Taking the Scenic Route

Most of us have taken detours while traveling. Some are unavoidable, like when a road is closed; others are intentional, chosen simply to enjoy the scenery. Either way, a detour reshapes the journey. Sometimes, it even becomes the main road.

My own path has unfolded much the same way. When I began piano lessons, I had no idea it would become my life’s work. I initially pursued computer science in college, convinced it was my future. I had always been an A student, so when my final grades fell short, it became clear that path wasn’t meant for me. What I thought was my destination turned out to be a brief detour, while what began as a hobby, playing the piano, revealed itself as my true direction.

Along the way, I’ve embraced many enriching detours: studying harpsichord, pipe organ, piano tuning, and conducting. During my doctoral studies at Indiana University, my professor, Evelyne Brancart, inspired me to explore piano technique in my dissertation. Later, my research into Brazilian music led to the release of my solo CD Alma Brasileira (“Brazilian Soul”) and a year-long recital tour across ten countries. 

Another meaningful detour began during my first sabbatical in 2017, when I added a concert stop in Latvia, a country I had never visited. That brief experience sparked a deep personal and artistic curiosity. Seven years later, it led me back for a second sabbatical, during which I spent three months immersed in the culture, music, and language of my ancestors.

Each of these experiences has shaped me as both a musician and a teacher, giving me the flexibility to adapt, connect, and respond to my students’ needs. Every student is on a journey of their own, sometimes direct, often winding. It is a privilege to walk alongside them as they discover their passions, explore new directions, and engage with the piano from multiple perspectives. Whether we are refining technique, exploring Brazilian and Latvian repertoire, or shaping artistic interpretation, my goal is to equip each student with the tools to grow into a well-rounded musician, wherever their path may lead.

Dr. Paulo Steinberg, NCTM, enjoys an active international career as a soloist and collaborative pianist, with performances across the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe. He has appeared in prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Theatro Municipal de São Paulo. In 2026, he was honored as an MTNA Foundation Fellow by the Music Teachers National Association, recognizing his significant contributions to the music profession and his ongoing commitment to excellence in piano pedagogy and performance. 

A sought-after adjudicator, master class clinician, and guest lecturer, Dr. Steinberg is deeply engaged in artistic and educational initiatives worldwide. Born in Brazil to Latvian parents, he has a particular interest in Brazilian and Latvian piano repertoire, frequently highlighting these traditions in his performances, research, and teaching. He also maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he shares insights on piano practice, pedagogy, and musicianship with a global audience. 

Dr. Steinberg holds degrees in Piano Performance from the Conservatório “Carlos Gomes” and the Universidade de São Paulo, as well as graduate degrees from Arizona State University (M.M.) and Indiana University (D.M.). His principal teachers include Elisabete Rezze Barthelson, Carlos Yansen, Paulo Gori, Gilberto Tinetti, and Evelyne Brancart. 

Actively involved with the Music Teachers National Association at the local, state, and national levels, Dr. Steinberg serves as Chair of Music in Every Home, a program that provides scholarships for underrepresented piano and guitar students. He is also a past President of the Virginia Music Teachers Association. 

His discography includes The Recital Clarinetist (with Dr. Janice Minor), Duos (with Dr. Šarūnas Jankauskas), Time, Place, Spirit (with Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill), and Alma Brasileira, which was featured in the Brazilian film As Cadeiras.