Elena Baksht

One of the most unforgettable moments of my career was performing at the Central Hall of the Arts of Moscow with the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra at 11 years old. 

I've since performed in concert halls all over the world, including with the Barcelona Symphony, at Carnegie Hall and Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, the Kravis Center, and the Library of Congress, among many others. As a chamber musician, I've had the honor of collaborating with artists like Vadim Repin, Yuri Bashmet, and Mark O'Connor, and performing at festivals including Tanglewood and Fontainebleau.

These days, I find immense purpose from helping the next generation of musicians find their own footing.

My Approach

My teaching blends the Russian pedagogical tradition I grew up with, which emphasizes phrasing, sound, technique, and hand position, together with modern American and traditional repertoire. Each lesson I teach is student-centered, meaning I teach to their learning style, developmental age, and interests.

My ultimate goal is to build proper technique while centering the love oflearning and self-expression.

Who I Work With

I enjoy working with students of every age and skill level. Many of my advanced students have gone on to win prizes at competitions and succeed in NYSSMA and other piano auditions.

Background & Experience

I'm a Moscow native, trained at the Central Special School for Gifted Children and the Moscow Conservatory before coming to the United States on scholarship to study with Nina Svetlanova at the Manhattan School of Music. I earned my master's degree at The Juilliard School, studying with Jerome Lowenthal.

In 2006, I joined the piano faculty at Michigan State University College of Music, where I taught students from undergraduate through doctoral level and helped found The International Science, Art and Business Exchange Program. I later returned to New York and founded the Southampton Arts Festival, and I now run my own private studio, Music at Lincoln Center, where I teach students of all ages and levels.