Classical Piano with Luba S.

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.