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Alexander Lazarev

Alexander Lazarev is the founder of the Pleasanton Academy of Music and the Music Through The Centuries International Music Competition and Festival. He holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance from the St. Petersburg Conservatory of Music, Russia. Alexander began his musical studies at the age of five, enrolling at the Sviridov School of Music in 1990. During this time, he won several awards, including first prize at the annual St. Petersburg Piano Competition and the Young Prodigies of St. Petersburg award.

In 1997, Alexander continued his studies at the Middle Special Lyceum School of the St. Petersburg Conservatory under Professor Alexander Sandler, with whom he completed a Master’s degree in 2007. He earned his Doctoral degree in 2012, studying under the prestigious guidance of Professor Irina Sharapova, an Honored Artist of Russia, at the St. Petersburg State Conservatory.

Alexander has performed extensively throughout Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and the United States. He has won multiple international and domestic competitions as a solo pianist, in chamber music ensembles, and as an accompanist. In 2012, he performed at the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Hall as a soloist with the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra and has also been featured in broadcasts on Russian television and radio. He has several published CD recordings.

As a professional and dedicated piano instructor with over 11 years of teaching experience, Alexander is classically trained and brings a positive and energetic approach to teaching. He is flexible and warm, yet structured and firm, working patiently with each student to help them master their strengths, improve their weaknesses, and take on challenging pieces.