How it began
I started playing the piano when I was 8 years old, because from an early age I was fascinated by classical music and the sound of the piano.
Of course, when you are little, you want to become anything, but it ended up being the piano.
Taking music lessons was initially my parents' dream and since they did not have that opportunity, I am overjoyed and at the same time proud that I did have that opportunity from them.
Making music at a high level is top sport and as a musician you need a lot of money, abilities and the right approach to survive in the music business.
My parents did not know much about classical music, but nevertheless did their utmost to guide me on this challenging path, within their capabilities, to the best of their ability!
Hence, I am super proud of the fact that after my Bachelor final exam, David Kuyken (professor at the Amsterdam Conservatory of Music) called my work ethic "an example for the exam committee and the conservatory. He called me 'an exceptional pianist in the classical music world'.
It is now up to me to live up to those beautiful words!
My experience and life journey
I participated in Arno Babadjanyan's International Piano Competition in 2009 and won a special prize there as "best future pianist.
From 2009 to 2011, during a special master class series at the College of Music, I participated in a Piano Masterclass conducted by Arutyun Papazyan. This piano virtuoso won third prize at the Frederic Chopin International Piano Competition in 1980. He played in Carnegie Hall 24 Chopin etudes live!
Between 2009 and 2011, I studied in my native Armenia at the Arno Babadjanyan College of Music. That college is located in the capital city Yerevan.
Seriously
Those were also the first years when I got serious about music. I was then taught by the rector of the Komitas State Conservatory of Yerevan: Vagharshak Harutyunyan. He was working at the college where I was taught. After working with him for two years, I had to leave Armenia because of the threatening political situation.
During my career in my Armenia, I had the opportunity to be taught by the best piano teachers in the country. Good examples are: Vagharshak Harutyunyan, the rector of Komitas State Conservatory, Anahit Nersisyan and Roza Tandelyan, the only surviving student of the famous Armenian Composer Arno Babadjanyan.
In 2011 I moved to the Netherlands and 8 months after that I was admitted to the pre-training program at the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague. I studied there from 2012 to 2017. In 2018 I continued my studies at the Amsterdam Conservatory and completed my undergraduate studies there, always with exemplary work ethic; in my opinion, the basis for making your dream come true!
Momentary distance
During my studies at both conservatories, I was mentored and coached by the best piano teachers in the Netherlands. These included Ksenia Kouzmenko, Ellen Corver, Frank Peters, Ralph van Raat (contemporary music) and Naum Grubert. During that period I was continuously coached by David Kuyken, professor at the Amsterdam Conservatory of Music and also head of the department of keyboard instruments.
After my undergraduate exams in 2018, I took a break not only to have time for myself, but to take a break from studying at a conservatory. I wanted to start working and further develop myself through self-study. This has been excellent so far, and for now I plan to continue on this path.
I am now concentrating on various continuing education courses and one of them is taking piano lessons with Bulgarian master pianist Marietta Petkova.
My mission
I know now that I didn't just get into music. My dream is still alive to become a master pianist and in addition to playing at piano concerts, I keep myself busy teaching. Teaching is my second passion and also in that field I am constantly actively developing.
In relation to my second passion, teaching, I founded Jong Piano Talent in the second half of 2022.
Jong Piano Talent is an specialized institute where I guide young piano talents in their admission to the conservatory. Besides this, the 'young piano talents' can prepare themselves for National and International piano competitions.
An institute where I teach my students how to make their dreams come true.
Performances
As an inspiration speaker, I had the honor and good fortune to be on the stage of world renowned inspiration event TEDx (also known as TED talk) in Almere in 2016. After my speech I heard from several people that my TED talk was very inspiring.
At the time, I doubted if that was really the case, but now, years later, I have noticed that I can inspire many people with my story. Especially many young people with whom I now work.
Are you curious about my TED talk? Watch and listen via this link if you like, my message to the world Link.
I regularly perform at small and large concert venues in the Netherlands. Good examples are my performances at: The Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, Muziekgebouw aan het IJ, Pianola Museum and many other large and small concert venues in the Netherlands.
I would like to debut with a special program in the greatest concert halls of the world. The program will consist mainly of works by Armenian composers and Chopin.
On December 14, 2022 at 12:30 I will debut in the small hall of the Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam during a series of Lunch Concerts.
Dream
I dream of introducing the world to Armenian classical piano music through my music, with my artistic story, with my interpretation of piano playing and to perform in the best concert halls of the world!
Have you become curious and want to know more about The Armenian Piano Player?
In that case, it is advisable not to miss my latest updates and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
See below my website the options to follow me!
Donation warmly welcomed!
For people who want to support me financially in my further mission, study and life course, it is possible to donate.
You can then transfer the money to my bank account number: NL78 INGB 0670042218 in the name of M. Ghazaryan.
Thank you for your attention, your possible support and for reading my story!
Mkhitar Ghazaryan, The Armenian Pianoplayer
