University in Piano Performance and Music Education, studying with Marcile Mack and Randolph Hokanson. Funderburk then earned his Master of Music in Piano Performance from Boston University where he studied with Hungarian pianist Bela Nagy. It was during this time that Funderburk won the Aaron Richmond Piano Competition, leading to live performances and radio broadcasts in the New England states. During his doctoral studies at the University of Southern California, Funderburk participated in a series of concerts in Berlin, performing with four other doctoral candidates and the Berlin Chamber Orchestra in 1996.

In 1995, Funderburk recorded his first CD with the Des Moines Symphony, and in 1998 arranged, conducted, and performed on the Live From Broadway compact disc for baritone Simon Estes. Recently, Funderburk lectured and performed in Sweden, Lithuania, Egypt, and Shanghai, performing with violinist Alex Russell at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

Funderburk combines his work as dean of the School of Music at Azusa Pacific University with an active performing and lecturing schedule, and serves at Lake Avenue Congregational Church as artist in residence.