I started learning Piano with Irina in Feb and when I started I had zero idea about notes, or music. I was so sure that I would not be able to play any song completely for the next 6 months. But Irina changed all that. Right from the basics of posture, seating, finger movements- she walked through everything very patiently. What I also liked was that she taught at a pace that I was learning. So if I picked up a song quickly, she moved on to the next song (usually more difficult than the previous). This really helped me learn more in a short duration of time. I was learning a variety of songs with very different scenario's in each song (a combination of staccato/legato in one song to polyphonic music in another song). This variation helped me explore and learn the more difficult aspects early on. I also like the fact that she uses her learning experiences from Russia and teaches from the Russian school of piano curriculum. This makes it fun and different from the usual compositions that most students begin learning. I have really enjoyed learning with Irina. Her wealth of knowledge about classical pieces and watching her play the classics is such a fun treat. Thanks !!!
Sonal: Former student
“From what I see Irina does her best to motivate and give the student all that is needed for success. The rest is up to circumstances, how much time the student can afford to invest in studies, etc. My recommendations to anyone who is interested- to give their child an opportunity to discover a world of music. Even if making a next star musician is not your intention, you or your child won't regret it. Just keep in mind, there is still a lot of work behind any performance. My best wishes.”
Alexey: Estelle's father
Dear Irina, I can’t believe that it’s already been three years since my kids started the piano lessons with you. It is amazing to see them progressing and being able to play better and better each week. Your patience and encouragement during the lessons motivated the kids to keep learning, work hard and most important of all, enjoy and understand the music. We also greatly appreciate that you teach my kids the music theory that made them more confident in their abilities. Thank you for always treating your students with respect and believing in them. Sincerely,
Maria Barg: Mother of Margaret, Daniella, and Jonathan
“Ms. Irina is a great and no nonsense professional teacher. She wants all her students to excel. My children are doing well in Ms. Irina's class. When they started her class they knew nothing about music and in three months my son was able to perform at the class recital. I Iike her teaching method. Ms. Irina does not only wants her students to learn the practical but the theory as well. She is an awesome no nonsense professional music teacher.”
Vanessa Shirley: Mother of Nathan and Annabelle
“Ms. Irina teaches my son exactly what he needs to do in order to be successful in his music…..I trust her way of teaching, and I know there is more that she will provide for Julian as the years come.”
Linda Toma: Julian's mother
I love your hand position and excellent posture. Bravo to your teacher for teaching you such good technique! [Critique Sheet for Jonathon Barg, 2016]
M King: Judge of Fall Music Festival 2016
I like that Ms. Irina gave me music pieces that helped my fingers become stronger and create a full sound. These pieces were not easy, but just challenging enough to work on my technical problems to reach the goal I had. I enjoyed playing music from "Album for the Young" by Tchaikovsky, Sonatina by Clementi, and other classical composers that I have never played before with my previous teachers.
Vina V: Former student
“Mrs. Irina Saliy carrying a lot about her students, she always look forward to see them professional in piano.”
Rania Hana: Nicole's mother
Very big on mastering the techniques for better performance
Bogonko: Osebe's father