Nicole Xian Ling Tan , writer, musician  (http://nicoletxl90.wix.com/nicoletan).

Four years ago, I was under the tutelage of Dr. Tatiana Korotkova at the HCA. Meeting Tatiana changed everything for me – both in terms of music and the various perspectives on life. During the six months I had with Tatiana, she encouraged me to participate in various competitions, recitals, and prepared me for my university entrance audition. I learned to see my strengths and my weaknesses because of her hindsight, and I have gained so much in such a short period of term.

Tatiana is the type of teacher who could inspire passion in any student, for she is skillful, wise, and full of grace. She teaches beyond what is on the page, and helps her students to see the meaning behind practicing and performing. Hours of sitting at the piano no longer became a torturous drill, as it became a significant part of my day. I looked forward to my lessons all the time, and they became the favorite time of my week. Spending time with Tatiana has taught me to appreciate the works of the wonderful composers. It was no longer just about my personal skill, but making justice of the beautiful music that I had the opportunity to play. She cares deeply about her work and puts herself fully into bringing the best out of her students. Most importantly, she has taught me to be human, as music is probably strongest way for humans to express their feelings! Throughout the process, she has helped me get in touch with myself while reaching out to others through music.

She is definitely one of the best teachers I have ever met, and I would still love to study with her one day when there is a chance. Tatiana is a fabulous mentor and a great role model. Hence, I would recommend her to anyone without a second thought. As William Arthur Ward says, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” I will be eternally grateful to Tatiana for being all of that.

 

 Olga Korotkyi (previously Vakoulich) 

I have been taking lessons from Tatiana on and off for about 6 years, post-secondary education and work being main culprits for the breaks. My main focus was vocal. Let me be upfront-if you, or your children ever want to become a professional musician, or at least advance to a level that is to be respected and commended, this is the right teacher for you. If you are looking to cross an item off your bucket list and want to take lessons for pure enjoyment and never achieve significant success in your studies-this is NOT your option. Tatiana is a wealth of knowledge that has the ability and experience to adjust teaching methods to her students. Obviously, not every student has the same need, and she picks up on these differences with great precision helping you strive to become a better musician. English is not her mother tongue, but personally, the accent never created a barrier for learning. As long as the student-parent-teacher triad is diligently set up, there is no way you will not make strides in your success. When we will have children of our own, granted we will be living in the same area, we will without a doubt send our children to study with Tatiana. She teaches critical thinking in music, and strives to develop a cellular understanding of what it is your performing. Thank-you for everything you've invested into me! I hope many more are able to experience your professional approach and maturity in their musical endeavors. 

 

Elena Khutornaya, parent

My family moved from another province and were looking for a professional music teacher for my daughter: she plays piano.Now I am very happy that Tatiana Korotkova  is my daughter's teacher. My daughter takes  piano, voice and theory lessons with her. Tatiana plans the work on  repertoire very well . Music played by my daughter began to sound more expressive. I listened as her students play - it was a wonderful music. It was the music, full of meaning. Tatiana  teaches students to understand music, and this is important! My daughter happily goes to the lessons. Tatiana is a very good teacher.

 

Fr. Pawel Ratajczak , Director, Catholic youth studio

I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tatiana Korotkova during the preparations for the "Santo Subito" musical, which was presented at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall in October of 2010. This musical was created by the well-known Polish composer, Piotr Rubik. The piece was performed with a full symphony orchestra, soloists and choir. As Choir Director, Dr. Korotkova was charged with preparing the choristers for two concerts of "Santo Subito".

Dr. Korotkova was instrumental in the success of the performances. She is not only superbly educated in the musical field, but also has natural gifts: such as a feel for various pieces. Dr. Korotkova is well-organized and meticulous in her work. She was exigent and firm with the choristers, and yet was able to motivate them to perform at their best. It should be noted that all of our choir members were volunteers.

Dr. Korotkova is talented pedagogically. She has an ability to connect with students and pass on to them knowledge both in music theory and choir work.

It should also be noted that Dr. Korotkova is skilful at managing timelines and tasks leading to performances. She was able to properly schedule and implement a full rehearsal routine with our choristers.

I should also note that Dr. Korotkova was choir director not only for the "Santo Subito" musical, but also for the "Tu Es Petrus" (October 2007) and "The September Psalter" (March 2008) concerts. All were held at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall with full choirs and symphony orchestras.

 

Roberto De Clara, Artistic Director/Conductor , Oakville Symphony Orchestra

I have known Ms.Korotkova's work since September of 2011 in her capacity as Conductor of the Concert Choir of the Hamilton Children's Choir. I have been privileged to attend many of her rehearsals and concerts throughout the current concert season, and have witnessed the oustanding artistic achievements of her devoted work. Ms.Korotkova's  superb musicality and intimate knowledge of the workings of the human voice have enabled her to form an impressive and responsive choral experience for the young people fortunate to work with her. Her attention to detail, phrasing and communication  combined with her impressive conducting skill has resulted in truly memorable musical moments for both choir and audience. Her high artistic standards, combined with her collaborative spirit and personality, make her an ideal leader in any musical setting.

 

Jene Brooks, former ACDA National Executive Director    

I have known Ms.Korotkova for more than ten years. On numerous ocasions I have observed her as a conductor, clinician and teacher, and have found her to be outstanding in all areas. Ms.Korotkova's choral groups have traveled extensively and hae appeared in numerous festivals and concerts. She is a gifted conductor, who has impressed me with the result she is able to achieve from her choirs. Choral groups under her direction are always impeccably prepared, demonstrating the tone quality, finesse, and professionalism, which only the elite choral conductors obtain.

 

Fr.Marian Gill OMI, Artistic Director for The John Paul II Legacy Concert

I had the privilege to work with Tatiana Korotkova who for several months worked with our choir as the choir conductor. I am astonished by her professionalism, her theoretical and practical knowledge and her ability to bring out the best in ech choir member. The standing ovation that the choir received at Roy Thomson Hall was due in good part to her dedication and tireless work.

I also admire Tatiana's love of music and her incredibe ability to teach each choir member how to properly interpret the song content. Tatiana is a person with great artistic talent as well as a positive human approach that allows her to develop a rupport easily with those with whom she works.

 

Michael Newnham, Music Director and Conductor, Pereborough Symphony Orchestra

I have known Ms Korotkova since the winter of 2005, when she began working with me as accompanist for the Polish Simfonia Choir in Toronto and Hamilton. We have performed together on several occasions, most recently at the CBC Glen Gould Studio in Toronto with a programme of music by Stanislaw Moniuszko. Tatiana Korotkoa is a very highly skilled musician: an exellent pianist and accompanist as well as choral conductor and educator. Ms Korotkova has always proven herseld to be a very helpful colleague, has an engaging personality, and, as well as being a demanding musician, is very easy to work with.

 

Vitek Wincza, Artistic Director, Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts

Tatiana Korotkova has been working at the Hamilton conservatory for the Arts since 2005 in the capacity of private vocal and piano teacher and HCA Youth Choir Director.

Her extensive background gives her the opportunity to teach all levels, including masters. As well, her repertoire ranges from classical to broadway. The HCA choir has received numerous accolades in their festival and competition participation. We believe she can bring any vocal ensemble to the highest standard, both from a music and artistic standpoint. We found her to be very efficient, professional and comitted artist of music,as well; she is responsible, enthusiastic and sincerely passionate.