About
As a music teacher I try to create a climate in which my students can experience continual musical, intellectual,emotional growth ---the foundations that they will need to live happy, successful lives.I help my students grow by and for themselves.I believe in music education that sparks a child's imagination and ignites a lifetime passion; develops security and confidence, personal discipline ; it contributes to children's social life and intellectual development.I am making my lessons --learning to play an instrument---as a sourse of immense pleasure and joy, even though its a serious work!
I like to introduce my students to the world of music with an excitment and encouragement, with a contagious love for music and the piano, and your child's first music experience will be positive,memorable,and lasting. Ive been teaching for 30 years, and my students after graduating--still keep in touch with me!Some of them have majored in piano at college. I love to teach!I feel very happy to get to know that my students continue not only PLAY MUSIC, but explore other music,: if they are part of the musical life of their communities; if they attend concerts; if they bring their own children to piano lessons because they remember them (the lessons) with such great pleasure---I get an anormous sense of accomplishment and mastery!
Specialties
Instrument(s)
Piano
Experience level
No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Students age
Younger than 6 years old, 6 - 9 years old, 10 - 13 years old, 14 - 17 years old, 18 - 25 years old, 26 - 44 years old, 45 - 64 years old, 65 or older
Interest(s)
Fundamentals (pitch, rhythm, chords, etc.), Harmonization, Counterpoint, Music subjects (notation, analysis, ear training), Other
Lesson length
30 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes
Photos and videos
Reviews
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Nancy M.
It is absolute pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation for Irina Kasatkina. Irina has been my childrens piano and for the past 7 years. My 17 year old (presently) and my 13 year old girls loved her from the very beginning, connecting with her warmth and enthusiasm as well as her consistently positive approach. Irina is a patient teacher and treats each child with love for their individuality. Never-the-less, she has standards and expectations that she makes clear to them and they have learned the benefits of self discipline as it regards to music and other aspects of their lives. My children have progressed as both piano and harp players, gaining self- confidence and skill that will help them socially and for enjoyment, their entire lives. Irinas true vocation for music and teaching is obvious. I highly recommend Irinaas a music teacher for any adult or child who wishes to learn. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to recommend someone I truly believe in!
Sincerely,
Nancy Muggoch, NP, MS, ACHPN
August 26, 2019
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Paul P.
Irina Kasatkina has been teaching piano to my 11-year old son for two years. He has developed both an ability to play and an enjoyment of music because of Irinas thoughtful guidance. Her love of music and teaching is quite evident, whether shes teaching how to play, how to read music, or other music fundamentals. I am impressed with her kind and clear manner that encourages my son to explore the music. She incorporates his interests into the lessons, including helping him write his own compositions at age 10!
She has won my sons heart and imagination, and he has this to say about Irina: She helps me change what Im doing wrong, she picks out the right books and songs for me, and she does it all very nicely. Perhaps the best recommendation is that he enjoys coming back every week for his lesson, and wants to practice so that he can improve every week!
I would be happy to talk to parents about Irinas abilities as a piano teacher.
Paul R. Peterzell
August 26, 2019
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H. Z.
It is with great pleasure that I write a letter of recommendation for Irina Kasatkina.Irina has been my children’s piano teacher for the past 3 years. My 9 year old twins connected with Irina immediately, responding to her genuine warmth and her enthusiastic, supportive approach. Irina is a patient teacher and sees the children for who they are and the musicians they are within. Irina tempers the demands and expectations of a teacher with love and encouraging words. Irina challenges the students to keep the learning process going, and praises their accomplishments. Not only have my children progressed as talented piano players, they have gained self-confidence. Irina’s passion for music and teaching is evident. I highly recommend Irina as a piano teacher, so your child can experience her passion and love of music first hand.
Yours very truly,
H. Kimberly Zydel
August 26, 2019
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Ellery B.
Irina Kasatkina is without a doubt one of the most exceptional people I have ever met. I have studied the pianowith her for almost eight years, and I cannot even describe the extent of the positive influence she has had on my life. Irina is certainly an impressive musician and an incredibly accomplished professional pianist, but she is even more importantly an endlessly compassionate, patient, and forgiving teacher. I came to Irina with no musical knowledge whatsoever, and with care and optimism she guided me from the simplest scale to the most dramatic concerto. She gently encouraged me to persevere through every struggle, and taught me to love music so completely that I cannot imagine my life without it. I am so proud of the skill Irina has led me to acquire, and I’m confident that I’ll be able to hold my own when I graduate and enter a college orchestra at the end of this year. It will be so difficult for me to leave Irina, who has become my most respected teacher, valued friend, and a member of my own family.”
Ellery Burgess
August 26, 2019
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Yoshi S.
Irina has been teaching piano to my 11-year old son for two years. He has developed both an ability to play and an enjoyment of music because of Irinas thoughtful guidance. Her love of music and teaching is quite evident, whether shes teaching how to play, how to read music, or other music fundamentals. I am impressed with her kind and clear manner that encourages my son to explore the music. She incorporates his interests into the lessons, including helping him write his own compositions at age 10!
She has won my sons heart and imagination, and he has this to say about Irina: She helps me change what Im doing wrong, she picks out the right books and songs for me, and she does it all very nicely. Perhaps the best recommendation is that he enjoys coming back every week for his lesson, and wants to practice so that he can improve every week!
August 26, 2019
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Irina Wilborn
At the first lesson I introduce a beginning student to a piano "geography", working on physical "apparat", support with a use of the weight of the body--- "gravity"; the right sense of use of shoulders and arms; posture; shape of fingers and fingertips by feeling; getting new pianistic habits to adapt. If this is a beginning student--- have their first experience in how to practice by learning to follow a set of practice steps that leads them quickly to a performance of a new piece on a first lesson; experience ensemble through playing duets with the teacher---making pieces of their own --moving up and down, using sets of black keys; lots of other elements of musicianship.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from Moscow School of Music ( choir and music pedagogy majors); Ive got my Masters at Universty of Oregon in FINE ARTS. Ive worked as a director of the choir for 25 years and tought piano .
Services offered
Piano
Music Theory