Bio
Anthony Tracia is an eager music teacher and pianist in Massachusetts’s scenic Pioneer Valley. His training began at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he earned his Bachelor of Music in piano performance and music studies. He continued his professional studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned his Master of Music in piano performance and music education. His former teachers include: Gilles Vonsattel, Thomas Stumpf, Meg Ruby, Yukiko Sekino, and Carnegie Hall recitalist Paul Scanzani. His master’s thesis, Teaching Piano to Students with Disabilities was published through ScholarWorks in May, 2016. He received his Teaching License in Music, Grades K-12, in 2016.
Since Mr. Tracia began his collegiate studies in 2010, he has accumulated a wealth of informative teaching experiences. The earliest of these experiences includes teaching piano to young beginners, which has blossomed into a highly rewarding career. Mr. Tracia has taught students of all ages and skill levels, catering lessons to the needs of each student. He incorporates classical repertoire and contemporary improvisation techniques in his lessons.
He believes in providing quality community outreach opportunities, including performances and lecture recitals to high school students and nursing home residents. As a collegiate student, he has held masterclasses and provided informed feedback for fellow piano students.
As a pianist, Mr. Tracia has 10+ years of experience collaborating as an accompanist for soloists and choruses. He has worked as a chamber musician in various ensembles, including four-hand piano duets, piano trios, and special works arranged for piano and traditional Chinese instruments. Mr. Tracia served as the Principal Pianist for the UMass Symphony Orchestra for three concert seasons. In the Fall 2015 semester, he was invited to perform in a masterclass with Jeremy Denk at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
As the Vice President of the Five College Chinese Music Association, Mr. Tracia has garnered extensive experience in grant writing, organizing recitals, and collaborating with professional musicians from numerous musical traditions. Mr. Tracia’s interest in Chinese music began in 2008, when he began studying erhu, a two-stringed fiddle similar to the Western violin.
Mr. Tracia currently serves as the Minister of Music for the First Congregational Church in Hatfield, MA. As an active member of the community, he organizes and performs in recitals and community outreach events across the state.
Aside from his musical expertise, Mr. Tracia is an avid hiker and linguist. He can be found exploring the beautiful mountains of Western Massachusetts during the summer recess.
