Tanya Zhmendak

Biography:

Tetiana Zhmendak is a Ukrainian violinist, composer, and educator whose artistry

bridges the worlds of classical tradition and contemporary expression. Born in Kyiv,

Ukraine, she began her musical journey at the Mykola Lysenko Specialized Music

School, where she studied under Tamara Mukhina and graduated in 2019. As a young

performer, Tetiana won the Grand Prix at the Gianluca Campochiaro International

Competition in 2012, establishing her early reputation as a gifted violinist.

An alumna of the prestigious Mozarteum Summer Academy in Salzburg, Austria (2018),

where she worked with Ernst Kovacic, Tetiana continued her education in the United

States at the Longy School of Music of Bard College. There, she completed both her

undergraduate and graduate studies under the guidance of violinist Alexander Velinzon

and composer Peter Aldins. In 2022, she was honored with the Margaret Rohde Award

for outstanding commitment and passion for music theory.

Tetiana has performed in major concert halls across the globe as both a soloist and

orchestral musician. Her orchestral experience includes performances with the YPHIL

International Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall (NYC) under conductor Peter Breiner

and soloist Alexander Markov; the Boston Youth Philharmonic under Benjamin Zander

at Boston Symphony Hall; and the DuBois Orchestra under Dominique Hoskin.

Her musical curiosity also led her into the world of jazz, where she participated in

Berklee’s Five-Week Summer Performance Program in 2017 and 2018 as a full

scholarship recipient. She was also featured at the Alfa Jazz Festival in Lviv in 2012

and 2015.

As a composer, Tetiana recently presented a recital of her original works titled “When

My Heart Sings, When My Soul Screams” at Pickman Hall (Longy School of Music),

showcasing her deeply personal and expressive voice as a composer.

A passionate chamber musician, Tetiana is the founder and violinist of Trio Fabula,

alongside cellist Arol Rzayev and pianist Leyla Zeynalova. The trio made its debut at

the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to great acclaim.

Having recently earned her Master’s degree in Violin Performance and Composition

from the Longy School of Music as a recipient of the prestigious Robert Strauss Equity

Scholarship, Tetiana is devoted to sharing her passion for music through her work as

both a performer and a composer.

Teaching Philosophy:

Tetiana Zhmendak’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every student brings a unique set of abilities, interests, and perspectives to music. Her goal as a teacher is to recognize each student’s individuality and design lessons that are both effective and engaging, taking into account each student’s goals and initial abilities.

With a professional background in classical performance as well as experience in jazz, Baroque, and composition, Tetiana draws on a wide musical palette to connect with students in meaningful ways. In her teaching, she incorporates elements of the Russian school, French methods, and the Suzuki method, always adapting her approach to best support the student in front of her.

Her teaching experience includes private lessons, group classes, chamber music coaching, and theory instruction. Over time, she has found that the most productive learning happens in a supportive, safe, and inspiring environment—one where students feel motivated to learn, explore, and collaborate. For Tetiana, the essence of teaching is guiding each student on their own musical journey, which she believes looks different for everyone.

Education:

Longy School of Music: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Masters of Music: Violin Performance

Longy School of Music: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Undergraduate Diploma:Violin Performance

Kyiv Specialized Secondary Music School: Kyiv, Ukraine

Associate Degree:Violin Performance