Elena Ayanyan
Music teacher specializing in piano
Elena Rachyevna Ayanyan graduated from the Yerevan Music College in 2000, with a qualification as a children's music school teacher and accompanist. She has 15 years of experience teaching music at various institutions in Yerevan and Washington, D.C. Since 2010, she has worked as an accompanist for the Maryland Youth Ballet (MYB) and the Washington Ballet. Since 2012, she has taught music at the Washington-area Russian schools "Rostok" and "Olympus," as well as at a lyceum for young children.
"I can say about myself that I'm one of those fortunate people who not only love their profession but dreamed of it since childhood. Teaching children music, singing, and dance is an incredible pleasure, especially when the children I work with — the ones I pour my heart into — start to play, sing, and dance beautifully. In my work, I draw on methods from both the Russian classical school and the American approach.
I enjoy working with children of different ages. For example, I run a class called "Music with Mommy" for the youngest ones, where I work on developing their fine motor skills, lead engaging musical games, and introduce them to beautiful melodies — all with the goal of instilling a love of music from early childhood. I also teach 6- to 7-year-olds, where we put on musical skits and learn to sing correctly.
I'm deeply convinced that vocal training helps children develop not just vocal-auditory coordination, but also their speech. Because words are drawn out and sung, children find it easier to pronounce individual sounds and syllables. I give private piano lessons that culminate in recitals twice a year. I've directed musical productions including "Fly, the Chatterbox" (Chukovsky's "Mukha-Tsokotukha"), "Buratino," and many others. Music lessons are important for every child's balanced development. In my musicals, there's a role for any child who wants to express themselves, learn to sing, and show off their acting talent.
See you soon, dear children!"