Faculty

I began studying piano with Yelena Prizant around 2002, after an hiatus of many years. Her encouragement and infinite patience with me as a returning adult student gave me the confidence to continue. Her choice of repertoire was always appropriate to my skill level, and challenged me to go further and accomplish more than I had done before. She always communicated her insights into the character and composition of each work in a respectful manner so that my understanding increased with each new piece. She exposed me to a broader range of repertoire and techniques for approaching pieces from different musical eras and genres than I had experienced in the past. Her biannual student recitals provided opportunities to perform for a close circle of other adult students, family, and friends, which was invaluable in building my confidence as a performer. She is also simply a lovely person to get to know. Having given me the skills and preparation to go on to further studies, Yelena was to me not only a beloved teacher but is now also a close friend.

- Alane Levy 

Yelena Prizant provided an incredibly high quality piano performance education for our daughter, in keeping with the best of the European piano tradition. The lessons were always enjoyable for Kati and every class brought her to a new level of musicianship and technical mastery of the instrument.  As a professional pianist and composer, I could not have been happier with Kati's progress and her level of confidence as a young pianist in public performances and competitions.

- Milenko and Olivera Tanasievich

I can't believe it is finally time to say farewell, after so many years. You've taught me so much about music. Not simply how to play, but how to truly listen and enjoy it. Thank you for putting so much time and energy (and patience!) into teaching me. I honestly can't tell you how much it means to me.

I wish you the best,

- Alice Chan