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 offering students the opportunity to participate 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.