Spiritoso
International Piano Academy
Giving individuals the ability to express themselves through music!
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For more information!
info@spiritosoacademy.com
Spiritoso [Italian] ~ Music to be performed in a spirited or animated manner.
Academy Faculty
Dr. Mio Cowden
Director
Instructor
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Dr. Yu (Rita) Hsiang
Assistant Director
Instructor
Jessica Gordon
Instructor
Dr. Mio Cowden has spent the better part of her life learning and performing. She was born and raised in Japan during her earlier years. Her educational & performance pursuits have taken her across the globe where she regularly performs on three different continents: Asia, Europe, and North America. She has completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a specialty in piano performance and a subspecialty in music history at the University of Utah. During her time at the University of Utah, she received scholarships for her studies, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout. She graduated with a Summa Cum Laude and was selected as the commencement speaker for the Fine Arts department graduation ceremony. During that time, she won a number of top awards at numerous piano competitions. In addition, she also received piano performance certifications of achievement at the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, and piano performance degree in Japan. She has studied under the direction of individuals including Dr. Susan Duehlmeier (United States), Professor Attila Nemethy (Hungary), and Professor Shigenobu Okamura (Japan). She continued her profession as a faculty member of the University of Utah, School of Music piano department for 13 years. She was the Director of the University of Utah Piano Outreach Program, Assistant Director of the Piano Preparatory Division, and Associate Instructor. She also taught college students as an Adjunct Instructor at Salt Lake Community College. Many of her private students have gone on to be accepted into piano performance degree programs in multiple well-known universities. Dr. Cowden believes that everyone is capable of expressing themselves through music. Helping each of them see their own potential is a true joy in her life. In addition to her music life, she also has an active family life filled with wonder and adventure. “Piano study helps to develop creative thinking, the power of concentration, and coordination between body and mind. We offer a positive and intrinsically rewarding means of developing an individual’s full potential. Everyone can make and enjoy music. Through careful instruction and practice, each individual, no matter what talent they bring to their lessons, can find their musical voice and enrich their life as well as the lives of those around them.” ~ Dr. Cowden
Dr. Yu (Rita) Hsiang has devoted her life to the love and pursuit of music. She was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan during her earlier years. As she progressed in her piano performance endeavors, she ventured out of Taiwan and eventually made her way to the United States. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a focus on piano performance at the University of Utah on scholarship. She studied under the tutelage of teachers such as Dr. Chia Sui Hung, Dr. Chung Ying Lan, and Dr. Ning Lu. During her doctorial pursuit, she remained on the Academic Dean's List to add to her many accomplishments. At the University of Utah, she actively taught classes and participated in a Utah community outreach program. A program which brought music back to the elementary schools giving less fortunate children the opportunity to learn piano. She also served on the Piano faculty of the Utah Conservatory. Dr. Hsiang is a member of a number of Music teaching associations such as Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC). She is also a frequent member of adjudicator in piano events/competitions. Outside of her performance life, she is a devote wife and mother. She loves traveling with family and friends and continues to find new hobbies and enjoyments. “We are devoted to the identity of each of our students. We have built our piano program to enhance their personal strengths while building a strong foundation around areas of improvement. The personality of each student needs to shine through during their piano journey. To find oneself in music is to live life in an elevated plain. Each student has a musical voice. By giving them the proper foundation around technique, musicality and performance, they will find that they are limitless on what they can achieve." ~ Dr. Hsiang
Jessica Gordon is a skilled pianist studying at the University of Utah. She has excelled academically, landing herself on the Dean's list for 7 consecutive semesters. In addition, she has received a full academic award scholarship as a Bachelors of Music, Piano Performance candidate. During her time at the University of Utah, she has also completed a Spanish Teaching Minor enhancing Spiritoso International Piano Academy’s ability to offer yet again another language of piano study. Jessica is an amazing individual with a high-level energy and passion for teaching in any capacity. She comes to Spiritoso as a seasoned instructor of her own students for almost 10 years. 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 effect of her constant encouragement. Jessica also comes to us as a seasoned competitor in piano competitions. She has competed in several venues, receiving accolades and awards in both solo and concerto performances. We are happy that she has joined our team and we look forward to this up-and-coming year.