Elena Baksht

Hi, I'm Elena!

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 — I was 11 years old. That performance set me on a path that's taken me to concert halls all over the world, but what I love most now is helping a student discover that same spark for themselves.

I've performed 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. But nothing compares to the feeling of watching a student nail a piece they've worked hard on.

My Approach

My teaching blends the Russian pedagogical tradition I grew up with — a deep focus on phrasing, sound, technique, and hand position — with modern American and traditional repertoire, tailored to what each student actually needs.

I structure lessons around the student in front of me, whether that's a beginner just learning where their hands go or an advanced player preparing for a competition. My goal is always the same: build real technique while keeping the joy of making music front and center.

Who I Work With

I love working with students of every age and level, from complete beginners to advanced and pre-conservatory pianists. Many of my students have gone on to win prizes at competitions and succeed in NYSSMA and other piano auditions.

I'm especially glad to work with families who want their child to build genuine musicianship, not just check a box — patience and real progress matter more to me than speed.

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.