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. She has taught over 30 years in 3 different countries: USA, Japan and Hungary. Many of her 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