Maria Crystalia, a native of Medan, Indonesia, studied under the direction of James Miltenberger at West Virginia University (WVU), where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. She went on to pursue her graduate degrees and received both a Master of Music in Piano Performance and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from West Virginia University. During her undergraduate and graduate studies, she also studied organ under Professor William Haller and has experience as an organ accompanist for church services. In addition, Maria has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a Fine Arts Scholarship from the WVU College of Creative Arts and the Valeria Canady Award. Maria also served in leadership roles for the WVU collegiate chapter of the Music Teachers National Association, first as Secretary and later as President.

As a pianist, she is skilled and experienced in teaching students of all skill levels. Maria has over 15 years of teaching experience, including serving as Senior Piano Instructor for the School of Music Community Music Program at WVU. After graduation, she taught in the Dallas metropolitan area as a private academy instructor before joining San Antonio Music Academy. Her extensive teaching experience has helped her refine her methods, allowing her to quickly adapt to the unique learning style of each student. Maria brings patience, enthusiasm, and encouragement to every lesson while helping students build strong technique and confidence. Her students have consistently participated in the local UTSA Hodges Piano Competition, where they have earned awards and recognition.

Maria and her husband have two daughters and a rescue dog named Bubble.

 

Awards:

Golden Piano Talents – Golden Teacher Award for Extraordinary Pedagogical Achievement for 1st Award Winner Grand Prize (2021)

Marker & Pioneer International Cultural Exchange Center – Honorable Instructor of the MAP-IMC (2022)