Margarita Shamrakov

Hi, I'm Margarita! 🎹🎤 I'm a New York–based pianist, vocalist, songwriter, music producer, and passionate music educator with over 15 years of teaching experience. I help students of all ages discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music - not just learn to play it. My students have performed on some of New York City's most inspiring stages, including Steinway Hall and Lincoln Center. As a John Lennon Songwriting Award winner, a recent recipient of a competitive creative grant for my original rock opera Heavenly Music, and a graduate student in Music Education at Hunter College, I bring both professional artistry and innovative teaching to every lesson. In addition to private instruction, I write, compose, and produce original music. I am currently developing my rock opera Heavenly Music and serve as Choir Director at the Dorill Initiative, where I help singers grow in confidence, musicianship, and artistic expression. Whether you're a complete beginner, an aspiring performer, or someone returning to music after many years, my lessons are personalized, encouraging, and designed to help you reach your goals while enjoying the journey. Let's make music together. 🎶

I believe education should be a safe space where students are seen, respected, and encouraged to grow. It is a place where people can explore ideas, experiment, and develop their creativity. Every student is a unique human being with their own talents, interests, and potential. Teachers should guide students rather than simply instruct them. When students feel that a teacher genuinely believes in them and cares about their growth, they naturally begin to flourish. Education is not only about acquiring information. Education is about understanding life, our communities, and our responsibility toward one another. It requires humility from educators because we do not know everything. Teachers must remain open to learning from their students and growing alongside them. The purpose of education is to help people discover themselves and understand the world. It is also about developing compassion, curiosity, and respect for life.