Whether it's dazzling audiences worldwide with piano performances or in the studio recording solo albums, Dr. Raffi Besalyan shares the same passion as a music educator with equal dedication and artistry. Steinway & Sons, the venerable makers of beautiful pianos since 1853, honored Dr. Besalyan as a recipient of the 2019 Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award.
Steinway & Sons recognized Dr. Besalyan for his hard work and commitment to teaching and inspiring young people in their study of piano. The award also acknowledged his guidance of helping students lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical and artistic expression.
"This prestigious award from the world's top piano manufacturer means a great deal to me," said Dr. Besalyan. "A minimal number of artist/teachers receive this award based on their achievements in the field. I am truly honored."
Dr. Besalyan joined the faculty at Georgia State University School of Music in 2014, where he is currently Associate Professor, Piano Performance. Chopin Magazine (Japan) hailed him as "a true heir of the mainstream of Russian pianism like Horowitz." His performances span the globe at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall (New York City), Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), Moscow Conservatory's Rachmaninoff Hall (Russia), and Izumi Hall (Japan), as well as locally in Atlanta Symphony Hall, among many others. In 2012, his debut solo album, "Dance, Drama, Decadence" (IMC Music, Japan), received the prestigious Jun-Tokusen Award in Japan.
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