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Vanessa Klaus

Piano / Early Childhood Piano

Vanessa Klaus began her classical piano studies at the age of five under the guidance of her grandmother, Rosemary Carswell, a distinguished member of the Music Teachers Association of California and former president of its branch. Through Mrs. Carswell’s studio, Vanessa participated in a variety of competitions and recitals, including the Certificate of Merit program, biannual studio recitals, contemporary festivals, sight-reading competitions, and the Guild program, among others. In addition to performance, she also pursued extensive studies in classical and jazz music theory.

Beyond her time with Mrs. Carswell, Vanessa expanded her musical horizons during her middle and high school years by engaging in a range of musical activities. She played oboe in the concert band, and contributed her skills to the jazz band as both a pianist and xylophonist. During this period, she also tutored her classmates in music theory and, as she grew older, began coaching her siblings’ students. Through countless hours of observing her siblings’ lessons, she gained invaluable insights into various teaching practices, techniques, and the nuances of classical piano instruction.

Currently, Vanessa's primary focus is on helping students discover their unique musical strengths and achieve their musical aspirations through individualized lessons. She draws upon her extensive experience from Mrs. Carswell’s studio, her siblings’ teaching environments, and her involvement in school-sponsored music programs. Her greatest fulfillment comes from actively contributing to the musical development and growth of her students. Vanessa believes that a great student becomes a great teacher, both inside and outside the classroom. She fosters an environment of encouragement, consistently recognizing and celebrating her students' individual talents and abilities. Ultimately, Vanessa aims to provide her students with the technical skills and repertoire they need to fully explore and enjoy their musical journey.