Patricia Arzaga is a highly experienced piano teacher with the training of a well-rounded

classical pianist, accompanist, and music scholar. She earned her Bachelor of Music

from the National University of Music in her native Bucharest, Romania, where she

performed extensively in solo recitals and won awards at national piano competitions.

She continued her education in the United States, receiving her Master of Arts from The

University of Chicago, IL, where she also pursued PhD studies in music history and

theory (ABD). While in graduate school, she presented her work at national and local

musicology conferences and was the recipient of fellowships, research grants, and

awards, including the prestigious Wayne C. Booth Graduate Student Prize for

Excellence in Teaching.

 

Active at Noteable Notes Music Academy since December 2022, Patricia is a

passionate teacher with 20 years' experience working with children, youth, and adults of

all levels. Her teaching philosophy prioritizes a nurturing approach to learning through

combined methodologies to achieve high standards of musicianship. She has significant

experience and success working with neurodiverse students. In her lessons, Patricia

places emphasis on developing the music literacy and deep listening skills that lead to a

life-long enjoyment of music. 

 

Over the years, Patricia has taught in a variety of settings, while also maintaining her

own independent piano studio. Between 2015 and 2020, she was on the faculty at the

North Central College Piano Academy. Her teaching schedule included weekly private

and group lessons that prepared students to rigorous standards of performance through

multiple yearly recitals, festivals, and theory and keyboard examinations. 

 

Patricia has remained an active performer herself as a solo recitalist, collaborative

pianist, accompanist, and church musician in the greater Chicago area. Her recordings

of solo piano works by contemporary composer Mark Lathan are featured in an album

now available on all streaming platforms. Highly committed to her professional

development, Patricia has maintained memberships with the Waubonsee Valley

(WVMTA), Naperville (NMTA) and West Suburban (WSMTA) chapters of the Illinois

State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA) and Music Teachers National Association

(MTNA). While at WVMTA, she was involved as recital coordinator, assistant in the

Achievement in Music (AIM) piano performance committee, and vice-president of

programs. For NMTA, she served as membership chair and directory coordinator. She

is also a member of the Downers Grove Music Club.

 

Patricia enthusiastically supports her students' participation in numerous ISMTA and

other local in-person and online piano recitals, festivals, and competitions. She has

prepared students and adjudicated in all 12 levels of the AIM theory and performance

program and has taught AP Music Theory to high school students who passed the

exam with the highest score. Her students have also won awards in several local

competitions. In line with the Noteable Notes Music Academy's commitment to high

quality music teaching, Patricia is also enrolling students in the theory and performance

examinations held by the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM).

 

Patricia is available to book for lessons in-person and remotely.