Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner Rica Delos Angeles on Her Piano of Choice and Lifelong Journey in Music

Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner Rica Delos Angeles shares with us her lifelong dedication to classical Piano and an unwavering passion for nurturing the next generation of pianists.

A Lifelong Journey in Music

Rica began her remarkable musical journey at just two years old, under the guidance of her late mother, Olga Manas. By age four, she started formal lessons with Ms. Rosario Picazo. Over the years, Rica’s talent flourished under the mentorship of renowned figures such as Mrs. Rosario B. Licad, Mrs. Carmencita Sipin Aspiras, Ms. Perla Suaco, Mr. John-Em Cruz, and Dr. Raul Sunico.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Piano from the University of the Philippines and pursued advanced studies at the Manhattan School of Music with Dr. Solomon Mikowsky. Rica further honed her skills by completing a Master’s degree in Piano Performance at Rutgers University-Mason Gross School of the Arts under the guidance of Theodore Lettvin and Susan Starr. Her participation in masterclasses with Nina Svetlanova, Walter Hautzig, and Emmanuel Ax enriched her musical perspective even further.

Reflecting on her career, Rica recalls the joy of playing on Steinway pianos during her formative years. Her visits to the iconic Steinway Hall in New York cemented her experience playing with a Steinway & Sons piano. “During my early years of actively participating in recitals, festivals, and competitions, I excitedly anticipated and hoped that I would be using a Steinway. I recall that while in New York, I would go to the Steinway Hall and grab every opportunity I could get to rent a practice studio. The thrill of being granted what you wished for, a good-quality piano, is just unexplainable. It is my high, then and now.”

Inspiring the Next Generation of Pianists

For Rica, the ultimate goal of every educator—no matter the time frame—is to inspire, impart, and imbibe. She hopes to inspire her students to appreciate both music and the instrument, to impart the wisdom and guidance once shared with her by her mentors while adapting these lessons to the unique needs of her students, and ultimately, to see them imbibe these learnings. In doing so, she envisions her students carrying the torch forward, continuing the cycle when it becomes their turn to pass on the knowledge and passion for music.

 

Why Rica Chose the Boston GP-156

When asked why she chose the Boston GP-156 and how it supports her teaching, Rica emphasized the importance of sound quality for any musician. “For any musician, the quality of sound would be an utmost prerogative,” she explained. As a pianist, she is drawn to the instrument’s warm and soothing tone, yet appreciates its ability to deliver a powerful sound when the music calls for it. “These are the qualities that stood out with the Boston GP-156, and why I fell in love with it,” she shared. Beyond its sound, Rica also values the Piano’s responsive touch, noting, “Its being responsive makes it even more lovable.”

A Shared Vision with Steinway Manila

When asked what she hopes to gain from her partnership with Steinway Manila, Rica expressed both gratitude and vision. “I’m honored to be given this opportunity to partner with Steinway Manila,” she said. In a time of rapid technological change, Rica hopes this collaboration will encourage the younger generation to engage more deeply with music. “I’m hoping that we may be able to stir the interest of the younger generation so they may be inspired to learn, discover, appreciate, and eventually connect with the wavelength of the music geniuses,” she shared.

A Legacy of Excellence

We are thrilled to have Rica Delos Angeles join the Steinway Teacher and Educational Partner Program! Her commitment to supporting piano education in the Philippines truly inspires us all, and we’re excited to support her remarkable mission.

 

The Steinway STEP Program

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