Leo a Teacher
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Looking for a world-renowned violinist and teacher to help you or your child reach new heights in music? Look no further than Leo Novikov, whose name is respected across Australia, the United States, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Russia. His students are winners of many local and international competitions. Some of his students became professional violinists and teachers.
As a graduate of the prestigious State Musical-Pedagogical Academy named after Gnesins in Moscow, USSR, Mr. Novikov honed his skills under the guidance of world-famous performers and teachers, including professors G.Zhislin, M.Fikhtengoltz, M.Glesarova, N.Boyarskaya, and Z.Gilels. He also studied in the Quartet Class with founding members of the Shostakovich and Borodin Quartets, professors A.Korchagin and A.Berlinsky, respectively.
Before immigrating to Australia in 1993, Mr. Novikov performed with one of the most esteemed orchestras in the world – the Moscow Philharmonic – as well as its elite Ensemble of Soloists. He has given many other solo performances throughout his career, including a solo recitals in Georgia, France, Latvia, Russia, and Australia. Among his many achievements a solo performance with a symphony orchestra in the first television broadcast between Moscow and 14 countries in 1991 and solo performances at the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Town Hall, recitals at the Parliament House of NSW and the American Club.
In Australia, Mr. Novikov quickly established himself as a respected classical violinist and teacher, becoming the first Australian music teacher to teach via a TV-link in 1994. He later taught as a Senior Lecturer at the Australian Institute of Music for 11 years, where he helped develop the Chamber Ensemble and Accompaniment classes. He also worked at the International Conservatoire of Music, the Sydney Conservatoire High School, and the “Rising Stars” program of the Sydney Conservatoire. For over 17 years, Mr. Novikov taught at the International Grammar School, where he earned the respect he deserved.
At the core of Mr. Novikov’s teaching philosophy is the genuine Russian traditional violin method, the way the majority of good violinists play. “This road starts with the set-up of the correct playing position. Every detail is important: from the feet position to the proper organisation of home practice,” he says. He provides his students with a special practice chart where he meticulously types his comments and emails them to his students or their parents.
In addition to weekly violin lessons, Mr. Novikov emphasises the importance of efficient home practice, which can help achieve results at a faster pace and with confidence. He teaches students to analyse and practice with a clear understanding of their goals and methods of achieving them.
But for Mr. Novikov, the importance of music extends beyond playing violin itself. He encourages his students and their parents to regularly listen to classical music on YouTube and attend live concerts. “Every time a child listens to classical music, there is a chance that his/her interest will grow into a genuine love for violin playing – a feeling that he or she will carry throughout their life,” he says.
Take the first step towards a beautiful violin playing journey with Leo Novikov, where you’ll learn to play the way the great violinists play from the very first lesson.
Leo Novikov and his students before a performance at the Bolshoy Theatre in Moscow, Russia