Mikhail Zeiger

B.M., Simferopol Music College; M.M., Gorky Conservatory; Ph.D. Composition, Moscow Conservatory (Russia); Certified Teacher of the Royal Conservatory of Music

Piano, Piano Partners, Composition

Faculty since 2003

Moscow, Russia

Mikhail Zeiger earned his bachelor’s degree with the highest honors at Simferopol Music College. He went on to receive a master’s degree in piano and composition at Gorky Conservatory, and a Ph.D. in composition at Moscow Conservatory. He has resided in the United States since 1995. Mikhail is also a professor of piano and composition at SUNY Old Westbury. As a performer, Mikhail has toured Russia, Germany, and the Czech Republic. He made his New York recital debut at Steinway Hall in 1996. He has made solo appearances with the Liederkranz Orchestra New York, the Moscow Cantilena Orchestra, and the Voronezh Philharmonic. Chamber music appearances include performances with members of the New York Philharmonic, violinist Nina Beilina, and bassist Mikhail Svetlov. As a composer, his works include symphonic, operatic, ballet, vocal, choral and chamber pieces. His work has been performed throughout Russia; in 1992, he received the All-Russian Composers Union Award, and in Europe, he was named ‘Man of the Year 1992-93’ by the Cambridge Biographical Center in England. In 1996, New York’s Bacchanalia Festival Orchestra commissioned his arrangement for violin and string orchestra of Schnittke’s Suite in the Old Style, which was premiered at Weill Recital Hall.

“My teaching is based on personal experience as an active performer and composer. I encourage the student to enjoy music first by listening to it closely and thinking about it before learning it. I believe that for students to perform music successfully, they need to gain the ability to express themselves in accordance with the specific style of the music.” The technique is also an important component of Mikhail’s teaching approach. “The student should understand how the instrument works, how to achieve a good touch in order to produce the best sound and unleash the instrument’s potential. I also emphasize good practice methods.”