CHETAN

CHETAN TIERRA, a Yamaha Artist, internationally acclaimed pianist, and co-founder of the San Diego Piano Academy, has captivated audiences across the globe through his commanding performances and exceptional artistry. His remarkable career has taken him to the world's most prestigious concert stages, including an acclaimed Carnegie Hall debut that The New York Concert Review praised as "magnificent," declaring him "the real deal" with "formidable technique" and "focused artistry."

 

Mr. Tierra's ascent to international prominence began with his extraordinary success in the most rigorous international piano competitions. He was one of only four Americans admitted to compete in the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and advanced to the semi-finals of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in Belgium. His competition achievements include third prize and audience award at the Jose Iturbi International Piano Competition, second prize at both the New Orleans International Piano Competition and Hilton Head International Piano Competition, and first prize victories at the California International Young Artists Competition and Frinna Awerbuch International Piano Competition. Critics have consistently praised his "blazing performances," "masterful technique," and ability to hold audiences "on the edge of their seats" with performances described as "magnificent" and "powerful."

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As a soloist with orchestra, Mr. Tierra has performed with distinguished ensembles including the Louisiana Philharmonic, Santa Cruz Symphony, Hilton Head Symphony, Poway Symphony and more, earning acclaim for his interpretations of major concertos by Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and Mozart. His international recital career has taken him to venues across the United States, Europe, and beyond, with performances in Italy, Poland, South Africa, and Asia.

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Mr. Tierra's dedication to musical excellence extends far beyond the concert stage. Co-founding the San Diego Piano Academy with his wife Melissa in 2016, he has grown it from a small studio into one of California's most prestigious piano institutions, serving nearly 200 students with a faculty of 12 world-class instructors. As

artist-in-residence, he maintains a small, selective studio of advanced students and aspiring professionals, most of whom achieve competition success and gain admission to America's top conservatories. His revolutionary SMART practice methodology has transformed how students approach the piano, enabling them to progress 3-4 times faster than traditional methods. Together with Melissa, they have developed comprehensive online courses that have reached nearly 1,000 students globally, making world-class instruction accessible regardless of geographic location.

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Mr. Tierra's comprehensive musical education began with his father Michael Tierra, then continued with distinguished teacher Hans Boepple at Santa Clara University during his formative high school years, before completing his studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma under internationally renowned pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi. He has participated in major music festivals including Aspen, Brevard, Bowdoin, and the Prague Piano Festival, studying with distinguished artists including Peter Serkin, Richard Goode, Sergei Babayan, Veda Kaplinsky, Bruce Murray, Logan Skelton, John Perry, Pawel Skrypek, Ian Hobson, and Daniel Shapiro. As a composer, his works reflect a sophisticated blend of classical training with contemporary sensibilities, garnering praise for their "emotionally charged" and "meditative" qualities.

 

Currently serving as faculty member at the prestigious Amici International Music Festival at Pepperdine University, Mr. Tierra continues to shape the next generation of pianists. He resides in San Diego, California with his wife Melissa, also an accomplished pianist and educator, and their daughter Aviana.