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Pedro Medeiros, piano
Pedro Medeiros is a pianist and dedicated piano educator currently based in Muncie, Indiana. He is currently a piano faculty at Taylor University in Upland, IN. Throughout his academic journey, he studied with esteemed mentors, including Dr. Raymond Kilburn during his Doctor of Arts at Ball State University, Dr. Alessandra Feris during his Master of Music at the University of South Dakota, and Dr. Luis Claudio Barros during his Bachelor of Arts at the Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (Brazil). During both his master's and doctoral programs, Dr. Medeiros was awarded graduate assistantships in recognition of his academic and artistic excellence. Dr. Medeiros won piano competitions and received honorable mentions in several piano competitions, including first place in the MTNA Young Artist South Dakota State Division in both 2018 and 2019. In addition to maintaining a teaching and performing schedule, Dr. Medeiros develops research in the art of teaching and repertoire. His doctoral dissertation focused on 12 Valsas de Esquina (12 Street Corner Waltzes) by Brazilian composer Francisco Mignone. In this work, Dr. Medeiros examined the connection between Brazilian urban popular music and the 12 Waltzes, offering insights into how these influences inform interpretation and pedagogy. As a teacher, Dr. Medeiros embraces a student-centered philosophy. He recognizes that each student comes with unique goals and learning styles, and he strives to guide them toward their highest potential. His teaching approach encourages independent learning and critical thinking, leading students to develop both artistic expression and technical mastery.