About Studio

I established my Piano Studio in 1991 after coming to the United States from Ukraine. In doing so, I was inspired by Russian classical music culture with its deeply-rooted, time-honored traditions in performance and piano teaching. I drew upon the highest standards and the well-rounded curriculum of Russian music schools, which produced world-famous pianists and pedagogues such as Sviatoslav Richter, Vladimir Horowitz, Emil Gilels, Evgeny Kissin, Heinrich Neuhaus, Nathan Perelman and many others.

My studio offers individually-crafted instruction in classical piano performance and music theory, cognitive and listening appreciation of different styles and periods of music, and various opportunities to perform in public to create the well-balanced musicianship. It is structured for serious students of all ages who are willing to put time, effort, enthusiasm, and passion into their studies.

All of my students have the opportunity to participate in the Certificate of Merit State Evaluation Program offered by the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC) at Stanford University. This annual exam covers different aspects of music study and provides the most comprehensive curriculum in piano performance, technique, sight-reading, and ear-training, as well as profound understanding of music theory. It sets achievable goals, brings structure and discipline into daily practice, and encourages students to strive for excellence. Almost all my students who participate in this program are chosen by the judges to perform in MTAC conventions in Festival, Panel Honors Recitals, and Master Classes.

My most promising and serious students take advantage of playing in more competitive events, such as the United States Open Music Competition, The Yehudi Menuhin - Helen Dowling Award Competition, the Keyboard Educators Young Pianists Competition, the Thera Rabinowitch Piano Competition, the Young Pianist's Beethoven Competition, the International Russian Music Competition, and the American Fine Arts Festival, among many others.

The Studio provides for all of its students the opportunity to perform in monthly recitals, master classes, workshops, auditions through MTAC and CAPMT (California Association of Professional Music Teachers), learn ensemble and chamber music, and record solo CDs and DVDs at the weekly lessons.

My Studio features vintage 1926 5’10” Steinway & Sons grand piano (pictured) and 1992 46” Sohmer professional studio upright (autographed by Liza Minnelli).

A creative, loving, enthusiastic, supportive and nurturing atmosphere, a personal approach combined with discipline, a comprehensive yet individually planned curriculum, and my teaching style ultimately bring out the best in my students, helping them to reach their full potential. My goal is to build great passion and a lifetime love of music and the arts, and to make the learning experience exciting and enjoyable for students of all ages.