Oskar

Instruments: Advanced Piano

Bio: Oskar Castañeda earned his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from California State University, Sacramento, where he studied with Kirsten Smith, a student of Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist Steven De Groote. He has participated in masterclasses with Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalists Jon Nakamatsu and Alexander Kobrin, and received chamber coachings from members of distinguished ensembles, including the Brentano, Calidore, and Telegraph quartets.

Chamber music is at the center of Oskar’s musical life. He is especially passionate about performing chamber works and coaching chamber groups, drawn to the close listening, trust, and shared interpretation that define ensemble playing. As a collaborator, he thrives in the give and take of rehearsal, and as a coach, he helps players listen deeply and move as one. He is currently preparing for graduate studies in collaborative piano, where he plans to continue this work. 

With nine years of teaching experience across private studios, in-home instruction, and a university teaching assistantship, Oskar has worked with students of all ages and skill levels. Technique is central to his teaching. He helps students understand how the fingers, wrists, arms, and entire body work together to produce a full, rich sound through tension-free movement. With this foundation in place, students gain the freedom to express their ideas clearly and develop an artistic voice that is uniquely their own. 

Oskar teaches with patience and warmth, believing that students flourish when they feel both challenged and understood. He strives to create a calm and supportive environment where students feel comfortable exploring their musical ideas, working through challenges, and growing as artists. Ultimately, he hopes to inspire in each student a lasting love of music that continues to grow throughout their lives.