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Allegro Studio Piano Teachers in Katy, Texas

Our Studio

Our studio is located in a beautiful new building completed in 2025. Inside our private teaching suite, you’ll find a gorgeous new Kawai upright piano, perfect for developing strong technique and expressive musicality. The space is thoughtfully designed to be both functional and welcoming - with clean modern lines, soft lighting, and neutral tones that create a calm, focused atmosphere for learning.

For students, the room is equipped with a comfortable adjustable bench. Parents are welcome to sit in during the lesson or relax in our modern lobby, which offers complimentary wi-fi, coffee and tea. A small seating area in the studio provides a cozy option for parents who wish to stay close by. We also provide a charging station as a courtesy to our parents.

We’ve created an inviting environment that supports concentration, creativity, and comfort - for both students and families. Our teachers are also fluent in Spanish, and we offer piano lessons in Spanish for native speakers.

Maria Mallard, Founder

Maria Mallard is a highly accomplished music educator and pianist with over 20 years of experience as a performer and private piano tutor. She holds a Diploma in Piano Performance from Conservatorio de Musica Jose Luis Paz in Venezuela and a degree in Psychology from Universidad Rafael Urdaneta. Her extensive education also includes specializations in childhood clinical psychology, Gestalt psychotherapy, group dynamics, and a Master's in Management and Organization Development from Assumption University of Thailand.

Maria's career highlights include winning the Piano Teacher position at Conservatorio de Musica Jose Luis Paz, where she taught for 10 years. She has performed with renowned orchestras like Jovenes Solistas del Zulia and Orquesta Sinfonica del Zulia, and has given recitals in major cities across Venezuela and at Rice University in Houston. As a dedicated teacher, she has mentored numerous students who have become successful musicians and music educators themselves.

Beyond her formal qualifications, Maria is fluent in Spanish and English, certified in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, and has participated in master classes with renowned musicians like Gabriela Montero and Jose Antonio Abreu. She is a Bilingual Special Education Teacher in Katy ISD, where she integrates music into her teaching to help students explore and express themselves.

Google review of Allegro Studio by Selin E★★★★★ "My daughter has been a student of Mrs. Mallard for over 2 years now. Mrs. Mallard attentively helped her skill development and worked patiently to teach her proper wrist and finger techniques. She is a passionate teacher and music educator. Mrs. Mallard has vast experience in teaching piano and music theory, and she is dedicated to support your little learner’s musical goals. Mrs. Mallard tailors her piano lessons and methods based on your child’s personality and musical level. We are glad to have her as my daughter’s piano teacher!"

Liss Torres Orellana, Piano Teacher

Liss Torres Orellana brings exceptional credentials and specialized expertise to piano instruction. A graduate of Cuba's esteemed José María Ochoa Music Conservatory, she trained extensively in the Russian piano method—a renowned pedagogical approach known for developing both technical excellence and deep musical expression.

Her comprehensive musical education, beginning at age eight at the Raúl Gómez García Art School, encompasses over a decade of rigorous training in performance, music theory, and historical context. This solid academic foundation, combined with her fluency in Spanish and English, enables her to serve students from varied backgrounds and learning styles.

As an educator and private piano tutor, Liss specializes in developing well-rounded musicians who excel in technical precision while maintaining artistic sensitivity. Her methodical yet inspiring approach adapts to each student's individual needs, whether they are taking their first steps at the piano or refining advanced repertoire. Students benefit from her expertise in building proper technique, understanding musical structure, and developing confident performance skills.

Google review of Allegro Studio by Karina Peña★★★★★ "We feel so lucky to have found Mrs. Liss for piano classes! She is so sweet, patient, and professional with my son. He looks forward to his piano lessons every week and feels very motivated to keep improving. Thank you, Mrs. Liss, for inspiring him to do better and better!"

Marlies Lachel Saez, Piano Teacher

Marlies Lachel Saez is a distinguished Cuban concert pianist and music teacher. With over 20 years of experience, she has performed at the highest levels and taught students of all ages, from children to adults.

Marlies graduated with highest honors from the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) in Havana, specializing in piano performance and chamber music. Her career is built on a foundation of technical skill and deep artistic feeling, making her a respected leader in the Cuban music community.

As a former faculty member at ISA, she worked as a collaborative pianist for many different soloists. She is also an expert at preparing students for their musical journeys. Her guidance has helped many students pass difficult entrance exams and graduate successfully from music programs.

Beyond performing and teaching, Marlies serves as a judge for national competitions and university exams. She brings the discipline of a professional artist to everything she does, but she remains a compassionate teacher. She is dedicated to sharing her musical heritage with humility and a deep love for culture and education.