Bio

A native of Bulgaria and also a Canadian citizen, I enjoy a dynamic musical career as a concert pianist, educator, and adjudicator. My solo and chamber music appearances include performances throughout Bulgaria, Romania, Austria, Germany, Holland, Greece, Russia, the United States and Canada. I have participated in masterclasses under renowned pedagogues such as Tamara Poddubnaya, Lazar Berman, Boris Bloch, and Menahem Pressler. 

I hold a Master of Music in Piano Performance, Chamber Music, Piano-Collaboration, and Pedagogy from the National Music Academy in Bulgaria (2007). In 2008 I won a merit scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in the United States, and earned my second Master of Music degree and the Postgraduate Professional Artist Certificate in Piano Performance (2010). In 2010 I won F.S. Chia Doctoral scholarship to attend the University of Alberta in Canada, and earned a Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance (2015). My principal teachers include prof. Atanas Kurtev, prof. Eric Larsen, and prof. Jacques Després.

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I have a creative approach to motivate students to exceed their artistic ability by cultivating a musical way of playing with sensitive tone quality, and solid technique. I strive to make piano lessons a positive, fulfilling, and rewarding learning experience. To be a good teacher, one should have a special talent and love for teaching. Not every great concert pianist can be a good teacher. It is possible only if you truly dedicate yourself to your students. I understand the importance of developing a solid teacher-student relationship based on trust, mutual respect and care. My main goal while working with students is to build their self-confidence and to guide them toward their career goals and individual interests. I constantly research new teaching methods, which combined with my extensive studies and experience can suit the personality and learning styles of each student. 

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Currently, I have 20+ years of teaching experience, and I am an advanced specialist and member of the College of Examiners from RCM (The Royal Conservatory of Music). I am also a member CMFAA (Canadian Music Festival Adjudicator’ Association), and ARMTA (Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association). My students are award and scholarship winners in piano competitions, festivals, concerts, and master classes, and are globally recognized for their performances at Royal Albert Hall (UK), and Carnegie Hall (NY).