Education
Chantal Balestri brings decades of performance experience into the classroom, mentoring the next generation of pianists through rigorous training, masterclasses, and jury work. Her approach combines technical precision with artistic depth, helping students discover their own musical voice.
Professor
Shaping pianists at the university level
Chantal Balestri has been teaching at music universities since 2015, first in New York City at New York University and currently at Italian conservatories, where she serves as Professor of Piano at the Conservatorio di Palermo.
Her teaching is centered on the development of young artists through intensive study and mentorship. Alongside technical discipline, she places strong emphasis on interpretative awareness, guiding students in shaping their own artistic voice.
Technical foundation and artistic development
Individual attention to each student's growth
Preparation for their career in the music industry
Masterclasses and Professors training
Intensive study and professional development
Chantal Balestri conducts masterclasses and seminars internationally, working with young musicians, emerging professionals, as well as music educators and cultural practitioners.
Her work spans both artistic and professional dimensions: from interpretation and performance practice in a regular masterclass setting with young musicians, to broader conversations on the evolving role of the musician within today’s cultural landscape.
Competitions
Judging talent on the international stage
As a jury member for piano competitions all across Europe and the USA, Chantal evaluates emerging talent and helps shape the future of classical music. She brings both rigor and compassion to the judging process.
Recognition of technical excellence and musicality
Support for young artists pursuing professional careers
Contribution to standards in international competitions
Teaching Philosophy
Chantal Balestri’s teaching draws on a wide range of pianistic traditions, shaped by her studies with Konstantin Bogino, Aquiles Delle Vigne, Fabio Bidini, Jeffrey Swann and multiple professors through masterclasses such as Paul Badura-Skoda. She adapts this diversity of approaches to each student, fostering technical development, artistic curiosity, and engagement with both standard and less-performed repertoire.
Guided by the belief that each artistic path is unique, she supports students in finding their own place within today’s musical landscape, encouraging independence, collaboration, and openness to diverse artistic experiences.
Questions
Find answers about lessons, masterclasses, and working with Chantal.
How do I arrange a masterclass?
Contact Chantal directly through the contact page with details about your institution or group. She considers requests from music schools, festivals, and conservatories worldwide. Timing and logistics are discussed to find the best fit for everyone involved.
Do you accept private students?
Chantal's primary focus is university-level teaching and masterclasses. For information about private study or special circumstances, reach out to discuss possibilities. Limited availability may exist depending on her performance and teaching schedule.
How are masterclass topics chosen?
Topics are tailored to the needs and level of participants. Common subjects include interpretation of classical and contemporary repertoire, music industry: how to dive in, music programming, how to be mentors to our students and many other ones. Chantal works with organizers beforehand to ensure the masterclass serves the students effectively.
Still have questions?
Get in touch with Chantal directly.