"Your performance was a highlight of this year and of the entire history of our performance series. The excellence of your public performance was well matched by your wonderfully personable attitude towards all of our staff and students. We so appreciate your genuine “teaching” approach to classical music and the arts and your obvious dedication to making them accessible and approachable for young people. You brought us absolutely the best of both worlds – performance and education!"
-Lois Jaeger: Bethany Lutheran College, MN
Lara has been active in the creation of innovative and impactful music education programs throughout her career, working with thousands of students in urban, rural and special-needs school environments throughout the US.
Currently serving as Artist-in-Residence at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts at UC Davis, Lara has created an innovative residency program that encompasses audience development, pre-performance activities, campus engagement, and K-12 outreach.
Lara serves as director of UC Davis' ArtsBridge, a university/K-12 arts education partnership, and she is the founder and artistic director of the Mondavi Center Young Artists Competition.
The young mother of two small children, Lara is strongly committed to introducing classical music to students, presenting a full range of outreach activities ranging from advanced master classes to introductory K-12 programs in conjunction with her concert appearances.
Lara is the founder and director of the 88 KEYS Foundation, fostering opportunities for music experiences and learning in America’s classrooms by providing pianos for use in public K-12 schools.