As the Chopin Academy of Music concludes its 20th Anniversary Season, we invite our community to a special weekend of concerts and masterclasses—a celebration of artistry, education, and the next generation of exceptional pianists.

This milestone season has brought internationally acclaimed performers, distinguished faculty, and rising artists to the Seattle area. Now, we close the series with a dynamic weekend that captures the heart of what the Academy represents: high-level performance and meaningful musical mentorship.

A Weekend of Piano Masterclasses

In addition to Sunday’s featured concert, the weekend includes three piano masterclasses, offering students and audiences a rare opportunity to experience the artistic process up close.

Masterclasses are a cornerstone of the Chopin Academy’s philosophy—bridging performance and pedagogy, and giving young musicians invaluable insight into interpretation, technique, and musical expression.

These sessions provide:

• Direct interaction between performers and students
• Real-time musical problem-solving and refinement
• A deeper understanding of how great artistry is shaped

Whether participating or observing, masterclasses are among the most inspiring and educational musical experienceswe offer.

Final Concert: Award-Winning Artists

The weekend culminates in a special concert featuring Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski, two outstanding pianists who represent the next generation of international artists.

Both were top prize winners in the 2024 Seattle International Piano Competition (Collegiate Division):

• Sean Terada Yang — Gold Medal
• Cezary Karwowski — Silver Medal

Their performances promise an afternoon of virtuosity, depth, and compelling musical storytelling, bringing this anniversary season to a powerful close.

Celebrating 20 Years of Musical Excellence

For two decades, the Chopin Academy of Music has been dedicated to cultivating technical mastery, artistic depth, and a lifelong connection to music. Our students have gone on to achieve recognition in competitions, perform on major stages, and develop into thoughtful, expressive musicians.

This anniversary season has been both a reflection on that legacy and a forward-looking celebration of what is still to come.

Event Details

📅 Date: Sunday
🕑 Time: 2:00 PM Concert
📍 Location: Sacred Heart Chapel
Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (Bellevue, WA)

🎟 Admission: $20 at the door
🎓 CAM Students: Free (with up to two accompanying adults)

Join Us for a Weekend of Music

From the interactive energy of the masterclasses to the polished artistry of the final concert, this weekend offers a complete musical experience for students, families, and audiences alike.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

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A rare Pacific Northwest snow day can be more than just a break from routine—it can be the perfect opportunity for meaningful snow day music practice. For students taking piano lessons, violin lessons, cello lessons, or flute lessons at the Chopin Academy of Music, a quiet winter day at home can become valuable time for listening, reflection, and musical growth.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, we often remind our students that musical progress rarely comes from a single dramatic moment. Instead, it grows from many small sessions of thoughtful practice. A day when schedules slow down can become a gift for musicians who want to deepen their work.

So if you find yourself at home today, consider embracing the moment.

Practice once. Take a break. Have something warm to eat, take a short nap, listen to a recording or two—and then return to practice again.

Whether you study piano, violin, cello, or flute, snow days provide the perfect opportunity to spend extra time with your instrument.

Listening for Inspiration

One of the most powerful ways to improve as a musician is simply to listen to great artists. Hearing master performers interpret the same music you are studying can reveal phrasing, tone, and musical ideas that might not be obvious from the page alone.

For inspiration today, we encourage students to listen to the legendary Martha Argerich performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with conductor Charles Dutoit. Her electrifying performance is a reminder of how expressive and powerful classical music can be when technique and imagination come together.

After listening, return to your own pieces and experiment. What musical ideas can you bring to your interpretation? How can tone, phrasing, articulation, or timing change the character of a passage?

Snow outside often means quiet inside—perfect conditions for focused listening and thoughtful practice.

Why Consistent Practice Matters

As teachers, we frequently observe that the students who progress most quickly are not necessarily those who practice the longest hours in a single sitting. Instead, the most successful students build consistent habits.

Two thoughtful practice sessions in a day—especially when separated by rest and reflection—can be more effective than one long session.

Snow days offer a natural opportunity to experiment with this rhythm:

• Practice in the morning
• Listen to recordings or study the score
• Rest or enjoy family time
• Return to your instrument in the afternoon

Small adjustments like this can lead to meaningful improvement.

A Reminder for Exam Track Students

For families participating in the Chopin Academy Exam Track, this is also a good moment to review the requirements for the academic year—especially for students hoping to perform in the Honors Recital at Benaroya Hall on June 14.

To be considered for participation, students must complete several program standards under the guidance of their instructor, including:

• Learning representative repertoire from at least three stylistic eras
• Completing the Winter Technical Exam
• Performing from memory in at least three group events (recitals, performance classes, or masterclasses)
• Attending a minimum of two full-length professional CAM anniversary concerts
• Participating in at least two Seattle International Piano Festival (SIPF) festivals

The remaining qualifying festival opportunities this year include:

• April 15 — Classical Viennese Festival International
• June 14 — Virtuoso Artists Festival International

Families are encouraged to check progress regularly with their instructor to ensure students remain on track for spring evaluations.

Upcoming Concerts and Masterclasses

The 20th Anniversary Season of the Chopin Academy of Music continues with several exciting events in the coming months:

• March 29 – Kaminska–Bowlby in Concert – A recital of solo and duo works including music by Schumann.
• April 25 (Afternoon) – Masterclasses at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart with guest artists, Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski, distinguished laureates of the Seattle International Piano Competition.
• April 26 (Morning) – Guest Masterclass with Dr. Yi-Yang Chen (University of Kansas)
• April 26 (Afternoon) – Concert with Sean Terada Yang and Cezary Karwowski.

These concerts not only celebrate the Academy’s artistic community but also count toward the concert attendance requirement for Exam Track students.

Making the Most of Winter Practice

Snow days will not last forever. Before long, the sun will return to the Pacific Northwest and it will become much harder to stay indoors to practice.

For now, however, the quiet of winter offers musicians something rare: uninterrupted time to think, listen, and practice.

So enjoy the snow, stay warm, and when the moment feels right—sit down with your piano, violin, cello, or flute and make some music.

Your future self will thank you.

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If you thought our 20th Anniversary season started strong with Dominic Doutney’s electrifying performance, get ready—the celebration continues with another world-class artist. On Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2 PM, the Chopin Academy of Music proudly welcomes Sara Davis Buechner, one of North America’s most compelling concert pianists, in a live recital at Sacred Heart Chapel, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (4800 139th Ave SE, Bellevue).
Free parking is available, and admission is $20 at the door—CAM students attend free with up to two accompanying family members.

A Rare Artist, A Remarkable Career

With performances hailed as “fascinating and astounding virtuosity” (Philippine Star) and “intelligence, integrity and all-encompassing technical prowess” (New York Times), Sara Davis Buechner stands among the foremost pianists of our time. Her artistry has captivated audiences at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, and she has appeared as soloist with the world’s leading orchestras—from New York and Philadelphia to Tokyo and Shanghai.

A prodigious competition winner, Ms. Buechner earned top honors at the Queen Elisabeth, Leeds, Salzburg, Sydney, and Vienna international piano competitions, as well as the Gold Medal at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition. This year, she performed duos by personal invitation from Martha Argerich at the Argerich Festival in Hamburg—an honor reserved for the rarest few.

Sara Davis Buechner’s Program: Impressions from America and France

For this special Sara Davis Buechner piano concert, audiences will enjoy an evocative program titled, “Impressions from America and France,” featuring masterworks of elegance, wit, and color:

• John Alden Carpenter – Diversions (1923): A witty, jazz-tinged suite evoking early American modernism.
• Dana Suesse – The Cocktail Suite (1942): Sparkling vignettes—“Old-Fashioned,” “Champagne,” “Bacardi,” and “Manhattan”—that channel the glamour of 1940s Manhattan.
• Claude Debussy – La Plus Que Lente: A lush waltz that breathes the smoky perfume of Parisian salons.
• Francis Poulenc – Les Soirées de Nazelles: Nine sparkling character sketches that dance between nostalgia and wit—a perfect showcase for Buechner’s lyrical and mercurial touch.

Experience It Live

This concert is not to be missed. To witness Sara Davis Buechner in person is to experience both a virtuoso and a storyteller—one whose performances have been praised for their “thoughtful artistry in the full service of music” (Washington Post).

Online ticket purchases for non-CAM guests (or for additional invited friends and family beyond the two free family members) can be made securely here:
👉 Purchase Tickets Online
Simply show a screenshot of your receipt at will call to receive your ticket.

The Celebration Continues

The 20th Anniversary Season is just beginning. Upcoming highlights include:

• Oct 20 – Sara Davis Buechner Masterclass (2:30–6 PM, CAM)
• Nov 8–9 – Alexandre Dossin Masterclasses
• Nov 23 – Dr. Zeru Wang in Recital
• Jan 25, 2026 – CAM Faculty in Concert
• Mar 1, 2026 – Alumni Recital
• Mar 29, 2026 – Drs. Ivona Kaminska & Christopher Bowlby in Concert
• Apr 25–26, 2026 – Sean Terada Yang & Cezary Karwowski Masterclass and Recital

For CAM students enrolled in Exam Track, attendance at two professional concerts during the anniversary season counts toward the Honors Recital requirement—but we encourage everyone to attend as many as possible. The lessons you’ll gain from hearing artists like Sara Davis Buechner are immeasurable. Live performances can ignite a student’s imagination in ways that lessons and recordings never can.

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When families search for piano lessons in Issaquah or Scottsdale, they often focus on the teacher, the program, or the schedule. And that is certainly important. But there is another factor just as crucial to a student’s success: the instrument itself.

At the Chopin Academy of Music, we regularly work with students transitioning from home practice instruments to major concert stages. One of the biggest differences between casual study and serious musical growth is the quality and responsiveness of the piano a student practices on every day.

A piano isn’t simply a tool; it’s a partner in artistry. The touch, tone, and responsiveness of the piano you practice on every day directly influence how a student learns to play, to listen, and ultimately, to express music.

Why Concert Instruments Are So Challenging

Whether studying in our Issaquah location near Seattle or through our expanding Scottsdale programs, students encounter a wide variety of instruments throughout their musical development. Learning to adapt to different piano actions, tones, and acoustics is part of becoming a mature musician. However, students consistently progress more efficiently when their home instrument encourages proper technique rather than limiting it.

Students often discover that performing on a concert grand feels entirely different from practicing at home, and to a parent they can sound very, very different on the stage. Even advanced pianists can be caught off guard by how heavy the action of a fine (or not so fine) concert instrument feels beneath their fingers. There are several reasons for this:

• Even respected halls don’t always have perfect instruments. Many concert pianos have decades of history—what technicians affectionately call “city miles.” Though well-maintained or even rebuilt, time and constant use change how they respond.
• Each concert piano is voiced for its own purpose. Some are bright and penetrating to project over a full orchestra; others are intentionally muted for chamber or vocal work. A pianist must constantly adapt.
• Neglect is common. Many otherwise fine instruments are stored in overly dry halls, exposed to sunlight, or inadequately serviced. Without regular maintenance, even the best pianos lose sensitivity and depth.

So when a young performer finally sits down at one of these instruments, it’s no surprise that it feels foreign—especially if their home piano is light, uneven, or digital. Part of a pianist’s skill set is being able to quickly size up an instrument and adapt on the spot. Still, optimizing a student’s at-home practice situation can be an extremely important part of the equation.

Why Digital Keyboards Don’t Prepare You for the Real Thing

Digital keyboards are convenient, space-saving, and affordable, but they create long-term challenges. In our experience, students who practice exclusively on digital instruments often learn to play with fingers only, never developing the use of arm weight—the fundamental technique that produces tone, color, and contrast on acoustic pianos.

When such students encounter a grand piano, they struggle to project sound or control dynamics. Their tone becomes flat and non-projecting, and no amount of practice on a digital keyboard can replace the tactile feedback of felt hammers, a concert-length lever action, a tension-weighted damper pedal, and soundboard resonance.

A good acoustic piano, on the other hand, trains strength, coordination, and musical sensitivity—skills that carry naturally to the concert stage.

This is one reason families seeking high-level piano lessons in Issaquah and Scottsdale often begin upgrading from entry-level keyboards to acoustic pianos as students advance.

The Problem with Upright Pianos

Even quality vertical pianos can limit a student’s growth. Their actions are inherently lighter and shallower than grands, and with age they lose regulation and tonal balance. The sound grows bright and uneven; keys feel unpredictable; repetition is unwieldy.

This inconsistency forces students to compensate with finger pressure rather than whole-arm motion, resulting in tension and restricted expression. Over time, the instrument itself becomes a barrier to progress.

Building a Better Practice Environment

If you’ve already taken the time and effort to seek out the best piano lessons in Issaquah, you’ve done your research. You’ve found expert faculty, performance opportunities, and an inspiring community. But there’s still one vital question to ask:

Is there more you can do to help your child reach their full potential?

The answer begins at home—with the piano itself.

• Get the best piano you can afford. Reputable brands like Steinway, Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, and Mason & Hamlin have earned their reputations through decades of craftsmanship and consistency. At our Issaquah and Scottsdale programs, students frequently encounter professional-quality instruments during masterclasses, recitals, and performance opportunities, making familiarity with a responsive acoustic piano increasingly important as study becomes more advanced.
• Keep your piano voiced and regulated.
  • Regulation ensures every key feels uniform and responsive.
  • Voicing adjusts the shape and density of hammer felts where they strike the strings. Over time, these felts harden and deform, producing harsh tone and limited dynamic range. Proper voicing restores balance and allows a pianist to shape sound—from the softest whisper to the fullest fortissimo.
  • Regular tuning is also key to preserving piano longevity and ensuring tone stays pleasing. Twice a year is recommended for students who practice an hour or more per day. Once per year is a minimum, even if a piano sees less use, ensuring the strings are able to move easily between friction points.
• Heavier and slightly muted is better than light and loud. In the home, pianos naturally sound louder than in concert spaces. A slightly “voiced down” instrument encourages healthy arm use and projection, preparing students for the larger halls where sound must travel.

The “Wait and See” Trap

Many parents say,

“We want to wait and see if my child is really interested before investing in a good piano.”

It’s an understandable sentiment—but one that often leads to missed opportunity. The early years of piano study are when the foundation for proper touch, tone, and technique is formed. Waiting too long can have lasting consequences.

Here’s why the “wait and see” approach rarely works:

• It reinforces poor technique. Students practicing on light keyboards or neglected uprights develop “finger-only” playing habits that are extremely difficult to correct later.
• Critical growth years are lost. By the time a parent commits—often when a child is 13 to 15—schoolwork, sports, and other activities limit practice time. The crucial window for technical development has passed.
• A better piano sustains interest. A responsive, rich-sounding instrument rewards effort and keeps motivation alive. Students stay interested because the piano itself feels inspiring.
• Inferior instruments cause frustration. Sticking keys, squeaky pedals, and uneven tones make it hard to enjoy playing. It’s often not the child’s lack of interest—it’s the piano’s lack of cooperation.
• Delaying often costs more. Parents end up buying twice: first an inadequate instrument, then the one the student really needed. Investing early saves money and years of frustration.
• Confidence comes from control. When a young pianist hears beautiful sound emerge from their own playing, it builds pride and emotional connection—fueling long-term commitment to the instrument.

Rather than waiting to see if a child will be interested, providing a proper piano helps create that very interest.

Buying Smart: Why a Reputable Dealer Matters

A piano purchase is both a musical and financial investment—and, like any investment, it requires informed guidance. Unfortunately, online marketplaces and classified ads are full of pianos that appear fine on the surface but hide costly problems beneath.

Common pitfalls include:

• Gray market pianos—instruments built for climates abroad (especially in Asia) that warp or crack in North American conditions.
• Worn or unstable parts, such as compacted felts, cracked soundboards, or loose tuning pins.
• Structural instability, affecting the case, pedals, or action regulation.

Before purchasing any used piano, always consult a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) certified by the Piano Technicians Guild (www.ptg.org).

At the Chopin Academy of Music, your primary instructor can also advise you on reputable local dealers, technicians, and piano models suitable for your level and goals. We’ve learned from experience—sometimes the hard way—that professional advice makes all the difference.

The Long View

A fine piano isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation for lasting musical growth. The right instrument cultivates control, expression, and confidence in ways that no digital keyboard or aging upright can match. Many of the finest made instruments collect dust in the drawing rooms of many Northwest elite homes. However, they should really be put to use in the home of a young learner who will benefit from a great piano.

In a vibrant musical community like Issaquah—filled with recitals, competitions, and concert opportunities—owning a responsive, well-maintained piano bridges the gap between home practice and the concert stage.

Families investing in quality music education often discover that the right piano can dramatically influence motivation, confidence, and long-term progress. Whether a student is beginning lessons in Issaquah, preparing for advanced study in Scottsdale, or pursuing serious classical piano training elsewhere, a responsive acoustic instrument remains one of the most important foundations for success.

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Polish-American pianist, Dr. Ivona Kaminska is among the most recognized artist-teachers of today. Having performed in the most prestigious concert halls in the USA and Europe, such as Salle Cortot, Paris and Carnegie Hall, NYC, Dr Kaminska enjoys her career as a teacher of gifted and ambitious students. Every years her pupils garner dozens of top prizes in local and international competitions and themselves regularly debut on the stage of Carnegie Hall, NYC and Benaroya Hall, Seattle, among many others. Dr Kaminska emphasizes healthy and correct technique from the earliest stages of training, combining this approach with a strong interest in music and fun group classes. She invites ambitious and hard-working students to her studio that aim to prepare for high-level concerts and competitions.

Combining the best of the Eastern European tradition of piano education with modern American pedagogy, Dr Kaminska focuses on strong technical training and developing deep understanding of historical styles. Dr Kaminska excels in preparing young pianists for success and recognition, and she specializes in ambitious students who exhibit a solid work ethic and deep passion for music. She is adored by pupils for her limitless devotion, support, passion, as well as straightforwardness and sense of humor. Passionate about piano teaching, she created Clara’s Piano Corner, a YouTube channel providing insightful performances, commentary, and top-view videos with scores.

Dr. Ivona Kaminska is a president of the Seattle International Piano Competition and Festival, and the artistic director and co-founder of the Chopin Academy of Music. During the spring of 2019, Dr. Kaminska was bestowed the prize for the most outstanding person of Polish origin in the area of culture on the West Coast by the committee “Teraz Polska” at the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Los Angeles, California.

Internationally educated, Dr Kaminska holds the highest possible level of pianistic education with four graduate-level degrees from three countries: Poland, Canada and USA: a Masters of Arts Degree from the prestigious Chopin University in Warsaw, Poland as well as the Post-Graduate Artist Performance Diploma from the same institution, Masters of Music Degree from the University of Nebraska, and Doctorate in Piano Performance from the University of British Columbia, Canada. She has also studied at the Mozarteum Festival in Salzburg as well as Schleswig-Holstein Festival in Lübeck, Germany. Her most influential teachers were Tatiana Shebanova, Boris Bloch, Andrzej Stefanski, Henri Paul Sicsic, James Cook and Marek Jablonsky.

Aside from teaching at the Chopin Academy of Music, Dr. Kaminska worked as an instructor in the University of British Columbia, Shoreline College in Seattle and Cornish College of the Arts. She has been also invited to teach in the Tsar’s Village Festival in St Petersburg (2013), University of Southern Oregon, Cornish College Piano Institute, and Barcelona Piano Academy in Spain, and Amici International Music Festival in Malibu, California. She enjoys a vibrant performing career as a duo pianist with her husband, Dr. Christopher Bowlby. The duo performed in several countries, including Italy, France, Spain and Poland, aside from regular concerts in the USA.

Current openings: none.
Do you wish to contact this instructor directly? ivona@chopinacademy.com
Additional Languages Spoken: Polish, German, Russian

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Since 2002, Dr. Christoper Bowlby has established himself as one of the most sought-after piano pedagogues, lecturers, and adjudicators. Aside from his successful career as an instructor of highly-accomplished piano students, Dr. Bowlby is also director and vice-president of the world renowned Seattle International Piano Festival and Competition, as well as program director of the Chopin Academy of Music in Issaquah, Washington. As an accomplished teacher of many award winning students, in 2012, Dr. Bowlby was invited with Dr Kaminska to present on a joint panel, the “Secrets of Winning a Competition” during the Music Teachers’ National Conference in NYC.

Having performed in such prestigious musical centers as the Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall in New York City,Salle Cortot in Paris, France, and Benaroya Hall and Meydenbauer Center in Seattle, among others, his playing has been acclaimed for its warmth and integrity.

Previously a winner of several young artists’ and concerto competitions, he has been featured several times on Public Radio (both in Midwest as in Hawaii), both as a speaker as well as a pianist, including a live performance of Bach’s Partita No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828 on King FM in Seattle. His extensive repertoire shows his expertise both in the monumental romantic masterworks such as Brahms’ “Handel Variations” and Schumann’s “Symphonic Etudes” as well as new works by living composers, including John Corigliano, Jeff Junkinsmith, Laura Kaminsky, David Mitchell, and Owen Bloomfield. Equally at home with chamber music literature, Mr. Bowlby performed Beethoven’s Sonata in A major with cellist, Yo-Yo Ma and frequently performs four-hand and duo piano music with his wife, Ivona Kaminska. Throughout his international studies, he has coached with such eminent artists as Marek Jablonski, Henri-Paul Sicsic, Eugene Skovorodnikov, Mark Clinton, Boris Berman, Stéphane Lemelin, Patricia Michaelian, and Craig Sheppard.

His secondary academic interest in music theory led him to study with some of today’s most prominent theorists, including Henry Klumpenhouwer, Richard Kurth, John Rahn, and Jonathan Bernard. Dr. Bowlby’s research led him to new discoveries of religious symbolic conveyance in Olivier Messiaen’s Vingt regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus.

Formerly, Dr. Bowlby was on the faculty of Mount Royal College in Richmond, Canada, University of British Columbia, Shoreline Community College and University of Washington, as well as the Ashland International Piano Institute in the University of Southern Oregon. In 2013, Dr. Bowlby also shared his pianistic passion and knowledge with students of the Tzar’s Music Festival Summer Master Class Program in St. Petersburg, Russia. His recent engagements include performances at the prestigious SOU piano series in Oregon and Southern Louisiana Piano Festival and numerous lecture recitals.. Dr Bowlby is often judging various competitions, such as the 2014 and 2016 Thalberg International Piano Competitions in Naples, Italy. For more info visit his personal website: www.kbpianoduo.com

The students of Dr. Bowlby are awarded more than 30 top prizes in festivals and competitions each year. All ambitious students, for whom piano is their main passion, are invited to audition for his studio. Their students have a minimum commitment from one to three hours of practice a day, depending on age and experience. Currently, Dr. Bowlby has limited openings.

Current openings: None. For more info please, contact directly Dr Bowlby: cbowlby@chopinacademy.com

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Pianist, Maxwell Charles Adkisson has performed solo and chamber repertoire ranging from Bach to Schoenberg. He was voted Best Classical Instrumentalist at the 2009 Scores of Sound Music Festival in Seattle, Washington. As a chamber musician, he was awarded first prize at the 2008 Washington State MTNA Young Artist Chamber Music Competition. Recently, Maxwell succeeded in winning the Boston Conservatory 2012 Honors Chamber Music Competition.

Mr. Adkisson is a senior member of the faculty, having served with distinction since 2009. He is also an administrative coordinator.

He has performed at Benaroya Hall, Longy School of Music, the Space Needle, and Whitworth University. Mr. Adkisson has performed in and had the privilege to be a part of master classes given by Joseph Silverstein, Theresa Bogard, Henri-Paul Sicsic, and Paul Barnes.

From 2007-2010 Mr. Adkisson taught piano performance at The Chopin Academy of Music, The DaCapo Music Academy, and The Ballard Academy of Music. Mr. Adkisson’s principle teachers include Peter Mack, Frank Hennigan, and Jonathan Bass. Maxwell studied chamber music with Lynn Chang and Jonathan Cohler. Mr. Adkisson studied on scholarship at Cornish College of the Arts from 2005-2009. Mr. Adkisson was born in Kampala, Uganda and grew up in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Adkisson completed his MM degree at the Boston Conservatory of Music.

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Chelsea Bloomberg (CAM Coordinator of Student Affairs), NCTM, holds a Master of Arts degree in music and a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and pedagogy from Washington State University. She completed her performance studies under Dr. Gerald Berthiaume, then director of the WSU School of Music. She has participated in many competitions and has performed many recitals, both as a soloist and as a collaborative pianist. As a high school student, she worked with Judy Baker, NCTM and became involved with student teaching through Music Teachers National Association; she has been active in the association ever since. While in college, she served as the MTNA collegiate chapter vice-president and president. She studied pedagogy under Michelle Mielke, the WSU Piano Pedagogy Lab School coordinator, for five years and completed an independent study of children’s method books and composed an original method book as part of her elective studies. Bloomberg taught class piano for non-piano majors and was a teaching assistant for music theory for music majors during graduate school. She has presented at conferences and academic showcases for pedagogy and research, taught at summer music festivals, and served as competition judge.

Ms. Bloomberg is a senior faculty member of the Chopin Academy of Music, having served with distinction since 2013. She is also the administrative coordinator of student affairs.

Ms. Bloomberg was awarded the Association for Faculty Women’s Founder’s Award Runner Up for her research on Edward MacDowell’s Four Piano Sonatas and her undergraduate Honor’s Thesis on Beethoven’s compositional periods received Pass with Distinction from the WSU Honor’s College. Additional awards include the School of Music Presser Award, School of Music Outstanding Graduating Senior, and concerto competition prizewinner for the Port Gardner Bay Chamber Orchestra. In December 2011, she won the adult division of the Russian Chamber Music Foundation of Seattle’s Competition/Festival and was awarded with a performance at Benaroya Hall and live performance on Classical King FM’s Northwest Focus with Sean MacLean. In April 2024 she has debuted on the stage of the Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall (NYC) with her duo partner Maxwell Adkisson.

In the teaching studio, Ms. Bloomberg strives not only to provide aspiring musicians with a solid foundation in technique and musicianship, but also show them the joy of expressing themselves through music. She emphasizes correct body positioning and release of muscle tension and her desire is to guide students toward developing greater confidence in both lessons and in performances.

Ms Bloomberg is a Festival Coordinator for the Seattle International Piano Festivals.

Current Openings: limited

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Hartoon completed her Bachelor of Music and Master of Arts in Piano Performance at Washington state university as a student of Rulby Bailey Ronald. During that time she was a winner of Washington Idaho Symphony Young Artist Competition. Nearing the completion of her graduate studies she heard internationally acclaimed pianist, composer and teacher Andrej Dutkievicz perform in concert. It was a life-changing experience. Awestruck by his dazzling abilities as a musician and communicator, she went on to continue postgraduate studies with the legendary artist at the International Frederick Chopin Academy of music in Warsaw, Poland.

A past president of Eastside Music Teachers Association, Hartoon has maintained a large piano studio in the Bellevue area since 1994. Recognized by many as one of the regions most experienced teachers and adjudicators, she has realized her lifelong dream of sharring her expertise and musical philosophy with individuals of all ages and levels.

“Immersion in music helps every individual grow faster toward their potential. Simply put, musical study makes us all sharper and contributes to a richer life experience. Music enhances our lives through it’s exquisite beauty and it fundamentally provides a discipline for all learning. I provide each individual with the highest quality of customized musical education in a fun, respectful and nurturing environment. It is a life gift to witness so many people who are forever changed through their musical studies. When I continually see the learning span of young people who grow into amazing adults it is perennial testimony to me that music is powerfully important in all of our lives. Equally gratifying is teaching adults who have made the brave decision to either return to or start a new journey into musical study. Everyone has the potential to grow artistically and live richer lives. Moreover, individuals who study music touch everyone around them as well. Music is indeed a universal communicator.”

Current Openings: Mondays/Thursdays

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Since moving to Seattle in 1992, Ms. Khavin continued to be an active performer and became a passionate educator. She has maintained a private piano teaching studio for over 15 years, instructing to students ages four to adult.  As a soloist and collaborative pianist, she appeared in numerous piano solo performances, accompanied hundreds of instrumentalists and vocalists, students and professionals.  In summer of 2014 she was a guest soloist with Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, performing Mozart’s Piano concerto in G major. In Seattle, she worked with Lyric Opera Northwest, Seattle Concert Opera, NOISE for kids, Mahler’s Festival, among many other professional organizations. Most recently, she became a Ladies Musical Club Performing Member, presenting several concerts a year. Currently, she is pianist/ choir accompanist at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland, WA.

Ms. Khavin holds Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Washington, where she studied with Professor Craig Sheppard. She is also a certified K-12 music teacher and enjoys teaching a variety of musical subjects in a public school setting.

Ms. Khavin is known for her positive style of teaching, a patient and considerate approach to each student. Her long-term focus with each student is to create strong, well-rounded musical talents. Extensively trained as a classical pianist, Ms. Khavin also enjoys and encourages her students to explore a wide variety of musical styles.

Additional Languages Spoken: Russian
Current Openings: limited openings on Mondays

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Born and raised in Northern California, Ms. Renny Ko began piano at the age of six under Erna Gulabyan in the prestigious Pre-College Division of San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a young pianist she won numerous prizes in young artist competitions including the Yehudi Menuhin-Helen Dowling Competition, Burlingame Music Club Piano Competition, CMTANC youth piano competition, among others.

Having received the Premier Young Artist Award and the Music Faculty Scholarship to Indiana University, she completed her Bachelor Degree under tutelage of the world-renowned professor Emile Naoumoff. After graduating from Indiana University with Honors and Distinctions, she was awarded a full scholarship and fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC), obtaining her Masters of Music degree under the guidance of Bernadene Blaha. During her years at USC, she was an active member of the MTNA collegiate chapter and graduated to be a part of the Pi Kappa Lambda Eta Chapter.

p style=”text-align: justify;”>Renny has attended numerous international summer festivals receiving further distinction and visibility, such as the Schlern International Music Festival, the Rebecca Penneys and The International Holland Music Sessions, among others. She has also worked with such world famous pianists as John O’Conor, Spencer Myer, and Mikhail Voskresensky.

Ms. Ko’s passionate and affable personality encourages students to be excited and dedicated to learn, guiding them to find their own voice to share with the rest of the world.

“Renny Ko is not only a refined and elegant pianist, she is a highly effective piano instructor, and an exceedingly kind and warm individual.” — Dr. Stephen Pierce, Associate Professor, University of Southern California

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After moving to Seattle, she earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Washington School of Music as a recipient of Ruth Sutton Waters Endowed Scholarship. She was featured as soloist with the University Symphony under the baton of maestro Peter Erös in Meany Hall, winning the UW concerto competition. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the UW School of Music under the guidance of Prof. Craig Sheppard. Currently she is a collaborative pianist at the Shoreline Community College and is actively teaching at the Chopin Academy of Music in Issaquah.

With her warm personality and patience, she guides students to develop solid technique and deeper understanding of various aspects of music. She shares effective practice methods and ideas to improve their musical expressions and overcome their individual challenges.

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A former Piano Faculty at Eastman Community Music School (affiliated with Eastman School of Music) and Adjunct Lecturer at State University of New York at Geneseo, Chinese born pianist Dr. Chen Liang is a passionate educator and music scholar. He frequently gives masterclasses and lectures in both China and United States, and is a frequent presenter at the MTNA, CMS national conferences. Chen has also worked as an Assistant Instructor for both Eastman School of Music and University of Rochester, where he was acclaimed as “one of the most wanted piano teachers on campus”. Chen is experienced and specialized in teaching pre-college teenagers, ranging from pure beginners to international competition winners. Back in China, Chen has co- founded the “Beyond the Clouds” summer piano festival in Chengdu and has been serving as the Artistic Director since 2018.

Besides teaching, Chen is also a rising star on stages. As a recording artist for KNS Classical in Spain and a performing artist for Chengdu City Concert Hall in China, Chen gives numerous recitals in China and America, passing his musical inspirations to thousands of audiences. As a frequent concerto soloist, Chen has played with Chong Qing Philharmonic in China, the Greece Symphony Orchestra in New York and Lynn Philharmonic in Florida. Chen is the winner of the 5th Manhattan International Music Competition in New York City, the 3rd Lira International Piano competition in St. Petersburg, Russia, the Big Arts Classical Music Scholarship Competition and the Lynn Concerto Competition in Florida. He also won top prizes in many other competitions including “ArsClassica” International Piano and Violin Competition in Italy, Piano Texas Music Festival Concerto Competition and the Chautauqua Music Festival Piano Competition. Currently Chen plays as a Collaborative Pianist with the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Choral Company.

Chen received his Bachelor’s degree in piano performance from both Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China with Prof. Ai Zeng and Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, FL with Dr. Roberta Rust. He earned his MM (Master of Music) and DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Piano Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music, under the tutelage of Ms. Natalya Antonova, with a music theory minor field and Advanced Teaching Certificate.

Additional Language Spoken: Chinese (Mandarin)

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Xinzhu has won many awards and scholarships and most recently, she has been awarded second prize in the Sugree Charoensook International Music Competition in 2021. Xinzhu has won her title of YAMAHA Young Performing Artist in 2019 along with many scholarships including NR- GRAD Merit Scholarship, like NR-JAMES A Walgreen Keyboard Scholarship, and NR-Joan Elizabeth Volz Scholarship. In her undergraduate years, Xinzhu was a finalist in the 7th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competition, and Grand Prize Winner in Pan Asian Young Artist Music Competition. In addition, she was also the finalist of Nomea International Competition and was a young juror of Author Fraser International Piano Competition in 2021.

She was the recipient of the Perrini Award for Outstanding Sophomore and Keller Award for Outstanding Freshman. Winning the first prize in Women in Music Columbus Audition and Student Concerto Competition, Xinzhu played Beethoven Piano Concerto No.2 with McConnell Chamber Orchestra and David Maslanka Piano Concerto No.2 with Capital Symphonic Winds in 2016. In Music Fest Perugia (Italy), Xinzhu also played Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3 with Virtuosi Brunenses Orchestra in 2018.

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In 2020, Kiwa was awarded an honorable mention in the National Young Artists’ competition. She took 1st place at the UW School of Music Concerto Competition and performed a Mozart Piano Concerto with the UW Symphony. In 2022, she took 1st in the University division of The American Prize in Piano Performance. She recently performed McDowell’s Concerto No 2 with Philharmonia Northwest and Mozart No 14 with the UW Symphony. She also collaborated with the University of Washington Wind Ensemble and played Concerto for Piano and Wind Ensemble by Nancy Galbraith and Concertino for Piano, Winds, and Harp by Kamiló Lendvay. She also has had many experiences performing in recitals and private parties, including Masada Children’s Fund and the University Rotary. She recently performed at the graduation celebration of music department of University of Washington as a representative of graduates.

Kiwa has been playing the piano since she was 3 years old, and from that moment discovered piano as her true passion and one of the best tools to express emotions. Kiwa strives to show students how to discover and develop their own passion for music, something that they can treasure throughout their lives. First and foremost, her main focus is to ensure that students truly enjoy any time spent learning piano. Keeping piano fun and seeing the inspiration in students is her most beloved aspect of teaching. She firmly believes that developing music skills is deeply enriching across all age and skill ranges and enjoys teaching anyone who has a willingness to learn.

Kiwa combines a unique approach of both English and Japanese teaching methods and is fluent in both languages. She places great emphasis on building strong technical fundamentals, as this is paramount to the early learning experience, as well as future growth. Learning music is a journey, and a teacher is responsible for guiding the student along an enjoyable path. Kiwa highly values the needs and interests of the student, working with them to create a curriculum that is both effective and engaging.

Additional Language Spoken: Japanese

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