Mariana Akolt is an Argentine-American composer, pianist and educator.  She composes descriptive and evocative music which is influenced by her upbringing in Buenos Aires.  Her interests in South American rhythmic patterns and music instruments are infused in her compositions.  Her compositions have been featured in conferences and festivals around the country as well as abroad. As a teacher, Mariana is dedicated to helping students of all ages discover the joy of learning music.

For children, Mariana creates a fun and supportive environment that encourages curiosity and steady progress, building a strong foundation in musicianship and technique. For adults, her lessons focus on enjoyment, expression, and lifelong learning—whether students are beginning for the first time or returning to the piano after many years. Her approach combines mindful practice, solid technique, and artistic expression, all within a warm and encouraging atmosphere that helps each student reach their full musical potential.

Mariana holds a master's degree in Music Composition from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts and a Bachelor in Science degree from University of Colorado at Denver.  In addition, she holds an Associate’s degree in Piano Performance from Harold Washington College and Kodaly certifications from the Argentinian Kodaly Association.