Piano

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Musical Arts, Eastman School of Music
Bachelor of Music, University of Michigan
High school diploma, Interlochen Arts Academy

malatalo@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Wed, 10/11/2017 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

http://www.mariealatalo.com

Name

Dr. Marie Alatalo

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Administration

Faculty

Phone

847.448.8319

Photo

Alatalo, Marie Dr web pic copy.jpg

Photo Credit

Program Area

Musicianship

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

Three Questions Answer

Marie is an avid swimmer and cook/baker. She was a finalist in the Christmas cookie competition at Foodstuffs!

Weight

-97

GUID

112

Media ID

426

Willing to Teach at

Dr. Sung Hoon Mo

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:35 +0000

Dr. Sung Hoon Mo ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Over the years, Dr. Mo had a lot of accomplished and talented instructors. Some of his most significant teachers/mentors include: James Tocco, Leon Fleisher, and Emanuel Ax.

Awards and achievements:

Pianist Sung Hoon Mo has performed extensively as a soloist and chamber musician.
Sung has performed for the American Embassy in Guatemala and has toured throughout Puerto Rico, giving concerts at San Juan Conservatory and the Ponce Museum.

He was featured on PBS and has been heard on many radio broadcasts, including WQXR in New York City as a winner of the Bergen Philharmonic Concerto Competition.

He has given master classes and lectures in Sewanee Summer Music Festival in Tennessee and the National Conservatory of Music at Guatamala City.

In Germany, he has toured with violinist Victor Tretjakov and violist Yuri Bashmet in an ensemble Villa Musica.

He has collaborated with artists including violinist Charles Castleman, and cellists Pieter Wispelwey and Emilio Colon, with whom he has recorded on the Klavier and the Enharmonic labels.

Academic Title

Piano and Musicianship Faculty

Administrative Title

Site Coordinator, Downers Grove

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Academy Chamber Music Coaches
Musicianship

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

DMA, Peabody Conservatory of Music
MM, Performer's Certificate from Indiana University
BM, Eastman School of Music

smo@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Sun, 09/01/1996 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Dr. Sung Hoon Mo

Person Type

Administration

Faculty

Phone

847.877.4854

Photo

Mo, Sung Hoon_0.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Since moving to Chicago, he has been an active chamber musician and a guest solo recitalist performing at such venues as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra chamber music series, De Paul University, and the Ravinia Festival.

In addition to serving as the Downers Grove site coordinator and piano faculty at the Music Institute of Chicago, he is also on the piano faculty at the Wheaton College Conservatory.

Program Area

Weight

-93

GUID

Media ID

Academy Faculty

Chamber Music Coaches

Elif Allenfort

ntakagi — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:47:31 +0000

Elif Allenfort ntakagi Wed, 09/10/2025 - 14:47

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

The Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Brussels, Belgium
Queen Elizabeth Music Chapel, Waterloo, Belgium

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

I believe that the arts, especially music, are supreme among all human achievements. Our existence is all about connection, and what better way to connect with each other than through music? Through making and teaching music, we can connect, affect and change each other in the most meaningful way. I take pride in being a musician and a teacher and am honored to play my part in this endeavor.

Music is my passion and teaching is an extension of it. I believe there is a need in every person to express themselves, and music can be a great medium for it. I wish to instill the love of music in my students (and art in general) to help them find their inner creativity and their own voice as they learn to make music.

I love the process of teaching and it is a great pleasure for me to watch how my students learn and grow. Over the years I have taught many students from a young age, and it always amazes me to see how they grow both as musicians and human beings, finding their creative voices. I feel quite honored to be in their lives and that they share this experience with me.

I am comfortable with, and confident in, teaching all levels of students. I create a curriculum for each student, according to their levels and individual needs. As in all forms of education, a solid foundation is essential. My curriculum always builds upon good technique, music theory and history; for I believe understanding what they play helps my students tremendously. I mindfully nurture my students' inner creativity and show parallels between music and other art forms, to help them become better musicians.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

B.A. Piano Performance. Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory, Türkiye
M.A. Piano Performance. Roosevelt University Chicago Musical College.
Artist Diploma. Roosevelt University Chicago Musical College.

eallenfort@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 09/01/2025 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Elif Allenfort

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Allenfort, Elif.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the affiliated ISMTA and NWSMTA associations.
Active Solo and Chamber Musician with prominent local and international artists.
Extensive background as a professional accompanist with both instrumentalists and vocalists.

Program Area

Three Questions Answer

I am an avid reader. I enjoy reading both literature and non-fiction books, especially books about world history.
I also enjoy anything art-related: paintings, visiting art museums, the opera, classical and jazz concerts. I love spending time with my family and my Shiba Inu, Zola.

My favorite composers are: Bach, Brahms and Shostakovich.

Through playing my instrument I can make a deep and meaningful connection with others. I love when I see the impact that we musicians have on our audience which makes it truly worthwhile for me to be an artist.

Weight

Willing to Teach at

Marta Aznavoorian

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:58:19 +0000

Marta Aznavoorian ntakagi Fri, 08/18/2023 - 11:58

“A pianist of exceptionally finished technique and purity of musical impulse”, (Boston Globe)

Marta Aznavoorian has performed to critical acclaim throughout the world as orchestral soloist, recitalist and chamber musician. A Chicago native, she has performed in her hometown’s most prestigious venues, and has appeared as a soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Aspen Concert Orchestra, The New Millenium Orchestra, San Angelo Symphony and San Diego Symphony, working with such renowned conductors as the late Sir George Solti, Lukas Foss, Henry Mazer, Francesco Milioto, Larry Eckerling, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

She was the top prizewinner in the Aspen Music Festival Piano Competition, Union League competition and Young Performer's Competition.

Her solo recital credits include the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Sydney Opera House, Steinway Hall, Weill Hall, Caramoor Festival, Tanglewood Festival, Music in the Loft, Dame Myra Hess Series, and Green Lake Music Festival, Camarata Pacifica, and the Ravinia Festival.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Student of Lev Vlasenko, Patricia Zander, Menachem Pressler, Evelyn Brancart, Carolyn McCracken; chamber music coachings with Leon Fleischer and Gilbert Kalish.

Academic Title

Piano Faculty; Artist-in-Residence

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Academy
Academy Chamber Music Coaches

Department

The Academy

Department Head

Off

Education

Masters of Music degree, New England Conservatory (Past teachers include Lev Vlassenko, Carolyn McCracken, Evelyn Brancart, and Emilio del Rosario)

Bachelor of Music degree and the coveted Music Performers Certificate, Indiana University (studied with Menahem Pressler)

maznavoorian@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Marta Aznavoorian

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Aznavoorian, Marta web pic.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Collaborative concerts for Ms. Aznavoorian include Ravinia Festival recital with cellist Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt and concerts with members of the Chicago Chamber Musicians.

Already exhibiting an extensive discography including Sonatas by Stravinisky and Ravel with violinist Jennifer Frautschi, Ms. Aznavoorian's CD with the Lincoln Trio entitled “Notable Women” won a Grammy Award for best producer Judith Sherman. The Lincoln Trio’s latest CD “Annalies” received a 2014 Grammy nomination. Ms. Aznavoorian records for Cedille and Naxos labels.

Equally at home in the classical repertoire as well as the twentieth and twenty first century works, Ms. Aznavoorian has performed premiers by Augusta Read Thomas, Laura Schwendinger, Stacy Garrop and Marta Ptaszynska, as well as standard repertoire such as Poulenc, Mozart and Schumann Piano Concerto. In strong demand as a chamber musician, Ms. Aznavoorian has collaborated with many artists such as the Pacifica Quartet, Julian Rachlin and concertizes frequently with her sister, cellist Ani Aznavoorian.

She is a founding member of the celebrated Lincoln Trio, which has had successful tours throughout the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. Ms. Aznavoorian holds both a faculty position at the Music Institute of Chicago, and an ensemble-in-residence post with the Lincoln Trio at the Merit School of Music.

Program Area

Chamber Music

Academy

Weight

Academy Faculty

Chamber Music Coaches

Dr. Daniel Baer

Educo — Sat, 06 May 2023 19:04:40 +0000

Dr. Daniel Baer Educo Sat, 05/06/2023 - 14:04

Dr. Daniel Baer has been a member of the Music Institute’s piano faculty since September 2017. He earned his doctor of musical arts and bachelor of music degrees from the Eastman School of Music and his master of music degree from The Juilliard School. He has performed across the United States and Europe, including in solo and collaborative recitals at the International Bergen Arts Festival, the Grieg Society of Oslo, Avery Fischer Hall, Kilbourn Hall, Nichols Concert Hall, and Steinway Hall.

Dr. Baer won first prize, the Marshall Prize, at the 2015 Grieg Festival Young Artist Competition held in Sarasota, Florida. He has been a prizewinner in many other national and international piano competitions including the Iowa Piano Competition, the National Federation of Music Clubs Biennial Competition, and the Empire State young artist piano competition.

In 2020, Daniel Baer was selected to be the artist-pianist for the 2020-2021 LYNX Project. He will be premiering new songs for voice and piano as well as recording songs for an anthology celebrating four years of the autism advocacy series. You can learn more at lynxproject.org. He is a member of Music Teachers National Association, for which he has served as Young Artist Competition Coordinator in Illinois, and Suzuki Association of the Americas.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

The New York Times has hailed Daniel Baer as a pianist who plays with “fluidity, warmth, and sparkle” who “achieved the often elusive…goal of putting virtuosity at the service of bigger ideas.” He has performed across the United States and Europe, including in solo and collaborative recitals at the International Bergen Arts Festival, the Grieg Society of Oslo, Avery Fischer Hall, Kilbourn Hall, Nichols Hall, and Steinway Hall.

Dr. Baer won first prize, the Marshall Prize, at the 2015 Grieg Festival Young Artist Competition held in Sarasota, Florida. He has been a prizewinner in many other national and international piano competitions including the Iowa Piano Competition, the National Federation of Music Clubs Biennial Competition, and the Empire State young artist piano competition.

Dr. Baer was invited to be the guest artist at the Leschetizky Annual Birthday Recital and was praised for a performance where “every note had color, depth, emotion, and meaning.”

In 2020, Daniel Baer was selected to be the artist-pianist for the 2020-2021 LYNX Project. He will be premiering new songs for voice and piano as well as recording songs for an anthology celebrating four years of the autism advocacy series. You can learn more at lynxproject.org.

Academic Title

Piano Faculty; Program Director, Chamber Music

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

"I want each student to achieve their goals at the piano and to have a good experience playing and studying music. I teach technique not just to achieve mastery at the keyboard, but also to gain expressive freedom at the instrument. I encourage my students to use the score to support their musical intuition and to help shape their interpretive choices."

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

(BM) Eastman School of Music
(MM) Juilliard School
(DM) Eastman School of Music

dbaer@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Suzuki Piano

Location(s)

http://danielbaerpiano.com

Name

Dr. Daniel Baer

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Baer, Daniel web pic copy.jpg

Photo

Professional Affiliations & Activities

MTNA Young Artist Competition Coordinator Illinois
Suzuki Association of America MTNA

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

A few of my favorite things…

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

"My interests outside of music include: reading, coffee, tea, soccer, running, cooking, and being outdoors."

"I love music from the early 20th century: Karol Szymanowski, Lili Boulanger, Carlos Chavez, Paul Hindemith, Anton Webern, Alban Berg, Bela Bartok, Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinsky, and Arnold Schoenberg to name just a few! I also love to read fiction and essays about music."

"I love the piano because each pianist brings a unique personality to the instrument. You can tell who the pianist is based on the nuances of their tone and phrasing. I also love the depth, range, and variety of piano literature. There are always new composers and music to study, explore, and perform."

Weight

GUID

116

Media ID

430

Willing to Teach at

Lisa Bishoff Cornell

ntakagi — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:04:41 +0000

Lisa Bishoff Cornell ntakagi Tue, 10/03/2023 - 14:04

Lisa Bishoff Cornell has been a member of the Music Institute’s piano faculty since 2008, instructing adults and younger students. She has a bachelor of arts degree from Vassar College and a master of arts degree from DePaul University, and she has trained at the American Suzuki Institute. She is music director and accompanist for the Ivanhoe Congregational Church and a Chicago-area adjudicator for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the North Shore Music Teachers Association.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

American Suzuki Institute

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

"I believe that students, especially kids, don't enjoy activities that they're not good at. I instill confidence and pride into even the earliest beginner, so that their motivation continues to grow throughout their studies. I require occasional performances, casual and more formal, which brings praise and satisfaction from family and teacher."

Courses

Private Instruction

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

BA, Vassar College
MA, DePaul University

lcornell@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 09/01/2008 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Lisa Bishoff Cornell

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

img_0310.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Music Director/Accompanist Ivanhoe Congregational Church
Adjudicator, MTNA North Shore Music Teachers Assoc Chicago area

Program Area

Three Questions

Why study music?

What does music mean to you?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

"Music study taps into so many areas of being human: creativity, math skills, judgement, organization, memorization, confidence and camaraderie."

"Listening to music..all kinds...has paralleled most of my life's experiences."

"Playing music has brought me joy, friendship, career opportunities, solace, pride and accomplishment."

Weight

GUID

122

Media ID

495

Willing to Teach at

Dr. Louise Chan

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 19:04:43 +0000

Dr. Louise Chan ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 14:04

Louise Chan has been a member of the Music Institute’s piano faculty since September 2008. She earned her doctor of music degree at Northwestern University and her master of music and bachelor of music degrees at Eastman School of Music. She also received an ARCT (Associate Diploma) from the Royal Conservatory of Music, the highest academic standings awarded by the RCM Certificate Program.. As part of the Blue Violet Duo, she recorded Strike, Strum and Stride and American Souvenirs. She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners.

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Summer festivals:
Orford Music Festival
Bowdoin Music Festival
Cliburn Piano Institute
Aspen Music Festival

Castleman Quartet Program Recordings:
American Souvenirs with Blue Violet Duo (Kate Carter, violin and Louise Chan, piano)

Recordings
Blue Violet Duo (Louise Chan, piano and Kate Carter, violin):
Strike, Strum and Stride (2023, Centaur)
American Souvenirs (2018)

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Anything else we should know?

I have a cat named Gustav Meowler who likes to listen to me practice.

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Teaching philosophy
I want my students to have a solid foundation in both technical skills and musicianship and also to discover and play music that brings them joy. I encourage my students to listen critically and carefully, and I believe that communication is very important, so please share your thoughts and ask questions! I teach young beginners through adults at all levels. Everyone can learn to play if they are willing to practice mindfully!

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctor of Music, Northwestern University
Master of Music and Bachelor of Music, Eastman School of Music
ARCT (Associate Diploma), Royal Conservatory of Music

lchan@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Mon, 09/01/2008 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

http://louisechanpianist.com

Name

Dr. Louise Chan

Personal Website / Link

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Chan, Louise.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Member, Music Teachers National Association
Member, North Shore and Chicago chapters Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners Royal Conservatory of Music Advanced Specialist in Piano Musicians Club of Women Chicago Federation of Musicians

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

What do you love about Chicago?

What do you love about playing your instrument?

Three Questions Answer

Hobbies/interests outside of music:
I enjoy making things: recent obsessions include folding origami, sewing masks, and baking cookies.

What do you love about Chicago?
I love running and biking along the lakefront in Chicago. The views are beautiful and I have many favorite spots to view the skyline of this wonderful city!

What do you love about playing your instrument?
I love playing the piano because it is all-immersive: mind and body. It is a great mental challenge and therapeutic at the same time!

Weight

GUID

128

Media ID

439

Willing to Teach at

Dr. Ann Chang

ntakagi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:04:43 +0000

Dr. Ann Chang ntakagi Mon, 10/02/2023 - 14:04

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Fulbright Scholar, U.S. State Department, Classic Performance Practice

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Anything else we should know?

Testimonials from students:

“Before I met Dr. Chang, practicing and performing the piano felt something that I wanted to avoid. During lessons with Ann, I found so many insights about interpreting classical pieces, and how to articulate each note. Under Dr. Chang’s professional teaching, I have gained much knowledge about how to approach different genres of music, and practicing and performing became something I enjoy in my life.”
– Naeun Lee, BM, Indiana University 2018

“Ann is a wonderful teacher. She motivates, leads by example, gives wonderful advice, and always listens. Ann is the best mentor a young (or any) musician could want. She listens, provides context and perspective, and has such a healthy and real relationship with the piano, that she never fails to be an inspiration.“
- Dr. Rebeca Ordóñez Rodríguez, Coordinator of keyboard skills, Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica

Get to know Dr. Ann Chang in our latest video interview! From young beginners, to casual adult learners, to aspiring professionals she opens her arms to students of all ages and ambitions. Ann answers common questions, offers advice, and gives us insights into the benefits of piano lessons.

Available For

Online

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

My goal is to demystify the artistic process so everything seems possible and within reach. I particularly enjoy working with beginning students of all ages as they start on the musical journey that will provide a lifetime of joy! I believe each student is unique in their style of learning and progress- I prioritize discovering these attributes and building a caring relationship with each of my students.

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

BM, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
MM, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
DM, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music

achang@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Wed, 09/01/2021 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Dr. Ann Chang

Personal Website / Link

http://www.annchang.com

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Chang, Ann.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Music Teachers National Association Association of Performing Arts Professionals

Program Area

Three Questions

Interests/hobbies outside of music

What do you love about Chicago?

What does music mean to you?

Three Questions Answer

I grew up in Chicago but never spent time here as an adult until now! I love the energy, culture, and beauty of this city. The first concert I attended upon returning to the city in March 2020 was to attend Madame Butterfly at the Lyric. Each time I come to downtown Chicago, I can't help but be truly thankful to Mr. Burnham for his Master Plan for our great city. Without his great vision, the public would not have the access to the beauty of the lakefront and the culture we enjoy today.

While music and piano were always my primary focus growing up, I did not appreciate it until way into my 40's! Now I'm trying to make up for the lost time by making sure my students see past the "daily grind" of studying music and make time to "smell the roses" of all the joy that music provides.

Weight

GUID

129

Media ID

496

Willing to Teach at

Dr. Inah Chiu

ntakagi — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 18:54:47 +0000

Dr. Inah Chiu ntakagi Sun, 10/01/2023 - 13:54

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Significant teachers and mentors:
Throughout her years of practice and training, Inah was fortunate enough to encounter many extremely talented musicians who helped to instruct her during her studies. Of these individuals, some of her most significant teachers/mentors include: Ellen Mack, Edward Auer, Michael Block, and Karen Shaw.

In addition, a few of her influential master class instructors are: Gyorgy Sebok, Gilbert Kalish, and John Browning.

Awards and achievements:
Ms. Chiu has performed numerous concerts which include both solo and chamber performance in venues such as Kennedy Center in Washington, Chicago Symphony Hall, Ravinia Martin Theatre, Washington Cultural Center, and Sejong Cultural Center in Seoul among many others.

As a soloist, she has performed with the Washington a Chamber Symphony and the Peabody Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed in the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series, Music in the Loft Series, Peabody's Best Concert Series, and Yale Gordon Concert Series.

Inah has also been featured numerous times on the Chicago Symphony Chamber Music Series. She was also a young artist in the Steans Institute at the Ravinia Festival.

She is a top prize winner of many competitions, including the Society of American Musicians Competition, the Grace Welsh Piano Competition, the Baltimore Music Club Competition and the Harrison L Winter Concerto Competition at the Peabody Conservatory.

Beyond her live performances at musical venues, Ms. Chiu has also had piano performances broadcasted on WJHU radio-Baltimore and WFMT radio-Chicago.

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Courses

Private Instruction
Academy

Department

Department Head

Off

Education

Doctoral Degree in Piano Performance, Peabody Conservatory of Music
Bachelor's and Master's degree in Piano Performance, Indiana University

ichiu@musicinst.org

Instrument(s)

Location(s)

Name

Dr. Inah Chiu

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Chiu, Inah-photoMikeCanale.jpg

Photo

Photo Credit

Mike Canale

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Inah and her husband, Cornelius Chiu, a first violinist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, formed the
Corinah Duo that has performed throughout the United States.

Program Area

Academy

Weight

Academy Faculty

Chamber Music Coaches

Dr. Winston Choi

ntakagi — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 18:03:39 +0000

Dr. Winston Choi ntakagi Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:03

Additional Studies / Recent Awards / Recordings

Awards and achievements:
Laureate of the 2013 Honens International Piano Competition
Laureate of the 2012 Orléans Concours International de Piano

Academic Title

Piano Faculty

Available For

In-Person

Available Offsite

Off

Basic Teaching Philosophy or Special Music Interests/Specialties

Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise:
Teaching is an extremely gratifying endeavor for me. I have the opportunity to touch and transform a student, which then replenishes and inspires me with my own work; this is a cyclical process. In my teaching approach, I am always trying to achieve a balance between psychological, philosophical, practical and artistic concerns. With students of varying levels of ability and experience, a variety of approaches and strategies need to be employed, so that instruction can be personalized to meet the very specific needs of each student. I strive to help students become as motivated, curious, and cognizant as possible, and to provide them with the tools necessary for them to ultimately teach themselves.

In lessons, I introduce and reinforce the following: self-motivation through inspiration; complete self-awareness with both physical and mental aspects of music-making; building confidence by meeting goals on a consistent basis; focusing creative and emotional energies; and finding a more organic approach to piano-playing. If the sheer love for music can be cultivated, then inspiration, commitment, determination, and creativity happen almost automatically. Enthusing students to have that thirst for music is more beneficial than forcing or imposing a set of expectations based on fear. However, I do demand maximum effort as well as discipline from my students, so that they can be better prepared for auditions, competitions, performances, job interviews, and the realities of life after school. If a high level of artistry and freedom of expression are desired ideals in music-making, then it is necessary for students to have the tools at their disposal to realize these objectives. I emphasize the ease of piano “playing", so that expressing oneself on an instrument can be as natural as a native language. During the last few years, I began to explore certain issues in my teaching related to helping students phrase more naturally, with the conscious application of whole body involvement in directing and shaping sound. By searching for an organic approach to phrasing that integrates breathing, the use of free arm weight, and proper distribution of tension and relaxation, students can discover a more fluid and natural approach to music-making.

My recent presentation (first presented at the MTNA National Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico) titled “Towards a More Organic Approach to Phrasing at the Piano," was a synthesis of many of the ideas I fine-tuned in the teaching studio. I teach students to become far more self-aware of their physical habits; everything can be done more naturally and efficiently if roadblocks are removed and students are steered in the right direction. By combining many of the methods mentioned above along with an overriding idea of slow and continuous motion, one’s conception of phrasing can then be as effortless as breathing. Ease in musical execution is an integral part of what I strive for. I also encourage students to have a sponge–like, inquisitive mind, so that they can be receptive enough to allow for change. Since technique is a mental as well as physical process, I emphasize the concept of visualization to build confidence and consistency.

As every pianist is a unique individual, I try to cultivate a keener sense of personal keyboard physiology, when finding solutions. Everybody has their own perceptions of how their internal mechanisms work, with their own habitual method of executing at the instrument; I try to help students adjust these mechanisms by subjecting everything to the following procedures: questioning, re-examining, acute and conscious observation, then assimilation through complete internalization. I also carefully work with students on problems of physical tension and removing psychological blocks. Injury prevention and natural physical freedom are issues I revisit on a weekly basis. The end result is more ease in performance, allowing the student to concentrate almost exclusively on musical expression.

Courses

Private Instruction
Academy Piano

Department

The Academy

Department Head

Off

Education

DMA in Piano Performance, Northwestern University
MM in Piano Performance, Indiana University
BM in Piano Performance, Indiana University

wchoi@musicinst.org

Hire Date

Fri, 09/01/2017 - 12:00

Instrument(s)

Name

Dr. Winston Choi

Person Type

Faculty

Phone

Photo

Choi, Winston_0.jpg

Professional Affiliations & Activities

Significant teachers and mentors:
Vivienne Bailey, James Tweedie, Menahem Pressler, Ursula Oppens

Affiliations:
Head of Piano / Associate Professor of Piano - Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
International soloist Pianist in Duo Diorama Pianist in the Civitas Ensemble Pianist in Ensemble Dal Niente

Program Area

Academy

Three Questions Answer

Interests outside of music:
Playing and trying to keep up with my 5-year old twin children

Favorite composer or piece to play:
Bach's Art of the Fugue

Weight

Academy Faculty