Sophia Agranovich

Sophia Agranovich, in the words of renowned composer David Diamond, is "a musician of splendid gifts...as a pianist of remarkable technical accomplishments, she is also one of the more sensitive artists who brings to her performances a percipiency and sensibility all too rare among her contemporaries. The over-all musicianship, her knowledge of a composer's intentions aids her in bringing to all her performances that kind of intelligence one should demand of all first-rate pianists, but who, in many cases, concentrate most of their efforts on the sheer virtuosity of their impeccable techniques. She is a singular artist and should be admired for that rare quality alone".

Ukrainian-born, Sophia won the All-Ukrainian Young Artists Competition at ten, being the youngest participant. In addition to numerous concert appearances, she performed in national radio and television broadcasts. Her teachers included Anna Stolarevich and Alexander Edelman, peers of Vladimir Horowitz.

At fifteen, Ms. Agranovich immigrated to the USA and entered the Juilliard School in New York City as a scholarship student of legendary professor Sascha Gorodnitzki. While at Juilliard, she also studied with Nadia Reisenberg, David Diamond, Felix Galimir and Samuel Sanders. There she earned her Bachelor and Master Degrees while holding a teaching Fellowship, and later joined the faculty of the Town House International Music School in New York City.

After Juilliard, Sophia began working towards her Doctorate at the Columbia University Teachers College, but deferred that pursuit to raise a family. At the same time, she developed an interest in computers and subsequently has devoted 23 years to a successful career in Information Technology, including seven years as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch.

Sophia is a first prize-winner of the Bergen Philharmonic Competition in Piano and has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and collaborative pianist internationally as well as here in the United States. She is listed in the Private Teachers directory of the Juilliard School and is a member of Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Education, Music Educators Association of New Jersey, National League of Performing Arts, and a lifetime member of Madison 'Who's Who among Executives and Professionals'.

Teaching Principals and Philosophy

Ms. Agranovich focuses on the following:

• Technique Development
• Variety of repertoire
• Musicianship (theory, ear-training, music history, harmony, improvisation)
• Performance / Audition preparation
• Ensemble and Accompaniment

Ms. Agranovich has taught students from ages four through seventy. She uses individualized instruction methods, which combine traditional Russian school with various others, depending on the student's needs, abilities and tastes. She utilizes technique as a means to an end (which is expression) through economy of motion, wrist flexibility, the art of pedaling, deep singing tone, large sound and nuances of pianissimo.

Sophia Agranovich teaches overall musicianship along with music theory, music history, sight reading and improvisation. She stresses the connection of music and other art forms, such as literature, painting and sculpture. This helps to achieve true style and balance in performing. She is dedicated, patient, and helps students to appreciate and enjoy music in order to enrich their lives. She also incorporates into her teaching approach her studies and experience in psychology, kinesiology, music therapy, Yoga and meditation. This helps to eliminate physical strain and limitations of technique, integrate mind, emotions, body and music, and ultimately to achieve self-realization – after all – 'music is a language of the soul'.