Pianist Deborah Aitken has captivated audiences throughout America and abroad, described by critics as "a temperament which lives to communicate" with "infallible technical polish and vibrancy,” “a sound which is extremely pure, perfect and incredibly precise” “painting with the colors of a fantastic realm.” She studied in Milan, Italy, with Alberto Mozzati of Conservatorio Verdi, earned B.M. and M.M. degrees from USC (University of Southern Calif.) and CSUN (Calif. State University Northridge), studying piano with Bernardo Segall and Jacob Gimpel and harpsichord with Malcolm Hamilton,  and has been coached by Andre Watts, Gabriel Tacchino (Paris Conservatory) and others.  Her expertise in music of the French style was acknowledged with the prestigious Mu Phi Epsilon Memorial Foundation Grant for study in Paris with Francoise Labroquere, longtime protege of Marguerite Long.


With a repertoire spanning all periods and styles, Ms. Aitken's concert work as soloist, collaborator and concerto artist has taken her throughout the US and to Europe, Mexico, Asia and Russia. In June 2019 she returned to Japan for the 21st year to perform the Mozart Double Concerto and solo repertoire. She has performed for film, television and radio, including a recital on Vatican Radio, broadcast throughout Europe and also has been a Guest Artist at MTAC and CAPMT (MTNA in Calif.) conventions. Her CD "Piano Recital" is in general release and she is working currently on a CD of music by Scarlatti and Soler.


Ms. Aitken was a professor for over 20 years at El Camino College in Los Angeles, and has taught many state, national and international award-winning students. She has addressed music convention groups on topics such as student-centered learning, interpretation of  Bach’s music, creating a chamber music program, Spanish and Latin music and pain-free artistic performing. In demand as Master Class clinician and competition adjudicator, she returned to Tokyo in June to coach wonderful professional pianists and conduct Master Classes, promoted by Yamaha Corp. and other entities. She also coached several students at the Beijing Central Conservatory and has been invited to judge competitions there next year.


Ms. Aitken’s other passions include music education and animals. For many years she organized and performed in concerts to raise money for school music programs, and also has lent her expertise to help in anti-poaching efforts in Kenya. Her dog, Maurice, is a trained therapy dog and enjoys visiting convalescent homes and the Monroe public library, where children read to him!