 |
An active performer and
accompanist, ELENA SMIRNOVA plays throughout
the United States and teaches piano in New
York City. Elena has appeared at
Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall in 2008 and
2009 after winning First Prize in the
Bradshaw and Buono International Piano
Competition. She completed her Bachelor's
Degree at the University of Colorado
at Boulder with highest honors, and her
Master of Music Degree from
Manhattan School of Music. Elena
has attended many summer festivals,
including Piano Texas International Academy
and Festival, Aspen Music Festival and
School, and International Keyboard Institute
and Festival in New York. Some of her awards
include full scholarship at the University
of Colorado, Aspen Music Festival, and
member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Mortar Board
Honors Society, and the National Dean's
List. Elena has had the wonderful
opportunity of having masterclasses with
Yoheved Kaplinsky, Alexander Kobrin, Lilya
Zilberstein, Jose Feghali, Victor Rosenbaum,
Armen Babakhanian, Nina Svetlanova, Alon
Goldstein, Asaf Zohar, Mykola Suk, John
Owings, and several others. Her private
teachers include James Tocco, David Korevaar,
and Svetlana Velitchko.
Her recent performances include playing
on the world Celebration of Chopin's 200th
Birthday in New York at the World Financial
District's Winter Garden, solo and
chamber recitals in New York, recitals in
PepsiCo Hall in Fort Worth, Texas,
and recitals in Colorado and Alaska.
TEACHING :
Her philosophy for teaching lies in the
basic belief that music should be fun and
expressive. The way she teaches piano to
beginners is to engage them through games or
activities away from the keyboard, and
offers all her students a teaching style
that encourages their development of
musicianship, individuality, and love for
music. She has plenty of patience with her
students and has a unique approach for each
one. In addition to teaching the classical
tradition, she encourages her students to
learn to play pop, jazz, and compose their
own songs to keep them motivated and
inspired. She is currently working through
PianoteachersUSA as well as teaching
privately.
|
