Biography
Mauricio got his degree as a Music Master in Piano Performance in 2015 at George Mason University under the tutelage of Dr. Anna Balakerskaia. Since then, he has dedicated himself to give piano recitals in United States and Costa Rica as well as train his piano students in both countries.
Prior to his Master’s degree, he started his piano education in 1994 in the University of Costa Rica’s music conservatory where he studied with M.M. Gertrudis Feterman and got his Bachelor’s degree in Music with Piano Emphasis as well as his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. In 2008, he entered to the Institute Superior of Arts under the tutelage of Dr. Alexandr Sklioutovsky, M.M. Ludmilla Meltzer, Dr. Luis Monge Fernández and Dr. Gerardo Meza Sandoval. In 2009, he entered the National University of Costa Rica under the same tutelage and got his bachelor’s degree in piano performance and pedagogy.
Throughout his career he has received numerous master classes with Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Paris Conservatory), Dr. Ana María Trenchi Botazzi (President of The Pinault International Music Society and School of Music, NY), Dr. Bruno Bottazzi (Pinault School of Music, NY), Dr. Robin Holtz-Williams (New Orleans University) and Dr. Pilar Leyva.
Services
Performer
Currently, Mauricio develops as a performer in several areas. He usually performs in concert and private recitals as soloist, accompanying pianist, and as part of duets, trios and other chamber music groupings. Besides, he offers his service for events, weddings, receptions and other cultural activities. Additionally, he has extensive experience as organist and pianist in various religious services.
Soloist • Accompanist • Weddings and events • Chamber music • Organist
Professor
Since 2007, Mauricio has served as piano, music theory, harmony and analysis teacher. His studio has students from 5 to 89 years old and with levels from beginner to bachelor’s degree. Currently, he teaches at his private studio, besides other institutions like National University of Costa Rica. He has experience with students with special needs, such as elderly students and students with autism.
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Piano • Music Theory • Harmony • Music Analysis • All ages • Students with special needs
Piano Online
In recent years, Mauricio has been a pioneer in the teaching of the Piano at a distance. Combining traditional methods, with his own pedagogical research and current technology, Mauricio has developed a methodology where his students can be anywhere in the world and receive weekly lessons through a real-time video call. The only thing the student needs is to have their own Piano, a stable Internet connection, a PayPal account and the desire to learn.
This methodology is extremely complete, since it has constant communication throughout the week between the student and the teacher, weekly assignments in which the student sends his recordings and the teacher makes his corrections for a constant feedback.
Education
2016 Music Master in Piano Performance
George Mason University
2015 Master Class with Jean-Yves Thibaudet (Paris Conservatory). 2013 Bachelor in Piano Performance and Pedagogy
National University.
2010 Bachelor in Music with emphasis in Piano
University of Costa Rica
2009 Ana María Trenchi Botazzi (President of The Pinault International Music Society and School of Music, NY). 2009 Master Class with PhD. Bruno Bottazzi (Pinault School of Music, NY). 2008 Master Class with PhD. Robin Holtz-Williams (New Orleans University). 2008 Master Class with PhD. Pilar Leyva..
Videos
More videos on our YouTube channel
Experience
Laboral
2017 – present Piano Teacher, National University, Heredia, Costa Rica. 2014 – 2015 Piano Teacher, Potomac Arts Academy. Fairfax, VA 2014 – 2016 Piano Teacher, Keyboard for Kids and More. Fairfax, VA 2014 – 2016 Piano Teacher, Create More Music Studios. Loudoun, VA 2014 – 2016 Organist, St. Andrew & St. Margaret Anglican Catholic Church. Alexandria, VA. 2014 – 2016 Organist & Pianist, Church of the Holy City. Washington, DC.
Recitals
2017 Appasionnato, La Casona. 2016 Mauricio Fernández en mi menor, La Casona. 2015 Music Master’s Recital, GMU,VA. 2013 National Theater, Costa Rica. 2013 Chopin en Chepe, La Casona. 2012, 2011, 2009 Weil Hall, Carnegie Hall, NY. 2012 Bruno Walter Auditorium, Lincoln Center, NY. 2009 (Piano y Puntas) Eugene O’Neill, San Jose, Costa Rica.
Awards
2013 3rd place American Protégé International Concerto Competition, NY. 2011 1st place American Protégé Romantic Music Competition, NY. 2010 2nd place American Protégé Romantic Music Competition, NY.
Testimonials
Mike Brown
Washington, D.C.
Having had five years of formal piano lessons when I was young, first with a Japanese Suzuki-trained and then a Filipino Peabody-trained instructor, my goal was to "brush up and improve" on the basics after being away forty years.
"Do I want a general musician, who can play many different instruments, or a professionally-trained pianist and instructor?"
"Does the instructor KNOW HOW TO COUNT and can prove it?" Shockingly, my opinion is that more than 80 percent fail this basic but critical skill because their instructors failed them.
After being with Mau, my opinion is that for every one-hour piano lesson requires at least two-and-a-half hours of weekly student preparation to achieve sustained results.
Now consider the instructor.
Few accomplished pianists know how to "correctly" instruct students of all levels and ages well in-person. And even fewer can instruct those well on-line. Mauricio delivers both extremely well.
His listening and teaching skills and methods are superb. He is pleasant, fun and laser-focused on improving his students' understanding and proficiency playing piano.
After being Mauricio's student for two years, one year in person and one year on-line, I comfortably attest that he has a rare combination of pure music talent and the love of teaching that will yield his students, of all ages and skill levels, superior and sustained results.
You will not be disappointed.Just remember, your job is to commit to keep practicing what Mauricio teaches you.
Good luck, enjoy, and remember to keep counting.Then, finding the correct music teacher is a surprisingly hard task that first requires a student to ask them self the harder questions: "Am I willing and able to put in the necessary practice time to become better?"
