Katherine Dvoskin

At K&M Music School, we believe in the transformative power of music education and its ability to shape lives. One of the shining stars of our faculty is Katherine Dvoskin, a seasoned piano teacher with over 25 years of teaching experience and a rich history in music performance and accompaniment.

Katherine’s journey in music began at the Moscow State College of Music by F. Chopin, where she earned her BM degree, and later at the Moscow State Academy of Music, where she received her MM degree. She had the privilege of studying under the internationally respected pianist, Victor Derevianko, a student of the famed piano pedagogue, Heinrich Neuhaus.

Katherine’s exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to her craft have earned her numerous accolades in international piano competitions. These include the “Music Without Limits” International Competition and Festival and the Tel-Hai International Piano Master Classes held in memory of Marina Bondarenko. She also distinguished herself in the Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in Moscow, Russia. During her time in Israel, Katherine had the unique opportunity to learn from the renowned pianist, Nikolai Petrov.

Katherine has been an active performer since 1992, gracing stages throughout Russia, Siberia, Armenia, Lithuania, Israel, and the United States. Some of the prestigious venues she has performed in include the Small Hall of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Music Hall of the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music, Hall of State Central Museum of Music Culture by M. Glinka, and the International Music Hall of Svetlanov in Moscow.

In addition to her performing career, Katherine has professionally accompanied solo instrumentalists and choirs throughout Russia and the United States. She was even offered an accompanying contract by the esteemed Bolshoi Ballet just prior to her relocation to the United States.

Katherine shares her piano expertise in San Diego with local establishments such as Point Loma Nazarene University, the University of San Diego, and the University of California at San Diego. She partners as a pianist with diverse instruments and studios. Katherine’s contributions also reach the Music Teachers’ Association of California Programs®, where she functions as a piano accompanist for initiatives like the Certificate of Merit®, VOCE®, Conventions Programs®, Concerto Solo Competition®, and the Helen B. Goodlin Competition®. She further collaborates with the Flute Guild Festivals, Mainly Mozart Orchestra concerto solo competition, and the Musical Merit Foundation. Beyond these commitments, Katherine operates a studio at K&M Music School and regularly takes the stage with her husband, violinist Michael Dvoskin.

Katherine Dvoskin is a talented pianist and chamber artist with an impressive career performing on stages across Russia, Israel, and the United States. Katherine is an experienced professional accompanist for solo instrumentalists, choirs, and ballets. She is also a dedicated piano teacher, recognized for her attention to detail and passion for developing her students’ technical foundation and love of music.

What is the ideal age to start piano lessons?

There’s no ‘best’ age to start learning the piano. Katherine believes in the power of music education for all ages. However, children as young as four can start learning the piano, and it’s always possible for adults to begin too!

How many times a week should I learn the piano?

Consistency is key when learning any instrument. Katherine recommends practicing daily, but a minimum of four to five times a week is a good start.

How many piano grades are there?

In most piano grading systems, there are ten grades, each with its own set of requirements and repertoire. Katherine prepares students for various exams and competitions, ensuring they are ready to excel at each grade level.

Katherine Dvoskin is not just a piano teacher; she is a mentor who is committed to fostering musical excellence in her students. She offers piano lessons for all ages and levels, providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes theory, technique, sight-reading, and performance. Her teaching style is adaptable, catering to the unique needs of each student, whether they’re beginners, kids, or adults.

Her extensive experience and deep understanding of music make her an ideal teacher for anyone looking to learn piano in San Diego. She focuses on teaching classical piano. Her lessons are not just about learning to play the piano; they’re about understanding music, developing a love for it, and using it as a medium for self-expression.

Katherine’s teaching approach combines intensive technical instruction with a heartfelt passion for music. She holds the conviction that anyone, irrespective of age or proficiency level, can learn to play the piano and find joy in the journey. Whether you’re a novice seeking to grasp the fundamentals, an intermediate player striving to enhance your technique, or an advanced player gearing up for a competition, Katherine can customize her lessons to suit your individual requirements.