Grace Dashnaw

Beginner Piano, Cello, & Composition Specialist in Pasadena

Instruments: Piano, Cello, Composition

Best Fit For: Students from early childhood through adulthood; especially beginners who want a blend of technical mastery and creative multimedia exploration.

Why we recommend them for music lessons in Pasadena:

Grace is a world-class cellist, pianist, and composer who brings a unique, multimedia-driven perspective to the Pasadena music scene. With advanced training from two of the country’s most prestigious institutions, they offer a level of technical depth rarely found in beginner instruction. They excel at breaking down complex performance habits into a positive, supportive framework that ensures steady progress without the pressure of traditional “rigid” methods.

They are a perfect fit for families in neighborhoods like Bungalow Heaven, San Rafael Heights, and Madison Heights who value a modern, experimental approach to education. Their credentials from the CalArts School of Music and Ithaca College align with the high cultural standards of local institutions like the Pasadena Symphony and POPS. Grace helps students find their creative voice in a way that feels both grounded and limitless.

Specialized Teaching Focus:

• Healthy Technique: Focusing on posture and ergonomics for cello and piano to ensure lifelong playing health.
• Creative Composition: Empowering students to write their own music from an early age.
• Early Childhood Education: Patient, play-based strategies that make beginner piano lessons in Pasadena engaging for the youngest learners.
• Experimental Sound Practices: Introduction to multimedia art and modern sound design for intermediate students.

Educational Background:

• MFA in Composition and Experimental Sound Practices: California Institute of the Arts (CalArts).
• Dual Bachelor’s Degrees (Cello Performance & Composition): Ithaca College.
• Active Multimedia Artist: A performing composer with a focus on combining sound and visual arts.

Teaching Style: Their lessons are structured, encouraging, and deeply creative. By fostering a positive environment, they help students in the Hastings Ranch and Oak Knoll areas develop a strong technical base while maintaining a genuine love for making music.