Video Bio Coming Soon
About Talia
Hi, I’m Talia Skeen, a vocalist, educator, and arranger from Richmond, California. I’m a member of Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble, where I help collect, arrange, and perform traditional Eastern European and Eurasian folk music. I’m passionate about vocal traditions that bridge cultures and tell stories in powerful, personal ways.
I started classical voice training in high school through the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, and went on to study voice for over 11 years, along with 10 years of piano and 3 years of violin. I earned my B.A. in Music with a minor in Education from UC Berkeley, where I served as co-music director of the Cal Jazz Choir. I also performed with the University Chamber Chorus, University Baroque Ensemble, and the Undergraduate Composers Club.
I’ve been teaching private voice and piano lessons for over seven years and love working with students of all ages and backgrounds. My musical interests span classical, jazz, early music, experimental/contemporary, and traditional folk music—and I enjoy helping students explore and find joy in many styles.
Outside of teaching and performing, I love composing, arranging, cooking, and solving jigsaw puzzles. Music is both a discipline and a creative outlet for me, and I love helping others discover what it can be for them.
Book With Talia
“I didn’t want my son to be turned off to piano because of all the practicing. Lots of work but not a ton of play. James brings enthusiasm and joy to the discipline. He picked up my son’s style and personality, and could flow according to my son’s uniqueness/playfulness.”
“My biggest concern is if my kids don’t enjoy and have no progress over a significant amount of lessons time. So far your role as a teacher has been very helpful in making my kids interested & focused on their lessons”