About
I am a professional pianist and piano teacher. I graduated from a music collage and conservatory in Ukraine. After graduation, I taught in a music school in Ukraine for 19 years and worked as an accompanist for children's choirs, instrumental and vocal soloists. Many of my students won city competitions, participated in state competitions.
My family immigrated to the US in March of 1995. After immigration and until December 2016, I lived in Syracuse, NY, and worked as an accompanist at the Syracuse University Drama Department. During all that time, I also had a private piano studio for beginners, intermediate, and advanced level students, including adult students. My classes had recitals twice a year. For many years I was a member of Central New York Music Teachers Association (CNYMTA), and my students took part in recitals and competitions organized by the Association. Finally, I developed "First Step, First Sound, First Phrase" - an original teaching method for beginners, which I use regularly in my teaching and which you can find on my website at www.firststepfirstsoundfirstphrase.com.
Piano is a unique subject for children to learn. We want our children be well- rounded: educated,self discipline, organized, artistic, spiritual and sensitive. Studying the piano can cultivate all of these qualities in students.
From the very first lessons, a student must be taught some basics of music science- music theory. Later, some basics of harmony, music forms, polyphony. Knowledge of music history will explain the stylistic differences between composers, whose music was written in " musical language " of their time. Familiarity and working knowlage of the artistic and spiritual side of piano piece will form a student's aesthetic taste, appreciate the beauty of music. To be persistent in portraying this beauty, a student has to be well equipped with piano technique skills. Coordination between physical, intellectual, and artistic tasks will challenge and develop self control,self- discipline, and organization.
It's a very creative and challenging for me as a teacher process, and I'm very passionate about it!
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student is different, and my approaches is carefully tailored to each student in accordance with his/her personality and ability. Generally, my goal as a teacher for beginners or new students of any level is to give him or her set of basic and reliable piano playing skills (which empowers the student's artistry and creativity).
For young beginners, I developed an original method "First Step, First Sound, First Phrase" ( www.firststepfirstsoundfirstphrase.com) .
For intermediate and advanced level students, I concentrate on their individual abilities, fixing errors in technique, preferences in repertoire, and building strategy of their future development.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Please see my CV detailing over 40 years of piano instruction experience.
Bella Beletsky-Shik
7707 Hidden Meadow Terrace
Potomac, MD 20854
(315) 382-71847 / [email protected]
SUMMARY
Over 40 years of piano teaching experience with students all ages and levels, including adults students. An accompanist for soloists, choirs, and ballet classes
EXPERIENCE
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse, NY
Accompanist, Drama Department 1996 - 2016
• Developed, arranged and provided piano accompaniment for ballet, jazz, tap, and vocal classes, including master classes
• Arranged music for Dance Lab performances
Piano Teacher Syracuse, NY
Private Studio1995-2016
• Taught students, developing individual repertoire in accordance with each student’s abilities, preferences and goals for their future artistic and technical development. Organized class recitals twice a year
• Member of the Central New York Music Teachers Association
• Prepared students for recitals and regional competitions. Many students won regional competitions
Music School No. 2Zaporozhye, Ukraine
Piano Teacher 1976 – 1995
• Taught students age 6-16, accompanied vocal soloists, choirs, ensembles and orchestras. Prepared students for competitions.Many students won city and county competitions and took part in state competitions
Other Employment
• Provided accompaniment and taught piano at Syracuse Children’s Chorus, Hebrew Day School in DeWitt, NY, Banff Private School in Houston, TX, Metropolitan School of Music in Syracuse, NY, and many other organizations
METHOD AND PUBLICATION
• Individual approach to each student , which leads to successful development of the student’s technique and artistic abilities. Special attention to the fundamental role of beginning stage of learning the piano
• Author of First Step, First Sound, First Phrase, an original method of teaching young beginners
EDUCATION
Conservatory of Kiev (at Donetsk)
Master’s Degree, 1983
Zaporozhye Music College
Degree in piano instruction, 1976
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Traditionally, I charge $110 for one hour private piano lessons.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching piano after finishing my degree in music in college and conservatory.
What types of students have you worked with?
I taught many types of students. I taught young beginners, intermediate, advanced students, adult students. Many of my students were winners of city and county competitions, many became professional musicians. Some of my students are professionals in different areas but keep taking private lessons, having the piano playing as a hobby for life.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
- In December 2016 I left Syracuse,NY, where I lived and worked for 20 years. My last student recital, I remember my feelings when my students said "goodbye" to me, the way they played, the way they thanked me for being in my class for many years. It was a very special moment.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
A student should consider what he or she wants from these lessons, in other words, at what level do they want to play the piano? They should consider whether they want to play just a couple songs, some pop favorites, or do they want to reach a level of playing pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin. The latter choice would take much more sophisticated piano skills, much more work, and a more experienced and educated teacher.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Same as above. At what level would a student want to play the piano?