Baoli Liu, piano technician for the School of Music, is a 2026 Academic Staff Excellence Award winner. The award recognizes “academic staff members who have gone above and beyond in their campus roles as researchers, instructors, administrators, technicians, and public servants.”

Though Liu’s work often occurs behind the scenes, its impact is heard in every rehearsal and concert performed at the School of Music.

That’s because Liu’s craftsmanship quietly sustains the school’s 159 pianos spread across practice rooms, studios, classrooms and performance venues. Liu ensures each instrument sounds its best for every practice session, rehearsal and performance.

Liu’s expertise extends well beyond tuning. He keeps the pianos’ intricate action mechanisms in order, restores aging parts, evaluates their tonal quality and makes sure the school’s concert grands are in tip-top shape for visiting artists and major recitals. Faculty and students rely on his discerning ear and technical precision to maintain consistent, responsive instruments that support both daily instruction and world-class performances. As such, Liu’s meticulousness and deep commitment to excellence in every detail of his craft have become indispensable to the school.