BEGINNINGS

Astghik Sakanyan started her piano career in Armenia at Yerevan's Sayat Nova School of Music. Later she moved to Spain, where she received her bachelor's degree from the Joaquin Rodrigo Conservatory of Music. During the last year of her undergraduate studies, she was awarded a full scholarship to study at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary, under Dr. Falvai Sandor where she graduated with honors.

While she was studying, during 2011-2013 academic years Astghik was working as a Piano Accompanist in the Musical and Arts Center of Bétera in Valencia, Spain. She had the following responsibilities: accompanying all Middle Grade students of string, woodwind, brass and voice departments, encompassing over 60 students per year. Also took part of the summer festivals held in the school of those years as a professor and accompanist.

LATER CAREER

Later she moved to California to receive her Masters degree in Collaborative Piano under Dr. Timothy Bach, from which she graduated with honors in May of 2017. This 2 years program was focused on a wide knowledge in vocal coaching, instrumental accompanying and chamber music performance. While completing her Master’s degree Astghik was also working as a piano teacher in Berkeley’s  Golden Key Piano School.

Throughout her career Mrs. Sakanyan has been working in diverse Institutions such as: San Francisco State University (Vocal Pianist), San Francisco Ballet (School Pianist), San Francisco Girls Chorus (Piano Accompanist), Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA (Piano Accompanist/II director), The Hamlin School in San Francisco, CA (Piano Teacher).

Astghik also collaborated with many outstanding musicians. Amongst them are: Jeremiah Shaw (cello): Member of Telegraph string quartet based in San Francisco, Keisuke Nakagoshi (piano): Staff pianist at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Evan Kahn (cello): principal cellist at Symphony Silicon Valley, Ani Bukujian (violin): Principal Second Violin at San Francisco Ballet, Joseph Christianson (violin): violinist in Quartet San Francisco.

Now, as a resident of Philadelphia, PA, Mrs Sakanyan teaches piano lessons from beginning to advanced level students in her private studio as well as works as a Collaborative Pianist in The College of New Jersey. Also, Astghik is ready to jump into additional exciting collaborative and teaching opportunities.