JTC 25: Piano, Passion and Purpose

For Ransford Kwabena Addae, music has been a lifelong passion, one that has taken him from Ghana to the University of Mississippi, where he continues to refine his skills and work toward his dreams.

When Addae was 7, his father purchased a keyboard and enrolled him in lessons. Lessons were short lived, but Addae persisted, learning mostly by ear and from online resources before formally developing his ability to read music. By 10, he was performing on Sundays at the Blessed Clementina Catholic Church in Ghana.

“I was fortunate to have been exposed to music at a young age, thanks to my Catholic upbringing and opportunities to play in church and community choirs,” Addae said. “However, despite my early start and self-taught efforts, I lacked technical guidance.”

Addae completed his bachelor’s degree in music education at the University of Education, Winneba. During this time, he performed as a keyboardist with the Harmonious Chorale Ghana. After graduation, he enrolled at the University of Mississippi and is slated to graduate in May with a master's in collaborative piano.

Coming to Ole Miss was a game changer, Addae said. He performed with his first large ensemble, the Lafayette Oxford University Symphony Orchestra, enhanced his teaching skills and confidence while serving as a teaching assistant to music instructor Debra Atkinson and was introduced to new musical ideas in Jiayan Sun’s guest master class.

He also found mentors in Amanda Johnston, Adrienne Park and Ian Hominick, all faculty members in the Department of Music.

“I have witnessed his development within applied lessons, collaborative piano courses and ensembles, and am proud of the transformation of his abilities, particularly with his hailing from a region in Ghana where it was challenging to have access to acoustic pianos,” said Park, assistant professor of collaborative piano.

“In his brief time in this country and at UM, he has built a large, supportive following here in Oxford and northern Mississippi, as evidenced by the many guests at his first degree recital last fall who were cheering at the end of this important milestone.”

Addae is also a member of the Ole Miss Drum and Dance Ensemble, directed by fellow Ghanaian and music professor George Dor.

Dor knew of Addae from his performances with the Harmonious Chorale before he came to Ole Miss.

“The artistic nurturing he has received from our piano faculty was evident when he was the collaborative pianist for ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ during two UM Black History Month concerts,” he said. “Ransford has joined a team of outstanding Ghanaian students of whom I am proud for their accomplishments.”

Beyond academics, Addae finds strength in his faith. Having grown up in the church, he credits his spiritual support system for instilling in him a mindset of generosity, kindness and positive thinking. He plays piano and organ at Grace United Methodist Church in Memphis.

Through the Memphis church, Addae found a support system far from home. Pastor Martin G. McCain has been a pillar of spiritual support. Edwin Fox, director of music and worship, has encouraged and mentored Addae during his journey.

“I have found Ransford to be a skilled and highly qualified musician,” Fox said. “More so, he is led by God’s Holy Spirit, which is reflected in his music and relationship with our pastor, Rev. Martin G. McCain, and congregation.

“I consider Ransford my son, and I treat him as such having the honor of meeting and being hosted by his mother and father in his hometown of Ashaiman, Ghana, in December 2024. My son is forthright, honest and kind; I am thankful to God our paths have crossed.”

With aspirations to study organ and deepen his love for sacred music, Addae is applying for a master’s or doctoral program in organ performance. Long term, he dreams of establishing his own music school in Ghana, equipped with instruments and resources to train young musicians.

“I want to give back to where I grew up, provide access to music education and inspire the next generation,” Addae said.

Top: Ransford Kwabena Addae has broadened his music skills, confidence and teaching abilities while at the University of Mississippi. The native of Ghana also has found a spiritual support system through his work with Grace United Methodist Church in Memphis. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

See more photos from Ransford Addae's Journey to Commencement