About Me

I was born into a musical family in Krasnodar, Russia, near the Black sea. I started piano lessons with my mother at the age of four.

When my family moved to Novosibirsk, I continued my piano lessons with Isolda Khvorova.

I studied in Tchaikovsky Central Music School for Gifted Children (associated with the Moscow Conservatorium) with Marina Kalyanova and Mikhail Petukhov.

I graduated from a Gnessin Institute of Music and Pedadogy (today known as a "Russian Academy of Music") as a Master with Honors in Piano Performing, where my teacher was professor Arkady Sevidov.

1993-1994, I worked as an accompanist of the highest category in the Great State Choir of TV & Radio Broadcasting in Ostankino (Moscow).

1994, I moved to Turkey, where I completed my Masters of Arts (Piano) and PHD in Bilkent University of Arts with professor Ersin Onay.

Afterwards I held a teaching position at the Bilkent University, performed as a soloist and played in Bilkent Symphony Orchestra.

During these years I participated in competitions:

• Portugal International Piano Competition in Porto, and
• Southern International Piano Competition in Missouri, USA.

1996, I moved to New Zealand, where I regularly performed as a soloist with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra as well as performed solo and chamber recitals.

I have also been the official accompanist at the Christchurch Canterbury University, Canterbury Opera, National Concerto Competition, and Adam International Cello Competition.

I have made the following recordings:

• CD of Russian Classics (2000)
• CD of works by Chopin (2003)

I have also made numerous live radio broadcasts with the National Radio of New Zealand.

2001, I moved to Australia.

Since then I have performed as a guest soloist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Sydney Youth Symphony Orchestra.

I am currently a senior lecturer in Piano (undergraduate and graduate Piano, Pedagogy, Chamber Music) at the Australian International Conservatorium of Music in Sydney.

2002-2004, I obtained a Graduate Diploma in Creative Music Therapy (Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre) at the University of Western Sydney.

From 2003, I work as a registered music therapist.

From 2006, I perform as a musician in the Sydney Playback Theatre.