October 2022 – Dr. Yelena Balabanova, “Q & A with Yelena”

Yelena Balabanova, a native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, is one of only 6 Steinway Classical Artists in WA state. She is an acclaimed soloist and is widely recognized for her extensive repertoire, original interpretations, innovative programs, and is a sought-after clinician on healthy technique and artistry, presenting numerous workshops and masterclasses every year. Among Yelena’s many credentials, she holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from CU-Boulder, received a Recognition Certificate from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts for the Artistic Achievements of her Students, is a National Federation of Music Clubs VIP, earned Teacher of Distinction from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada, and Certificate of Appreciation for Teaching Mastery from the World Piano teachers Association in Singapore.

Dr. Balabanova has taught at the Renaissance Music Academy of VA, VA State University, University of CO at Boulder and was featured Artist in Residence at the CO Music Fest for four years.

Yelena is a founder of International Conservatory Studio and the North Sound Federated Music Club. Her students have been recognized at many festivals and competitions across USA, Australia, and Europe, and have been awarded admissions to prestigious programs like Cleveland Institute of Music, BYU, Peabody, Wheaton, University of CO, Harvard, Philips-Andover, Chatham School of Music in Manchester, UK, Julliard, Northwestern and others.

Currently, Yelena serves the music community as a Board member of the WA Federation of Music Clubs, the Artistic Co-Director of Chopin Foundation Northwest Council, and Artistic Advisor to the Pacific International Piano competition. For more information, visit www.SkymusicSpeaker.com