Music students of any age and skill level, from beginner to advanced, can study piano at the newly opened South Florida Conservatory of Music in Downtown Hollywood, founded by an accomplished concert pianist who has plans to include additional instrumental and dance offerings.
Mark Demidovich, who started studying piano at age 7 and has been teaching others to play for more than 12 years, opened his school at 1940 Harrison St., Suite 100, in late September.
A native of Kostroma, Russia, who lives in Downtown Hollywood, Demidovich emigrated to the U.S. in 2011 to continue his education, which included The Juilliard School in New York City, one of the world’s leading music schools. He has won many international music competitions, performed numerous solo recitals, and appeared as a guest soloist with orchestras in Russia, Bulgaria, Sweden, and the U.S., where venues included the White House, Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Lincoln Center.
Despite all of his accomplishments, Demidovich had a dream that went unfulfilled – until now.
“From the moment I started teaching, it was always my dream to have my own music school,” he said. “I want to have an impact on as many people as I can, to bring music into their lives, and having my own school allows me to do that.”
Demidovich has taught students ranging in age from 4 to 75. And during this time, he honed his successful student-centered teaching method that combines the traditional method of learning an instrument with behavioral psychology and contemporary studies on how people learn.
“I use positive reinforcement and fun games, especially for my younger students,” he said.
The conservatory staff includes two other piano teachers who share Demidovich’s teaching philosophy. Future offerings will include violin, guitar and voice lessons, as well as ballet, Latin, hip-hop and belly dance classes. The 2,500-square-foot facility includes four lesson rooms and a 450-square-foot space that will serve as a band room and small concert hall.
When scouting locations for his new school, Demidovich looked no farther than the historic downtown arts, music and entertainment district he calls home.
“I love the area in general, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and we have a beautiful downtown here,” he said. “Even in the two years I’ve been living here, I see the progress that’s been made, and I see the great potential for the area.”
The South Florida Conservatory of Music is open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday – Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The school offers weekly private piano lessons consisting of 30 minutes ($155 per month), 45 minutes ($235 per month) or 60 minutes ($310 per month).
For more information, call 954-842-2652 or visit www.sflcm.com. To watch Demidovich play, visit www.markdemidovich.com/media. Qualified music and dance teachers can email their résumé to info@sflcm.com.
