Southern California native Beth Oertel is active as a collaborative pianist in a wide variety of repertoire and ensembles. Ms. Oertel began her career in Collaborative Arts studying with Dr. Frank Scott and Rita Borden at Northern Arizona University. While completing her undergraduate degree on a full scholarship, Ms. Oertel served as rehearsal accompanist for the Flagstaff Master Chorale and Children's Chorale of Flagstaff. Ms. Oertel has also performed continuo for the Chamber Orchestra of Northern Arizona in performances of Handel's Messiah and Purcell's Dido and Aeneas.
Completing her Master's degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts at the University of Southern California, Ms. Oertel has been the recipient of the distinguished Gwendolyn Koldofsky Memorial Scholarship. She has had the privilege to work in master classes with renowned artists such as Martin Katz, Marilyn Horne, and Midori, in addition to working extensively with singers and instrumentalists.
Outside the realm of classical music, Ms. Oertel has served as music director for Black Bart's Dinner Theater, and pianist for Kiss Me Kate and Into The Woods with Northern Arizona Music Theater. Understanding the importance of musical education Ms. Oertel has taken up a summer residence as coach and staff pianist for Northern Arizona Summer Music Camp in Flagstaff. Currently, she is continuing her doctoral studies at the University of Southern California with Dr. Alan Smith.