Biography

New York based pianist Saundra Cezard is active as a recitalist, repetiteur, and educator. Having just recently returned from living abroad for the past 5 years in Paris and London, she is thrilled to be back in the states collaborating on many new projects. In July of 2019, in collaboration with American violinist Ronald Long, she presented an “England Meets America” themed concert of violin sonatas at St. Peter’s Church in London. Recently Mrs. Cezard performed a concert in Albi, France, which explored music through the ages and discussed how music has evolved through time. In November of 2019 she performed in recital alongside American-Lebanese mezzo-soprano Jessica Harika to help launch River City Opera – a new opera company and festival in Richmond, Virginia. In recent private settings in London she has performed solo and collaborative concerts of great variety spanning from classical sonatas to contemporary artists.

In December of 2013, Mrs. Cezard made her Carnegie Hall debut in Weill Hall. In New York she performed new works in concert with the New York Opera Exchange in Time Square’s Old Paramount Building, in the Dramatists Guild Loewe room. While in Manhattan she performed in a two-piano production of Faust, directed by Thomas Muraco and Carol Castel. In addition to her coaching duties, she arranged and performed a two-piano reduction of the orchestral score and previously did the same for a production of Lucia di Lammermoor with Brazilian director Livia Sabag. Mrs. Cezard was regularly called on as a repetiteur for Amore Opera and the CCO.

In the summer of 2011, Mrs. Cezard accompanied Martha Guth, winner of the 2007 Wigmore Hall International Song Competition, in a Vancouver recital. She has performed the celesta in Respighi’s Trittico Botticelliano and in Mozart’s Die Zauberﬂöte, in collaboration with conductor Daniel Myssyk; her orchestral experience also includes Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, as well as Puccini’s Suor Angelica. While in Manhattan, she attained further expertise in conducting choral and orchestral works.

Mrs. Cezard received her bachelor’s of music in piano performance from Virginia Commonwealth University with a “Friends of Music” scholarship, where she studied with Dr. Dmitri Shteinberg. As a president’s scholarship recipient at the Manhattan School of Music she received her master’s degree in collaborative piano and vocal coaching in May of 2013, under the tutelage of Professor Thomas Muraco.

Mrs. Cezard has played for the voice master classes of Thomas Hampson (broadcasted live throughout Europe), Martina Arroyo, Diana Soviero, Ubaldo Fabbri, Deen Larsen, Arlene Shrut, Rosemarie Landry, Bruno Laplante, Cameron Stowe, and Rena Sharon.

After being granted the Sorel scholarship in 2011 she attended the Vancouver International Song Institute. There she was coached and mentored by renowned singers and pianists including Dr. Arlene Shrut, Rosemarie Landry, Erika Switzer, and Francois Le Roux. During this time she learned how to approach and perform the intimate art form. Alongside singers from around the world, she performed in concerts throughout Vancouver and in the Roy Barnett Concert Hall. Mrs. Cezard has played for the voice master classes of Thomas Hampson (broadcasted live throughout Europe), Martina Arroyo, Diana Soviero, Ubaldo Fabbri, Deen Larsen, Arlene Shrut, Rosemarie Landry, Bruno Laplante, Cameron Stowe, and Rena Sharon.

Teaching Philosophy

As a professional pianist and teacher, I adapt my teaching style to my students’ unique personalities and learning needs. I thoroughly enjoy teaching advanced musicians and beginners alike everything about playing the piano, music theory, and how they can most effectively practice and learn music.

My students play the style and era of music that they wish! I have taught a range of music from Beatles hits to Beethoven sonatas. It is so rewarding to see a new concept “click” with my students. It is that moment that I work so hard with you to achieve.

I teach a technique that reduces chances of injuries or stress, and that creates a beautiful sound. This is a necessary focus that many teachers do not spend enough or any time on; we incorporate a stress-free technique in everything you play. Along with learning the technicalities of the piano, there is a lot of music theory and history to learn that actually has a great impact on how one plays the piano. I have been trained for years in conservatories in these fields, and would love to teach anyone from the very beginning, or someone who has been playing for years that would like to start taking lessons again. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or to book a lesson!

Testimonials

“I have had piano lessons for a year with Saundra, and she is a fantastic piano teacher. She is motivating, friendly and of course very talented. I couldn’t recommend her enough.” Nicolas T.

“I am an experienced pianist, and have been a student of Saundra’s for over a year. She is an excellent teacher for advanced pianists, able to teach to a very high level, and I’ve made steady progress throughout the year, which is extremely rewarding. Saundra is able to draw on a wealth of experience in both performance and academia, bringing context, and nuance to really bring pieces to life – better yet, she’s able to transfer these techniques to the student with a versatile teaching style. She explains things in a clear and simple way, and builds the lesson around your individual needs – lessons are inspiring and diverse. Saundra is patient and supportive, and has a passion for music that is infectious. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons and look forward to them each week – highly recommended!” Cara MW

“Having resolved to begin piano lessons in my mid-twenties, I felt exceedingly fortunate to find a teacher of Saundra’s calibre in North London. Her engaging teaching style, seemingly inexhaustible patience, and strong commitment to developing good technique from the outset, all distinguish Saundra as an outstanding teacher. Perhaps most importantly, she has sustained my enthusiasm for lessons during the challenging early phases of developing basic skills, which has been invaluable to my progress to date. I would recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservation.” Cameron W.

“I really enjoy my piano lessons with Saundra. I had played a little as a child and 50+ years on I decided to try again and Saundra was brilliant in rekindling my interest and helping me to progress. She has a lovely calm approach that both encourages and challenges you to make progress and I particularly like the way she employs lots of different techniques that really help you to improve. Saundra is a top notch teacher and I would recommend her to anyone young or old!” Sue F.

“I had my first class with Saundra last September. I was at a beginner level but was trying to find a teacher who would make me progress. Saundra exceeded my expectations by far- not only she is a fantastic and extremely talented teacher but her style of teaching is engaging and easy to grasp. She is calm, composed and very welcoming and that attitude reflects in her teaching which is perhaps why I have learnt so much from her. She changed the way I play and is exceptionally gifted. I would definitely recommend her as the top piano teacher in London- very well priced and 100% value for money given what you learn!” Noor G

“I thoroughly enjoyed and relished my piano lessons with Saundra. She is very understanding and professional with the objective of helping students enjoy and learn to play. I felt my learning and comprehension of the piano expanded substantially while I studied with her. Saundra is also flexible in our sessions, something I appreciate given our busy lives today.” Stuart S.

“Saundra is a fantastic teacher who has brought me from not being able to play a single piece at all to playing fairly complex pieces pretty confidently in a very short space of time. I’ve found her lessons to be entertaining as well as educational and would thoroughly recommend her tutelage!” Matthew S.

“I have spent a few years trying to find a good decent teacher for myself, and Saundra is more than I had hoped for. She is incredibly talented, passionate and inspiring. Her enthusiasm motivates me to learn more than any teacher I have ever had.” Ashley N.

“Very professional, structured teaching and heaps of patience. I would recommend Saundra without hesitation.” Peter B.

“My sons who are 6 and 7 had piano lessons with Saundra, and they enjoyed it very much. She is a fun, responsible teacher, and very good with kids.” Sabira T.

“Piano Lessons with Saundra reminds me how an extraordinary teacher can change a life completely. My daughter, Gem, who is 7 years old was not interested in taking piano lessons. Once Saundra motivated her to play and learn songs quickly, my daughter practiced on her own and was ready for the next lesson every week. Saundra’s work will appeal to all music lovers who are young and still trying to figure out their style of music. Piano Lessons with Saundra will also touch the heart of anyone who has ever loved a teacher. She has great patience. Saundra and my daughter built a bond very quickly. It was very hard for her to say goodbye when she moved. We are lucky we had Saundra to start us into the right direction. I highly recommend her.” Holly G.

“I took piano lessons from Saundra for more than 6 months. She taught me how to read sheet music, and the basics of playing the piano. She is a wonderful teacher, well-versed in piano technique and music theory. She is professional, encouraging, and takes great interest in her students’ progress. She pays close attention to how her students play, and is flexible in her teaching style to make sure the students learn even the concepts they are finding difficult, all the while enjoying it.” Sravan B.

“Saundra has been a wonderful piano teacher for my 9 years old daughter, Yar. She is not only kind, caring, and very patient, but she truly inspired my daughter to enjoy learning and to love music. Saundra’s passion for teaching is evident. She gently encourages frequent practice, attention to details and dynamics, in a fun and relaxed learning way, and a genuine interest in her students. My daughter has looked forward to her piano lessons each week and was practicing almost everyday for her lessons. Which is something for my daughter. I can’t say how sorry I was to see her leave New York. But she has moved to Paris to start a new life and some very lucky young students are going to get to work with a very talented teacher. We miss you Saundra and wish you all the best.” Gehan A.

“Saundra taught my active 6 year old son for almost a year, and his progress was amazing! Saundra is extremely patient and kind, and she found ways to teach my son so that lessons were fun, more like playing games than actual work. After a short time he was playing advanced pieces, and he actually wanted to practice at home without being asked! Saundra was always extremely encouraging, and she made my son feel like she was both a friend and a teacher. She was also very responsive to my questions and ideas. We miss Saundra very much, and Paris is very lucky to have gained such a wonderful teacher. I highly recommend Saundra for piano students of all ages, especially for your precious little ones!” Joy M., mom of 6 year old piano student

“I studied piano for a bit in college but never made much headway. Saundra corrected my technique and held me accountable for my progress, and now, after our few lessons, I play more beautifully and with more ease. She is a spirited coach, an artist of the highest order, and, most importantly, a patient teacher.” Adam L.

Recordings

Saundra Cezard - Solo Piano

Prokofiev(Sonata No. 3, Op. 28)

Chopin(Scherzo No. 3, Op. 39)

Schumann(Op. 2 - Papillons)

Beethoven(Sonata No. 15, Op. 28, I - Pastoral)

Beethoven(Sonata No. 15, Op. 28, III - Pastoral)

Saundra Cezard - Collaborative Works

Beethoven(Cello Sonata Op. 69, No. 3, I)

Beethoven(Cello Sonata Op. 69, No. 3, III)

Brahms(Clarinet Sonata Op. 120, No. 2, I)

Maurice Ravel(Violin Sonata No. 2, III)

Schumann(Dichterliebe I &II)

Vaughan Williams(Songs of Travel - Let Beauty Awake)

Location

I teach lessons on a Yamaha U1, directly from my house in Larchmont Woods.

Contact

If you wish to get in touch regarding concerts, lessons, collaborations, or coachings, please fill out the form below and I will get back to you soon.