Department: Music Theory
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2011 - through August 2020
Lynnann Rivas began her music studies at the age of four taking piano lessons, singing in choirs, and trying other instruments as the opportunity arose. While a student missionary in Scotland, she was surprised to find her greatest satisfaction was at the piano bench instead of behind the pulpit and upon her return to America, began formal music training at Eastern Michigan University (BM, Piano Performance). While pursuing her degree in piano performance she played as many keyboard instruments as possible and became enthralled with music theory. She switched her focus from performance to teaching when she pursued studies in music theory pedagogy at the Eastman School of Music (MA, 2010).
Currently she runs Notes and Tones Music Studio, a piano studio of 35 students, and she teaches music theory at both Hochstein and ECMS. Her projects include the commissioning and editing of a set of advanced pedagogical studies by local pianist and composer Hwaen Ch’uqi, being involved in the Rochester Piano Teachers’ Guild where she has served as president since 2014, and continuing to work as accompanist at weddings and church services.
More About Lynnann Rivas
Hometown: Milan, MI
What inspires me: Clean spaces, beautiful scenery, students’ questions
Why the arts matter: Because they express what is in the soul.
Favorite things to do in Rochester: Feed the pigeons and walk the trails
Favorite place to travel: Italy
Favorite composer: Bach
What people would be surprised to know about me: My first degree is in theology