Astra Su

Astra Su is a San Francisco Bay Area-based pianist, singer-songwriter, DJ, producer, and piano teacher who bridges classical virtuosity with modern creativity.

Astra's journey in music began early, flourishing through rigorous classical training that led to her solo debut with the San Diego Symphony at age 11 performing Mozart's Piano Concerto in D. By age 15, she was performing at Carnegie Hall in New York, marking the beginning of an international performance career that would take her to concert venues throughout the United States, Europe, and China. Her travels brought her to prestigious venues along the Amalfi Coast, through Los Angeles, Shanghai, London, and Jerusalem, each experience deepening her understanding of music's universal language.

While studying Classical Piano Performance at UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music, Astra began exploring beyond classical boundaries, incorporating elements of electronic music, DJing, and contemporary production into her musical vocabulary. This fusion of classical discipline and pop innovation now defines her unique approach to both performing and teaching.

Teaching has been an integral part of Astra's musical journey since she was 14. During the COVID pandemic, she expanded her teaching practice both privately and in LA schools, where she developed her philosophy of nurturing both technical excellence and creative expression. Her teaching methodology combines classical foundations - technique, sight reading, ear training, and music theory - with modern applications like learning popular songs by ear and exploring electronic music production.

Astra's approach to teaching is deeply rooted in the belief that music education should develop not just musical ability, but also life skills like creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence. Her students learn to understand music as both an art form and a vessel for personal growth, studying the lives and works of musical geniuses while developing their own creative voices.

Currently, Astra is continuing her practice in the Bay Area, where she teaches, performs, and composes while working on musical projects. She draws inspiration from the region's innovative spirit, incorporating both traditional and contemporary elements into her work. She welcomes students of all ages and levels who share her passion for musical exploration and growth.

Astra believes that music is a transformative force that can unlock creativity, build confidence, and nurture connection. Through her teaching, she aims to pass on not just musical knowledge, but also the joy and wonder that first drew her to the piano, creating a new generation of musicians who understand both the discipline and the freedom that music fulfills.

She is excited to share her expertise with the MMS community!