ABOUT

Black-and-white illustration of a rocking chair with a leaf in the background and the text 'Meadowbrook Music' on a green banner.

An experienced performer and pedagogue, Dr. Lara Saldanha believes that music lessons are an invaluable contribution to the educational and personal development of your child. Her pedagogy emphasizes teaching the process of craft, which can be applied to any disciple: deliberate practice, analytical thinking, active listening, time management, persistence, confidence, and public presentation. Dr. Saldanha places immediate emphasis on musical literacy, thus allowing your student to have full agency over their learning process. All students, regardless of age, will build their skills reading and understanding rhythmic and musical notation.

Dr. Saldanha taught privately in New York City for a decade prior to moving to Chapel Hill in the summer of 2026. Her NYC studio had a waitlist, and she also taught at the university level at the Mannes School of Music, Stony Brook University, and Bard Conservatory. She also subbed at Mannes Prep, Bronx Conservatory, and adjudicated competitions in the region,

Lessons, Coaching, Collaboration

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  • "Lara consistently brings strong and well-thought musical ideas, consistently bringing both my musicianship and my performances up to a higher level."

    —Abbegael Greene, mezzo-soprano

  • "As a former piano student of Dr. Lara Saldanha, I have always been in awe of her patience, organization, thoughtfulness and her analytical approach to teaching. Lara is a highly intelligent performer and teacher who thinks through her instruction (whether it be phrasing or technical concepts) with a great deal of care, and holds an individual approach to each student."

    - Avery Morris, violinist and Fulbright Scholar in the Czech Republic

  • "Lara’s attention to detail and commitment to music is inspiring, and these qualities allowed for productive and educational rehearsals. I am so fortunate to have worked with her and learned from her."

    —Georgia Perdikoulias, soprano

  • "Her knowledge of piano pedagogy is unparalleled, blending different techniques and modalities suited for each child. The highest praise however is seeing how much my boys love practicing piano and look forward to lessons with Lara every week. On a musical level, I couldn't be more thrilled with their progress and it's a testament to Lara's unshakeable dedication."

    -Angela Shankar, clarinetist and faculty at Special Music School

  • "I was lucky enough to take my own lessons with Lara for a year before my work schedule changed, and can truly say that these hours spent at the piano with her were some of the most satisfying and gratifying of my adult life. It had been almost 30 years since my own lessons as an adolescent, and Lara gracefully met me exactly where I was. Not only did the skills flood back instantly under her skilled guidance, but I felt I flourished as a player during our time together like I never had before."

    -Dena Twain Sims, psychologist