She received a Bachelor of Music in piano from Bowling Green State University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where she studied with Eugene and Elizabeth Pridonoff. Liliestedt, a recipient of countless academic awards, has twice been the recipient of the esteemed Presser Music Award. Being active as a performer, educator and adjudicator, she maintains a regular schedule of solo, chamber and concerto performances. Since 1996, Liliestedt had been a member of the Appassionata Piano Duo, praised for its “wonderful ensemble, balance and unity of purpose,” with partner Janelle Phinney.