I’m Renan — a pianist, educator, and researcher offering personalized piano instruction in a focused and supportive environment. Lessons take place on a beautiful, well-maintained baby grand piano in my Edgewater apartment and are tailored to each student’s goals — whether you’re just beginning, returning to the piano, or pursuing advanced study. At Edgewater Piano Studio, I create space for students of all ages to grow their skills and enjoy the music they love.
As a doctor in piano performance with years of experience on stage and in the studio, I bring both artistic depth and pedagogical expertise to my teaching. My approach combines classical training with flexibility and is guided by ongoing research in music psychology. From classical to pop, or something in between, we’ll build your technique through music that excites and motivates you.
If you’re looking for serious, thoughtful instruction in a welcoming space, I’d love to hear from you.
As a doctor in piano performance with years of experience on stage and in the studio, I bring both artistic depth and pedagogical expertise to my teaching. My approach combines classical training with flexibility and is guided by ongoing research in music psychology. From classical to pop, or something in between, we’ll build your technique through music that excites and motivates you.
If you’re looking for serious, thoughtful instruction in a welcoming space, I’d love to hear from you.
About Renan Madeira
Renan Madeira is a pianist, educator, and researcher whose work bridges piano performance and the science of musical learning. His early training with outstanding teachers in southern Brazil inspired a deep commitment to music education and led him to pursue formal studies in piano performance and pedagogy.
He has since built a career that integrates rigorous artistic training with academic research. Renan holds both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Music Psychology, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His academic work focuses on the cognitive and sensory mechanisms involved in piano learning, with particular attention to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic feedback in performance.
An experienced recitalist, Renan has performed a wide range of repertoire, including Baroque, French Impressionist, and contemporary Latin American works. He has participated in masterclasses with internationally respected pianists such as Cristina Ortiz (winner of the Van Cliburn Competition), Guigla Katsarava (TCM Tokyo College of Music), Marina Lomazov (Eastman School of Music), and Solungga Fang-Tzu Liu (Bowling Green State University).
As a researcher, Renan completed a research internship at the University of Minnesota contributing to projects at the intersection of performance and music theory. His findings have been published in Psychology of Music, the leading journal in the field. His most recent research explores motion capture analysis as a tool for studying nuanced motor behaviors in piano performance, as well as mechanisms supporting synchronization between groups of musicians.
Renan also brings specialized pedagogical training to his work, including certification in the Suzuki Method, which supports his work with younger students. His teaching is grounded in both extensive practical experience and evidence-based methods, allowing him to work effectively with students across all levels — from beginners to aspiring professionals.
Renan Madeira is a pianist, educator, and researcher whose work bridges piano performance and the science of musical learning. His early training with outstanding teachers in southern Brazil inspired a deep commitment to music education and led him to pursue formal studies in piano performance and pedagogy.
He has since built a career that integrates rigorous artistic training with academic research. Renan holds both a Master’s and a Doctorate in Piano Performance and Music Psychology, and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioral Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His academic work focuses on the cognitive and sensory mechanisms involved in piano learning, with particular attention to auditory, visual, and kinesthetic feedback in performance.
An experienced recitalist, Renan has performed a wide range of repertoire, including Baroque, French Impressionist, and contemporary Latin American works. He has participated in masterclasses with internationally respected pianists such as Cristina Ortiz (winner of the Van Cliburn Competition), Guigla Katsarava (TCM Tokyo College of Music), Marina Lomazov (Eastman School of Music), and Solungga Fang-Tzu Liu (Bowling Green State University).
As a researcher, Renan completed a research internship at the University of Minnesota contributing to projects at the intersection of performance and music theory. His findings have been published in Psychology of Music, the leading journal in the field. His most recent research explores motion capture analysis as a tool for studying nuanced motor behaviors in piano performance, as well as mechanisms supporting synchronization between groups of musicians.
Renan also brings specialized pedagogical training to his work, including certification in the Suzuki Method, which supports his work with younger students. His teaching is grounded in both extensive practical experience and evidence-based methods, allowing him to work effectively with students across all levels — from beginners to aspiring professionals.
Academic Background
PhD in Psychology (in progress)
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
August 2024 – present
Doctorate in Piano Performance
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
March 2018 – August 2022
Research Internship in Music Theory and Performance
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
2019 – June 2020
Master’s in Piano Performance
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
2015 – May 2017
Bachelor’s in Piano Performance
Federal University of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, Brazil
2011 – December 2014
PhD in Psychology (in progress)
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL
August 2024 – present
Doctorate in Piano Performance
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
March 2018 – August 2022
Research Internship in Music Theory and Performance
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
2019 – June 2020
Master’s in Piano Performance
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, Brazil
2015 – May 2017
Bachelor’s in Piano Performance
Federal University of Santa Maria
Santa Maria, Brazil
2011 – December 2014
