Elena Sm

An active performer and accompanist, Elena plays throughout the United States and teaches piano in New York City. Elena has appeared at Carnegie Hall's Weill Hall in 2008 and 2009 after winning First Prize in the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition. She completed her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder with highest honors, and her Master of Music Degree from Manhattan School of Music. Elena has attended many summer festivals, including Piano Texas International Academy and Festival, Aspen Music Festival and School, and International Keyboard Institute and Festival in New York. Some of her awards include full scholarship at the University of Colorado, Aspen Music Festival, and member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Mortar Board Honors Society, and the National Dean's List.

Elena has had the wonderful opportunity of having masterclasses with world renowned teachers such as Yoheved Kaplinsky, Alexander Kobrin, Lilya Zilberstein, Jose Feghali, Victor Rosenbaum, Armen Babakhanian, Nina Svetlanova, Alon Goldstein, Asaf Zohar, Mykola Suk, John Owings, and several others. Her private teachers include James Tocco, David Korevaar, and Svetlana Velitchko.

Her recent performances include playing on the world Celebration of Chopin's 200^th Birthday in New York at the World Financial District's Winter Garden, solo and chamber recitals in New York, recitals in PepsiCo Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, and recitals in Colorado and Alaska.

TEACHING :

Her philosophy for teaching lies in the basic belief that music should be fun and expressive. The way she teaches piano to beginners is to engage them through games or activities away from the keyboard, and offers all her students a teaching style that encourages development of  their musicianship, individuality, and love for music. She has plenty of patience with her students and has a unique approach for each one. In addition to teaching the classical tradition, she encourages her students to learn to play pop and compose their own songs to keep them motivated and inspired. She is currently working through PianoteachersUSA as well as teaching privately.