His demeanor is marked by a furrowed brow and tender smile – his passion for his students and music is clear even in a simple hello. “I’ve been teaching my whole life,” he says proudly. He teaches a wide age range from young kids to adults at New Mozart (piano) and the College of Marin (in Russian music history).
Teacher Alexander started playing the piano at the age of six, encouraged by his mother who was studying classical opera. He went on to study at the prestigious Leningrad National Conservatory where he received bachelor, master, & doctoral degrees. Aspiring to be a composer, Teacher Alexander wrote and performed his works extensively, while gaining experience playing and conducting in Russia. He moved to the US in 1991 and in the following year, founded the Russian Chamber Orchestra. Currently, the organization is based in Marin and performs for the music lovers of the Bay Area. He loves playing solo and with an orchestra, both for different reasons. “When you’re playing alone, you have more freedom and flexibility and when you play a big composition with an orchestra, you have to listen. Communicate!” he explains.
And connecting is what Teacher Alexander does well with his students. “Usually, I have good compact with students,” he added. Another perk of working with him is his prolific advice. “From beginning to end, I give advice,” he exclaims jokingly. His teaching is deep and extensive. He advises to practice as slowly as possible to not miss anything. The pianist with unbelievable speed, Rachmaninoff could practice one measure for 20 seconds, he tells. “Do it great today. So good that you do it once forever.”
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