Olga Rotari Erikli

As an experienced and passionate music educator, I bring a well-rounded and holistic approach to teaching piano, music theory, music history, and ear training. I have worked with students of all ages and skill levels—from young beginners taking their first steps in music to advanced, college-bound musicians preparing for conservatory auditions or exams. My instructional philosophy centers on building a strong technical and artistic foundation, with a particular emphasis on sight-reading fluency, tone production, interpretive depth, and analytical thinking. I encourage students to develop not only precision and confidence at their instrument, but also a thoughtful understanding of musical context, expression, and meaning—both within and beyond the score.

In my teaching, I draw from the most effective elements of several time-tested pedagogical traditions, including the Russian School’s technical rigor and expressive depth, Kodály’s emphasis on musical literacy, Suzuki’s ear-based learning and parental involvement, Orff’s integration of movement and improvisation, and Dalcroze’s focus on kinesthetic engagement. This blended approach allows me to adapt to each student’s unique learning style, ensuring lessons remain engaging, inspiring, and personally meaningful. I am also committed to fostering creativity through imaginative concert programming and collaborative performance opportunities that challenge students to think beyond traditional repertoire and presentation formats. My students are encouraged to become curious, self-motivated learners who take ownership of their musical journey and connect deeply with the repertoire they study. Above all, I aim to nurture each student’s individual voice, curiosity, and long-term love of music, while maintaining a supportive, respectful, and joyful learning environment.