Dr. Marianna Tanguy began classical piano lessons at age five. The piano was her first love! She attended North Texas State University (NTSU) as a Jazz Studies major. Although she was a Jazz Studies music major for three years, Marianna graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in music. She continued her classical piano training during her five years at NTSU. Marianna went on to earn a master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. She was then commissioned in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain/Psychologist, completed a one-year residency and was then stationed at Vandenburg A.F.B. in Lompoc, CA for five years.

Marianna not only loved playing the piano, but she also yearned to play in a rock band. Marianna got her wish at age 15 when she was hired as a professional keyboardist in her first rock band while living in the Panama Canal Zone. It was at this time she began developing her ability to learn music by ear. Since then, Marianna has played in numerous cover bands of varies styles. Her background includes the following genres: Rock-n-roll; Blues and R&B; Funk; and Pop. Marianna currently plays in an all-original band, “Ray Prim”, based out of Austin, TX. She has been Ray’s keyboardist since 2010.

Prior to leaving the Air Force, Marianna discovered her second love. . .teaching, which she has pursued ever since. She began teaching private piano lessons in 1995, owning her own successful music studio in Santa Barbara, CA as well as teaching at a local music store. Her background includes teaching all ages and levels at various music schools/academies in Austin and San Antonio. Marianna’s teaching resume also includes teaching Undergraduate and Graduate psychology courses at Santa Barbara City College, Antioch University, Hancock College, Austin Community Colleges, The University of the Incarnate Word, and Hallmark University.

In addition, Marianna is an accomplished accompanist and studio musician. She is the full-time accompanist for the Village Voices Choir at Blue Skies in San Antonio and part-time pianist for various church services. Marianna accompanied the Medina Valley Jr. High and High School choirs during the 2025 UIL’s and Taft High School choir in 2013-2014.

Marianna’s innate proclivity for teaching combined with years of training and experience has resulted in a deeply dedicated, highly qualified, and notably versatile piano/music teacher. Teaching the piano and music is a privilege for Marianna; It does not feel like a “job” to her. Marianna believes that being a part of a person’s life and their growth through learning music is a blessing.