Maria Welch graduated from Carthage College with a degree in piano performance and a certificate in piano pedagogy in 2003. An avid pianist, accompanist, and choral singer, she participated in many ensembles and summer camps at Luther College, Concordia Moorhead, and the Boston Conservatory. Mentors from the piano programs at Oberlin Conservatory and Northwestern were instrumental in her success pursuing a career in arts education.
Currently completing her PhD in ethnomusicology at the University of Chicago, she opened her Hyde Park piano studio in 2017 and has since enjoyed working with many students in the neighborhood, conducting recitals and teaching from a broad range of genres. She places an emphasis on musicality and technique while also introducing the tenets of music theory and history. More than anything, Maria believes that music should be a source of joy and connection for students and families.