ABOUT
"Over my 35 years as director of the Distinguished Artists Series, I have heard hundreds of really great pianists. Occasionally one appears with a voice that speaks directly to the heart in a flawless manner. Such was the case with his performance. With the exception of maybe a Garrick Ohlsson or a Yuja Wang, I think he's right up there with the best of them."
- John Orlando, Distinguished Artists Series -
CHETAN TIERRA, a Yamaha Artist, pianist, and composer has delighted audiences across the globe in recital, as soloist with orchestra, and on radio and TV. He has performed on some of the world’s most renowned concert stages after making strong and winning appearances in the most prestigious international piano competitions such as the Queen Elisabeth, Van Cliburn, Jose Iturbi, Hilton Head, New Orleans, Unisa, and Seoul. The NY Concert Review praised his 2006 Carnegie Hall debut as “magnificent”, and his charismatic persona and emotional style have led to many praises from audiences and critics alike. “Tierra held piano lovers on the edge of their seats.” says Chris Waddington from the Times-Picaynne in New Orleans. “Pianist Chetan Tierra, Magic and Mastery!” says Lyn Bronson from the Peninsula Reviews.
- New York Concert Review -
"With Mr. Tierra's focused artistry, there was no noise, simply music. He is as they say, the real deal."
Mr. Tierra is artist-in-residence of the San Diego Piano Academy which he co-founded with his wife Melissa Tierra. His students regularly win local, national and international competitions and go on to study at top conservatories. Recently, for 2 years running his students have won first and second prize in the San Diego Concerto Competition. His attention to detail, nuance, deep artistic expression and systematic approach to building a world class technique has made him one of the most in demand teachers in San Diego.
Along with being a frequent lecturer and mentor to upcoming professionals, Mr. Tierra has also been able to help close to 1,000 students all over the world work towards their musical goals through his online courses. The school’s growing library of video courses, presented by Chetan and his wife, are designed to help musicians of all levels build a flawless foundation, grow their technique and hone their musicianship.
As a composer, Chetan’s works are garnering international attention for their pure, minimal, yet sophisticated style. His music has been described as “emotionally charged, hypnotic and meditative.” Most recently he completed his enchanting and modern piano cycle called ‘Moonshadows.’ His compositions reflect his deep love of classical music but are undeniably influenced by his time spent as a songwriter for several popular music groups.
Chetan began playing the piano immediately after birth as his father would tie him to his lap, point to the piano keys, and Chetan would play. His father was his first teacher and worked with him daily until he was 8 when he began more traditional lessons. He gives much of his credit to his former teachers Antonio Pompa-Baldi at the Cleveland Institute of Music and his high school teacher Hans Boepple from the Santa Clara University. He’s also worked with some of the world’s best pianists at the Juilliard school, Aspen Music Festival, Bowdoin Music Festival, Prague Piano Festival, Chopin Summer Academy in Warsaw, and Brevard Music Festivals, and he has also studied with such talents as Peter Serkin, Richard Goode, Veda Kaplinsky, Bruce Murray, Sergei Babayan, Logan Skelton, John Perry, Pawel Skrypek, Alvin Chow, Ian Hobson, Paul Schenly, and Daniel Shapiro.
He currently resides in San Diego, California and lives with his wife, Melissa Tierra, who is also an accomplished pianist and teacher. They met while they were both studying with Antonio Pompa-Baldi in Cleveland, OH.
"The best, most important quality of Chetan's playing is one that cannot be taught. He has an innate ability to communicate with the audience, involving listeners, taking them on a journey, and never allowing their attention to wander. Chetan can bring listeners to the edge of their seats, or soothe them with his beautiful soft touch."
- Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Concert Pianist -
“Gorgeeeeoussssss” - Katherine V.
“Awesome concerts! I easily enjoyed your performances of these pieces as much as any I've heard before. Technically flawless and highly expressive.” - Jacob A.
“My goodness, such expression, liquidity and power. What more does a person need? Thank you for sharing.” - Robert P.
“Omg so good!!! I love how you performed with so much emotion. Difficult pieces too! Thank you Chetan.” - Glen K.
“WOW--first rate playing. You are a tremendous player. I thoroughly enjoyed your compositions as well.” - John L.
“Your recitals today was very impressive!!! You are in a great shape! Wonderful accomplished pianist!!! Congratulations with all your great acheivements!” - Inessa L.
“Your playing, truly, what a treat! The Chopin and Schubert were so heartfelt and fluidic as well as both were quite tender and powerful at the same time. I loved how you combined Moonshadows before and after the first movement of the Hyperspace Sonata. I think you’re very successful in taking people on a meditative journey as afterward I truly soared, even more than after Chopin and Schubert - though I loved them all. BRAVO!!!!” - Lesley T
“Thank you Chetan, beautiful music and really loved your intensity, the emotion of your interpretations. The Schubert Impromptus are magnificent.” Fredy G.
“Your playing is heartfelt, beautiful, and very well put together, and I loved it!” - Sam J.
“Absolutely lovely, each piece. Played with finesse and passion - bravo!” - Pauline R.
“Beautiful concert Chetan. Few pianists have as agile a left hand, robust, beautiful tone and unhurried timing. You display full command of your instrument and the music. Congratulations!” - John O.
“Your music is invigorating!” - Andrea M.
“I love listening to you play — you are so magical and make it look so easy.” - Evie
“Chetan, you have honed the edge of your artistry that you have always had. Keep performing, keep playing, you have a unique talent!” - Josef S.
“Thanks for your concerts. I very much liked it. I’m amazed you have composed something so meditative, and that you can play it as you do. Best continued success to you.” - Rick A.
"I was totally impressed with your concerts, congratulations on such great success! You are a true master. I look forward to more in the future.” - Judy P.
“Absolutely brilliant! I’ve watched both concerts multiple times and enjoyed every minute. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent and beautiful music with us!” - Kendall C.
“Your interpretation of Chopin brought tears of joy to my eyes. Your playing seemed effortless and because of your virtuosity, I was able to fully relax into the pieces and your beautifully written music as well. You are exceptional and because of your work, talents and discipline I was transported and healed.” - Nancy A.
“Truly inspired… exceptionally relaxed and powerful!” - Terry C.
"Chopin music melts my heart. You played it so beautifully." - Arianna
"A superb performance on so many different levels. The compositions captivate the listener with their intensity, depth and variety. This is not just ‘music to my ears’, but it is an absolute delight to see the focus on Chetan’s hands." - Mandy