About me

I was born and raised in Moscow, Russia. After graduating from The Practical Department of Moscow Conservatory, I played mainly for the ballet. Then we immigrated to Israel, where, after picking oranges for several months at a Kibbutz (a communal farm settlement), I was titled “an excellent pianist” by the Department of Education and Culture, and was put back on the music track. From then on, I continued to play for ballet lessons, accompany singers, and perform at parties and restaurants:  the usual uncertain and exciting life of a freelance musician…

In 1999 we moved again, this time to Alaska. For 20+ years here I played for churches and synagogues, accompanied at Alaska Dance Theater, and gave occasional concerts. I recorded a couple of CDs. But, what I liked most was playing for weddings, parties, and other events. 

And now, after moving to the beautiful Washington state, I continue to play background music for every sort of occasions! I really enjoy it: setting the mood for a gathering, adding a romantic touch to the occasion.  I would like to do it for you, too…

A FUNNY TIDBIT

At a Christmas Party, a middle-aged man told me wistfully how he’d like to play piano. I advised him to take lessons, or to study some do-it-yourself books: it is quite possible for an adult to learn music. “Oh no", he answered with a sigh, “My fingers are too stiff”…

I wanted to help him; to demonstrate that fingers have almost nothing to do with playing piano (it is all in the brain). So I picked a pencil from a table, squeezed it in my right hand, and played a Strauss' "Blue Danube" with it.

This trick was a roaring success with other guests: they asked me time and again to play their favorite tunes with the pencil. 

Do you want to amuse your guests? Since that party, I always carry a pencil with me!