Jessica Gordon is a skilled pianist and teacher with a passion for music as an expansive tool. Jessica is from Salt Lake City, Utah where her first piano teacher was her grandmother. She studied and progressed quickly as a young child and began lessons at the University of Utah at just 14 years old. Jessica enjoyed competing and performing growing up and competed in several venues, receiving accolades and awards in both solo and concerto performances. In addition to solo pursuits, Jessica enjoyed playing in the orchestra for several community and high school theatre productions, as well as accompanying all six choirs at her high school. She went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in piano performance from the University of Utah and excelled academically, landing herself on the Dean's list for 7 consecutive semesters. In addition, she received a full academic award scholarship as a Bachelors of Music, Piano Performance candidate.  During her time at the University of Utah, Jessica also worked as a dance accompanist for Tanner Dance and enjoyed learning about improvisation and dance forms. She completed extracurricular studies in chamber music and continues to love group collaboration. Her studies were not limited to music and she had the privilege of traveling throughout her college years and learning a second language. She completed a Spanish Teaching Minor which helps enhance Spiritoso International Piano Academy’s ability to offer yet again another language of piano study.  After graduation, Jessica has enjoyed moving around the country for various pursuits. She received a certificate for ballet accompaniment from the Houston Ballet, as well as studied Music Therapy full time for two years. Jessica brings a broad understanding of music to the academy, as well the core belief that music is therapeutic and important for everyone, regardless of age and ability. She loves to incorporate aspects of therapy, emotional understanding, and stories about the pieces and composers. She believes that students experience the most joy and satisfaction from their playing if they have a connection to music that emcompasses both a theoretical and emotional understanding. Jessica teaches with a high-level of energy and passion that cannot be manufactured.  She often starts class with an exciting excerpt from a symphony or a funny story about music. Jessica comes to Spiritoso as a seasoned instructor of her own private students for over 10 years and also brings an advanced level of theoretical and historical knowledge.  She encompasses the love of music so highly valued by our academy.  Her love of teaching is felt by all her students and their progression is a direct outcome of her constant encouragement. Our students often tell us that they wish group classes were every week and they cannot wait for the next one!Jessica looks forward to hopefully auditioning into a Master's of Fine Arts program in the next few years and continuing her personal journey with piano. She embodies the love of music, high level of knowledge, and care of students that makes Spiritoso Academy such a prestigious choice for students. She is looking forward to helping students learn and develop as musicians and truly believes that music is an invaluable pursuit.