Maria Khavin Piano Studio

Maria Khavin started her musical journey in St. Petersburg, Russia, at a young age. She first approached a piano long before starting lessons, as she loved to listen to and attempted to play some themes from Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony by ear--and succeeded! Because of that, she credits the composer and the Symphony as her ‘musical awakening’ point. Growing up in a musician’s family (her mother being a violinist and a teacher), she attended numerous concerts, opera and ballet performances, thus developing a keen ear and passion for classical music in many of its forms. While in Russia, she studied music professionally for over twelve years, graduating from Music School for children and prestigious Rimsky-Korsakoff College of Music with degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy.

Upon moving to United States in 1992, she attended University of Washington, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance, studying under guidance of Professor Craig Sheppard. She also holds K-12 teaching certificate in music, enabling her to teach at Public Schools sector.

While holding a deep appreciation for the top-notch musical education she received, teaching others was a different story for a while. At her teaching practicum (at 18 years of age), she was not really in love with it, lacking experience and analytical ability; performing was more of a priority for a while. Over the years, however, through more schooling, self-study, observing great teachers, attending workshops and master classes, she found that teaching others was probably most gratifying than anything else! During the last 15 years, she has taught and coached numerous young beginners, intermediate and adult students. Her former students were admitted to some prestigious colleges and universities. She strongly believes in continuing education as a key to becoming a better teacher; currently, she is working on her National Music Teacher Certification (NCMT).

In Seattle area, Ms. Khavin has been in high demand as an accompanist and recitalist. Over the years, she has accompanied hundreds of young and professional instrumentalists and vocalists in concerts, festivals and competitions. She worked with Northwest Opera in Schools, Sacred Music Foundation, Ladies Musical Club, KING 98.1, Columbia Choirs, Mahler festival, among many other professional organizations. Currently, she is the pianist at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland, where she plays for services and accompanies choir. In June 2014 she made her orchestral debut performing Mozart’s piano concerto K. 453 in G major with Fort Worth Symphony orchestra as a part of Piano Texas festival.

Ms. Khavin is a member of Washington State MTNA (Snohomish and Eastside chapters) and is active in all proceedings.

Teaching Philosophy:I strive to provide a high level of music education that will serve a person throughout their lifetime. I firmly believe in the benefits, importance and the value of music study and my job is to convey that message to my student by fostering excellence in my studio. When we overcome challenges, we realize how much we enjoy the process. I would like to facilitate that kind of experience and success for them.

Education

Master of Music in Piano Performance (University of Washington, 2011)

Music Education Certification Program (University of Washington 2011)

BA ( Music, Biology) University of Washington, 1998)

Diploma in Piano Performance, Pedagogy and Accompanying ( State Music College, St. Petersburg, 1992)

Additional Certificates

Kodaly Levels of Seattle (Level 1 certificate) Seattle Pacific University 2013

Elementary Musicianship for Pre-School children (Seminar 1 certificate) 2014