Piano, Composition
Master Level Teacher

Chris’s studio is currently full.  Please inquire about his waiting list.

S. Christian Collins grew up in central Wisconsin. He began taking piano lessons at the age of four and has been composing since he was six. While still in his early teens, Chris taught piano lessons to local beginners and developed his own teaching studio. He has won numerous awards for both performance and composition, including first place in the WMTA annual piano and composition competitions and sixth placing in an international music composition contest hosted by Creative Labs, Inc., an industry leader in computer audio production.

After graduating from a home-schooled environment, Chris received his Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2001 and then went on to complete his Master’s degree in the same field at the University of Minnesota where he studied piano with Alexander Braginsky, pedagogy with Dr. Rebecca Shockley, and composition with world-renowned composer Judith Lang Zaimont.

Chris has recently finished writing a full-length ballet that was performed in Spring 2007. His experience in the field of composition and improvisation lends a unique approach to Chris’ teaching, focusing on the music creation process as a means toward understanding the music of other eras and cultures. Chris is a member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association (WMTA).

Recordings

Maurice Ravel – Alborada del Gracioso
Med. Quality MP3 (clip, 831KB) / High Quality MP3 (full song, 6.4MB)

Chris Collins – Baby’s Bottom Rag
Med. Quality MP3 (full song, 1.37MB)

What People Are Saying About Chris:

• “Helped my child become very motivated. He’s a perfect teacher for my child!”
• “With Chris’s extensive background, he has been able to instruct my daughter and guide her musical skills far better than her previous teacher.”
• “Chris is a fabulous teacher. Chris’s enthusiasm for the piano is contagious-my son is having so much fun, enjoys his lessons, and has blossomed as a pianist.”
• “He has successfully connected with my daughter! He knows how to effectively help her with mistakes without embarrassing her. He also is crazy and fun-loving! These qualities help her stay interested in lessons!”
• “Chris is fabulous. I can’t imagine a better teacher. He has inspired an enormous level of confidence and enthusiasm in my daughter. We are so pleased!”
• “Couldn’t ask for a better teacher. Helped instill confidence with my daughter and encouraged creativity with my son.”
• “I truly appreciate the dedication and high standards of your teaching staff. In 6 months Chris has taught me more than the other teachers and consultant I have hired to help me regain skills. I am beyond delighted to have him as a teacher.”