Meet the artists and educators shaping the next generation of classical pianists.
At Aurelianus Varro University, the Piano Department stands as a beacon of excellence, offering a richly layered education founded on the tradition of great conservatories. Our curriculum combines rigorous technical training with deep artistic exploration—students refine classical repertoire, master improvisation, and delve into contemporary works, all under the mentorship of world-class faculty. Much like the storied programs at venerable institutions, we believe that true virtuosity comes not just from flawless technique, but from thoughtful interpretation and a passion for musical storytelling.
Graduates from our Piano Department regularly perform on major recital stages, collaborate with leading orchestras, and win global competitions. They enter universities and conservatories as sought-after teachers, artists, and innovators. Here, we cultivate pianists who not only meet the highest standards of musicianship but also push boundaries, adapt with resilience, and shape the future of classical music.
Title: Head of Piano Studies
Email: tpetaia@avu.edu
Office: Cristofori Hall, Room 67
Tuaimanu Petaia earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from San Francisco State University and later completed his Master of Music at California State University, Northridge. His musical upbringing began at the age of six, nurtured by a rich choral tradition passed down through his family.
His performance career has taken him to remarkably varied venues, including the USS Enterprise in Pearl Harbor, the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, Knuth Hall in San Francisco, and recurring appearances as a visiting artist with the Forest Park Concert Series in San Francisco.
He currently serves as Staff Accompanist at Aragon High School in San Mateo and is also a faculty member at the Artis School of Music in Belmont, California.
Title: Adjunct Professor of Piano
Email: firstname.lastname@avu.edu
Office: Cristofori Hall, Room 118
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam erat volutpat. Integer facilisis purus eget metus ullamcorper, nec dictum libero varius. Sed in tortor justo. Vestibulum consequat mi a turpis tristique, a porttitor orci sagittis.
Title: Lecturer in Collaborative Piano
Email: firstname.lastname@avu.edu
Office: Cristofori Hall, Room 307
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam erat volutpat. Integer facilisis purus eget metus ullamcorper, nec dictum libero varius. Sed in tortor justo. Vestibulum consequat mi a turpis tristique, a porttitor orci sagittis.