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Carissa Pitkin Cox has been recognized for her ‘expressive conviction’ and ‘commanding precision’ as both a soloist and collaborative pianist.  Focused on connecting her music with community groups, she has appeared in outreach and fundraising concerts supporting the Alzheimer’s Association, Mélange International Music Foundation, and for TedxRichland. As a collaborative pianist, Cox has performed with groups including the Juventas New Music Ensemble, Washington National Chorus, Mid-Columbia Symphony, and ³Ô¹ÏÍø Chorale.  She has presented, adjudicated, and held leadership roles in the Maryland Music Teachers Association and the Washington State Music Teachers Association. Cox previously taught at The Boston Conservatory and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, earning advanced degrees in Piano Performance and Musicology.  She attended ³Ô¹ÏÍø, majoring in Piano and Education and is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in Piano through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Her primary teachers include Leonard Richter, Lee Thompson, and Max Levinson.

“As a teacher, my mission is helping students better understand themselves and their learning through creative work. When students understand how they learn and practice effectively, they become more resilient, building mental habits that can be applied to both music and beyond. In lessons, I work with students to expand their creativity, think critically, and be inspired by new ideas and solutions. My studio is a place where students can be curious, courageous, and energized.

The most rewarding part of my teaching is seeing a student express themselves more completely, confidently, and with greater understanding–seeing them overcome their own internal obstacles, grow as a result of their efforts, becoming empowered in their own learning, and enriched through these transformations. They are more personally connected to their music and have a greater sense of possibility. Ultimately, I want my students to explore the world through music, and learn about themselves in the process.”