A native of Belarus, Dmitriy began his piano studies at the age of 6. Since coming to the United States 9 years ago, Dmitriy has participated and was a prize winner in numerous local competitions around Washington State. In 2002 Dmitriy began studying piano at the University of Washington under the guidance of Prof. Craig Sheppard. While at the University he has performed with the UW Wind ensemble. Dmitriy has received the UW Keyboard Division Scholarship five times and was the winner of the prestigious Brechemin Scholarship twice. In 2005 he was a finalist and in 2006 he was the first prize winner in the UW Annual Concerto Competition, which was followed by the performance with the UW Symphony Orchestra in January 2007 under the guidance of Maestro Peter Eros. In June 2007 Dmitriy received his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in piano performance and is currently working on his Masters Degree at the University of Washington. Dmitriy has taught piano for the past 8 years and in his teaching, he pays a very special attention to technique, musicality and expression, and music history/theory among many other aspects.

Northwest Pianos of Bellevue, WA is pleased to announce its acquisition of Vince Welnick’s Bösendorfer grand piano.   Mr. Welnick well-known member of the band “The Grateful Dead” between 1990 and 1995, composed many of the songs from the group’s discography of this period on this piano.  According to Kenn Wildes, Northwest Pianos’ Managing Director: “Vince Welnick purchased his piano directly from the manufacturer early in 1995; yet today, it remains in mint condition.”  Its resonance is clear and pure; its action very responsive.  The attention to details in manufacturing is evident.  This instrument plays from the most articulate soft passages to powerful, particularly in its exquisite and its very distinctive bass register.  This instrument, a Bösendorfer—Model Strauss, Opus 42376, represents one of the best in design and sound.  It remained in the musician’s home in Forestville, California.  Wildes states “…Welnick’s estate allows us to exhibit this piano for the purpose of selling it.”  “Seattle is after all” says Wildes “an important center for musicians of this genre…”  Northwest Pianos will sell a keyboard owned by the famed performer.  Northwest Pianos specializes in the restoration, the sales of quality instruments for the home, studio, concert hall or auditorium.  Located in Bellevue, WA, Northwest Pianos delivers just the right maintenance and support for pianos.

New faculty members have joined the Northwest Pianos Academy of Music.  Included are Jesse Myers, Director; M.M. in Piano Performance, U of Washington; Jean Huang, Piano, B.A. in Music (Piano) U of Washington and Dmitriy Kosovskiy, Piano B.A./B.M. in Piano Performance, U of Washington with a M.M. in Piano Performance, in progress.  According to Myer “All of our instructors have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in music while many have earned their master’s and doctorates in piano and other instruments from reputable conservatories and universities. Though all of our music teachers are highly educated in their respective fields of music, they come from diverse backgrounds. This provides students with unique perspectives and reveals new possibilities. Our instructors work together to ensure that each student succeeds and reaches their personal goals, both in music and as an individual.”

Concert Pianist George Fiore will teach a piano master class on Friday March 7, 2009 at 2:00 PM.  The Chopin Master will perform for a half hour after which Fiore will listen to students and given them advise and encouragement.  All Students 8-18 years of age are welcome.  Come with a composition of your choice of non more than 5′ in duration.  We will accommodate as many students as possible.

At our Saturday recital, I attended an evening of delightful music played by pianist Clifford Robinson; and songs sung by daughters Emma (17) and Danee (15).  The recital began with a passionate rendition of Chopin’s Ballades No. 3 and No. 4.  Mr. Robinson, a capable musician, handled the nine foot Sauter Concert Grand with passion and lyricism.  Chopin’s music was warm and clearly enjoyable to all those attending.  Students of Professor Thomas Harper of the University of Washington faculty, Emma and Danee performed solos and duets selected from music from the classics to contemporary literature.  Emma’s rich soprano voice complemented her sister’s clear and accurate lyric soprano voice in two spectacular duets arranged by their father (“Si Volvieras a mi” and “When You Believe”) as well as solo works by “Barber”, “Brahms”, “Haydn”,  and “Copeland” performing in German, Spanish, and English. Also part of the program was a rendition of “May It Be” from movie entitled “Lord of the Rings”. The hour was enjoyable and we look forward to hearing from the Robinson family again.