FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I come from a musical family- my mother and brother are violinists, my father is a bassoonist, and my grandmother was one of the most well known and cherished folklore singers in Bulgaria- Nadka Karadjova. Since I was a little girl I have been exposed to my mother's orchestra's performances in Bulgaria, to my brother's playing and grandmother's singing. Music is in my blood, in my soul and my whole being, and I have been always destined to become a musician. While I was getting my Bachelor's Degree at the Oberlin Conservatory, I began to teach secondary piano lessons to other instrumentalists and singers at the conservatory. I slowly began to love and truly appreciate the art of teaching. I realized how special it was to inspire others to play and love the music that I love, how challenging and rewarding it was to unravel secrets about a piece of music together with the student. I started learning a great deal about my piano playing and my musical thought by observing how my students play and work on their music. By helping my students improve I was also helping myself improve. I started to love teaching even more when I began to work with children. There is no greater satisfaction for a teacher than to see their little ones learn to play with curved fingers, learn to read bass clef, learn to play with both hands together at the same time. And finally, there is no greater joy for a teacher than to see their little students' first piano recital ever; to see the excitement and slight worry on their faces before they perform; to see the happiness and bliss on their faces after they have performed with their heart and have played so beautifully.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
My future students should know that I am musician who is not only recognized as a solo and collaborative pianist, but I am also recognized as a respected piano pedagogue. I have received the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Student Achievement Recognition Award for 2010 in recognition of excellency in academic achievement, successful teaching experience and demonstrated leadership abilities. I am also recipient of the Carol Nott Piano Pedagogy Prize as selected by the Oberlin Conservatory Faculty (see pictures above).