BIO

Claudio Espejo is a Chilean award-winning pianist, wellness advocate and pedagogue based in Philadelphia. He recently obtained his Doctorate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Michigan, where he taught private and group piano for five years. Recent highlights include presentations at the MTNA National Conference (Spokane, WA) and Collegiate Symposium, touring with the Orchestra of the Americas throughout Europe, and a benefit concert for the Literacy Volunteers of Ontario-Yates in upstate New York. 

Music always struck Claudio as a deeply spiritual experience. During childhood, the connection of music and spirituality was felt through the heavenly music of the Brandenburg Concerti, and later in his teens it transformed into a fascination in the intersection of mindfulness and performance. Both in the context of group and private lessons, Claudio is an advocate for the 
use of mindfulness in learning music. He also incorporates elements of Yoga, as a certified Rainbow Kids Yoga instructor, and Dalcroze in the piano lesson.

Espejo graduated from the Eastman School of Music with a Bachelors of Music. Before obtaining his D.M.A. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Michigan, he also obtained his M.M. in the same field. His primary teachers include Christopher Harding, Rebecca Penneys, Joseph Gascho, and Matthew Bengtson. Pedagogy teachers include John Ellis and Aya Higuchi. 
"Claudio was one of the most dedicated instructors I have ever met in my entire academic career, he cared a lot about his students, and wanted us to succeeded and enjoy learning regardless of our level of skill."
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-Medical Arts Winter 2018 student
Claudio is currently pursuing the Global Leaders Program, a one-year fellowship that provides music teachers      with access to both international teaching opportunities and a curriculum that centers around social                        entrepreneurship through music. As part of the 2019-2020 cohort, Claudio is learning about the role that music        plays in the pursuit of social justice, and how to foster music initiatives that positively impact the world. He is currently working as a piano instructor at Haverford College, and at the University of the Arts as a Musical Director for their Showcase in NYC. Claudio is also volunteering as Co-Chair of the Piano Honors Program, of the Piano Teachers Congress of New York. 

 During his free time, Claudio participates of communities with a spiritual purpose, such as the Zen Buddhist     Temple or the local chapter of the Mankind Project.
Presentations:
  • Cueca (chilean dance) instructor and Chamber music coach, Ann Arbor Piano Ensemble Camp, Faber Piano Institute, June 2019. 
  • “Do you mind? Introducing Mindfulness into the Piano Studio," MTNA National Conference, Spokane, WA, March 2019. Co-presented with Ceren su Sahin, Forrest Moody, and Hillary Santoso.
  • “Do you mind? Introducing Mindfulness into the Piano Studio," MTNA National Conference, Spokane, WA, March 2019. Poster session with Ceren su Sahin, Forrest Moody, and Hillary Santoso.
  • “Do you mind? Introducing Mindfulness into the Piano Studio," MTNA Collegiate Symposium, Harrisonburg, VA, January 2019. Co-presented with Ceren su Sahin, Forrest Moody, and Hillary Santoso.
  • "Mindful Games at the Piano," MTNA National Conference, Lake Buena Vista, March 2018. Poster session. 
  • "On Performance Anxiety," Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile, June 2017.
  • "Piano technique: Cortot, Sándor, and Matthay," Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile, June 2017.
  • "Pedagogical tools learned during my Masters," Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco, Chile, June 2017.
Professional Affiliations:
  • Music Teachers National Association, served as Co-vicepresident of the U of M Collegiate Chapter
  • Piano Teachers Congress of New York, Co-chair of the Piano Honors Program
  • Mankind Project
  • Global Leaders Program, Cohort of 2019-2020