I am primarily a pianist, French horn player, music theorist and jazz improviser.
Most recently I have taught music at New York University and California Institute of the Arts, in addition to many other public, private and charter schools. My students encompass an all-inclusive age bracket: from 5 to 72, including students of all social, economic, educational backgrounds, levels of experience, linguistic, cultural, religious and ethnic groups.
My performance path has led me through familiar stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall and many other venues for jazz, classical and world music. I have shared those with notable names from all genres, including Saturday Night Live's Lenny Pickett, jazz legend Charlie Haden among many other more or less known musicians and artists from all over the world.
Originally from Eastern Europe, I have 3 college degrees in Music from prestigious conservatories in Europe and the U.S. I was the first international student to receive a full scholarship for the entire 4 years of my bachelors degree at California Institute of the Arts, with a total annual music school enrollment of only 200 students. That same year, I had won several other full scholarships at notable colleges, such as Boston Conservatory, NC School of the Arts etc.
Upon my admission at NYU, I was one of the two annual beneficiaries of Billy Joel's namesake music scholarship.
I have studied in depth classical music, jazz improvisation, contemporary 'new music' styles, extended techniques, chamber music and a variety of world music cultures, including African Ewe drumming, singing and dance; Arabic music of the Middle East and Eastern European Balkan music (Bulgarian, Serbian, Greek, Turkish...). I am also the proud founder and leader of Balkanto, an ensembles for Balkan Brass music and Groong, an ensemble for traditional Armenian troubadour music.
In addition to music, I have also worked as an SAT tutor; I take pride in my grammar, reading and proofreading skills; I am fluent in 3 languages and have working knowledge in another 3; am an avid photographer and an always inspired cook; I recognize about 90% of world's national flags.
Depending on my schedule, I am available to teach at your home in Manhattan or my studio at NYU (Washington Square Park area). Alternative locations are possible upon mutual convenience and previous arrangements.