Pilar Diaz is a teaching artist who is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians. As a teaching and working artist, Pilar not only helps her students develop instrumental technique and fundamentals, she imparts to them a wealth of experience gleaned from real-world performance experience.
Originally from Chile, Pilar began her music education at the age of six when her mother Judith, a Spanish teacher who always kept a guitar in the classroom, began teaching her to play Chilean folk songs. A few years later, Pilar graduated to piano when the family moved to Los Angeles, California. The gift of music Pilar’s mother gave her set the course for her life’s work.
A fixture of the Latin American alternative music scene, Pilar and her band, Los Abandoned, are renowned by critics from the Los Angeles Times to Rolling Stone Chile. Her music has topped charts, graced primetime TV, and garnered her appearances at international festivals throughout the Americas. As well as provided her with numerous opportunities to collaborate with indie music darlings like Chicano Batman, Tegan & Sara and Cafe Tacvba.
Pilar is a teaching artist in music education and an alumnus of The Herb Alpert School of Music at CalArts. She began teaching music in 2010 at US and Canadian schools and universities with VOCO, a world-music, touring ensemble. She was a guest teaching artist at The Getty Museum's education department. And she worked for 5 years as an elementary school music specialist with Los Angeles Unified School District where she learned the music education concepts of Orff and Kodaly. Pilar currently teaches music to home school students via Blue Ridge Academy.
Throughout her career, Pilar has kept her mother’s legacy alive by maintaining a private practice teaching voice, piano, guitar and ukulele to kids.
“I got so much from learning music as a child that I want to nurture the artist inside each of my young students.”
– Pilar Diaz
“Pilar has been an asset to our school's growth. Not only did she initiate the school's very first ukulele music program, but she also started a recorder curriculum for 3rd grades. She has made a unique imprint on our school community. This committed educator will make a huge contribution to whomever she teaches next.”
Mariela L.
5th grade Lead Teacher
Citizens of the World Charter School
Testimonials
"Ms. Pilar is different because she has that one element, being an artist. She teaches us cool things that only a few people know."
— Lara, 5th Grade Voice Student
“Pilar has been an amazing teacher for my little girl. She knows how to gently encourage more practice and keeps students engaged. She never misses a scheduled lesson and she always shows up with a smile."
— Jennifer C., Parent of Student
"I have learned a lot from Ms. Pilar. I will always remember the best music teacher I ever had."
— Bella, 2nd Grade Piano Student
“Pilar is great! She’s kind, patient, and encouraging. Our 6-year-old takes piano lessons from her and we couldn't be happier with his progress”.
— Jason M., Parent of Student