Collaborative Piano Faculty
Even though the term Collaborative Pianist is a recent invention, pianists have performed alongside other musicians for centuries. In our field, there are legendary professionals who have championed and expanded the meaning of this art. We are proud to welcome several of them, alongside emerging professionals.
Rita Sloan
Rita Sloan is acknowledged internationally as a leading teacher of piano, collaborative piano and chamber music. In 1999, she was appointed a piano faculty member and director of the collaborative … Continue reading Rita Sloan
Martin Katz
“The gold standard of accompanying.” New York Times “Martin Katz must surely be considered the dean of collaborative pianists,” said the Los Angeles Times. As one of the world’s busiest … Continue reading Martin Katz
Howard Watkins, piano
American pianist Howard Watkins is a frequent associate of some of the world’s leading musicians on the concert stage and as an assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera. His appearances … Continue reading Howard Watkins, piano
Virginia Weckstrom, piano
Pianist Virginia Weckstrom is an Artist Faculty member of chamber music and collaborative piano at the Shepherd School of Music of Rice University. She is also on the Artist Faculty … Continue reading Virginia Weckstrom, piano
Christopher Turbessi
Christopher Turbessi is the Opera Coach at the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University; he has also been on the faculty of the Collaborative Piano Institute since … Continue reading Christopher Turbessi
Jorge Parodi, conductor
“Conducted by the exuberant and attentive Jorge Parodi” (Opera News) Internationally acclaimed conductor Jorge Parodi has led several productions at The Atlanta Opera, Opera Tampa, Savannah Opera, Buenos Aires Lírica, … Continue reading Jorge Parodi, conductor
Elena Abend
Venezuelan pianist Elena Abend has performed, recorded and toured in recitals and as a soloist throughout her native country. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Ms. Abend’s appearances include the … Continue reading Elena Abend
Alexandra Nguyen
A native of Montréal, Alexandra Nguyen maintains a diverse career as a collaborative pianist, teacher, and arts administrator. She is an accomplished pianist who has appeared throughout the United States … Continue reading Alexandra Nguyen
Elvia Puccinelli, piano
Deeply committed to nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture in our world by fostering the collaborative ideals of partnership, participation and presence, pianist Elvia L. Puccinelli is internationally recognized as … Continue reading Elvia Puccinelli, piano
Elena Lacheva, Program Director
Newly appointed to the Professional-in-Residence position at Louisiana State University, Ms. Lacheva continues to serve as the Program Director of the Collaborative Piano Institute – the summer program for current … Continue reading Elena Lacheva, Program Director
Ana Maria Otamendi, Artistic Director
Since her orchestral debut at age twelve, Venezuelan pianist Ana María Otamendi has performed as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and conductor with renowned orchestras and at important venues such as … Continue reading Ana Maria Otamendi, Artistic Director