Yakov Shvydko is an accomplished violin teacher, viola instructor, and piano instructor at Pleasanton Academy of Music, bringing over 20 years of international performance and teaching experience to students of all ages and levels. He offers private violin lessons, one-on-one violin instruction, and private piano lessons, focusing on quick progress, strong technical foundations, and confident musicianship.
Born in Ukraine, Yakov began his musical journey at a young age with piano lessons, followed by violin, before discovering his passion for the viola. His early success led him to study at some of the most prestigious conservatories in Eastern Europe, including the Dnipropetrovsk M. Glinka College of Music, the Odessa National A. V. Nezhdanova Academy of Music, and the National Music Academy of Ukraine in Kyiv, where he completed advanced studies in viola performance. During his postgraduate years, Yakov also served as a teaching assistant, gaining valuable experience mentoring young musicians in chamber ensembles and orchestral settings.
From 2000 to 2008, Yakov performed with the renowned National Chamber Orchestra “Kyiv Soloists,” touring internationally and performing in major concert halls, festivals, and broadcasts. His work with the orchestra refined his chamber music artistry and established him as a versatile and expressive performer. His career later expanded to international productions and global performance tours, including professional engagements throughout Asia and with leading cruise line orchestras, where he performed classical masterworks, contemporary repertoire, and crossover programs for diverse audiences.
In 2008, Yakov was invited to China to teach violin and viola students, where he worked for one full year with young musicians in an intensive educational setting. During this time, he focused on developing strong technical foundations, ensemble skills, and musical discipline, while adapting his teaching to students from different cultural and educational backgrounds. This experience further enriched his teaching approach and broadened his international perspective as an educator.
Today, Yakov specializes in violin lessons for children, beginner violin lessons, adult violin lessons, and advanced instruction, using a traditional violin method, the Suzuki method, and a combination Suzuki-traditional approach tailored to each student’s learning style. His Pleasanton violin lessons emphasize solid fundamentals, expressive playing, sight-reading, and music theory, while providing meaningful performance opportunities that help students build confidence on stage.
In addition to violin and viola, Yakov offers piano lessons in Pleasanton, serving families throughout the East Bay. His piano lessons for kids, piano lessons for children, and piano lessons for adults range from beginner piano lessons to intermediate and advanced piano instruction, all delivered through a personalized learning experience focused on technique, musical understanding, and long-term growth.
Yakov’s teaching is known for its clarity, patience, and encouragement. Whether working with young beginners or advanced students, he creates a supportive and structured environment that helps students develop strong technique, musical confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
His honors include the Grand Prix at an international chamber music festival in Vienna and Second Prize at the Vorzel Chamber Ensemble Competition, reflecting both his artistic excellence and deep commitment to musical education.
violin, viola & piano instructor
