About Kristin

Kristin Cieslak is an experienced music educator who has been teaching the fundamentals of piano as well as fostering a love of making music for over 8 years both in a school setting and in students' homes. 

In 2002, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. This education cultivated a keen understanding of the powerful influence music has on people of all ages and experience in harnessing this power to create an environment that encourages children to learn, grow and have fun.  In pursuit of her degree, she led small group music and movement sessions for children with a variety of special needs.

She graduated in 2005 with a Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. In this program, emphasis is placed on child development, including children’s social, emotional and learning capabilities at different ages, birth through adolescence. Throughout her time in the program, she learned how to utilize knowledge of children’s unique developmental needs to interact with children, assess their individual strengths and weaknesses and devise activities that fit their abilities and hold their interest. 

She believes that exposure to music as a young child often leads to a life filled with music and all of the cognitive, social, emotional and developmental benefits it provides. She enjoys being able to give children and their families their first tastes of music and an opportunity to enjoy music-making and movement together in a warm, fun and educational environment. With 25+ years of musical experience and a tailor-made educational background, she strives to provide a unique experience that will be rewarding and instructive for all.