Experience and Background

Janessa Swensen Kofoed has been playing the piano for nineteen years and the violin for sixteen. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah December 2013 with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Piano. She is currently studying Music Education at Boston University at the Master's degree level. Janessa has also had fine students who have continued music studies at a collegiate level.

Prior to attending Brigham Young University, Janessa was the recipient of Honorable Mentions, Third Place, and Second Place awards in the Encore Keyboard Competitions (2006-2009). She also was recognized as an Outstanding Performer in many Solo and Concerto Festivals also in Encore.

Janessa has had many opportunities to perform as a soloist and collaborative pianist and violinst before, and during college. The highlights of her performances are: performing as a piano soloist and violinist with the American Fork High School Touring Orchestra in Avery Fisher Hall, at the Lincoln Center, in New York City in 2008; playing in the Utah All-State Orchestra as a 1st violinist in 2009; performing her Sophomore Piano Recital at Brigham Young University in 2011; recently performing with the BYU Symphony Orchestra during the 2012-2013 school year, including playing violin for the school's production of Phantom of the Opera; and participating in two concerto competitions while at Brigham Young University.

Janessa has been teaching piano and violin students since 2005. Her students receive high-marks at local festivals. Students in Janessa's studio receive proper instruction in technique, theory, and performing. Each student is expected to push themselves to become the best pianist they can be. They will be taught to play with cleanliness, accuracy, and musicality. Students are encouraged to perform in annual recitals and festivals. Competitions are available upon request. During the fall through spring students will attend group classes to enhance performance ability, theory concepts, and music history.