Chitra brings a wealth of experience as a musical and recording artist, violinist, violist, pianist, and music producer. She combines her versatile expertise with a passion for teaching to guide students toward their individual goals. Through lessons in scales, diatonic harmony, and sight reading, as well as exploring pop songs and jazz standards, Chitra empowers students to grow confidently and develop their unique musical voices.
Beginner Piano!
As a musician who plays piano, writes songs, and teaches music theory, my drive to share my skills and knowledge is deeply rooted in my multifaceted love for music. Each aspect of my musical journey has offered unique insights and joys that I’m eager to pass on. Playing piano has shaped my understanding of melody, harmony, and expression in profound ways. Songwriting has taught me to craft stories and emotions through music, while teaching music theory allows me to break down and share the underlying structures that make it all work. I aim to help students not only master the piano but also understand the theory behind the music they play and create. Witnessing their growth—whether it’s seeing them tackle a challenging piece, find their own voice as musicians, or experiment with improvisation—is incredibly rewarding. My goal is to inspire students to explore all facets of music, whether they’re drawn to classical techniques, original compositions, or the theoretical foundations that tie it all together.
I began my musical journey at just five years old, and over the years, piano has become an integral part of who I am. My early experiences with the instrument laid a strong foundation in technique and musical expression, which continues to shape the emotional landscape I paint with my current music. In the past four years, I’ve expanded my craft into songwriting and production, blending my classical training with contemporary styles to create music that feels both personal and innovative. My exploration into producing over the last two years has further broadened my skill set, enabling me to bring my songs to life with a full, professional sound.
As an independent artist, I’ve embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with managing my own music releases. Navigating the landscape of social media and digital platforms has taught me to connect with my audience more effectively and adapt to the ever-evolving music industry. This journey has been a continuous learning experience, pushing me to refine my craft and stay current with trends while remaining true to my artistic vision. Evolving in my craft means constantly experimenting and adapting—whether through integrating different genres, expanding my improvisational skills, or exploring new ways to engage with students and audiences.
My teaching style centers around celebrating each student’s unique authenticity and fostering an environment where their individuality can flourish. I believe that every student brings their own perspectives and experiences to their music, and my role is to help them explore and express these personal elements in their learning journey.
To help students celebrate their uniqueness, I start by getting to know their interests, influences, and goals. I encourage them to incorporate their personal tastes and experiences into their music, whether through choosing pieces that resonate with them or experimenting with their own compositions. I strive to create a supportive and open space where students feel comfortable taking creative risks and expressing their true selves.
Taking an intuitive approach to teaching means being flexible and responsive to each student’s needs and progress. I adapt my methods based on their learning styles, interests, and any challenges they may face. This approach allows me to offer tailored guidance and support that aligns with their individual learning pace and preferences.
Creating a feel-good experience for my students involves building a positive, encouraging atmosphere where they feel valued and motivated. I focus on celebrating their successes, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback that helps them grow without discouragement. My goal is for each lesson to be an uplifting and enjoyable experience that inspires a love for music and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, seeing my students’ growth and enthusiasm fuels my passion and drives me to continuously evolve as a teacher and artist.
What keeps me creatively inspired is exploring new genres, experimenting with different techniques, and honing my craft as both a musician and creative director. I find that having a healthy balance of life outside of music is essential for continued success; reading books, watching films, and having discussions with friends fuels my passion and curiosity for learning.
Outside of music, I find journaling to be an outlet of mass creative inspiration. This ongoing process helps me track my creative evolution and revisit concepts that may not have fit into a project initially but could become relevant later. All in all, I draw connections between all of my different roles. For example, the discipline and emotion of piano performance can influence my approach to production, while visual elements can inform the way I structure a musical composition. Balancing these elements helps me stay creatively inspired and maintain a dynamic and fulfilling practice across all my roles.