Dr. Susan Boettger is a pianist, music educator, and founder and executive director of Junior Chamber Music (JCM), which she founded in 2002 to give young musicians the experience of making chamber music at a high level while developing the listening, leadership, collaboration, and communication skills that come with playing in an ensemble.

A professor and chamber musician, Susan serves as Professor of Piano and Chamber Music and Piano Area Coordinator at Irvine Valley College. She created IVC’s Piano Pedagogy Certificate and leads the Keyboard & Chamber Music Series, bringing professional artists, masterclasses, and performances to the college community.

As a performer, Susan has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician and has performed concertos with orchestras throughout Southern California. At The Juilliard School, she was a prizewinner in the Contemporary Concerto Competition and was selected to premiere new solo piano works with the New Juilliard Ensemble at Lincoln Center. She has also performed and recorded contemporary chamber music, including original compositions and premieres.

Susan holds a DMA in Piano Performance from the University of Southern California, an MM from The Juilliard School, and a BM in Piano Performance and BA in Mathematics from Rice University.

Through JCM, Susan has helped build a community where young musicians can grow artistically, form lasting friendships, perform internationally, and discover the joy of making music with others. She believes chamber music can become something students carry with them throughout their lives, whether or not music ultimately becomes their profession.