Yaroslava Zonova
Teacher, Senior Preschool Group · Musician · Specialist in Russian Folklore
Yaroslava Alexeyevna Zonova graduated from Tver Music College with a degree in Solo and Choral Folk Singing. She is currently pursuing a degree part-time in the Producing Department at GITIS (the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts) in Moscow. For more than ten years, she has studied, preserved, and promoted Russian folk culture, teaching both children and adults and organizing cultural events for the Russian-speaking community in the United States.
"I truly love being around children. In those moments, I try to see the world through their eyes and join in their play. I aim to make my lessons fun and easygoing, in an atmosphere of trust. What matters to me is that children enjoy both the process of learning and the time they spend with their teacher and with each other. Children's ability to feel genuine wonder and delight at everything new is a great help to me in my work with them. My engagement with Russian folklore led me to the conviction that this rich cultural heritage needs to be preserved — especially for families living abroad. Even the simplest children's folk game carries wisdom passed down from generation to generation. Folklore is where I draw my inspiration, ideas, knowledge, and the methods and principles I use to organize my lessons."