Dr. Fanarelia Guerrero-López has an active career as a piano pedagogue, soloist, and chamber musician. She has showcased her talent as a soloist in various states across the United States, including Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Oregon. Additionally, she has graced the main venues in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. As a collaborative artist, Dr. Guerrero has worked extensively with vocalists and violinists in both performance and teaching settings.
A passionate advocate for Nicaraguan and Latin American music, Dr. Guerrero is committed to preserving and promoting this repertoire on an international stage. Her current research centers on the rediscovery of the piano works of Nicaraguan composer Luis Abraham Delgadillo, a pivotal yet underrepresented figure in Latin American music history. This project encompasses the systematic cataloging and pedagogical evaluation of Delgadillo’s piano works, the critical editing of original manuscripts, and the professional recording of a significant portion of his compositions. Through this scholarly and artistic endeavor, Dr. Guerrero not only advances Delgadillo’s legacy but also contributes to the cultural identity and musical development of Nicaragua.
Starting in 2025, she will present an ongoing series devoted to Delgadillo’s piano music, featuring his 24 Preludes and 12 Nocturnes, along with the world premiere of his Piano Sonata, which she will bring to different universities and concert halls across diverse venues. Its launch will coincide with the publication of her editions of these works, ensuring their accessibility to performers, scholars, and educators worldwide. The project represents an essential step in safeguarding Delgadillo’s music while positioning it within the broader narrative of Latin American piano literature.
As an educator, Dr. Guerrero strives to cultivate well-rounded musicians, both professionally and personally. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes the importance of providing a safe and respectful education for every student. She ensures a secure environment not only in group classes but also in private lessons, allowing students to pursue their goals with confidence. Creating a healthy atmosphere through interpersonal skills is essential for fostering student development in every lesson.
Dr. Guerrero embraces versatility in her role as a teacher, readily adapting to each student to unlock their full potential. She maintains a flexible and open-minded approach in every lesson, drawing on extensive experience working with students in special education, including those with autism and ADHD. Her teaching also encompasses the preparation of syllabi and exams such as the Royal Conservatory of Music and ABRSM, effectively supporting learners of all ages and proficiency levels. Her ultimate aim in both group and private settings is to guide students in becoming independent learners through organized sequences and guided lessons.
As an international teacher, Dr. Guerrero is dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment that values each student’s unique identity. She believes in empowering students not only through music but also by embracing their cultural backgrounds. With extensive knowledge of piano literature and ongoing research on diverse cultures, she incorporates repertoire beyond the musical canon, enabling students to explore their peers’ cultures and fostering a more diverse and tolerant environment. By encouraging a broad repertoire, she equips students not only with an extensive list of musical works but also with the skills to live harmoniously with others. After each class, Dr. Guerrero continues to nurture an individualized, respectful, and diverse studio environment.
Dr. Fanarelia Guerrero-López embarked on her piano journey in her home country of Nicaragua. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance from the University of Costa Rica and a master's degree in Piano Performance from Texas State University. She earned her DMA in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina, where she served as the President of the MTNA-USC chapter for two years, earning co-recipient of the 2023 MTNA Collegiate Chapter of the Year. She serves as NCKP conference committee member for South America and the Iberian peninsula at the Frances Clark Center and as coordinator of the International Engagement program at the Frances Clark Center.
Dr. Guerrero is currently based in the Dallas area, where she maintains an active career as a pianist, educator, and scholar. She serves as Adjunct Instructor at Texas Woman’s University, Co-Director of the North Texas International Piano Symposium, an initiative dedicated to discovering, amplifying, and celebrating research in piano literature with a global reach, particularly the works of underrepresented composers. In addition, she serves on the Board of the Dallas Music Teachers Association and is a full-time faculty member at the Centre for Musical Minds in Frisco,Texas.
