Piano Lessons
About
Turkish-American pianist Sevgi Giles has appeared in venues throughout America and Europe as a recitalist, chamber musician, and orchestral pianist. In a repertoire that ranges from Bach to Boulez, her playing has been acclaimed for its emotional projection and intellectual rigor.
In 2001 Giles was awarded the prize for best performance of a French Suite at the International Bach Competition in Saarbrucken, Germany. Having played most of the major works of Bach, she feels a special affinity for the Baroque master. Ms. Giles received a Bachelors degree from the Ankara Conservatory in her native Turkey. As a student she captured all of the top performance awards and concertized extensively throughout the country. She has done graduate work at the University of North Texas and received the Master of Music from Roosevelt University in Chicago.
In 2005 Giles made her Chicago debut on the Dame Myra Hess Series, broadcast live on WFMT. She also has appeared on the Pianoforte Piano Series in Chicago, at the American Liszt Society Conference in Atlanta, and at the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City. As a member of the renowned North Texas Wind Symphony, Giles recorded four compact discs with that ensemble and also appeared as soloist with them in several premieres by contemporary composers. During the summers she has performed at festivals such as Crested Butte (Colorado), the Eastern Music Festival (North Carolina), and the Adamant Music Festival (Vermont) where she studied with pianist Menahem Pressler. She was also accepted into the prestigious Pressler studio at Indiana University’s School of Music.
Her recent performances include an appearance at the AmalfiCoast Music Festival in Naples, Italy., at the Obidos International Piano Festival in Portugal, at the MOstr International Music Festival, in Bosnia, at the Eastern Music Festival in N.C., at Las Vegas Music Festival, at American Liszt Society Conferences in California and Illinois and many more. She regularly performs Chamber Music with her cello/piano duo, Ethos Duo in several local communities.
In addition to her performing career, Ms. Giles is a devoted teacher and sought-after pedagogue in the Chicago area. In addition to her private studio, she is on the artist faculty of Roosevelt University and has also taught at the Metropolis Performing Arts School, the Music Institute of Chicago, at Northwestern Music Academy, at Western Michigan University and at University of North Texas. She also has been regularly invited to teach at numerous summer music festivals, such as, Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, NC., Las Vegas Music Festival, Mostar International Music Festival.
My Teaching Philosophy:
My goal is to bring all students to their potential, whatever that might be. I believe that my last three decades of experience and proven success as an educator for students will allow me to be a part of your learning and appreciating of art and music. The value of incorporating music into a student’s education cannot be understated. Music education offers many benefits for the growth well-being, and character of every person. It makes a positive impact on everyone and I am always honored to be a part of this incredible journey that they’re taking with me.
In all aspects of my work I aspire to be a model for my students. My approach has been proven successful as measured by my students’ progress through the courses and their evaluations of me over the years. I enjoy motivating students to be the best they can be by keeping high standards but offering encouragement at the same time.
I have had extensive experience with teaching music theory, ear training, sight-reading. Having come through a traditional European conservatory system (Ankara State Conservatory in Turkey), I was drilled from a young age in solfège. I feel strongly that theory must be a part of the weekly lessons. Teaching music for decades has been a highlight of my career and I consider it a privilege to be part of it.