I am originally from Brazil, and I have a career as a soloist pianist, piano teacher, collaborative pianist and Opera Coach. I have performed in many concert halls throughout Brazil, Italy and United States. Today I am a permanent resident in Philadelphia (US).  I have two master’s degree in music. The first one is in piano performance from Georgia State University and the second one in Opera Coaching from Temple University. I have being teaching piano for 15 years. I teach all ages and I have a lot of experience with beginners as well as intermediate and advanced students.

As an accompanist I worked with several opera companies and operas program such as Atlantic Coast Opera (New Jersey), “La Musica Lirica” (Italy), Fio Américas (Brazil)  Russian Opera Workshop (AVA- Philadelphia) “La Boheme” (New Jersey), “Libera Opera” (Philadelphia),  “Fringe Opera festival” (Philadelphia) and Delaware Valley Opera to name a few. I have received some national and international awards in piano such as the Stegner Scholarship for best pianist at Georgia State University in 2008-2009, and Cadenza Piano Competition in Bauru in 2004 where I also received an award for best interpretation of Brazilian music.

What are your personal goals as a musician?

My personal goal is to continue growing in the two things I love the most, first teaching piano and second playing for opera singers. We definitely never stop learning in this field. I want to discover more interesting music and new ways to teach and develop myself and the student.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?

When I was twelve years old and I went to my first piano competition, I saw several kids my age playing with so much passion and determination that it changed my life. That day I said I want to be one of them. I started practicing a lot and came back to competitions in the following years. I never stopped since then.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

My favorite advice was while in Brazil. A teacher told me that to be a great musician you have to do more than just play the notes on the page. It is necessary to be creative and have a reason why you are playing. Understanding the feeling and emotions behind the music gives it meaning.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?

The biggest challenge was to keep practicing and playing well during my two masters degrees. Having to find the time and energy to practice piano while I was writing papers, going to the library a lot and having a lot of classes was nothing easy. I am glad I was successful, and it taught me how to learn the instrument without much time for practicing. Knowing how to practice correctly and objectively.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Being part of the faculty of two important international Opera festivals, one in Italy and one in Brazil. That demonstrate that on the music business, people are recognizing my hard work while inviting me for such important positions. I had the opportunity to work side by side with very high level musicians, which also made me a better pianist.

Favorite thing about teaching music?

My favorite thing when I am teaching piano happens when I am teaching kids and they try to impress me with their playing. It is when they start to understand that playing any instrument has several challenges but to succeed at those challenges it is not painful, it can be actually very fun.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

It is important to listen to different people playing piano while you are learning how to play. I will always play examples and also show videos and audio of other musicians to my students. Seeing how other people play together with what your teacher says makes the student understand the process of learning music better and more enjoyable. So listen to a lot of music!