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What is Artistic Piano Training?

 Artistic piano training is a private piano studio based in San Bruno, California, offering guidance to students of all ages and levels. Our studio features hybrid programs combining components of online, in-person, and video tutorials—expertly combining tradition with the latest in technology.

Artistry at the piano is a multifaceted skill, requiring careful listening, physical coordination, expressive phrasing, and the confidence to share music with others. Artistic Piano Training develops these qualities in each student, guiding them toward success, confidence, and joy in their playing. 

We are proudly affiliated with the following music organizations:

Understanding Musical Phrasing

Artistry includes understanding the intent of the composer.  It's all written on the page with  musical signs and symbols, and comes to life with our own personal interpretation.  Artistry results when we combine the intent of the composer with our own ability to express it convincingly as if we were the composer.

Mastery of Classical Repertoire

Training in piano artistry must include classical repertoire study.  Classical music is at the core of musical art of the western hemisphere.  Mastering classical techniques and understanding the essence of classical music in itself is at the core of a well-rounded musical education.  In addition, with this training one is capable of learning any other style of music.  Classical music theory and technique lays the groundwork for all other genres.

Building Confidence in Performance

Confidence in performance is necessary in order to be able to share your musical artistry.  No closet pianists here!  This confidence is developed through many practice performances and trial runs in front of small audiences.  We provide these safe and supportive settings for this performance practice to take place through our Masterclasses, in-person recitals, and online performance events.

What Makes us Different?

At Artistic Piano Training, we believe in nurturing creativity as an essential part of musical growth. Founder and Director Judith Cataldo is an accomplished improviser, and Associate Instructor Alexander Shaneyfelt is a trained and published composer. Their creative backgrounds deeply shape the studio’s teaching approach, encouraging students to explore improvisation and composition while developing a strong foundation through dedicated classical study.

Through this balance, students gain not only technical and musical discipline, but also a personal creative outlet at the piano.

NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Judith Cataldo

Founder and Director

"For as long as I can remember, I loved the piano and always wanted to spend my life as a musician. Once I was introduced to classical music, I was hooked! I had a neighborhood teacher who got me started, and then eventually transferred to a phenomenal instructor who lit the fire in me for classical music. I started acquiring all the needed techniques, and began build up a repertoire of music by Bach, Beethoven, and beyond. By age 15, I presented my first full-length solo recital. "

My Story

Judith Cataldo has studied with some of the most respected piano teachers and performers in the United States, including Eugene Pridonoff of the Cincinnati Conservatory, Van Cliburn Competition winner André-Michel Schub, Gabriel Chodos of New England Conservatory, Constance Keene of Manhattan School of Music, and the legendary pianist and composer Robert Helps.

Her pianistic lineage draws from the traditions of Artur Schnabel and Rudolf Serkin, combined with the physical freedom and body-conscious approach of Abby Whiteside, emphasizing effortless, expressive, and stress-free piano playing.

Judith has performed widely as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and orchestral pianist throughout the United States. Her performances have taken her to numerous venues, including a career highlight: appearing in a contemporary music concert at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.

An avid improviser, Judith produced an album of original compositions, Improvising Life, which received critical acclaim. She traveled extensively to perform and promote the album, sharing both her original music and classical performances with audiences across the country.

Judith holds a Bachelor of Music from New England Conservatory, a Master of Music from the University of South Florida, and completed post-graduate studies at Manhattan School of Music, where she was also a Fellowship Recipient for Teaching.

In 2015, Judith founded Musical Arts Piano Conservatory in Tampa, where she served hundreds of piano students of all ages and levels. She is now cultivating her piano studio in San Bruno, California, while continuing to teach many students online from the East Coast.

For more than 22 years, Judith has served as a Faculty Member of the American College of Musicians, completing judging assignments for the National Guild of Piano Teachers nationwide. Through these evaluations, she has heard thousands of young pianists and mentored many teachers, giving her a highly refined understanding of the needs of developing students, adult hobbyists, and pre-professional musicians alike.

Click to hear Judith play
NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Alexander L. Shaneyfelt

Associate Piano Instructor

"I always wanted to be a storyteller.  Somehow, as a kid I got it in my head that I wanted to be an author, but quickly learned just how limiting language was. Music on the other-hand can connect with anybody. If I play a piece for 100 people each one will have a different experience: a memory, a feeling, a movie that plays in their head—something unique to each individual and their experiences. That's something special. As a music teacher my job isn't just to teach how to play notes, it's to teach a student how to connect with people in ways that words never could."

My Story

Alexander Lee Shaneyfelt is a classical pianist, composer, and educator whose work combines traditional classical training with creativity through improvisation and composition.  He first studied under Judith Cataldo at the Musical Arts Piano Conservatory, where he graduated in 2021 with a High School Diploma in Piano Performance with High Honors from both the Conservatory and the National Piano Guild.  He continued his studies at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, and his piano performance studies at Hillsborough College School of Performing Arts.
 
He has received numerous recognitions for outstanding artistic accomplishment through various organizations, most notably the Florida Winter Music Symposium Artist Competition.
 
Alexander is an active recitalist and chamber musician, and is often engaged to perform for private events, festivals, and community music programs.  
 
As an instructor, Alexander has developed an educational philosophy rooted in tradition and creativity through which he has nurtured students of various levels over the pasts few years.
 
Alexander joined the team at Artistic Piano Training in 2026.  He is an active member of professional national and state organizations, including the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT), the California Federation of Music Clubs, and the National Piano Guild.
 
Alexander actively writes on musicianship and shares original music on his website.
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