Dr. Ina Mirtcheva started teaching Piano Classes for senior adults about 4 years ago, while pursuing her doctorate at George Mason University’s School of Music. Since then, she has not only completed her degree, but also gained an admiring following of happy piano students, who just happen to be 55 and older!
Students start out with Piano Level 1, which is meant for complete beginners. Hour-long classes run for 10 weeks and are specially priced at $255 (plus a small book fee). After completing Level 1, a large percentage of participants continue on with what is generalized as “Intermediate” classes. Dr. Mirtcheva has designed the classes so that you can repeat the class and learn new skills and new songs.
Some people who sign up for the class have never touched a piano before but have always wanted to learn. To them, it is a sort of “bucket list” experience. For some, they used to play piano, but it has been many, many years since – as is often said – life just got in the way. In this regard, adults are re-inspired to explore their musicality and creativity. Becoming a student again can be challenging, which is why Dr. Mirtcheva makes every effort to make the classroom relaxed, comfortable and enjoyable. Sounds of laughter can often be heard in the building during piano class times!
SIGN UP FOR PIANO CLASS THIS SPRING
Dr. Mirtcheva is now an adjunct professor at Mason’s School of Music. Ina Radeva Mirtcheva started playing the piano when she was five years old. From 1st to 9th grade, she attended L. Pipkov Music School in Sofia, Bulgaria studying piano with K. Karadimchev. In 1998, she moved with her family to the United States and was part of the honors program at Levine School of Music in Washington DC. Ms. Mirtcheva earned her Bachelors and Masters of Music in Piano Performance from George Mason University, studying piano with Dr. Anna Balakerskaia. She earned a second Masters in Instrumental Collaborative Piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where she had a full graduate scholarship and assistantship and studied piano and chamber music with James Tocco and Sandra Rivers. Most recently, she has earned her Doctorate in Musical Arts, from Mason and is performing in the Washington Metropolitan Area.