Joan Slavens was born on May 12, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a family of musicians, with both her parents being professional classical musicians. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a cellist. From a young age, Joan was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of four. Joan's parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She began taking piano lessons with her mother and quickly showed a natural aptitude for the instrument. By the age of ten, Joan had already won several local piano competitions and was performing in recitals and concerts. In 1997, Joan's family moved to New York City, where she continued her musical education. She attended the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division, where she studied with renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky. Under Kaplinsky's guidance, Joan honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of classical music. In 2003, Joan was accepted into the Juilliard School's undergraduate program, where she studied with pianist Jerome Lowenthal. During her time at Juilliard, Joan continued to excel, winning several awards and competitions. In 2007, she graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. After graduating from Juilliard, Joan began performing professionally. She quickly gained a reputation as a talented and versatile pianist, capable of playing a wide range of repertoire. She performed in recitals and concerts throughout the United States and Europe, earning critical acclaim for her performances. One of Joan's most notable performances was at the 2010 International Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland. She was one of only 20 pianists selected to compete in the prestigious competition, which attracts some of the world's most talented young pianists. Joan's performance was widely praised, and she was awarded third prize. In addition to her performing career, Joan is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught piano at several prestigious institutions, including the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Her students have gone on to win numerous awards and competitions, and many have pursued successful careers in music. Throughout her career, Joan has received numerous awards and honors. In 2012, she was awarded the Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians and provides financial support to help them further their careers. She was also named a Steinway Artist, an honor reserved for the world's most accomplished pianists. Joan continues to perform and teach, and she remains committed to promoting classical music and inspiring the next generation of musicians. Her dedication and talent have made her one of the most respected and admired pianists of her generation.

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