About Irina Fennessy

Founder & Instructor of Laguna Niguel Piano Studio
MTAC-Certified | 20+ Years Teaching Experience

Irina Fennessy is a classically trained professional piano instructor who received her full music education in the former Soviet Union — a region known for its rigorous and high-level musical training. She holds a B.A. in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Performance, Chamber Ensemble, and Accompaniment.

Since founding her piano studio in 2004, Irina has provided high-quality, one-on-one instruction to students of all ages and levels across Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, and surrounding South Orange County.

​

Teaching Approach

Irina creates personalized lesson plans tailored to each student’s level, learning style, and goals. Her instruction includes:

• Classical repertoire from all major periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary)

• Jazz, blues, and modern pieces when appropriate

• Integrated music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and technique

• A focus on expression, accuracy, and musicality

• Both Do-Re-Mi and ABC notation systems for flexible learning

Students are taught on a high-quality grand piano in a calm, positive, and encouraging home studio environment.

​

Student Success & Recognition

Irina’s Laguna Niguel Piano Studio students have consistently received top ratings in competitions and festivals, and many have:

• Earned awards at Baroque, Bach, and Contemporary Music Festivals

• Been invited to perform in MTAC Branch Honor Recitals and State Conventions

• Won scholarships and placement in honor orchestras

• Continued on to study music at the university level​

Performances & Certificate of Merit

Performance is an important part of musical development. Irina encourages all students to participate in:

• Biannual studio recitals at local venues (city halls, churches, and retirement homes)

• Community service performances

• MTAC events and festivals, including Certificate of Merit (CM) training for eligible students

Participation is optional but highly encouraged to help build confidence, stage presence, and musical goals.

 Professional Development

Irina regularly attends national and state piano pedagogy workshops to stay up to date with modern teaching methods. She is an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) and has served as a faculty member at the Lifetime Music Academy in Aliso Viejo.