Tatyana Huft - Piano Teacher and Voice Coach
Her teachers were all the way from Saint Petersburg Russia. They were very famous teachers; for example, Shinkarenko and Golovnya (a husband and wife team, unfortunately already passed away) were both very influential. Shinkarenko taught at Anspirantura and Golovnya was his student after conservatory at the highest level one can achieve in the musical world.
They were indeed, extraordinary musicians with some of the top piano techniques one can find! Her first teacher, however, was my father (although her mom, even though she did not play any instrument, had an excellent ear and always sat alongside of her while I was practicing her piano). She started singing and playing piano at the age of five. Her first song that she composed was Air played when she was only 5 all over Russia. her dad had to get me ready to attend a special music school where Golovnya was a director and her husband Shinkarenko (who was her teacher in Anspirantura) was also teaching. She had her specialty with them three times per week and the rest of the days had Solfegio, music literature, and voice lessons a full course to be sure! In order to get into their class she needed to pass an exam where, although there involving fifty people, could only accept ten students. She passed the exam and was accepted I She then went to a music college and the Music Institute, taking evening classes. She also took lessons with world famous musicians like Yakimovich, Basia, James Chestnut and others.
She was trained as a classical pianist and vocalist, however, the love for jazz, pop, rock and R&B was strong enough to capture her attention, at least for a while. In fact, She almost quit piano and voice and was ready to become a physicist; but Jazz and other styles saved her love for piano and voice, rekindling her pursuit of a musical career. Her mom played a major roll as she encouraged me to persevere for the sake of her father and grandmother continuing their legacy in the next generation. As a result, Tatyana strongly believes in a fresh balance of mixing the different styles together; then, even classical music can be absolutely fun and exciting!
Of course: Czerny, Mashkovsky and scales, warm ups are also very important in becoming a great musician. Starting from the Baroque era, Classical, Romantic and Contemporary, there are several breathtaking pieces which will undoubtedly leave you speechless! She believes that it is very important to give students the opportunity to choose the piece and style they wish to play rather than force one upon them. In this way will most likely practice more diligently and feel more in charge of their own musical exploration. Students will avoid the critical moments of rebellion that she underwent as a child.
Music is extremely important to Tatyana and loves to share this priceless gift with others, passing it on to the next generations. What I teach is simply what my grandmother, my dad and my teachers have told me in time past. And, of course, practice will make it perfect that's why I had to mention the story of my childhood to give you an idea what your children really need just to be able to enjoy and have fun with music! This is paramount for me; at the end of my day I can say, "Yes, she or he was smiling today. That means they liked what they picked"after all, I can only suggest and help them shape and frame there fine talents!
Tatyana is really looking forward to meeting more of you and developing a wonderful relationship in the years to come as a teacher, and student, and a friend. : )
Thank you so much for taking time to read this testimonial of her life.
Alexander Y. Shipitsyn - Violin and Piano
Alex has spent nearly 40 years as a professional performer and music instructor. After serving as an artist and teacher at the Music Conservatory in Vladivostok, Russia, he came to the United States and received his U.S. teaching credentials at the University of Miami. He has performed as the Violin Concert Master with the Saddleback Symphony. Alex's students range from beginners to advanced players, young children to adult, and each receive the perfect basic foundation techniques of violin, the method of world renown artists such as David Oistrakh, Yasha Heifetz, and Leopold Auer. Alex can also instruct using the Suzuki method, if that is the student's preference.
http://www.gigmasters.com/stringquartet/StringsForYourHeart/
