Candace Cleary began her musical studies at the age of four, and pursued her education through the Royal Conservatory of Music under the direction of the pianist Anna Lea Bartonova. Candace has been active as a private piano teacher for more than 20 years, and currently offers lessons to adults and children from her studio in Reston, Virginia. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) and an active member of the Music Teachers National Association and the Virginia Music Teachers Association. 

Candace’s focus is to help her piano students find joy in the journey toward mastery. In English we say that one "plays" the piano, which implies that making music should be fun! Candace’s lessons are tailored to the goals, strengths and musical tastes of each student, and are conducted in a relaxed and positive environment. Candace’s approach encourages her students to develop confidence and poise as performers, and helps them make the connection between consistent effort and proficiency.