Gaukhar Kenessova
About
Piano Lessons with Gaukhar 🎹
Hello! I’m Gaukhar, a professional pianist and experienced piano teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience and more than 70 students taught.
I began my musical education at the Kulyash Bayseitova Republican Kazakh Specialized Music Boarding School for Gifted Children and continued my studies at the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory. I also had the opportunity to study in Poland and later earned a Master’s degree in Piano Performance in the United States.
I am a laureate of international and national piano competitions and have performed and worked extensively as a pianist, accompanist, and music educator.
My main focus is teaching children ages 4–13. And adults 13-18. I believe that young students learn best when lessons are both structured and enjoyable, so I combine piano playing with music theory, rhythm, ear training, technique, and fun activities appropriate for each child’s age and level.
I also work with older students who are preparing for auditions, exams, competitions, recitals, performances, or simply want to improve their piano skills.
Whether your child is a complete beginner or already has some experience, I create a personalized approach based on their goals, personality, and learning style. My goal is not only to teach students how to play the piano, but also to help them become confident, independent musicians who genuinely enjoy making music.
I offer personalized online lessons and would love to meet you and your child! 🎶
Teaching Style
My teaching style is warm, encouraging, and personalized. I believe piano lessons should be structured and productive, but also enjoyable—especially for young students.
I adapt each lesson to the student’s age, personality, learning style, and goals. With younger children, I use games, rhythm activities, music theory, ear training, and creative exercises to keep them engaged while building strong musical foundations.
For more advanced students, I focus on technique, musical interpretation, repertoire, and developing independent practice skills. I also offer focused preparation for auditions, exams, recitals, and performances.
My goal is to create a positive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions, and growing as musicians. I want my students to not only learn to play the piano, but to truly enjoy making music.
Curriculum
My teaching method combines a strong classical foundation with a personalized and enjoyable approach. I focus on developing solid technique, music reading, rhythm, ear training, music theory, sight-reading, and musical expression.
For young beginners, I often use method books such as Bastien Piano Basics, Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred’s Basic Piano Library, and other age-appropriate materials. I also incorporate supplementary pieces, flashcards, rhythm activities, ear-training exercises, and theory work to keep lessons engaging.
For adult beginners and returning students, I use materials such as Faber Adult Piano Adventures, Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course, and other books selected according to the student’s level and goals. Adults can choose whether they would like to focus on classical repertoire, popular music, sight-reading, technique, or simply learn to play pieces they enjoy.
As students become more advanced, I introduce repertoire from a wide range of composers and periods, including J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Liszt, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary composers. Repertoire is always selected according to the student’s level, interests, and musical goals.
For students preparing for auditions, exams, competitions, recitals, or performances, I provide more focused work on technique, interpretation, musical analysis, repertoire development, memorization, and performance skills.
I don’t believe in using exactly the same method or repertoire for every student. I adapt the materials and approach to each individual so that lessons are both musically rewarding and productive.
Credentials & Affiliations
- Master of Professional Studies in Piano — University of Mobile, USA
- Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance — Kazakh National Conservatory
- Piano Performance Exchange Student — Academy of Music K. Lipinski, Wrocław, Poland
- Graduate of the Kulyash Bayseitova Republican Musical School of Arts
- International Piano Competition Laureate
- Second Prize Winner — Third International Video Competition “21st Century Art” (2021)
- Honorable Mention — Alabama Music Teachers Association State Audition (2023)
- 10+ years of piano teaching experience
- Experience teaching children and preparing students for recitals and exams
- Professional collaborative pianist with experience accompanying vocalists, choirs, jazz ensembles, violinists, and musical theatre productions
- Strong sight-reading and rehearsal piano experience