Angelina

Would you like to learn piano in a supportive environment, make steady progress and discover the joy of understanding the music you play?

I am a professionally trained pianist, accompanist and dedicated piano teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience and more than 5,000 private lessons. Before establishing my private teaching practice, I worked as a piano teacher in state music schools. I also worked as a pianist and accompanist at a music and drama theatre, accompanied choirs and vocalists, and participated in touring engagements and concert programmes presenting Russian musical culture at diplomatic missions of the Russian Federation across Europe. I continue to perform as a freelance concert and session accompanist, so my teaching remains closely connected to active musical performance.

My Education

Schnittke Moscow State Institute of Music, Moscow, Russia — Department of Special Piano.
Gnesin Russian Academy of Music, Moscow, Russia — Further professional development courses.
The University of Edinburgh, Scotland — Fundamentals of Music Theory*.

I welcome children, adults, beginners and advanced students. Whether you are learning your first piece, returning to the piano after a break or preparing for an important examination or performance, I adapt lessons to your individual needs and goals.

More Than Just Learning the Notes

Playing piano involves much more than reading notes and pressing keys in the right order. Students need to coordinate their fingers, wrists and arms, control their movements, read music accurately, understand rhythm and count while playing.

Many students come to me after studying with other teachers because they feel stuck, struggle with hand movements or find it difficult to progress beyond the pieces they already know. I look carefully at how each student reads, understands and physically approaches the music. I then help address underlying difficulties, working on hand position, finger mobility, coordination, movement and musical understanding.
My approach is informed by professional piano performance experience and an understanding of hand anatomy and piano-playing biomechanics. I adapt technical instruction to each student's individual needs, helping them develop more efficient movement, better control and greater confidence.

This is particularly important for children, whose hands and musculoskeletal systems continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. I emphasise appropriate technique and healthy playing habits from the earliest lessons.

Discover the Stories Behind the Music

I believe piano lessons should offer much more than the ability to play a piece from beginning to end.
Alongside learning notes, rhythm and technique, students discover the composers behind the music, explore different musical genres and learn about the historical periods in which their favourite pieces were written.
My experience as a theatre pianist and accompanist helps me bring a practical musical perspective to lessons. I encourage students to listen carefully, understand the character of a piece and explore how phrasing, rhythm and interpretation communicate musical ideas.
This helps students become more confident and expressive performers, with a deeper appreciation of the music they play.

An Individual Approach to Learning

Lessons are structured, encouraging and purposeful. Depending on the student's level and goals, we work on:

- Music theory, rhythm and musical understanding.
- Reading notes accurately and fluently.
- Hand position, finger mobility and coordination.
- Musical expression and repertoire.
- Composers, musical styles and the history of music.
- Effective home practice and independent learning.

I also have experience and professional teaching knowledge in working with students with ADHD. I adapt explanations, activities and lesson structure to individual learning needs, using clear instructions and manageable goals where helpful.

Exams, Concerts & Competitions

My students have won first prizes and Grand Prix awards in piano competitions.
I provide individual preparation for graded examinations, concerts, national and international competitions, auditions and applications to music colleges and universities.

Practical Masterclasses for Aspiring Piano Teachers

I also offer practical mentorship for aspiring piano teachers who want to strengthen their technical knowledge and teaching skills. My aim is to help teachers understand each student's individual needs and make informed decisions about what to teach, how to teach it and what to focus on next.

Teachers are invited to bring one of their own students, particularly someone experiencing technical or learning difficulties. Under my guidance, we explore hand biomechanics, individual hand position, finger mobility, sight-reading, effective home-practice assignments and ways to adapt lessons to the student's actual progress.

Whether you are taking your first steps at the piano or looking to overcome technical difficulties, I would be delighted to help you develop your skills, understand the music more deeply and enjoy making music.