About
Maria Khavin, Master of Music, Piano Performance
Ms. Maria Khavin has been playing the piano for over 30 years and teaching since 1992. With degrees in performance, pedagogy and education from St. Petersburg, Russia, and an Master of Music in Piano Performance from University of Washington, she possesses broad experience in teaching students at all levels as well as performing in a solo and collaborative capacity. She currently teaches privately in her home studio in Kirkland, WA, and is the piano instructor at Chopin Academy of Music in Issaquah, WA.
Ms. Khavin started her musical journey in St. Petersburg, Russia, at a young age. 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 at elite professional schools for over twelve years, graduating from Music School for children (studied with T.S. Shrago) and prestigious Rimsky-Korsakoff State College of Music (studied with M.B.Guseva), 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 music at Public Schools. She's been teaching General and Elementary music part time, with substitute work in band/orchestra and choir, mostly at Seattle and Northshore School Districts.
Ms. Khavin is known for her positive style of teaching, a patient and considerate approach to each student. Her long-term focus with each student is to create strong, well-rounded musical talents. Extensively trained as a classical pianist, Ms. Khavin also enjoys and encourages her students to explore a wide variety of musical styles. During the past 20 years, she has taught and coached numerous young beginners, intermediate, advanced, and adult students. She takes special care to ‘plant a seed’ of music into her youngest learners, creating the ground for their further development, and carefully guiding each student through their journey. Her students are regular participants at many local and MTNA chapter events, such as Bach, Chopin, and Russian Music Festivals. She has been preparing students for RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) exams for several years. Many of her former students were admitted to 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 (NCTM) as well as attending many teaching-related workshops and conferences, such as annual WSMTA conference.
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, college auditions, festivals and competitions. She worked with Northwest Opera in Schools, Sacred Music Foundation, KING 98.1, Columbia Choirs, Mahler festival, among many other professional organizations. She is a performing member of Ladies Musical Club, and has been featured in numerous classical music recitals as a soloist and collaborative pianist. For nearly seven years, she has been the pianist at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church in Kirkland, WA, where she plays piano for services and accompanies choir. Whether she is playing for a wedding, a memorial service, or any other event, her interpretations of popular, country, rock, and jazz standards are always masterfully arranged and performed with style and flair.
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, after winning a concerto competition.
Ms. Khavin is a member of Washington State MTNA (Snohomish and Eastside chapters) and is active in all proceedings. She is frequently asked to adjudicate for Solo and Ensemble, Chamber music, Ribbon Festival and other local events.
In her spare time, Ms. Khavin enjoys cooking, making cakes, traveling, exercising, and good movies. She lives with her husband, young daughter and a cat, in Kirkland, WA.
Qualifications
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
Washington State Certified K-12 music Teacher, 2011
Kodaly Levels of Seattle (Level 1 certificate) Seattle Pacific University 2013
Elementary Musicianship for Pre-School children (Seminar 1 certificate) 2014
Private Lessons/Masterclasses:
Craig Sheppard (Professor at University of Washington, main teacher)
Povilas Stravinskiy (former Professor at Vilnus Conservatory)
Dr.Yelena Balabanova (International Conservatory Studio)
Dr.Tamas Ungar (Texas Christian University, TCU))
Harold Martina (TCU)
Jose Feghali (TCU)
John Owing (TCU)
Hung-Kuan Chen (The Julliard School)
Upcoming Events
October 2017--Studio Halloween Party! Everyone is invited! Costumes encouraged!