Leo Novikov | Sydney Music Teachers

915 Anzac Parade, Maroubra NSW 2035, Australia

Violin Lessons | Viola Lessons | Aural Lessons, Ensemble Coaching, HSC Music Exam Preparation, Online Lessons

Qualifications: M.Mus (Moscow), B.Mus, Laureate of an International Competition
Pricing: $100 per hour
Styles: Classical
Suitability: any

Bio

I teach a traditional violin method as some of the best teachers in Moscow, USSR, taught me: Professors Grigori Zhislin, Zinaida Gilels, Maya Glezarova (assistants to Professor Y.Jankelevitch), Professor Mikhail Fikhtengoltz. I was privileged to study in the class of quartet under the guidance of Professors V.Berlinsky (founder of the Borodin Quartet) and A.Korchagin (the Shostakovich Quartet).

Before immigration to Australia, I used to play in one of the best orchestras in the world – the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. With this orchestra I have toured the world performing on the most prestigious and acclaimed stages. After arrival to Australia in 1993, I performed as a soloist in the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Town Hall at the Parliament House etc. and established myself as a teacher.

For over 40 years, I have passed my knowledge and skills to the younger generations. From 1994 till 2005 I worked as a Senior Lecturer at the Australian Institute of Music where I established Class of Accompaniment for the Piano Department and helped develop the Classes of the Chamber Ensemble and Conducting. In 2007-08 I was a Violin and Chamber Ensemble teacher at the Open Academy of Sydney Conservatoire of Music and at the Sydney Conservatoire High School. For 15 years, I used to work as a violin and viola teacher at the International Grammar School (Sydney, Australia).

Between 2013 and 2018, by invitation of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) and Australian Music Children Foundation (ACMF), I participated in the unique Music Programme for children from disadvantaged families at the Matraville Soldiers Settlement Public School.

Many of my students became professional violinists and teachers. I have firm principles inherited from my teachers, and I teach the way “the great violinists play” from the very first lesson. I aim to develop my students’ love of music and appreciation for violin playing.

I organise regular students’ concerts. Often my students have a unique opportunity to play with an orchestra composed of advanced students. Every concert becomes a celebration of students’ musical talents and achievements. Apart from the concerts, my students perform at various Eisteddfod competitions and do AMEB exams. Two of my students were chosen to perform as soloists at two International Music Festivals “Moscow Meets Friends” in Moscow, Russia. Another two students became 1st and 2nd prize winners at the international competitions in Turkey.

Teaching Info

As it’s been mentioned above, I teach the way great violinists play. And that way starts with the set-up of a correct playing position. Every detail is important: from the feet position to the proper organisation of home practise. I try to make this process straightforward and meticulously type my comments into a special table and print or email it to my students or their parents.
I teach students to practise at home efficiently, to learn to analyse and practise with a clear understanding of the goals and methods of achieving those goals. It helps to achieve results at a faster pace and to enjoy playing with confidence.
Every child is like a garden where teachers and parents place seeds to grow something extraordinary and beautiful. Any person who likes gardening knows the importance of the soil’s preparation. I spend a lot of effort encouraging my students and their parents to regularly listen to Classical music on YouTube and attend some significant concerts. Every time a child listens to Classical music, there is a chance that this seed will grow into a genuine interest in music!