Assistant Professor of Piano at Boston Conservatory at Berklee,
Boston, MA
Assistant Professor of Music at Hendrix College,
Conway, AR
Responsibilities at University of Michigan (2020-23)
Taught masterclasses at:
Using the platform for educational purposes.
Fall of 2023 Offerings:
An elective course presenting the concepts of Stage Acting (through Stanislavsky’s Method of acting) for the students from the Instrumental department working on their performance degree.
Projected course offering – Winter 2024 (done)
Students will experience the fusion of literature and music in this elective course, aimed at Graduate Students. Through the course of the weeks, we will delve into the rich tapestry of ideas woven by Herman Hesse’s “The Glass Bead Game” to illuminate the path of a performing musician seeking deeper meaning in their craft.
Projected course offering – Fall 2025
Course & Syllabus
Created by A.Polyakov
Taught last time: Fall 2024
COURSE DESCRIPTION
First course of a two-semester, first-year seminar sequence, Foundations of Instrumental Studies is designed to serve as a welcome and introduction to this next important step in your journey toward a life in the arts, no matter what shape and direction that might take. With the primary goal of helping you to make your everyday activities as an artist more mindful – this course will cover a variety of topics aimed to assist you in making a smooth transition into the world of academia. In addition to that, students who take and complete this course will be able to re-imagine their approach to familiar processes (such as practicing piano or performing on stage), by refreshing and re-creating their own personalized foundations of good and healthy habits – for a lifelong music making, and music sharing experience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Course & Syllabus
Created by A.Polyakov
Taught last time: Fall 2023
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The second part of a two-semester, first-year seminar sequence, Foundations of Instrumental Studies 2: Piano, is designed to empower students with the concepts of psychology and emotional awareness – prerequisites of a successful career as a performing artist. With topics ranging from emotional Intelligence and positive psychology to Jungian shadow work, students will be able to develop their own sense of self-awareness, resilience, and motivation in their musical journey. Additionally, the “Musical Immersion” module of the course will allow students to find a more authentic and expressive approach to music, fostering a deeper connection with their instrument and their audience and having a more enriched learning experience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
While taking this course, students will:
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The key goal of Applied Piano Lessons is to prepare students for a professional performing environment so that every individual student will have developed professional skills necessary for achieving personal success, happiness, and artistic contribution to the community. The course instructor will collaborate with every student to design a personalized study plan that will be followed for the duration of their degree. This plan will be continuously developing throughout the degree with individual students’ needs in mind, their strengths, weaknesses, and artistic goals. By the time of graduation, students will have acquired and developed performance skills, professional ethics, and confidence in their own ability to work and produce art independently.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Course Description: This class is intended to be an introduction to the elementary technique of conducting applied to both choral and instrumental music. Subjects covered include principles of attack and release, setting and changing tempo, phrasing and interpretation; practice in score reading. The more you apply yourself inside and outside of class, the more you will be able to continue learning on your own after this introductory semester. This is a one-credit course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class is intended to be a hands-on introduction to the art of conducting, including the elementary technique of conducting applied to both choral and instrumental music. Subjects covered include principles of attack and release, setting and changing tempo, phrasing and interpretation; practice in score reading and score study. This is a one-credit course.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, the students will be able to:
Course & Syllabus
Created by A.Polyakov
Taught last time: Winter 2024
COURSE DESCRIPTION
“There is no ‘system’. There is nature”.
This elective course is designed to bridge the worlds of acting and instrumental performance via the shared means of genuine expression and authentic delivery of the drama. This course draws inspiration from the pioneering work of Konstantin Stanislavsky and demonstrates how these concepts can be seamlessly integrated into the realm of music. As musicians, students will explore how adopting an actor’s methodology can elevate their musical interpretation, infuse authenticity into their performance, and cultivate a fearless stage presence.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to develop listening skills, introduce Western art music literature, and explore how music influences and is influenced by the world around us. Through critical listening and analysis, we uncover the significance of music in reflecting and shaping social identities, its use as a form of spiritual and political expression, and its role in national movements. The course also sheds light on the scientific aspects of music, discussing its effects on brain activity and its potential to alter states of consciousness and emotional health. By the end of this course, students gain a comprehensive understanding of music’s multifaceted role in society and its capacity to connect individuals across diverse cultures and experiences. For all students regardless of background.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Hendrix College Chamber Orchestra brings together students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, uniting them through a shared passion for music. Participants engage with a rich and varied repertoire, exploring music’s relevance across centuries and cultures. The orchestra focuses on individual development within a supportive group environment, encouraging members to support one another’s musical growth and learn from each other’s experiences.
The ensemble rehearses twice weekly and performs at least four concerts annually, offering members opportunities to showcase their talents and contribute to the Hendrix community and beyond. The orchestra is open to students and community members with suitable musical skills, who are eager to enhance their practice in an experiential learning setting.