About Catherine Fagiolo
Catherine Fagiolo is a distinguished teacher and performer, specializing in helping students achieve technical freedom and artistic expression in both vocal and piano performance. Her students have won awards in regional and national auditions for their outstanding artistry.
Educational Background & Experience
Catherine holds degrees from Brown University and the University of Oklahoma, as well as a California teaching credential. She has taught at American River College, Cosumnes River College, and Folsom Lake College, and she contributes to the Sacramento region's musical community as a pianist, singer, and conductor.
Leadership in Music
Catherine founded and served as artistic director of Three Rivers Chorale and the Choral Studio. She has also appeared as a keyboard artist with regional honor choirs, chamber groups, and Sacramento State University ensembles, and as a vocal soloist locally.
She has created meaningful musical experiences for students of all ages and levels through her community choirs and through adjudicated performances and competitions. An active member of multiple professional organizations, she regularly seeks continuing learning opportunities to expand her repertoire of teaching skills and performance readiness.
Musical Contributions
As choral associate and cantor for Sacred Heart Church in Sacramento, Catherine performed locally and internationally with Sacred Heart’s Schola Cantorum. She is featured on numerous recordings by the group.
Catherine has performed as a collaborative pianist with CMEA and ACDA honor choirs in northern California for over 25 years. She has served as director of music at several churches in the Sacramento area. She has also appeared regularly as an adjudicator for choral and solo performance festivals for CMEA and NATS.
Professional Affiliations
Catherine is an active member of respected organizations such as the Music Teachers Association of California, Music Teachers National Association, National Association of Teachers of Singing, American Choral Directors Association, and National Association for Music Education. She holds leadership positions in local chapters of several of these organizations. She also regularly prepares students for participation in the MTAC Certificate of Merit program and CAPMT adjudicated performance events.
In Her Words
"Everyone should have the chance to live a life filled with music. Guiding students on this journey is what excites me! It’s the reason I chose to become a teacher. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student seeking guidance, I am here to help you make the most of your musical experience and continue to progress. Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of working with students from many backgrounds, ages, and skill levels. Each time I welcome a new student, I see a unique potential for growth. It makes me eager to explore the many ways we can work together productively. I love the fact that no two lessons are the same. This is the joy and the reward of teaching – adapting my lifelong musical knowledge into practical steps that foster learning and growth. Let’s share the path to great music-making!"
Our Approach to Teaching
We offer private lessons for piano and voice at all skill levels. If you're unsure of your level, we also offer assessment lessons to determine the best path forward for you. Each lesson provides a safe space for exploring new musical ideas and techniques, building confidence, and preparing for new challenges.
Your Journey With Us
Our teaching philosophy centers around creating an environment where you feel free to explore and grow as a musician. By adapting what we’ve learned over a lifetime of making music, we aim to make every lesson unique, productive, and rewarding for you. Let’s share the path to great music making together!