About

Soria’s musical journey began at a young age when she started piano lessons at the age of five. Her love of Classical music continued through high school as she studied solo piano and chamber repertoire with highly respected teachers including Lea Mirabella and Marlene Thal eventually studying piano performance at the University of Oregon.

 

While she went on to earn her BA in Psychology and  BA and MA in Art History, it was not long before Soria found her calling in teaching piano where she could blend her passion for music with her love of working with people. Soria is an active member of OMTA (Oregon Music Teachers Association) where she continues to expand and develop her teaching knowledge through presentations and masterclasses always incorporating new material into her studio. Also through OMTA, Soria collaborates with colleagues and offers opportunities throughout the year for students to participate in recitals. In 2022 as part of OMTA’s piano teaching development programs, Soria completed her Tholen Fellowship through Portland Piano International where she received master lessons and chamber coaching from Professor Anthony Padilla of Lawrence University Conservatory in Wisconsin. This high-level training elevated her pedagogy and performance skills and allowed her to intensively pursue her own piano studies in addition to running her studio.  

 

With over 25 years of experience teaching students of all ages, Soria enjoys working with a full range of abilities from very young children through grade school and high school to adults trying piano for the first time. While her training and background are in classical music, she loves listening to a wide variety of music from jazz and gospel to world and crossover music.  As a teacher, Soria is dedicated to creating individualized lessons which enable each student to develop the technique and musicality necessary to play the piano. Her knowledge of learning theory from years of homeschooling her children combined with her recognition of the unique ways each of us learns and understands, forms the basis of her teaching approach which centers around creating a safe and explorative learning environment. This allows each student to develop their musical potential.

 

Most recently, Soria is very excited to have had the opportunity to join the wonderful community of the Rose Women’s Choir as one of their accompanists. Between teaching piano lessons and accompanying, the joy of music is at the heart of Soria’s life and studio. In her spare time, Soria enjoys reading and spending time with her family, friends, and kitties.