MISSION
The Brownsville Piano Studio is the first specialized school for piano in the lower valley. We are committed to a high level of piano teaching, learning, and playing. Students of all ages are encouraged to delve deeper into their creativity by not only aspiring to play the piano but also aspiring to make music.
Each student is given the utmost attention with personalized lesson plans and carefully selected repertoire. Emphasis is primarily given to technique, sight-reading, and musicianship through interpretation.
Competitions, festivals, and masterclasses are offered in our learning program motivating students to reach their highest potential. From local to national recognition, our students are always well prepared and receive the highest accolades.
At the Brownsville Piano Studio we are also advocates for sharing each students’ talents throughout our wonderful community. Recitals are given at local nursing homes, museums, and churches. Additionally, each student is encouraged to showcase their learning at our end of semester recitals.
Our mission is to give each student the proper tools to succeed in and outside of the music world nurturing discipline, responsibility, creativity, and sensitivity. The Brownsville Piano Studio invites you to join in our mission to help music bring about a better and more united world.
WHAT WE TEACH
our founder
Linda Chávez is a Mexican-American pianist from Brownsville, TX. A Magna Cum Laude graduate, she received her Bachelor’s of Music Education with emphasis in piano at the University of Texas at Brownsville (’14). As the recipient of the Scholastic Excellence Award two years in a row, hard work and perseverance have become synonymous with her career path. Among her accomplishments are receiving the University Scholars Scholarship (‘09-‘15), receiving the Brownsville Society of Performing Arts Scholarship (‘13-‘14), winning the 2013 Concerto-Aria Competition, elected President of the UTB Clavier Club, and received the Roberto Pullido Grant (‘14). Additionally, she was awarded a scholarship to study in the Campamento de Piano en Palmares in Costa Rica (‘13), participated in the Schlern International Music Festival in Italy (‘14 & ‘16), was awarded a scholarship to study in the Nuevo Mundo Festival and Academy in Aruba (‘15), and attended the Teaching Artist Program at Lincoln Center in NYC (‘17).
Ms. Linda received a Masters of Music in Piano Performance at the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts (’16) where she was awarded the Longy Conservatory Dean Scholarship, received two teaching assistantships, served as President of the Longy Student Association, and was a finalist in the Longy Honors Competition. Most recently, she has received much success with her piano duo Table for Two alongside pianist Ilana Cady. Together they opened the Styriarte Music Festival in Graz, Austria by winning their prestigious competition in 2016 with their all women composer program. Since then they have done multiple tours all throughout the United States and sealed their five-concert Spring Tour in New England with high praise. Currently, Ms. Linda works as an Accompanist and Assistant Choir Director teaching over 150 kids at HCISD and is also the pianist for the Valley Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of the American College of Musicians: Piano Guild; President of the NFMC Club in Brownsville, and the founder and organizer of the George Ramirez Young Artist Festival.
Ms. Linda has continuously sought to further develop musical growth in Brownsville. It is her mission to give young pianists and musicians ample opportunities to cultivate their talents and creativity. In addition to her full time teaching job with the school district, she currently teaches over 25 students, all of which have shown tremendous progress and improvement. Ms. Linda strives to bring artistry and ingenuity to each of her lessons. Her love and dedication to all of her students and their families is undeniable.
Ms. Linda is proud to have founded the first music school specialized in piano and is humbled to work alongside such talented colleagues. She hopes to continue to make a difference with her music and with her passion for positive change.
MEET OUR TEAM
dr. KENNETH SAXON
Pianist Kenneth Saxon has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist on three continents, including appearances at the Esplanade in Singapore, the Teatro di Donnafugato in Ibla, Sicily, and La Teatro de la Reforma in Matamoros, Mexico. Known for his wide-ranging repertoire, Saxon has premiered works by Gary Smoke and Maxwell Dulaney and regularly explores works by Schumann, Crumb, Bartok, and Granados. Saxon’s recording of the Rachmaninoff Preludes, Op. 32 was praised for the “fineness of touch . . . and excellent handling of polyphony” by William Kreindler for MusicWeb-International.
Saxon uses color, touch, and timing to create distinct sound worlds for each composer. His distinctive programming helps audiences make unexpected connections between the music and their own lives. An entertaining and engaging presence, Saxon often introduces works with a brief story about the pieces and his own experiences with them.
Saxon premiered Kawai Shiu’s solo work la negacion de simbolos and Bird Whistle, a work inspired by and conducted by composer Harrison Birtwistle. Saxon recorded Shiu’s “Winter Tide” on the album eXchange:China and “clear shade” on music of kawai shiu. In addition, Saxon created the contemporary ensemble Sin Fronteras (without boundaries) and has frequently championed the work if young composers by performing their works.
Kenneth is Associate Professor of Music at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He has published articles on sight reading in the Piano Pedagogy Journal, American Music Teacher and Pianist magazine. His book Steps to Success has helped hundreds of musicians improve their sight reading fluency. Saxon regularly offers master classes and workshops along with his performances.
