Meet the Teacher
About Arianne
Arianne is a classically-trained pianist and violinist based in Whittier, CA. She earned her Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy at California State University Fullerton, where she completed her Master’s Project on the teaching of American style in the pedagogical works of Florence Price. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at Reed College, where she studied Philosophy and Music. She began learning the piano at age four and violin at age nine. Growing up in Las Vegas, NV, Arianne toured internationally as a youth violinist and placed in several MTNA piano competitions. For high school, Arianne attended the preparatory boarding school Phillips Exeter Academy on a full scholarship, where she studied piano performance and multi-instrumental composition with Dr. Isao J. Sakata of the New England Conservatory. She learned how to perform jazz violin in the style of Stéphane Grappelli with the prominent East Coast saxophonist, pianist, and jazz educator Charlie Jennison, sang in various vocal ensembles, and was a violinist in the Phillips Exeter Symphony Orchestra. She has taught piano and violin professionally for over a decade to hundreds of students of various ages, backgrounds, skillsets, and goals. Notable teachers and mentors include Damaris Morales Alvarez of the College of Southern Nevada, Dr. Isao J. Sakata of the New England Conservatory, Dr. Gina Pruitt of Reed College, and Alison Edwards of California State University, Fullerton.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching method incorporates classical, jazz, folk, and popular methods for a well-rounded musical education. I believe in striking the right balance between providing structure and catering to each student's unique musical interests. I enjoy working with families to cultivate good practice habits and keep learning fun and engaging for every age. Most of my students begin their musical education with method books such as Faber or Suzuki for a solid foundation. They then move on to learn intermediate and advanced repertoire in the classical, jazz, rock, contemporary, ragtime, pop, and/or traditional folk music styles. In my view, the right exposure, exercises, consistent practice, and love for the instrument serve as a great foundation for musical fulfillment.