About
I am a concert pianist with a 10-year teaching experience both privately and as an assistant professor at the Lucerne Music University (HSLU-Musik, Switzerland). I focus on both musical and technical aspects of piano playing and work with students of all levels and ages: from beginners to the conservatory level.
Some of the most important tips which I provide to my students are:
The correct hand position;
An efficient and safe tension-free technique;
How to train sight-reading and music memorization skills;
Basics of music theory and how to benefit from this knowledge;
Basic and advanced pedal techniques;
How to overcome difficulties through addressing the cause of the problem in order to find an optimal solution, rather than spending countless hours on an endless and monotonous practicing;
Explaining differences between various musical styles and opening up a variety of interpretational choices.
An efficient approach saves a lot of practice time and helps to avoid bad playing habits. I have also started my blog in order to share my experience and thoughts about the efficient piano playing and how to express/interpret musical ideas: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpAb_ZJzHV_3cnN9w8M_kon06o6YbRNVN
More about me:
https://www.facebook.com/DenisZhdanovPianist
https://www.instagram.com/deniszhdanovpianist/
deniszhdanov.com
I am very happy to help people reaching their creative goals and to share my passion about piano playing!
Reviews
Carrie
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Each student needs an individual approach. During the first lesson I figure out the main issues, stronger aspects, along with those that need improvement. I provide the most essential tips relevant to the student's level, and discuss the goals of the student in order to develop the best learning strategy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have studied in a few music universities in Europe:
National Music Academy of Ukraine, Imola Intl Piano Academy and Fiesole Scuola di Musica in Italy, Royal Northern Conservatory of Music in the UK, and Hochschule Luzern - Musik in Switzerland. I was extremely lucky with my teachers, some of them are world-class concert pianists and very well-known piano tutors.
How did you get started teaching?
At some point of my life I have realized that I have had enough professional experience, so I could help other people in their musical aspirations.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with students of any level, including beginners, advanced players and professional pianists ready to lauch a performing career. I use a personal approach depending on the needs, age, goals, and musical interests of my students.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
It's much easier to work with those students, who imagine their goals clearly. Piano playing is a very broad activity, it includes many different skills. Understanding your goals (which style do you like most, why are you playing piano, what is your final goal/ambition, how much time daily/weekly are you ready to dedicate to this activity, etc.) may help to develop the most efficient learning plan.