Mariela’s Musical Journey

Mariela began music lessons at the age of eight under “The Modern Systemic Method for Organ” taught by organist Antonio Vale in the city of Caracas, Venezuela. Later, she continued her education with a succession of teachers, starting with Professor Ricardo Isela on the synthesizers, where she began arranging. At the age of 17, she started piano studies with pianist and music educator Dr. Alicia Gaggioni and, directly after, with organist and Hungarian pianist Elizabeth Toth at the M.G Toth School of Music.

Mariela’s experience recovering from a stroke and a severe wrist fracture deepened her appreciation for the role of music in well-being.

She later completed “Music for Wellness” through Berklee College of Music.

“I use music to help my students with focus, relaxation, and patience as well as to build confidence through task completion.”

Mariela has taught piano since 2015 in the U.S., the Netherlands, and South Korea. Her most recent position was as a classroom piano instructor at The Music Garden in Peachtree City, GA.

She holds postgraduate certification in Piano Teaching from the University of Chichester, UK, and completed the coursework for certification as an Elementary Piano Teacher by the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), Ontario.

She has also studied Piano Performance through the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) under the guidance of musicologist Tanja Hanh and later in South Korea with Sohee Yim at the British Piano Academy.

Piano is Mariela’s primary instrument. She also enjoys ukulele, cuatro and drums.

She has been singing as an alto in community choirs and is currently a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church choir.

“I’m fascinated by what we can create with our voices.”