I am sure you have taken detours when traveling. Some were mandatory—when, for example, the main road was closed—but many were voluntary: you wanted to take the scenic route to just enjoy the view. In any case, that detour affected your future, one way or another. In fact, that detour might have eventually become your main path.  

My own journey was like this. When I started taking lessons, little did I know that piano would become my career. I did try computer science in college, which I believed to be my main path. But I realized very quickly that, based on my low final grades, my plan would not work out. Therefore, what I thought to be my main path became a quick detour. And the detour (learning piano for fun) became my main path.   

While pursuing my graduate degrees, I took other detours (learning harpsichord, pipe organ, piano tuning, and conducting). While pursuing my doctoral degree at Indiana University, my piano professor, Evelyne Brancart, inspired me to write my doctoral document on piano technique. Then, my research on Brazilian music also took me on another journey that resulted on the release of my CD album Alma Brasileira [Brazilian Soul] and on a year-long recital tour to promote it in 10 countries. And more recently, I started learning how to play the harp. Each of those detours helped shape me as a musician, taught me how to adjust to all types of teaching situations, and how to be flexible. Therefore, the detours I took helped me become a better teacher!  

Each of my students is on a path, too. And I am grateful to witness their journeys, to help them find their passion (or detours), to show them different angles and approaches on piano technique, and to work with them on a big range of the piano repertoire, including Brazilian music. My goal is to provide each student with tools on how to learn, how to develop, and how to become a well-round musician, no matter where his or her path leads them.  

Dr. Paulo Steinberg has enjoyed a successful career as both a soloist and collaborative artist across the U.S., Canada, South America, and Europe. He has graced prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Theatro Municipal de São Paulo. Dr. Steinberg is also a sought-after adjudicator, master class instructor, and lecturer, often traveling for performances and educational projects worldwide. His summer engagements include teaching at the Saarburg Chamber Music Summer Festival, alongside various projects in Europe, Brazil, and Canada.

In 2024, as part of his educational leave project, Dr. Steinberg lived in Latvia for three months, immersing himself in the Latvian language, culture, and music. This experience significantly influenced his research and artistic practice, deepening his appreciation for Latvian piano solo and chamber music. 

Dr. Steinberg holds degrees in Piano Performance from Conservatório "Carlos Gomes" and Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil, as well as graduate degrees from Arizona State University (M.M.) and Indiana University (D.M.). His principal teachers include Carlos Yansen, Paulo Gori, Gilberto Tinetti, and Evelyne Brancart.

Steinberg has served in several leadership roles, including as vice-president of the Harrisonburg Music Teachers Association and president of the Virginia Music Teachers Association. He serves as Co-chair of Music in Every Home, which provides scholarships for underrepresented piano and guitar students. 

His discography includes The Recital Clarinetist with Dr. Janice Minor, Duos with Dr. Šarūnas Jankauskas, Time, Place, Spirit with Dr. Beth Chandler Cahill, and Alma Brasileira, which was featured in the Brazilian film As Cadeiras.