Teachers
Our Faculity
Victoria Strochkova
Studio Director, Piano/Violin/Viola
Victoria Strochkova studied violin at the R. M. Glier Kiev State Music Collage under the instruction L. B.
Shukhman from 1984 to 1988. She continued her violin study at Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music in Kiev under the instruction of prof. V. V. Kozin and prof. A.N. Gorokhov.
Victoria started teaching children during her studies and continued her commitment to young musicians throughout her career. After graduation she became a full time teacher, dedicating herself to exceptional music instruction in technique, music theory and performance skills. Since emigrating to the United States, she played in local orchestras including Russian Chamber Orchestra under direction of Alexander Verishagin and Pro-Art Symphony conducted under maestro James Gardner.
In 1998 she relocated to San Ramon with her family and a year earlier she joined the MTAC association. She was balancing her career between raising her own children and teaching music privately. In 2006 she founded Strochkova Music Studio and a few years later she established new school San Ramon Music and Fine Art School offering wide selection of classes with collaboration of other great local teachers.
She shared and enriched her teaching experience in another local school: Radayeva Music School for three years (2006-2009) and after some break she came back to teach in this school again. Victoria prepared numerous students for local youth orchestra such Berkeley Youth Orchestra, Youth Orchestra Gradus ad Parnassum, Oakland Youth Orchestra San Francisco Youth Orchestra, Cal State East Bay University Orchestra. Her students were concertmasters of the first violin in Oakland Youth Orchestra and others.
Victoria has been an active member of the Music Teachers Association of California since 1997. She is preparing her students for CM test, CM Honors, Panel, ABARSM and other programs. As part of her curriculum students are successfully prepared for orchestra and college auditions. Her 30 years teaching experience allows for a customized approach to attain each student’s goal.
Farida Isayeva
Piano
Farida Isayeva graduated the Music College, Music Conservatory, and State University in Russia. She has a Doctorate Degree and speaks English, Russian, Turkish, and Azeri. She has been teaching piano and music theory for all ages and all levels since 1984. Ms. Isayeva was Principal of a music school in Russia, but moved to the US in 1998. Since then, she has continued to teach piano privately, and has taught at music academies and music conservatories.
Ms. Isayeva's style of teaching is creative and challenging. Her teaching methods are geared according to each student's needs. She builds a lesson plan to create success in each of her students, and her students consistently achieve high scores in assessments. She uses a combination of lesson books and individual plans for each student. Ms. Farida encourages preparing students for a variety of performance opportunities such as recitals, competitions, festivals. Many of her students have won awards.
Piano
Melissa Nering has taught piano in the East Bay for the past fourteen years. She graduated from California State University East Bay with a BA in Liberal Studies and a Minor in music. Melissa had a keen interest in piano from the time she was seven years old. When she finally had the opportunity to begin classical piano lessons, it was a dream come true. She believes one is never too old to learn and enjoys teaching children and adults.
Many of Melissa’s students have participated in studio recitals, community events, and Certificate of Merit testing. Melissa successfully auditioned to become a Cal Plan member with the Music Teachers Association of California (Alameda East Branch) and she is currently working towards Active membership. Melissa believes in a well-rounded piano education and incorporates music theory, technique, repertoire, sight reading, and ear training into lessons at the piano.
When she is not at the piano, Melissa can be found hiking, reading a good book, baking, or spending time with her friends and family.
Melissa Nering
Olha Ralduhina
Violin & Piano
Olha Ralduhina studied violin at Dnipropetrovsk State Music College named after M.I. Glinka under the instruction of V.M. Kolodniy. She continued her violin study with L.S. Brusova. Her teaching method is based on the Moscow Violin School. In addition, she is proficient in teaching the piano. She had completed her piano studies under the instruction of I.S. Karznikva.
Olha has been teaching these instruments and directing string ensembles for over 30 years. During the course of her career she has trained multiple number of students, many of whom became winners of national competitions. Many of her students had orchestra auditions and have went to successful professional careers. Olha is an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California.
The teaching style of Olha is very personal. She believes that professionalism and inspiration of the teacher play immense role in the success of the students. Her mission is to develop student’s desire to continue to learn these beautiful instruments.
Yukiko Egawa
Piano
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Yukiko Egawa was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and has been a resident of the East Bay since 2000. She studied piano pedagogy at a local college, where she earned certificates in teaching Beginning and Intermediate Piano.
Since January, 2017, she’s been teaching piano at a local music school. The majority of students are beginners, from preschooler up to adult students.
She says that every lesson, she loves seeing the smiles on her students’ faces.
She believes that learning music should be fun and exciting, so she likes to provide well-rounded piano lessons with many hands-on activities: playing theory games, singing solfege (Do, Re, Mi…) with hand signals, and counting rhythm using the Kodaly method.
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Rustam Baibikov
Flute
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Rustam Baibikov, born in Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, discovered his passion for music at the age of six when he began playing the flute. By the age of 19, Rustam had already distinguished himself, graduating from the prestigious Saratov Music College with a degree in orchestra and ensemble performance, as well as earning certification as a flute instructor. Rustam pursued further education, obtaining his master's degree from the esteemed Moscow Maimonides Classical Academy. Throughout his studies, he immersed himself in various musical endeavors, playing in symphony orchestras and founding his own woodwind ensemble, showcasing his versatility and talent. While also actively participating in city and international competitions, earning laurels and often clinching top honors.
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At the age of 28, he embarked on a mission to share his love for classical and folk music with the younger generation, creating interactive programs tailored for children aged 4 to 15. Rustam cultivated his own artistic expression by organizing a folk group, where he showcased his flute prowess and vocal talents, refining his skills under the tutelage of instructors from the esteemed Gnessin Academy in Moscow.
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With over a decade of teaching experience under his belt, Rustam has become known as a dynamic and dedicated Vocal and Flute Teacher, committed to nurturing a deep appreciation for music in students of all ages and skill levels. Drawing from his rich and diverse background, Rustam imparts solid foundational knowledge to his students, empowering them to explore various musical genres and develop their own unique style.
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In 2020, Rustam embarked on a new chapter in his musical journey, relocating to California, where he continues to captivate audiences with his solo performances, ensemble collaborations, and orchestral contributions. Alongside his performances, Rustam shares his expertise as a music educator at the Russian Berkeley School, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
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Grounded in his belief in the transformative power of music, Rustam follows the standards set by the ABRSM and RSM Associations, ensuring his students are well-prepared to excel in their musical pursuits and navigate the complexities of music theory and performance with confidence and skill.
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Maya Charyyeva
Piano/Violin
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Maya Charyyeva started learning piano and violin in Ashgabat at Specialised Music school at the age of 5. She participated in many masterclasses and festivals during the school term. She joined at national and international concerts with the violin ensemble under the instruction of Garold Neymark. During her high school education, she took part in the Ashgabat Youth Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Resul Klychev.
In 2016 she won the first place in the competition held among the graduates of music schools. Between 2016-2021, she played at concerts with the Camerata Saygun orchestra. At 2021 she graduated with a bachelor degree from the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University Istanbul State Conservatory. Here she took viola lessons, attended masterclasses under different teachers and developed her education. She performed in numerous concerts as a solo violinist.
Maya started her teaching career at Istanbul Metronome Music school while she was still a student. Currently, she continues her Master education at Mimar Sinan Fine arts university Istanbul State Conservatory.
Maya is an active member of the Music Teachers Association of California. She teaches violin, piano, viola and sight-reading and prepares her students for ABRSM and RCM tests and other programs.
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Boris Feldman
Guitar, Bass Guitar, String Bass
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Mr. Boris attended Kiev State Collage of Music from 1978 to 1982 and obtained B.M. (Bachelor’s Degree) in Orchestral Performance and Music Education, with a concentration in string bass and bass guitar. Mr. Boris performs with Kiev Film Studio Orchestra as string bass and bass guitar player. He also was teaching children in Kiev Music School. His students were successfully accepted to Kiev State Collage of Music.
In 1986 Mr. Boris was invited to the Moscow Concert Organization – Mosconcert. As a bass guitar player he works with famous Russians singers Helena Velikanova, Tamara Miansarova, Maria Kodryanu.
As a concert director, Mr. Boris worked with Russian State Chamber Orchestra of Jazz Music (Oleg Lundstrem Jazz Band), Ann Vesky, Alexander Serov and many others Russians Stars.
Mr. Boris has lived in the United States since 1997. Currently, Mr. Boris performs as string bass player with Diablo Symphony Orchestra. He continues to play guitar and bass guitar as well as teaching privately.
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Natalia Plishkina
Piano
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From a young age, Natalia dreamed of becoming a music teacher. At just 9 years old, she entered a music school specializing in piano, and after graduating with honors, she pursued my dream at Lipetsk Music College.
With over 35 years of teaching experience, Natalia developed a deep passion for sharing the works of her favorite composers, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Chopin. Natalia holds the highest qualification category and prides herself on finding the right approach for each child. Her career has been enriched by her involvement in developing methodologies for music schools and organizing student concerts.
Under my guidance, more than 150 students have graduated, many becoming laureates and diploma winners of international and all-Russian competitions. Natalia's students have had the opportunity to participate in master classes with esteemed professors from the St. Petersburg and Moscow conservatories. Additionally, she has served as a member of the jury for piano competitions, bringing her extensive experience and dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
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