Basic Education: Brevard Music Center Summer Camp Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from University of North Carolina, Greensboro; Graduate study in piano at Florida State University; Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from State University of New York, Potsdam at Crane School of Music; K-12 General Music Certification from Crane School of Music; Suzuki teacher training workshops Books 1-7.
Experience: Taught K-8 Music in Muncy,Illinois; Piano lab with Dallas Independent School District,SUNY Potsdam Campus School Piano Lab Private piano teacher for over 45 years; Suzuki piano teacher for 38 years; performed with trios, concerts with Governor’s School of North Carolina, Baroque ensembles in New York State towns,Montreal,New York City, State College Suzuki Program tour accompanist in Switzerland/Italy. Performed with local State College musicians. Have taught a full piano studio in State College for 23 years, both traditional and Suzuki.

Victoria Petrosky (piano, music theory, solfege, accompaniment) was trained as a child at The Moscow Children’s Music School #36, with her beloved piano teacher who was a student of Vladimir Sofronitsky. Victoria is a graduate of the College of Music of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory , with a B.A. in music theory, and of Gnessin’s Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, where she obtained a Master ‘s degree in music theory and piano pedagogy. At the Gnessin Academy Victoria studied piano performance with Galina Turkina (of the famed Turkiny piano duo). Victoria has been teaching for over twenty years, first at the Moscow Children’s Music School and later at the Main Line Music Academy near Philadelphia and the Music Academy in State College. She has been active as an accompanist, including the Bolshoi Theater Choreography College in Moscow, and church and concert choirs in State College. Victoria teaches piano to students of all ages and levels.

I have a B.A.F. in piano performance and music Ed (Hokkaido Gakugei University, Japan) and an M.F.A. in music (Penn State University). I have given recitals solo and ensemble work in Japan, Canada and in the State College area as well as seeking out professional development opportunities throughout the country (e.g. Teachers program at the TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute since 1998). I have taught piano for over 35 years in State College to students of all ages and levels, from 6 yrs old to graduate students and to retirees. I teach my students how to read music, to master the techniques of playing, to play with heart, to enjoy music, and to be disciplined. My motto has been to grow together with each student.

Steven Herbert Smith is professor emeritus from the Penn State piano faculty. He has performed in recitals, master classes, lecture recitals, concertos and chamber music throughout the world. Locally he has appeared frequently as soloist with the Nittany Valley Symphony (including a performance forthcoming in March 2017) as well as in recitals at PSU. He was president of the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) for 2013-2015, and his PSU students were frequent prizewinners in MTNA/PMTA competitions and national competitions of the American Matthay Association, as well as Penn State events.

I have taught beginning and intermediate level piano students of all ages for over 25 years in State College. My goal for my music students is for them to build a foundation of skills, knowledge, habits, attitudes and artistry that they will use in music-making now and for the rest of their lives. All students are taught through a variety of activities such as private lessons, ensembles, written activities, informal performances, group lessons and recitals. I have experience and a special interest in teaching students with various developmental and learning issues. I am a pediatric nurse currently working in public schools and pediatric home care settings.

Bhakti has a B.M. in Piano Performance from University of the Pacific, CA, where she had piano lessons with professors Frank Wiens and Dr. Sonia Leong. Bhakti has been teaching children, youth, and adults of all ages for over seven years, working with beginners through advanced players. She enjoys teaching as a way to share all kinds of music and give tools of learning and practice that can also be used in other disciplines in life. Lessons are intended to contain music that the student will enjoy, while also making sure it furthers the student’s growth as a musician.

As a pianist who has experienced repetitive stress injuries, Bhakti has a strong focus on learning to play in healthy ways to reduce risk of injury, or minimize pain. She continues her own education by often attending conferences, workshops, and takes lessons with concert pianist Jarred Dunn.

Bhakti’s piano training has been in classical-style music, although she enjoys listening to all kinds of music including heavy metal and hard techno! One of her musical hobbies is to collect and play all kinds of sheet music so she can share interesting pieces with her students. At the piano, Bhakti often plays a variety of music ranging from Bach to Ginastera, new age, and game or anime music. She has often played as a collaborative pianist with other instruments or choirs, and also as a pianist for church services.