Gorjana Z
5.0
(8)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, New Age
Gorjana Z
5.0
(8)
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes, Spirituals, New Age
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 5-80
*Bachelor of Music - Academy of Musical Art, University of Arts, Belgrade MM Academy of Musical Art, University of Arts, Belgrade Major in Piano Performance)
*Master of Music Eastman SChool of Music, University of R0chester, NY (Major in Piano Performance and Literature)
*Yamaha Certified Teacher
*Music Teacher Association of California, CM certificate prep
*1990~2006: 13 National and 9 International Piano competitions won
*1999: Student of the Generation, Academia of Musical Art, Belgrade, Serbia
*2002: Full Scholarship to Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, NY, MM degree
*2003: Recording for 'Young Artists' English label as one of the most successful participants at Lake District Summer Music Festival in Windermere, England, UK
*
At a young age of 14, Gorjana, was already as one of the youngest freshmen in the history of the Academy of Music Art, University of Arts, Belgrade, Serbia. She graduated shortly after turning 18, and was awarded a diploma by the Academia, distinguishing her as the most successful undergraduate students of her generation. She has won 13 national and 9 international piano competitions and played as a soloist and chamber musician in various European countries, as well as in all major concert halls in Serbia and Montenegro. In 2005, Gorjana earned the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, in the studio of Professor Barry Snyder. Since then, she has had an active performing career in both NY and California. She has given concerts in Kilbourn hall (Rochester, NY), the N.Y. Governor's Residence (Albany, NY) and Samueli Theatre (Segerstrom Center of the Arts, CA) among others. Gorjana has collaborated with a pleiad of brilliant artists, some of them being world renowned Serbian musicians such as Dejan Mladjenovic (viola), Milena Kitic (mezzo-soprano) and Stefan Milenkovic (violin). Gorjana is the director and founder of chamber choir "Istochnik' dedicated to performing a variety of Christian music with an emphasis on Orthodox worship and Slavic traditional music. The choir has been actively performing since it's beginning in 2008. The group has given numerous concerts for charitable purposes, and is proud to have worked together with Serbian and NBA basketball legend, Vlade Divac in raising funds for his HOD foundation. Chamber choir 'Istochnik' is scheduled to appear next on Feb. 21st, 2015 in San Marcos (CA) as a part of a programme honouring the Crown Prince Alexander and Crown Princess Katherine and their most impressive humanitarian work.
My teaching experience dates back to my college days, as I began teaching private lessons almost 20 years ago, and have been consistently teaching students in my home studio, several Piano Academies, and students' homes. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring on new students of all ages!
As a teacher, my aim is to help students unlock the meaning and message of any piece of music. For me, teaching and learning are both about exploration, inquiry and experimentation. And I approach each lesson fully committed to spark a student’s imagination and musical understanding through these principles. The joy in my teaching is seeing students’ ideas develop and being there to guide them each step of the way! Together with my students, we discover a wide range of repertoire, from Mozart, Bach, Schumann, and Prokofiev to classics of Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Pop, Rock and other genres. I also equip students with the practical skills of sight reading, accompaniment styles, transposition and improvisation so they can take their creativity and love of music in many directions. But my goal is to do more than teach piano. I help students become problem solvers and independent learners, as they find their own artistic voices. I ask lots of questions to help students make their own musical decisions and take ownership of their interpretations. I’ve taught students ages 3 to 77, and have found that at every age, the discovery of how music can communicate and connect people is richly rewarding. Music is meant to be shared, so with my students each year culminates with a celebratory studio recital. Not only does this create a concrete goal and a sense of accomplishment for students, but it further cultivates the shared supportive studio environment they contribute to and enjoy.”
Every student is unique. I try to unerstand their individual interests and abilities before I design the teching style that would be most productive and enjoyable. Providing a solid foundation and understanding of musical principles is what I strive to achieve with my students. I prefer to be an inspiring and enthusiastic coach. The student should not feel pressured or constricted. I try to create an environment in which students can feel comfortable to relax and develop their own creativity while learning.
Cathleen Scura
So enthusiastic, and in tune with my ability and my priorities. Fun and sweet and so musically gifted. Love her!
Andrew Olivas
She's an amazing and patient piano instructor. Her sense of humor puts our child at ease and Gorjana knows how to lower my child's anxiety, but also give her lessons that stick. I'd recommend Gorjana to anyone with children that want to have a good time and actively learn piano. Gorjana is amazing and my child cannot wait to see her every week. This teacher is the best I've seen.
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