Kasckow–Pezzone Duo

Artist Biographies

Ruth Kasckow

Ruth Kasckow is a flutist, educator, and movement coach whose work explores creative pathways to deepen musical expression, ease, and enjoyment. Her approach integrates traditional flute pedagogy with a refined understanding of how the body is designed to move, supporting expressive and coordinated music-making on a deeply embodied level.

As a performer, Ruth has appeared as an orchestral and chamber musician throughout Southern California and Mexico. She currently performs with the Pasadena Chamber Music Collective and in collaboration with pianist Bryan Pezzone as the Kasckow–Pezzone Duo.

A dedicated educator, Ruth previously served on the faculty of Pasadena Conservatory of Music and maintains a private flute studio in La Cañada, California. Her teaching emphasizes a whole-body approach to flute playing, integrating movement awareness, artistry, and efficient coordination.

Ruth holds an MFA in Flute Performance from California Institute of the Arts and is a Licensed Body Mapping Educator and Franklin Method Educator (Level 4). She has presented workshops in Body Mapping, movement, and flute pedagogy for organizations including the National Flute Association, Performing Arts Medicine Association, Music Teachers Association of California, and Beyond the Master Class. She also teaches an ongoing course, Playing Flute from the Inside Out.

Bryan Pezzone

Bryan Pezzone is a versatile pianist, improviser, composer, and educator whose career spans classical, contemporary, jazz, and experimental music. Known for his expressive range, virtuosity, and imaginative musical voice, he has performed and collaborated extensively as both a solo and ensemble artist.

From 1987–2000, Bryan served as Head of Keyboard Studies at California Institute of the Arts. During that time, he was also principal pianist of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra from 1991–1999. Throughout his career, he has performed, recorded, and collaborated in a wide variety of musical settings throughout Southern California and beyond, appearing nationally and internationally as a guest artist, performer, and presenter.

In addition to performing his own projects and original works, Bryan continues to explore improvisation and cross-genre collaboration as central aspects of his artistic work. He is currently on the piano faculty at the Los Angeles College of Music and maintains an active and diverse performing career.