Hello!
I am Sonya Belaya, a pianist, singer, improviser, and composer. I am first generation Russian-American. I completed my studies at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance.
After teaching, performing, and studying in Michigan for 6 years, I moved to New York to seek greater opportunities for my music. As a pianist and singer, I have performed LA-based collective WildUp, members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Bang on A Can All-Stars. I perform regularly in improvised music venues across the city, as a contemporary classical pianist, as well as as a singer-songwriter for my own solo project.
In my 13 years of teaching experience, I have decided on the following guidelines.
You have the right to expect an excellent standard of teaching from me, including artistic example, responsibility, punctuality, patience, and positive energy. My goal as a teacher is to create an environment in which students can achieve artistic excellence, while developing positive habits and a genuine, life-long appreciation for music. I also focus on body awareness while playing the piano and singing. It is my passion to empower students to find creativity and ownership in music, regardless of experience.
In my lessons, I incorporate elements of playing, listening
assignments, music theory, composition, and technique in order to develop a well-rounded
musician. I also try to ensure that the student is enjoying the process and is creating regular practice habits. Setting these guidelines allows me to do my job as educator and to maintain regularity in my schedule.
I customize lessons to complement each
individual student’s interests, ability and unique potential. I offer weekly piano lessons in 30, 45, and 60-minute increments. I am
available to teach at your home, but will charge an additional transportation fee, depending on your location.
I recommend that all beginner students will begin with bi-weekly 30-minute lessons. For intermediate students, I recommend 45 minutes, and one-hour lessons for advanced students.
I am located in Brooklyn, and travel to Brooklyn and Manhattan only.
Students are welcome to travel to my home in Sunset Park for lessons as well.
