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MARIIA KOVALENKO
PIANO PERFORMANCE
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“Mariia is obviously a rising star we will hear more from. Sincere congratulations to Mariia and all of the competition participants. The future of Jazz shines bright.
- Galen Demus, Board of Directors for Billy Strayhorn Songs Inc
Selected Performances & Experience
Mariia Kovalenko began her piano training at the age of six, later focusing on jazz and improvisation. She studied at the George Gershwin Music School in Moscow under Alexei Podymkin, where she began performing in competitions and received her first prizes.
At 15, she continued at the Igor Butman Jazz College, studying with Evgeny Lebedev. During this time, she performed actively in Moscow’s jazz scene, appearing at venues including the Igor Butman Jazz Club and the ESSE Jazz Club.
From 2020 to 2023, she was a pianist with the Jazz Academy Big Band, touring across Russia and performing in major cities.
Mariia later received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where her performance highlights include:
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Winner of the Billy Strayhorn Competition
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Performances at Make Music New York Festival
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Marion Kozodoy - "Pianist - Vocalist." scholarship recipient. (Berklee, 2026)
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Performance with Jacques Schwarz-Bart (Boston)
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Berklee Signature Series at the Berklee Performance Center (sold-out shows, 2025)
In addition, Mariia was an advanced accompanist for the Voice Department at Berklee for 3 years(2023-2026). This job requierd Excellent Sight Reading skills.
She is also active as a recording artist, including Dolphins Made of Glass with Jose Mendez.
Game Audio Reel
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