California-born pianist Cori Belle began studying piano informally with her mother at a young age, easily picking up melodies and basic harmonizations by ear. She began her formal training at the age of six. Throughout junior high and high school, she performed in recitals and master classes under the direction of notable pianists Leonidas Lipovetsky, Dalton Baldwin, and Margo Garrett. She was awarded first place in the Peoria Unified School District’s concerto competition in the tenth grade and later appeared as soloist with the Glendale/Peoria Regional Symphony Orchestra. Throughout high school, she accompanied local choirs, collaborating with internationally acclaimed vocalists Paul Yoder and Darrell Rowader. In her senior year, Cori was awarded the honor of “Most Promising Young Accompanist at the High School Level” by the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

After being awarded a piano scholarship to Grand Canyon University, Cori studied with Dr. Judy Lively. Cori accompanied extensively at the school, lending her talents to opera workshops, the University Chorale, voice students, and piano ensembles. While earning her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance, she also presented several solo piano recitals and appeared with members of the Phoenix Symphony in a performance of Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy.

Upon graduation, Cori received a scholarship to attend the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she studied for six weeks, performing with up-and-coming opera singers in various venues around the city.

In 1999, Cori began teaching piano and accompanying in the Seattle area, where she currently resides. Her collaborative work with the United Voices of Antioch and Dr. Stephen Michael Newby has led her to perform at Benaroya Hall and The Triple Door in Seattle; churches in Detroit, Michigan; and Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. She continues to perform regularly at Antioch Bible Church in the worship band and occasionally as soloist. She is also at present a company member at SecondStory Repertory Theater in Redmond, Washington, where she has music directed and accompanied mainstage productions and children’s camps for the last eight years.

The winter of 2004 brought Cori’s debut CD, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” a collection of solo piano Christmas pieces. Recorded live at Icicle Creek Music Center in Leavenworth, Washington, the album highlights Cori’s technical skill and gracious treatment of familiar melodies.

From 2004-2008, Cori forayed into the field of public education. She taught first grade at Sunnycrest Elementary School in Lake Stevens, Washington, where she incorporated her love of music into her classroom teaching. She enjoyed taking leadership by involving families in literacy events at the school, mentoring high school student volunteers, and taking part in the new and innovative Powerful Teaching and Learning methods.

Cori currently lives in Everett, Washington, with her husband and daughter. She continues to teach, perform, and collaborate locally and is working on her next CD project.

View her resume here.