DePaul University, Candidate for MM
Lawrence University, BM
Merit School of Music, Tuition-free Conservatory
Merit alum Ethan Valentin was born and raised on the North side of Chicago. He began taking piano lessons at the age of 6. In high school, as Mr. Valentin’s love of music grew, he auditioned for and was accepted into Merit’s Tuition-free Conservatory, and also started private lessons with Elena Doubovitskaya. He credits Merit in large part for fostering what has become an enduring passion for music, teaching, and learning.
Mr. Valentin tailors his teaching to each individual student whether the setting is a private lesson or group class. His approach to teaching is strongly influenced by his experience as a student with ADHD. As a result, he understands that each student brings a totally unique perspective to the piano which requires an equally unique and flexible approach on the teacher’s part.
I listen to all kinds of music and could never pick a favorite. Today, I’ve listened to music by Yuja Wang, Martha Argerich, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, and Johnny Cash. It was a different mix yesterday and it’ll be a different mix tomorrow!