MARIE

MARIE ANANIAN is a concert pianist and educator who brings a thoughtful musical perspective to her performances, combining careful preparation with genuine artistic expression. Her interpretations seek to honor both the composer's intentions and her personal connection to each work, creating performances that audiences have found engaging and communicative. Performing regularly throughout Southern California, Marie explores a diverse repertoire from baroque through contemporary periods, striving for both technical clarity and emotional depth. She has been fortunate to receive guidance from internationally respected pianists including William Grant Nabore and Yohoved Kaplinsky, whose insights continue to inform her ongoing development as an artist. As a teacher, Marie focuses on nurturing each student's unique voice, providing strong technical foundations while encouraging the creative freedom that allows for authentic musical expression.

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Marie's pedagogical approach draws from a rich tapestry of experiences, beginning remarkably at age 15 when she taught her first piano students. Her teaching philosophy, shaped by her formative training with pianist Elvin Rodriguez, balances technical precision with expressive freedom, encouraging each student to develop their unique musical identity. For over 13 years, Marie has guided hundreds of pianists across Riverside and San Diego County, from young children taking their first steps at the keyboard to adults pursuing higher education as establishing professionals. Beyond her private studio, she spent two transformative years bringing music education to underserved elementary schools in Perris, where she witnessed how music creates pathways for expression regardless of background or prior exposure. In 2023, she founded "The Chamber Pianist," an innovative competition providing young musicians with opportunities to collaborate with internationally acclaimed San Diego Symphony members, culminating in a professional concert experience. As the founder of the San Diego Piano Conservatory Concert Series in Encinitas, she has created a nurturing environment where students of all ages discover their musical voices while building meaningful connections through shared artistic experiences.

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As a performer, Marie's interpretations and technical command have earned her recognition on concert stages throughout Southern California, including the most recent Milton Saier Sr. Memorial Award at the 2025 Emerging Artist Competition with La Jolla Symphony and Chorus where her interpretations of Bach, Liszt, and Kapustin earned 1st prize acclaim from the international jury. Her collaborative spirit shines through chamber music partnerships, having worked alongside distinguished artists including Martin Chalifour from LA Phil. When not performing or teaching, Marie shares her musical gifts in community settings, from worship services to commemorative events, embodying her belief that music's true power lies in its ability to connect and inspire minds.

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Achievements & Initiatives

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Marie's competition record features first-place finishes at numerous events including the Coachella Valley Concerto Competition, Rotary International Music Competition, Los Angeles Music International Grand Prix, and La Jolla's Emerging Artist.

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Her artistry has been refined through masterclass experiences with several distinguished pianists. She has had the privilege of receiving guidance from William Grant Nabore, Yohoved Kaplinsky, Norman Krieger, Eric Le Van, Dmitry Rachmanov, Fabio Bidini, and Sakiko Ohashi. These formative encounters have informed her interpretive approach and technical mastery, providing invaluable perspectives that she now integrates into her teaching philosophy.

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Her concerto debut began at the age of 18, following her distinguished graduation with MTAC's Certificate of Merit with Panel Honors. Marie was bestowed the privilege of soloist with the Bravura Youth Symphony. Under the discerning baton of Maestro Don Marino, she illuminated the 2015 "Jazz Under the Stars" Summer Festival with her debut of Gershwin's transcendent Rhapsody in Blue - a performance that would mark the beginning of her profound journey into the concerto repertoire.

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Marie holds professional memberships with the California Association of Professional Music Teachers and Music Teachers National Association, maintaining the highest standards in music education.

Marie's dedication to ongoing artistic development has been awarded full scholarships to the prestigious Montecito International Music Festival, where she continued to refine her craft under the guidance of world-class mentors.​