A native of St. Petersburg, Russia, Ms Luba S. started playing piano at the age of 6 and continued her musical studies at Mussorgsky School of Music and later at St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Her concert appearances in Russia included performances with orchestra and solo recitals at St. Petersburg State Capella, Philharmonic Hall, and Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory Hall. Upon moving to the United States in 1989, she worked as a vocal accompanist at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music while pursuing her BS degree in Computer Science. From 1996 she participated in the series of Master Classes at International Summer Festivals such as Holland Music Sessions, Nice Festival Academy, studying with Boris Berman, Brigitte Engerer, Menahem Pressler and performing in the frame of above mentioned festivals. Luba made her Weil Recital Hall debut with the Zephyr Duo as a prize winner in the Artists International Competition. Both as a solo artist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout the Metropolitan New York area in venues such as Trinity Church, Mannes and Manhattan Schools of Music, the Connell Library, Drew University, Watchung Art Center, Summit Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Highlands Chamber Music Series and others. Her performances also included appearances at Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, PA, Solstice Festival at Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, Benefit concerts for New Sussex Symphony, Bucks County Symphony and NJ Symphony orchestras, as well as chamber music recitals at Livingston Music Club, Women's Club in Glen Ridge, Temple University. Ms. S. currently maintains a private piano studio. She is an active member of Music Educators Association of New Jersey and sits annually on a panel of judges for the association. Teaching Philosophy: I believe that learning to play an instrument should be an integral part of every child's education. Music enriches emotional and intellectual development, provides a source of joy and fulfillment. My teaching philosophy is based on emphasizing individuality of each student. I teach students ages 5 through adult, and try to find a way to make it interesting, exciting, intellectually stimulating and rewarding for each individual. - I incorporate elements of Suzuki method into my teaching for young beginners combining it with traditional Russian school methods and various others depending on student's needs. - I believe in providing strong technical basis for piano playing and teach my students skills and tools to make practicing on their own efficient. - I include music theory, ear-training, and elements of music history into my piano lessons - I prepare my students to participate in annual MEA auditions, as well as recitals and competitions. I am an enthusiastic and devoted teacher who loves sharing my knowledge and creates an environment in which a student can learn and grow.
Teaches all skill levels
Teaching since 1997
BS Computer Science
Teaches ages 5+
Speaks English, Russian
Has background check
As an adult beginner student, I was a bit nervous about starting lessons past childhood. However, I enjoyed playing the few tunes I did know and decided to begin lessons with Luba because of the other outstanding reviews she has online. I am very delighted to say that these are all very true, and I could not have been happier with my experience. From the first lesson, Luba quickly identified my strengths and weaknesses and was able to provide just the right personalized guidance for me to expand my abilities. That first lesson left me with so much more than I had come in with that I was amazed at how manageable Luba was able to make the piano. Enthusiastically, I practiced the pieces at home. At the studio with Luba, I discovered just how talented of a player and teacher she is. Without even looking at me, she identified the things I was having trouble with in every piece. Her playing reinforced my knowledge of the pieces. I particularly enjoyed how she emphasized the musical quality and "feel" of each piece, rather than just the technicalities of the sheet music. Unfortunately, I had to end my lessons after six months because I was moving out of the state. In such a short amount of time, though, I can now read sheet music at a reasonable pace, understand basic music theory, and most importantly know how to practice. All of these I can only attribute to Luba. She has transformed a mildly interesting instrument into one of my most beloved lifelong hobbies.
It is with great pleasure and with no reservations whatsoever, that I can recommend Luba as a piano teacher for both children and adults. Although her curricula vitae speaks for itself in terms of her qualifications and experience, it is the personal qualities of a teacher that are of the utmost importance in developing a student/teacher relationship that brings out the fullest potential and desire to learn of the student. Luba's warm and kind demeanor belies her exacting requirements of her students. As a pianist who has attended Luba’s student recitals, I am always impressed to see how well-prepared and confidently they perform. Even the beginners play with beautiful phrasing and musicality. One can tell they have studied with a teacher who has worked hard to impart a strong sense of organic expression that music, performed with care and understanding, can evoke. As a concert pianist, Luba understands well the difficulties, both physically and psychologically of performance and is most supportive of the goals of her students. She is also interesting and caring and uses her sense of humour to entice her students to keep working through the difficult times, and keep coming back for lessons. Michele Mestman, Colleague and professional freelance accompanist.
"Mrs. Luba" has come to be one of the most positive role models in our daughter's life. Over the last two years, Luba has instilled in our daughter (now aged 8) a deep appreciation and love for music and an understanding of the importance of setting goals. In addition to her obvious rich musical knowledge, Luba is enthusiastic, caring, warm and understands how to teach. She has worked with my daughter on troublesome topics and knows when and how to challenge her. She makes each and every lesson fun while creating a real sense of accomplishment. Rather than simply plow through songs, Luba also works with her on piano technique and music fundamentals that will hasten her development, particularly as she advances. Finally, Luba is always extremely accommodating and cognizant of our hectic schedule. Our daughter recently scored "Outstanding" in the 2014 Music Educators Association Annual Audition, thanks in no small measure to Luba. We are absolutely thrilled to have found Luba for our daughter's piano instruction and hope to continue our long relationship together.