Svetlana Obregon, D. M. A. candidate
A co-founder and owner of Ostinato Conservatory of Music, Svetlana enjoys a successful career as a pianist, collaborative artist, and educator. A prizewinner in many international competitions, including International Music Festival “Musica Classica” in Ruza, Russia and the 6th International Competition “Music Without Limits” in Lithuania, she has been heard in recitals and concerts across the world. In addition to her solo accomplishments, Svetlana has been active in chamber music, working with many distinguished artists on two continents. A recipient of Honorable Award for Excellence in Performance and High Professional Achievements as a collaborative artist and teacher, Svetlana received Best Accompanist Award at the Sixth Open Russian Art Song Competition held in city of Vladimir in Russia in 2010, as well as First Prize at the Seventh Annual Chamber Music Competition held in Bowling Green State University in 2013. Her principal teachers include Paul Ostrovsky, Robert Hamilton, Galina Blagovidova, Ellina Vlasova, and Robert Satterlee.
Passionate about giving her knowledge in music and music education, Svetlana has been teaching for more than twenty years both in Russia and United States, guiding her students to a deeper understanding of the art of music. She was on faculty at ASU School of Music and ASU Community Music School (former ASU Music Preparatory Program). Svetlana has served on the jury panel for many piano competitions and examinations, including Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition, ASMTA State Honors Recitals, PMTA Fall Festival and Competition, and Arizona Study Program among others. In her teaching approach, Svetlana considers the individuality of each student and provides the most complete and diverse education. She believes that technical issues should be solved based on the musical goals and serve for the expression of the musical content. Svetlana’s students are successful in passing ABRSM, ASP, and Royal Conservatory of Music examinations.
Vitaly Serebriakov, D. M. A. candidate
Described as “thoughtful artist with a firm technique, a gorgeous tone, and a sensitive touch” (Fanfare Magazine) Vitaly Serebriakov is a critically-acclaimed pianist, teaching artist, and recording engineer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Steinway Artist Robert Hamilton recognizes Mr. Serebriakov as “an outstanding, professional pianist whose comprehensive performances blend intelligent stylistic understanding with emotional depth and strong technical prowess”. Vitaly has performed in leading venues around the world and has won prizes in numerous international piano competitions.
His recent CD “Infinitude”, a collection of piano music by Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev has been highly praised by music critics. James Harrington from Fanfare Magazine writes: “…Serebriakov plays this set as well or better than the many recordings I have of them. He lets the music speak for itself, paying very close attention to the details, but never losing sight of the overall flow of each piece…” Peter J. Rabinowitz adds: “His sympathy for the music’s shadows and subtler harmonic nuances is impressive, too.”
Vitaly is an Artist-In-Residence for the Scottsdale Philharmonic and performs with the orchestra on a regular basis. Highlights of 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons include performances of Tchaikovsky First Piano Concerto, Grieg Piano Concerto, and Cezar Franck’s Symphonic Poem “Les Djinns”.
Together with his wife Svetlana Mr. Serebriakov co-founded Ostinato Conservatory of Music in Verrado Arizona. The couple also serve as Artistic Directors for Desert Hills Community School of Music in Scottsdale Arizona. Mr. Serebriakov frequently participates in and gives masterclasses at local MTNA conferences, serves as jury member for piano competitions, including Dean & Carolyn Elder Piano Competition and PMTA Fall Festival & Competition, and is an active adjudicator for the Arizona Study Program. His students have successfully passed ABRSM, ASP, and Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, and have won local and international piano competitions. Robert Hamilton noted: “Vitaly has proven to be an uncommonly successful teacher whom I regularly recommend to the very finest young talents and parents who seek my advice. He knows what is required to bring gifted pianists to the point of producing a first-rate piano sound, through the proper use of finger, hand and arm weight. Much of this comes from his thorough understanding and mastery of what is perhaps the best technical approach in the piano world, commonly known as the Russian school of piano playing.”
Mr. Serebriakov is a Yamaha Artist