A Perfect Match: Meet Our New Chamber Duet
Posted on April 14, 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new chamber duet at Pleasanton Academy of Music and trust us, it’s a musical match made in heaven! Meet 8-year-old pianist Sophie Semakov and 9-year-old violinist Michael Ponomarenko. After hearing their very first rehearsal together, we can already say: they are a perfect match.
This young and incredibly talented duo will be performing at our Pleasanton Academy of Music Summer Student Recital this June, and we can’t wait to see where their collaboration will lead in future competition preparation in East Bay and beyond.
Sophie is a student of Ms. Liya Ledyaeva, our head piano instructor and private piano teacher in East Bay, while Michael is studying violin under the expert guidance of Elina Khusniyarova. Both instructors hold prestigious degrees from the Saint Petersburg and Moscow Conservatories of Music-no surprise their students consistently shine and steal medals in competitions, both locally and in Europe.
The Power of Chamber Duets
Playing in a chamber duet especially one that combines piano and violin– offers countless advantages for young musicians:
- Enhanced Listening Skills: Chamber music requires players tolisten attentively to one another, promoting musical sensitivity and teamwork.
- Rhythmic Precision: Performingas a duo builds tighter rhythm and synchronization.
- Emotional Expression: Musical conversations between instruments bring out expression that solo pieces sometimes can’t.
- Confidence on Stage: Playing with a partner offers support and boosts performance confidence.
That said, a duet doesn’t replace individual instruction. Sophie and Michael will continue their private lessons-piano lessons in East Bay and violin lessons in East Bay—to master technique and repertoire. Duet rehearsals build ensemble coordination, but the depth of learning still comes from one-on-one time with their experienced teachers.
Why Separate Lessons Still Matter
Each student needs focused attention on their instrument to:
- Develop individual technical skills
- Prepare for CM music test preparation in East Bay or Certificate of Merit test preparation in East Bay
- Master personal repertoire for solo performance or exams like ABRSM
- Address unique strengths and challenges
Without these dedicated lessons, duet rehearsals can fall short of polish and professionalism. A strong performance demands both solo strength and ensemble synergy.
Beyond Violin and Piano: Other Duet Possibilities
Chamber music is incredibly diverse! At Pleasanton Academy of Music, we encourage all students to explore ensemble playing. Here are a few more exciting duo combinations:
- Voice and Piano(see our singing lessons in East Bay)
- Saxophone and Piano (saxophone lessons in East Bay are available for all levels)
- Guitar and Violinor Guitar and Voice
- Percussion and Piano (our drum and percussion lessons in East Bay are a hit with rhythm lovers)
These collaborations teach students how to adapt to different instruments and styles, giving them a broader musical understanding and a competitive edge in performance.
From piano lessons for toddlers in East Bay to piano lessons for adults in East Bay, and everything in between, our music school in East Bay fosters both solo excellence and collaborative brilliance. Whether you’re just starting or preparing for the next big stage, our goal is to guide every student to success through top-tier music lessons in East Bay.
Congratulations to Sophie and Michael—your journey is just beginning, and we are so proud to be part of it. Stay tuned for their upcoming performance in June!
