Piano
Education
Luis received his licentiate degree in piano performance from the University of Costa Rica in 1997. He received his M.M. in piano performance from the University of New Orleans in 2003, a M.M. in collaborative piano from Florida State University in 2006, and a D.M.A. in Piano Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature from James Madison University in 2013.
Luis also attended the Baroque Performance Institute at Oberlin College in 2012, the Amherst Winter Workshop in 2013, and the Virginia Baroque Performance Academy from 2010-2015.
Performance and Teaching Experience
Luis, an eclectic musician, has trained and performed in a wide array of styles from early music to jazz and tango music. He was broadcasted live at the U.C.R. radio station, in both solo and chamber music performances. As a collaborative pianist, he has performed with violinist Odin Rathnam and baritone Kevin MacMillan, as well as at the F.S.U. and J.M.U Contemporary Music Festivals, among many others. He has performed solo and chamber recitals in Costa Rica, El Salvador, the United States, and also Italy as an accompanist and chorister. During his undergraduate studies at the U.C.R, he was a founding member of the Youth Chamber Musicians, an organization that created a chamber concert series in his home town San Jose, Costa Rica. Since 2005, Luis has studied harpsichord and baroque music with premier performers and teachers of harpsichord such as Arthur Haas and the late Karyl Louwenaar. During his work on his doctorate degree, he was active as harpsichordist in baroque ensembles, and performed several times as solo harpsichordist and continuo player with the J.M.U. Collegium Musicum.
At Levine
Luis began teaching piano at Levine in spring 2015.
“I love the flow of new pedagogical ideas from colleagues combined with more traditional training. There are also many recital opportunities and a variety of programs. I value the administrative staff’s expertise and friendship as well as the great teaching facilities. I see Levine as a true music conservatory and a wonderful place for growth both musically and professionally.”
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“My teaching philosophy focuses on motivating students to discover the treasures of piano music and establish a lasting bond between the student and music. During the learning process, I suggest appropriate repertoire ideas in a variety of styles to meet challenges and to provide room for exploration and expression. I encourage daily practices based on workable weekly assignments to overcome the intricacies of piano playing. Students will gradually achieve a comprehensive keyboard experience. I believe that with consistent, enjoyable practicing and guidance there are no limits to what students can accomplish.”
Personal
Luis enjoys various types of dance trainings, especially Baroque dance and Flamenco rhythms.