Val's PIANO forte

Valerica Violeta Muller began learning piano at the age of three at “Liceum Dimitrie Cuclin” in Galati, Romania. In 2001, she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. In the United States, Valerica holds a Bachelor of Arts in General Music with concentration in Keyboard from Fayetteville State University, North Carolina. She was a Graduate Assistant in the Music Department, at the University of Southern Mississippi where she fulfilled her course work for a Master of Music in Music Performance (Piano) and minor in Music Theory.

Ms. Muller competed at the International Festival George Enescu (Romania, 1993) and “In Musica” Roma International Music Festival and Piano Competition (Italy, 2000), taking first prize in both events. In 1998, she won the county level in the Romanian Olympics of Music, and the following year the national title. The latter is considered the most prestigious competition for piano in Romania.

Praised by critics as “unique”, “intense feelings”, and “brilliant”, Ms. Muller’s performances were often broadcasted on the National Television and Radio Station in Romania. Muller has performed as a soloist and chamber pianist throughout Romania, Hungary, Italy, Germany, and North America.

Valerica has taught at the Conservatory of Vicenza, Italy (2001-2006), SKIESUnlimited, The United Armed Forces throughout Europe (2007-2012), and Snyder Music Academy, Fayetteville, N.C. (2012-2017). During the Master’s program she was part of the piano faculty at Southern Miss Piano Institute and Teacher Assistant for the undergraduates students at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, MS. Her students have taken top prizes in regional, national, and international competitions, as well as earned accolades in various piano activities throughout Europe and United States. Since 2017, Valerica achieved the “Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award.”

Miss Muller is a past president of the Fayetteville Piano Teachers Association, and an active member of North Carolina Music Teachers Association, Hattiesburg Music Teachers League, and the Music Teachers National Association. In addition, she is active in European Music Teachers Associations.