For more than 20 years pianist Carol Hartoon has delighted the Northwest with her dazzling performance mastery and her exceptional ability to teach music to all ages and levels. A favorite pianist throughout the region, Hartoon concertizes regularly as a soloist and as a chamber music specialist. Her most recent years have been enriched through collaboration performances with some of the areas best vocalists.
Hartoon completed her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Piano Performance at Washington state university as a student of Rulby Bailey Ronald. During that time she was a winner of Washington Idaho Symphony Young Artist Competition. Nearing the completion of her graduate studies she heard internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and teacher Andrej Dutkievicz perform in concert. It was a life-changing experience. Awestruck by his dazzling abilities as a musician and communicator, she went on to continue postgraduate studies with the legendary artist at the International Frederick Chopin Academy of music in Warsaw, Poland.
A past president of Eastside Music Teachers Association, Hartoon has maintained a large piano studio in the Bellevue area since 1994. Recognized by many as one of the regions most experienced teachers and adjudicators, she has realized her lifelong dream of sharring her expertise and musical philosophy with individuals of all ages and levels.
“Immersion in music helps every individual grow faster toward their potential. Simply put, musical study makes us all sharper and contributes to a richer life experience. Music enhances our lives through it’s exquisite beauty and it fundamentally provides a discipline for all learning. I provide each individual with the highest quality of customized musical education in a fun, respectful and nurturing environment. It is a life gift to witness so many people who are forever changed through their musical studies. When I continually see the learning span of young people who grow into amazing adults it is perennial testimony to me that music is powerfully important in all of our lives. Equally gratifying is teaching adults who have made the brave decision to either return to or start a new journey into musical study. Everyone has the potential to grow artistically and live richer lives. Moreover, individuals who study music touch everyone around them as well. Music is indeed a universal communicator.”