Dina has made a welcome addition to our Teaching Team this year, teaching both piano & flute. She also teaches our Yamaha group classes at the Newmarket location. Thank you, Dina, for answering our questions!
- When did you first start playing piano & flute?
My mom took me to piano lessons when I was 4. In two years I switched to flute as my major instrument but kept playing piano. To tell the truth, I don’t even remember that time. But I sacrificed all my childhood to music.
- Who was your favorite music teacher and why?
My favourite teacher was Elena from the Secondary Special Music School (in St. Petersburg, Russia). To get into that school I passed a rigorous selection process. The schedule there was so busy with music activities, including 3 hours of my major instrument each week, piano, solfege, theory and ensemble. We had exams and concerts every 2 months. My teacher was an amazing motivator and supporter, and under her guidance I won my first competition at the age of 12.
- What made you decide to pursue teaching as a job?
I chose teaching as a career because it is rewarding to watch my students growing and progressing. They make me proud when they achieve excellence under my guidance.
- What is your favorite piece to play?
I love playing challenging classical and modern pieces such as concertos and virtuoso studies. Currently I am working on Paganini’s Caprice No.4, edited for Flute and Piano.
- Do you play in a band or orchestra?
I am the Principal Flute at the Etobicoke Philharmonic Orchestra.
- What is one of your favorite songs/artists/styles of music, and why?
Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Concerto for Piano and Orchestra is so powerful and breathtaking. He is simply a genius composer! Also his symphonies are amazing.
- What other interests do you have, unrelated to music?
I have always been fascinated by sports and athletes, so I went to a powerlifting club 4 years ago. Since then I lift weights and have achieved some small results. I also compete in the fitness Bikini Division.
- Did you ever think about wanting to stop music? If so, what made you continue?
When I was little I thought of quitting numerous times, but I kept pushing every day until it became part of me. And now I can’t imagine my life without music – flute, piano and teaching.
- What is your advice to parents whose children are having difficulty finding or making the time to practice at home?
I strongly believe that kids under 10 years old should be supervised by parents every time they practice. It is absolutely essential to find 20-40 minutes every day for both of you, and to set it as a routine. Also try to make it fun, play for relatives or family events together!
- If you could learn to play another instrument, what would it be?
I would love to learn Violin.
