Teaching
I have served as Assistant Professor of piano and Director of Keyboard Studies at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (SIUE) from 2012 - 2017.
I privately teach both solo and collaborative classical piano (coaching chamber music) and keep an active performance schedule as both a solo and collaborative artist.
My main goals as a teacher are to make playing the piano a more musically rewarding experience and prepare collegiate piano students for further education (graduate work at the MM/DMA level) and/or professional careers in music. My teaching focuses on the following key areas:
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Development of a beautiful tone production, singing musical line, and increased control of voicing all through a relaxed approach to the keyboard combined with a great emphasis on listening
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Increase in velocity and technical skill through relaxation and efficiency in motion
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The development of efficient and rewarding practice habits
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Increased musicianship and skill in memorization through detailed musical analysis
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Increased knowledge of varied musical styles by assigning a balanced repertoire from a variety of time periods
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Increased knowledge of piano literature
If you are interested in private piano lessons, I would be very happy to chat with you and talk about your pianistic and professional goals.
I also teach talented middle and high school piano students interested in furthering their skill and musicianship (and preparing for piano competitions if they are so inclined). Acceptance of pre-college students is based on an audition and meeting with the student's parents.
Please contact me for more information regarding lessons, auditions, or anything piano-related! I am happy to help.
(618) 409 - 7987 (cell)
Video of selected student performances to come!
Dr. Kris Pineda is known for his dynamic and powerful interpretations of the most difficult solo and chamber piano repertoire. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA, 2012) and Masters of Music (MM, 2009) in piano performance at the University of Texas at Austin Butler School of Music, studying with renowned concert pianist Anton Nel. During his time at UT-Austin, Dr. Pineda worked as a full-time graduate assistant, teaching applied piano while receiving advanced training in pedagogy from Sophia Gilmson and Martha Hilley. A native of Illinois, he received his bachelor of music degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (SIUE) where he studied with Dr. Linda Perry. Previous to his collegiate training, Kris studied with Karen Rogers of SIUE's Keyboard Development Program.
Dr. Pineda has performed throughout the United States and has also performed as a featured soloist with orchestras in the St. Louis area. Most recent public appearances include a performance of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with the SIUE University Orchestra and Choir, Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue with the SIUE Wind Symphony, and the Grieg Piano Concerto in A minor with the University City Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, Pineda is equally at home as a collaborative artist, and has kept a busy schedule of performance in a wide variety of chamber situations. During his study at the Butler School of Music, he was pianist and keyboardist in the well-known University of Texas New Music Ensemble, performing for such composers as William Bolcolm and Matthew Rosenblum. Dr. Pineda is also a regular clinician and performer in the Austin Piano Festival (http://www.austinpianofestival.com). He has also performed in such venues as Weill Hall in Carnegie Hall, The Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, and the Sheldon Concert Hall.
Discography
Low Blow -- Student Favorites for Bass Clarinet and Piano
Recorded March 2013 at Haydon Studios with Dr. James M. Hinson, bass clarinet
Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble by Kimberly Archer -- Wind Adventures (Mark Masters label, 8984-MCD)
Recorded 2011 with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Wind Ensemble
under the direction of Dr. John Bell
Biography
