Tania Spector

Tania Spector’s musical journey spans the former Soviet Union, Israel, and the United States. Born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, she began her piano studies at age five with Zinaida Perova and received her early education at the Central Music School in Kharkiv under Perova, Vsevolod Zaharchenko, and Garri Gelfgat.

In 1977, Tania immigrated to Israel, where she studied for nearly a decade at the Rubin Academy of Music and Dance in Jerusalem under the renowned pedagogue Yevgenia Yarmonenko. Under her guidance, Tania earned both a Bachelor of Music and an Artist Performer diploma. During this time, she performed extensively as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Her notable achievements include winning the National Israeli Music Competition with Joseph Kaminsky’s Triptyque for Piano—a performance still broadcast on Israeli National Public Radio—and performing a Mozart Concerto for Menachem Pressler, as well as sonatas for composers Yosef Tal and Zvi Avni.

Through her studies with Yarmonenko, a student and assistant of Alexander Goldenweiser for 30 years, Tania developed a deep commitment to musical culture, emphasizing a beautiful tone, expressive phrasing, strict fidelity to the score, and emotional sincerity over superficial virtuosity.

Following Mrs. Yarmonenko-Braginsky’s retirement, Tania continued her education under the distinguished Professor Alexander Braginsky, who remains her teacher and mentor. She completed her Master and Doctor degrees in piano performance under his mentorship. Inspired by Professor Braginsky—himself a student of Goldenweiser and Theodore Gutman—Tania developed a profound passion for teaching. From the very first lessons, she helps students of all ages build proper technique and musicality, fostering a deep understanding and love for music.

Tania currently resides with her family in Hopkins, MN, where she continues to teach in the great tradition of the Russian School of Music.