Active professional pianist and performing artist with over 10 years of teaching experience committed to making learning fun!

I grew up in a musical family in Seattle, WA with too many pets…. My parents, both professional violinists, encouraged me to begin music lessons at a young age, and being the young rebel I was, I defied the family tradition, and decided to study piano. Thanks to the warm encouragement of my first piano teacher, I quickly fell in love with the instrument for all it’s diversity of style, potential for expression, and rhythmic qualities.

I am now an active music teacher, accompanist, songwriter, and actor based in NYC. I received my BFA in Musical Theatre at Rider University, where I also music directed many university MainStage productions and worked as an accompanist for voice lessons and various masterclasses. I also recently toured the country playing the leading role of Girl in the 2019 National Tour of ONCE, an actor-musician musical. (You can learn more by checking out my website: mariahlotz.com )

I have over 10 years of teaching experience to students ages 4-88! I also have experience working with students with learning disabilities. I am an adaptive, empathetic, and passionate teacher, dedicated to meeting students wherever they are, and helping them to reach their musical goals. 

My main purpose in teaching music is to create an educational experience that is artistically liberating, unconditionally joyous, and universally empowering for everyone involved. I was classically trained, and I have a deep appreciation for classical repertoire thanks to my musical upbringing, and I subscribe to the importance of creating a solid foundation of technique. However, as an adult with diagnosed ADHD and someone with many passions, I know from personal experience how vital it is to keep things interesting and fun in order to sustain attention and achieve success! I believe that music teachers have a responsibility to follow and nurture the passion of their students, wherever it may lead, and allow them to explore a wide range of musical styles (including pop, folk, rock, jazz, etc.) and pursuits (including accompanying, songwriting, improv, etc.)

I am genuinely looking forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your musical goals!