Christie Salinas

Piano, Composition
Ages 6-13, Beginner to early intermediate

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Composition with a Minor in Music Technology at the University of Texas at San Antonio

Teaching Philosophy

I believe music is a creative and natural connection that can bring all people together. The skills we gain in making music shape our lives as musicians and beyond. Music is meant to be made and enjoyed by all ages.

As a pianist and a composer, I believe piano is a strong foundation for curiosity, creativity, expression, and a well-developed ear. I want students to enjoy making music while also developing skills and techniques that will benefit their learning. My goal is to inspire enjoyment and enthusiasm in each student’s piano study. I hope that students will develop a passion for making music, and will continue to pursue it wherever their future leads.

Biography

Christie Salinas was born and raised in San Antonio. She began piano at five years old, taught by her mother, Edna Salinas, an experienced piano teacher at MACSA. Christie has participated in several Student Affiliate events with San Antonio Music Teachers Association (SAMTA), and Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA). This includes superior plus ratings in Achievement Auditions, and performances in Judges’ Choice recitals. She placed 3rd for two consecutive years for the TMTA Original Composition Contest. In 2021, she received three TMTA senior awards: The Whitlock Memorial Scholarship Award, The World of Music Campbell-McGaughey Award, and The Theory Medal Award.

In 2018, she participated in the Ballads of the Borderlands Composition Project and Performance Education Initiative, partnered with MACSA, organized by Dr. Ethan Wickman. In 2019, she placed 2nd in the J.K. Hodges Contemporary Piano
Competition.

Christie is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Composition with a Minor in Music Technology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is studying piano with
Dr. Kasandra Keeling, and composition with Dr. Ethan Wickman, Dr. Andrew Lloyd, and Professor James Syler. She is a member of the UTSA choirs, and a volunteer member of her church choir. When not spending her time at the piano or at school, she enjoys birding and ornithology, baking, and listening to classical and film music.