Victoria Vela

Northwest

Piano
Ages 3 and up, Preschool – Advanced

Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance, University of Texas San Antonio
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Texas San Antonio
Master of Music in Piano Performance and Pedagogy, University of Texas San Antonio

Teaching Philosophy

I believe that music has a more profound value than just playing recitals and winning trophies. Music is humanity. In a world that’s lost so much of its humanity, my goal is to give music to as many people as possible. I believe it’s important not only to participate in a universal language, but to build a lifelong practice that offers cognitive exercise, pleasure, and healing.

My mission is to provide a holistic musical journey customized to each student’s strengths, interests, and needs. Beginning with strong fundamentals is the best way to open as many doors of opportunity as possible. Studying the piano is the best starting place for students interested in studying any instrument or musical practice. It provides an easily accessible entry point to start making music and understanding music from day one.

In my studio, students will not only learn to read standard music notation, performance technique, music theory and other standard Western music practices, but most importantly they will learn how to practice.

In addition to learning how to play the piano, my program is designed to help students develop cognitive skills such as:

-Long term & Working memory
-Critical thinking
-Metacognition
-Grit

This focus is informed by my master’s thesis research, which examined how piano students learn to practice efficiently and develop their own effective practice strategies over time.

My goal is to guide students on their journey and follow where their strengths and interests guide us, rather than to push old standards and ideals onto students who are interested in making music today.

My desire to teach lessons that are not confined by old traditions, or outdated teaching methods, is the inspiration to why I chose to specialize in adaptive piano lessons for students with a wide spectrum of needs. My research background has led me to develop an adaptive framework for teaching neurodivergent students. This method allows me to customize lessons to suit the needs of my students so they learn at a comfortable pace, while still having fun and developing essential skills necessary for a future of music making.

Biography

I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where I began studying piano at 5 years old. At 8 years old, as a finalist in an international piano competition, I was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, and again at 14 years old. As a student, I quickly developed a love for piano and decided to pursue a career in music. Despite my success with my piano teachers, I had very difficult experiences with other cruel and dogmatic music teachers, who taught me what kind of instructor I wanted to be. I choose to be an instructor who provides a safe and supportive learning environment for my students, no matter their level of dedication. I started teaching private piano lessons in 2007 and managed my own private studio for 5 years. During my time as an undergraduate student, I worked as a research assistant at the Research Imaging Institute at the UT Health Science Center, studying music cognition and creativity. In 2017 I was awarded Musical Arts Center of San Antonio Award for Excellence in Piano Pedagogy. When I am not in the studio I enjoy cooking, fine dining, reading, fitness, and cuddling with my dog, Marcie.