Accepting New Students | Piano

Denise Apodaca received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance with a minor in Spanish from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She later earned a Master of Music in Piano Performance and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Northwestern University, graduating with honors from both institutions. She also completed a third master’s in education from Teachers College Columbia University, where she is currently a first-generation doctoral student in Music and Music Education. Denise has been part of several teaching faculties and arts boards across the United States and has performed nationally as a soloist and chamber musician. Demonstrating her expertise in Latin American music, she has given concerts in Mexico and the U.S. She has served as an adjudicator for various music teachers’ associations and conducted workshops on piano technology, pedagogy, performance, and early childhood music. At Colorado State University, Denise's dedication to student development is evident as a faculty advisor for numerous student organizations. Her exceptional teaching has earned her multiple accolades, including the Career Impact Award nomination, the Best Teacher of the Year Award in 2016, the College of Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award, the Colorado State University Honors Professor of the Year, and a nomination for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award.