Kathryn Lieppman,
Pianist and Teacher
Bio
Kathryn Christensen Lieppman is an Arizona-based pianist and educator recognized for her versatility as a soloist, collaborative artist, and pedagogical specialist. Her performing career is defined by a commitment to diverse repertoire and community connection, ranging from appearances as a soloist with the Sierra Vista Symphony to collaborations with premier ensembles such as the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and True Concord Voices and Orchestra.
An active chamber musician, Kathryn has performed throughout the country with flutist Julia Barnett—with whom she recently recorded a collection of works by contemporary Mexican composers—as well as locally with pianist Ji-Young Kim and TSO principal percussionist Trevor Barroero in the Rosewood and Ivory Duo.
Beyond the stage, Kathryn is an innovative leader in music education. As a co-founder of the Clap for Classics curriculum and the Boston-based Music Makes Me Happy Chorus for adults with special needs, she works to make music a joyful and accessible experience for all. Her current teaching is deeply informed by Music Learning Theory (MLT), focusing on audiation-based instruction to foster musical literacy in both her private piano studio and early childhood classes.
Her creative work as a songwriter and arranger culminates in her 2026 debut children’s album, released under her brand Playdate with Kate. The album features a wide variety of sounds and styles, from classical to bluegrass, designed to imaginatively engage young children alongside their families and teachers.
Kathryn holds a Master of Music from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Music, magna cum laude, from Rice University. Her training spans the country’s leading summer institutes, including the Aspen Music Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, SongFest, and New England Conservatory’s Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice. She has served as a staff pianist at Interlochen Arts Camp and returns annually as a Guest Artist-Teacher for the Little Stars Summer Music Program in Nebraska. Her additional faculty experience includes Camp Encore-Coda and the Boise State University Chamber Music Camp.