LESSONS
Anna Goryacheva is an award-winning pianist, recording artist, educator, and Steinway Educational Partner. As the founder of the Elite Piano Institute, she has established a reputation as one of the most sought-after piano instructors in Los Angeles County. Her expertise in piano coaching has earned her features in various media outlets, including LA Weekly, Authority Magazine, FLAUNT, Bold Journey, and more.
She holds a double master’s degree from the Gnessin Academy of Music (Moscow) and the USC Thornton School of Music, a bachelor’s degree from Kaliningrad State Music College, and an Artist Diploma from the USC Thornton School of Music.
Her mentors at various times have included Daniel Pollack, Lev Natochenny, Vladimir Krainev, Dmitry Bashkirov, Mikhail Voskresensky, Avo Kouyoumdjian, Igor Lazco, Aldona Dvarionaite, Yury Slesarev, Vladimir Tropp, and Maria Gambaryan.
Anna has taught masterclasses and participated as a speaker in numerous events from prestigious institutions such as MTAC, Stetson University ( Deland, FL ), and USC Thornton School of Music. She has participated as a jury member in many competitions and festivals like the California Association of Music Teachers (CAPMT), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition (Houston, TX) ,the Glissando International Piano Festival and Competition (San Diego, CA and Rancho Palos Verdes, CA), to name a few.
With her talent extending beyond being a high-level performing artist, Anna Goryacheva channels her creativity as an entrepreneur and international piano pedagogue. She is the founder of the ELITE PIANO INSTITUTE, a renowned piano school celebrated for nurturing talented young pianists and coaching piano teachers in the United States and abroad. It is recognized as a top piano school in South Bay, Los Angeles.
Elite Piano offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, including top-tier piano lessons, teacher coaching, the production of international piano festivals and competitions, professional audio and video recordings, as well as the organization of musical events, recitals, master classes, and workshops.
Within just five years under Goryacheva’s leadership, the Elite Piano Institute has established partnerships with leading music festivals and competitions worldwide. These collaborations have created unique performance opportunities for young pianists, helping their talents gain recognition on a global stage.
With over twenty years of teaching experience, Anna offers professional one-on-one music lessons to pianists worldwide. Her students are consistently recognized as top-prize winners in national and international piano competitions and achieve the highest scores in the MTAC Certificate of Merit program.Currently based in Redondo Beach, California, Anna is fluent in both English and Russian. She conducts lessons and consultations in person in the South Bay of Los Angeles, CA, as well as online via Zoom.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As an educator, Anna believes that every student has the potential to achieve extraordinary results through personalized guidance, a solid technical foundation, and a passion for learning. Her teaching philosophy revolves around the idea of nurturing individual growth while fostering a deep love and respect for music.
Strong Technical Foundations
A proper start is vital to piano success. She emphasizes building a robust technical base from the very beginning, focusing on correct hand position, finger strength, and precision. Within the first year, even young beginners develop solid foundational skills that allow them to flourish in their musical journey. Anna effortlessly blends the rich Russian/ European piano traditions with top American teaching methods to ensure her students can approach the instrument with confidence and finesse.
Individualized and Holistic Approach
She recognizes that each student is unique, with distinct strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. Her approach is tailored to meet individual needs, incorporating lessons in piano performance, music theory, sight-reading, and ensemble playing. By understanding the student as a whole and collaborating closely with parents of younger learners, she creates a structured yet flexible learning strategy that maximizes efficiency during home practice and lessons.
Cultivating Passion and Professionalism
For students who aspire to pursue music as a career, Anna provides the guidance and preparation necessary to excel on the international stage. Through workshops, recitals, masterclasses, competitions, and festivals, she creates opportunities for them to grow as performers and experience the joy of sharing their music. At the same time, she offers a supportive environment for adult beginners and hobbyists, enriching their lives through music.
Inspiring Lifelong Learning
Her ultimate goal is not only to teach students how to play the piano but also to inspire a lifelong appreciation for music and its transformative power. Whether the student is a child taking their first steps into the musical world, a collegiate-level performer, or an adult exploring a new passion, Anna's teaching adapts to their journey, fostering both technical mastery and personal expression.
Through passionate dedication and a commitment to excellence, she aims to help each student reach their highest potential and discover the profound joy of music.