When Mohammad “Mo” Abdelrahman first sat down at a piano at age 18, he had no idea his life was about to change.
Eight years later, as he prepares to graduate from Illinois State University with a master’s degree in music performance, Abdelrahman has become a gifted pianist, performing some of the most technically difficult compositions ever written.
Originally from Chicago’s South Side, Abdelrahman did not grow up immersed in classical music, but he showed a creative ear. He primarily played guitar and was largely self-taught. He began college at Loyola University as a chemistry major with a minor in music, following a path partially shaped by family expectations.
His exposure to piano remained limited until a fellow student introduced him to classical repertoire, jump-starting his love for the art form.
“I didn’t even know all this music existed,” he said. “It felt like a whole new world opened up.”
“I didn’t even know all this music existed. It felt like a whole new world opened up.”
—Mo Abdelrahman
That moment became a turning point. Abdelrahman shifted his focus from chemistry to piano, drawn by the instrument’s technical and expressive range.
Most college-level pianists begin their training in early childhood, building technique over years of lessons. Despite his late start, Abdelrahman developed a rigorous practice routine, spending four to eight hours a day at the piano, often late into the night.
“This obsession with the instrument was sort of born at this time. Every single day I could see progress, which was great,” he said.
With encouragement from faculty mentors, including Dr. Haysun Kang at Loyola, Abdelrahman made a pivotal decision. He left Loyola to pursue music more seriously while completing general education courses through the City Colleges of Chicago. During this time, he spent long days commuting across the city between lessons, work, and school.
“There were days I’d leave early in the morning and not get home until midnight,” he said. “It was exhausting, but I knew what I was working toward.”
After finishing his general education coursework, Abdelrahman enrolled at Northeastern Illinois University to pursue a bachelor’s in music performance, studying with Dr. Susan Tang. His skills developed rapidly, and he began performing advanced compositions by Frédéric Chopin and Sergei Rachmaninoff.
One of his biggest accomplishments was winning The Elyse J. Mach Concerto Competition, earning the chance to perform the first movement of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with an orchestra.
“That was a very visceral experience,” he said. “The piece itself meant a lot to me personally.”
After completing his undergraduate studies, Abdelrahman enrolled in the graduate program at Illinois State’s School of Music, where he received a full tuition waiver, a graduate teaching assistantship, and a graduate merit fellowship.
“What mattered most to me was who I was going to study with,” he said. “But beyond that, Illinois State has so many opportunities to play and collaborate.”
As a Redbird, Abdelrahman immersed himself in performance and teaching. He performed with ensembles, collaborated with musicians, and worked as a private instructor through the Community School for the Arts.
Dr. Geoffrey Duce, professor of piano and piano area coordinator in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, said Abdelrahman’s growth has been remarkable.
“I first met Mo when he played for me in a master class in Chicago, and I was immediately struck by his seriousness of purpose,” Duce said. “During his time at ISU, he has made enormous strides and is now one of our best students.”
Dr. Renee Chernick, group piano coordinator and piano pedagogy instructor, spoke highly of Abdelrahman’s teaching abilities.
“I have several students in upper levels of group piano class who talk about Mo with such fondness. In any subject, when an instructor can relate to their students like Mo does, the students are more excited to come to class and simply learn the material better,” Chernick said.
Despite his success, Abdelrahman’s journey has included moments of financial strain, long commutes, and self-doubt. His family, initially hesitant about his switch to music, has become supportive.
“They’ve seen that I’m doing okay for myself,” he said. “And they’re happy that I’m doing what I love.”
As graduation approaches, Abdelrahman plans to continue teaching, pursue adjunct opportunities, and gain more performance experience. He is also considering a doctoral degree.
“I want to keep performing more and getting more comfortable on stage,” he said. “And I want to keep growing as a musician.”
When asked what advice he would give to someone hesitant to try something new, his answer reflects the mindset that has guided his journey.
“There’s no harm in trying and failing,” he said. “I don’t want to wonder what if.”
Abdelrahman will perform works by Beethoven, Prokofiev, Liszt, and more during his graduate recital at 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Kemp Recital Hall in Centennial East.