Katya J
5.0
(20)
Instruments: Cello
Styles: Classical
Katya J
5.0
(20)
Instruments: Cello
Styles:
Classical
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
BA in Music Performance and pedagogy, Yerevan State Conservatory
AD in Chamber Music, Yerevan State Conservatory
MM in cello performance, University of Cincinnati
DMA in cello performance, University of Cincinnati
2001 - Pierre Lantiere International Chamber Music Competition , Paris, France- winner
2002-2009 - Full Scholarship from Ubiversity of Cinconnati for the compettion of MM and DMA degrees.
2019 - Opportunity Grant Recipient, Pittsburgh, PA
2020 - Heinz Endowment Grant Recipient, Pittsburgh PA
The passion for music took me all over the world, where I have been successfully teaching and performing. I have been teaching and mentoring my students for over twenty years now. I enjoy practicing and am happy to teach everything that I know, which is not only how to play the instrument, but also how to employ your knowledge in real life. You can hear me perform on local radio channels, and find some of my concert recordings on youtube. I am a mother myself, so I can relate to a lot that parents go through raising their kids, and that helped me a lot in my development as a teacher.
I started teaching as soon as I was a senior in college. I was employed as a junior coach/cellist at the Yerevan State Conservatory to help freshman piano students learn the art of accompaniment. I started teaching cello at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music's preparatory department and Strarling Programs at 2002. I endeavour to share my love of music and its transformative reach with others. I now teach several award-winning cello students and has studios throughout the Pittsburgh area, including the Carnegie Mellon Preparatory Department. I have cultivated several concerto competition winners for the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Philharmonic concerto competitions. A number of my students continued to study music in some of the most prestigious music schools in the world including Julliard School of Music, Rice University, Indiana University Bloomington, Northwestern University, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Carnegie Mellon University. My teaching prowess has garnered international demand and I have taught masterclasses in the U.S., China and Chile.
While I have a general curriculum, I am very flexible and try to adjust to my every student individually. Generally I like to employ books by Suzuki, as I find them very methodical, as well as easily accessible. I supplement the Suzuki books by Alwin Schroeder's 170 foundation studies, and lots of scales and technical exercises. I encourage active listening and work with a student to build confidence performing. In addition to learning the instrument I advise on the business side of music making, making sure you have the knowledge and tools to plug your skills and talent in real life.
I am a very passionate teacher, and I thrive on my student's progress. While very demanding, I do not strip the lessons from fun. I like to teach broadly, which means we may talk not only about a cello but also about music in general. I will be here to help you on your learning journey even outside the designated lesson time. I expect you to do work outside of your lesson, to ensure progress. I will be learning about you, to know what inspires you and what will help you learn best and set realistic goals.
Marsha Albright
I have been taking cello lessons from Katya for four years. I can't believe it has been that long. I would have guessed it was two. She is a very serious and understanding teacher. She is patient and encouraging. She shares in the joy of your successes and inspires you to improve when progress is slow. She realizes practical limitations and comes up with creative solutions which allows for continued progress. She has a way of putting joy into playing. I would recommend Katya as a cello teacher for cello students of any age, young or old.
Jami Bale
As both a performing and teaching colleague, I give Katya the highest possible recommendation. She is a superb cellist and passionate teacher. Her students consistently win competitions and admissions into top youth honors orchestras and university music programs. Katya demonstrates tireless energy as an advocate for chamber music by inaugurating successful student chamber music seminars in the Pittsburgh region, and serving as a founding member of her own professional chamber music ensemble, Kassia. Her teaching promotes the highest level of playing while instilling a love for the expressive aspect of music. She strikes a balance of demanding high standards while also fostering a student's personal growth. Her ability to communicate her devotion to the arts is contagious, and would help a student of any playing level incorporate an appreciation of the arts into their lives no matter what their other life goals might be. She applies the same high standards to her own playing and constantly seeks to grow as an artist and teacher. She is a delight to know as a person, and any student would be fortunate to have the opportunity to study with her!
Jaemin Lee
Demanding teacher and always knew how to get the best out of my playing. Makes lessons challenging yet very enjoyable. Only wants the best out of her students and is very kind and friendly!
Susan Hunt
Becoming musical by learning an instrument has never been more important. Regardless of age and level of experience, everyone needs a wonderful and inspiring teacher. Katya is a splendid teacher for all levels of students. As her student, I look forward to my lessons. She guides me in determining and achieving my goals, and can always figure out why if something doesn't sound quite right. Katya is not only a fabulous musician and chamber music player, she is warm and supportive, and always encouraging. I give her my highest level of recommendation as a cello teacher.
Andy Szymanski
I always loved the sound of the cello, but had a less than ideal experience with two of my previous teachers, and was ready to give up on this beautiful instrument, when friends of the family suggested trying Katya before making the final decision. I'm so glad I did! After the first couple lessons I knew I wanted to continue playing the cello, and after a few weeks of lessons with Katya I felt more motivated and made more progress than I had made in months of lessons with other teachers I had. It is a bit challenging to fit in Katya's schedule, she is in high demand, but it's worth every penny and more.
Pat
There are simply not enough superlatives to accurately capture Ms. Katya's dedication and skill. I have had the great fortune of working with her and she has taught me things about the cello I never dreamed of. Her passion brings the instrument to life. Because of her knowledge and experience she is able to mentor students at the pace that each person requires, rather than a cookie-cutter approach. This individual focus brings out the best in every pupil. For any person that wants to truly learn the breadth and richness of real mastery, I can think of no better teacher!
Danielle
A beautiful instrument performed by an incredibly talented artist/cellist! Katya transforms notes on a page into magic to the ears. I was raised in a musically inclined family and I cannot imagine life without music and instruments. It is so important that children and people have the option to learn and develop the skills and passion for music. I could not think of a better teacher to coach her passion to; it would be a gift to students everywhere. From the words of Plato: "Music is the movement of sound to reach the soul for the education of its virtue."
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