About us
Musica Viva Zurich International Music School welcomes students of all ages who wish to study classical music to an excellent level in a creative and lively musical environment.
Based on a synthesis of proven principles from East and West-European musical education, our school combines a professional approach to music lessons with a focus on the joy of making music and sharing it with others.
Whether the student’s aim is to become a professional or to learn for personal pleasure, our goal is for music to stay with them for their entire life.
Our school center is located in the beautiful Villa Irniger on Zurichberg but we offer music lessons in different districts of Zurich in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian and Hungarian.
Concept: A BIGGER PICTURE
Fun or technical excellence? You don’t have to choose.
Playing a musical instrument is a unique combination of physical, intellectual and emotional processes. Only by developing all of these aspects can a student achieve a good level of mastery of an instrument and, consequently, real satisfaction and enjoyment in making music.
Musica Viva School brings together the best traditions from West and East* so our students enjoy music lessons at a very high level.
We provide our students with an environment in which they can share and develop their interest in music and their desire to play an instrument well.
We believe you don’t have to choose between fun and excellence.
You can have both.
FUN: THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY MUSIC IS TO LIVE IT
We provide a lively communication environment and shared musical experiences for all students and teachers, all year long.
We hold special events such as:
- An “In-house-SALON” – sessions where any member of the school can play for others, play together, discuss questions, etc.
- “House concerts” – any student can host a concert at his or her home, with students and teachers as performers thus experiencing music in the most direct and personal way.
- Joint visits to concerts outside the school: teachers attend concerts of their choice with their students.
- Short music camps for intensive study and musical interaction
- Public concerts
- Workshops with invited teachers
EXCELLENCE: THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY PLAYING IS TO PLAY EXCELLENTLY
We ensure an exceptional level of teaching and learning through:
- The competence of our teachers, who are performing musicians, with pedagogical qualifications and great teaching experience
- The greater length and frequency of music lessons*
- Close attention to technical development of fundamentals
- Group classes with a specially developed program of musical theory
- A personal, encouraging approach to each student
Teachers
Nadja Saminskaja – piano
PIANO LESSONS
in Zurich and Rifferswil (ZH)
in Zurich and Rifferswil (ZH)
WHO AM I?
My name is Nadja Saminskaja.
I play the piano and I have been teaching others to do the same for more than 20 years.
Born in Moscow, I have lived in Zurich since 2009.
I’m a founder and the artistic director of Musica Viva ZIMS.
Alongside my teaching activity, I perform regularly in different chamber music formations, in particular with the S-ensemble piano quartet and in a duo with the German soprano Maria Bernius. I’m the artistic co-director of the concert series kulturzelt.ch and garden&music group travels kulturzelt-reisen.
My name is Nadja Saminskaja.
I play the piano and I have been teaching others to do the same for more than 20 years.
Born in Moscow, I have lived in Zurich since 2009.
I’m a founder and the artistic director of Musica Viva ZIMS.
Alongside my teaching activity, I perform regularly in different chamber music formations, in particular with the S-ensemble piano quartet and in a duo with the German soprano Maria Bernius. I’m the artistic co-director of the concert series kulturzelt.ch and garden&music group travels kulturzelt-reisen.
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WHERE DID I STUDY?
In 1998 I became a student at the Ippolitov-Ivanov Moscow Pedagogical Music College graduating with an award in 2001.
In 2002 I received a scholarship to study for a year at the Accademia di Musica città di Pinerolo (IT) under Franco Scala.
In 2007 I successfully graduated from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music as a Master of Piano in performance and pedagogy as a student of Ekaterina Derzhavina.
In 2011 I completed my studies with another Master Performance at the Hochschule Luzern in the class of Konstantin Lifschitz.
In 1998 I became a student at the Ippolitov-Ivanov Moscow Pedagogical Music College graduating with an award in 2001.
In 2002 I received a scholarship to study for a year at the Accademia di Musica città di Pinerolo (IT) under Franco Scala.
In 2007 I successfully graduated from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music as a Master of Piano in performance and pedagogy as a student of Ekaterina Derzhavina.
In 2011 I completed my studies with another Master Performance at the Hochschule Luzern in the class of Konstantin Lifschitz.
WHY MUSIC?
I was born into a big family, the fourth child of seven. My parents loved music and wanted music to be part of our family life. All of us tried one instrument or another, and three of us decided to take music as our profession. But also those who didn’t continue with music professionally kept the music as an important part of their lives, listening to music and going to concerts, and finally bringing up their children to study music as well. Music unites us as a family – now a big family with grandparents, children and grandchildren, and there’s hardly a celebration without a house concert. I believe that studying music is of great advantage for everyone, bringing lots of joy and many new dimensions to your whole life.
I was born into a big family, the fourth child of seven. My parents loved music and wanted music to be part of our family life. All of us tried one instrument or another, and three of us decided to take music as our profession. But also those who didn’t continue with music professionally kept the music as an important part of their lives, listening to music and going to concerts, and finally bringing up their children to study music as well. Music unites us as a family – now a big family with grandparents, children and grandchildren, and there’s hardly a celebration without a house concert. I believe that studying music is of great advantage for everyone, bringing lots of joy and many new dimensions to your whole life.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in District 7 (Fluntern) and in Rifferswil (ZH).
I teach in English, German, Russian and Italian.
My lessons take place in District 7 (Fluntern) and in Rifferswil (ZH).
I teach in English, German, Russian and Italian.
Ekaterina Bonyushkina – piano
PIANO LESSONS
in Zurich Seefeld and Fluntern
in Zurich Seefeld and Fluntern
WHO AM I?
My name is Ekaterina Bonyushkina. I am a 20-year-old pianist and a laureate of several international competitions, striving to fulfill my dream of performing on the world’s biggest stages with prominent symphony orchestras. Despite my young age, I have gained significant experience with younger children, having looked after many younger cousins since my teens. I began teaching at the age of 16. Teaching interests me because witnessing a student’s progress and growing passion for music is fascinating. Moreover, teaching enables me to comprehend the unique differences in each individual. I teach children and adults of all levels.
My name is Ekaterina Bonyushkina. I am a 20-year-old pianist and a laureate of several international competitions, striving to fulfill my dream of performing on the world’s biggest stages with prominent symphony orchestras. Despite my young age, I have gained significant experience with younger children, having looked after many younger cousins since my teens. I began teaching at the age of 16. Teaching interests me because witnessing a student’s progress and growing passion for music is fascinating. Moreover, teaching enables me to comprehend the unique differences in each individual. I teach children and adults of all levels.
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WHERE DID I STUDY?
When I was 10 years old I was accepted to one of two best professional music schools in Moscow, the Gnessin School. The last three years of studying there (2019-2022) I had worked with a great pianist Boris Berezovsky.
2022 I started my bachelor degree in Geneva Haute Ecole de Musique under another prominent pianist and teacher Nelson Görner.
I have participated in masterclasses with a number of renowned musicians such as R. Shereshevskaya, de J. Fialkowska, Z. Chochieva, J.-E. Bavouzet, K. Hellwig, J. Achucarro, S. Babayan, G. Takács-Nagy and F. Rados.
When I was 10 years old I was accepted to one of two best professional music schools in Moscow, the Gnessin School. The last three years of studying there (2019-2022) I had worked with a great pianist Boris Berezovsky.
2022 I started my bachelor degree in Geneva Haute Ecole de Musique under another prominent pianist and teacher Nelson Görner.
I have participated in masterclasses with a number of renowned musicians such as R. Shereshevskaya, de J. Fialkowska, Z. Chochieva, J.-E. Bavouzet, K. Hellwig, J. Achucarro, S. Babayan, G. Takács-Nagy and F. Rados.
WHY MUSIC?
When I was very young, my mother once proposed me to listen to Beethoven‘s Sonatas No. 8 and 17. For weeks thereafter, I would refuse to sleep without listening to them over and over again. And every time I would experience goosebumps. Now, looking back, I realize that it was the beginning of my passion for music. Even now, I cannot stand still when I listen to Beethoven.
Music is an incredibly rich language, that evokes some of the deepest feelings and thoughts a human can experience. To be able to read the brilliant, genius ideas of composers, to be able to create your own interpretation out of them, and let people witness it, is a great gift.
When I was very young, my mother once proposed me to listen to Beethoven‘s Sonatas No. 8 and 17. For weeks thereafter, I would refuse to sleep without listening to them over and over again. And every time I would experience goosebumps. Now, looking back, I realize that it was the beginning of my passion for music. Even now, I cannot stand still when I listen to Beethoven.
Music is an incredibly rich language, that evokes some of the deepest feelings and thoughts a human can experience. To be able to read the brilliant, genius ideas of composers, to be able to create your own interpretation out of them, and let people witness it, is a great gift.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in District 7 (Fluntern) and District 8 (Seefeld).
I teach in English, German, Russian and French.
My lessons take place in District 7 (Fluntern) and District 8 (Seefeld).
I teach in English, German, Russian and French.
Daphne Unseld – Viola
VIOLIN and VIOLA LESSONS
in Zurich (Wipkingen)
in Zurich (Wipkingen)
WHO AM I?
My name is Daphne Unseld.
For more than 20 years I’ve been teaching violin and viola to children, young people and adults.
I have four children and live with my family in Zurich.
Alongside my teaching activity at the Musica Viva ZIMS and the Music school Oetwil-Geroldswil, I’m a member of the S-ensemble piano quartet, and play on a regular basis in different Swiss orchestras.
My name is Daphne Unseld.
For more than 20 years I’ve been teaching violin and viola to children, young people and adults.
I have four children and live with my family in Zurich.
Alongside my teaching activity at the Musica Viva ZIMS and the Music school Oetwil-Geroldswil, I’m a member of the S-ensemble piano quartet, and play on a regular basis in different Swiss orchestras.
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WHERE DID I STUDY?
In 1994, after a formative time under Dora Kobelt, I was accepted as a student in the class of Matthias Boegner at the Konservatorium Zurich.
In 1995 I entered as a violist the Musikhochschule Zurich, where I studied under Michel Rouilly.
In 2002, after successful graduation with a pedagogical diploma, I continued my studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht under Michael Kugel.
In 1994, after a formative time under Dora Kobelt, I was accepted as a student in the class of Matthias Boegner at the Konservatorium Zurich.
In 1995 I entered as a violist the Musikhochschule Zurich, where I studied under Michel Rouilly.
In 2002, after successful graduation with a pedagogical diploma, I continued my studies at the Conservatorium Maastricht under Michael Kugel.
WHY MUSIC?
Already in early childhood, thanks to intensive music-making in my parents’ house, I decided that music would play an important role in my life. For hours, my sisters and I would spend time playing our first violin concertos and different kinds of ensembles from duos to quartets.
But making music together was much more than putting together our individual “voices”. I found the creation of moods and characters absolutely exhilarating.
It still gives me great pleasure to be able to thrill others with my passion for music.
Music is the language that connects people, regardless of their background.
Already in early childhood, thanks to intensive music-making in my parents’ house, I decided that music would play an important role in my life. For hours, my sisters and I would spend time playing our first violin concertos and different kinds of ensembles from duos to quartets.
But making music together was much more than putting together our individual “voices”. I found the creation of moods and characters absolutely exhilarating.
It still gives me great pleasure to be able to thrill others with my passion for music.
Music is the language that connects people, regardless of their background.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in District 10 (Wipkingen).
I teach in Swiss German, German and Russian.
My lessons take place in District 10 (Wipkingen).
I teach in Swiss German, German and Russian.
Ronny Spiegel – Violin
VIOLIN LESSONS
in Zurich (Hottingen)
in Zurich (Hottingen)
WHO AM I?
My name is Ronny Spiegel.
I was born in Switzerland and started to play the violin aged six. As a freelance musician I regularly perform in Switzerland and abroad with the S-ensemble piano quartet, the Kaleidoscope String Quartet and musique en route.
My name is Ronny Spiegel.
I was born in Switzerland and started to play the violin aged six. As a freelance musician I regularly perform in Switzerland and abroad with the S-ensemble piano quartet, the Kaleidoscope String Quartet and musique en route.
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WHERE DID I STUDY?
At the age of six I started taking violin lessons from my grandmother Katharina Hardy.
In 1997 I was accepted at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Great Britain, where I was a student of Natasha Boyarskaya.
In 2009, I graduated from the Conservatoire de Fribourg (Haut école de Lausanne) under Gyula Stuller.
At the age of six I started taking violin lessons from my grandmother Katharina Hardy.
In 1997 I was accepted at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Great Britain, where I was a student of Natasha Boyarskaya.
In 2009, I graduated from the Conservatoire de Fribourg (Haut école de Lausanne) under Gyula Stuller.
WHY MUSIC?
Making music was never a conscious choice, it just belonged to me since I was a small child.
Growing up in the environment of an opera house, taking ballet classes and also having an elder sister who, as well, learned to play the violin at young age had a big impact on me. With the strong support of my mother and grandmother I became a musician and I am very grateful to them for that. Making music, but also just listening to it, has the power to deeply affect me.
Making music was never a conscious choice, it just belonged to me since I was a small child.
Growing up in the environment of an opera house, taking ballet classes and also having an elder sister who, as well, learned to play the violin at young age had a big impact on me. With the strong support of my mother and grandmother I became a musician and I am very grateful to them for that. Making music, but also just listening to it, has the power to deeply affect me.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in District 7 (Hottingen).
I teach in English, Swiss German, German, French and Hungarian.
My lessons take place in District 7 (Hottingen).
I teach in English, Swiss German, German, French and Hungarian.
Fedor Saminski – Cello
CELLO LESSONS
in Zurich (Oberstrass)
in Zurich (Oberstrass)
WHO AM I?
My name is Fedor Saminski.
Born in Moscow in 1979, I have lived in Zurich for over 20 years.
My main focus in teaching are advanced students and adults.
On stage I can be heard mainly as a chamber musician, with the membership in the piano quartet S-ensemble being my main focus for last 12 years.
I am also active as a bowmaker and run my own workshop in Zurich.
My name is Fedor Saminski.
Born in Moscow in 1979, I have lived in Zurich for over 20 years.
My main focus in teaching are advanced students and adults.
On stage I can be heard mainly as a chamber musician, with the membership in the piano quartet S-ensemble being my main focus for last 12 years.
I am also active as a bowmaker and run my own workshop in Zurich.
Read more
WHERE DID I STUDY?
My first lessons were with Natalia Timofeeva: I probably owe it to her to become a professional musician.
In 1997 I graduated from Gnessin Music School; afterwards I continued my studies at the Musikhochschule Zürich with Walter Grimmer, and later with Roel Dieltiens. In 2012 I completed my studies and graduated with a teaching and concert diploma.
One of the most important parts of my musical education is my work with the S-ensemble.
My first lessons were with Natalia Timofeeva: I probably owe it to her to become a professional musician.
In 1997 I graduated from Gnessin Music School; afterwards I continued my studies at the Musikhochschule Zürich with Walter Grimmer, and later with Roel Dieltiens. In 2012 I completed my studies and graduated with a teaching and concert diploma.
One of the most important parts of my musical education is my work with the S-ensemble.
WHY MUSIC?
Since my parents liked listening to music at home, I was born into music. The need to share the feelings and thoughts that music awakened in me from an early age encouraged me to become a professional.
Since my parents liked listening to music at home, I was born into music. The need to share the feelings and thoughts that music awakened in me from an early age encouraged me to become a professional.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in district 6 (Unterstrass).
I teach in German, Swiss German, Russian and English.
My lessons take place in district 6 (Unterstrass).
I teach in German, Swiss German, Russian and English.
Ljupka Rac – Soprano
SINGING LESSONS
in Zurich (Leimbach)
in Zurich (Leimbach)
WHO AM I?
My name is Ljupka Rac. I am a classical opera singer. I come from Serbia and have been living and working in Switzerland for more than ten years. I am a laureate of the Marguerite Meister Foundation, finalist of the Zinka Milanov Singing Competition in Rijeka 2016 and winner of the second prize of the “Maria Labia” Competition in Malcesine, Italy 2021.
Since 2013/2014 I performed regularly at the Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn, where I have sung numerous roles: Woglinde in “Rheingold” (Wagner), La Primadonna in “Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali” (Donizetti), Rusalka in “Rusalka” (Dvorak), Violetta in “La Traviata” (Verdi), Alcina in “Alcina” (Händel), Leila in “Les Pêcheurs de perles” (Bizet), Giunia in “Lucio Silla” (Mozart) and Fiordiligi in “Cosi fan tutte” (Mozart).
Almost in every period of my education and work in the theatre I have given private singing lessons. I love working with different voices, whether preparing someone for a professional life or developing one’s voice for personal pleasure, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience.
My name is Ljupka Rac. I am a classical opera singer. I come from Serbia and have been living and working in Switzerland for more than ten years. I am a laureate of the Marguerite Meister Foundation, finalist of the Zinka Milanov Singing Competition in Rijeka 2016 and winner of the second prize of the “Maria Labia” Competition in Malcesine, Italy 2021.
Since 2013/2014 I performed regularly at the Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn, where I have sung numerous roles: Woglinde in “Rheingold” (Wagner), La Primadonna in “Le convenienze ed inconvenienze teatrali” (Donizetti), Rusalka in “Rusalka” (Dvorak), Violetta in “La Traviata” (Verdi), Alcina in “Alcina” (Händel), Leila in “Les Pêcheurs de perles” (Bizet), Giunia in “Lucio Silla” (Mozart) and Fiordiligi in “Cosi fan tutte” (Mozart).
Almost in every period of my education and work in the theatre I have given private singing lessons. I love working with different voices, whether preparing someone for a professional life or developing one’s voice for personal pleasure, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience.
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WHERE DID I STUDY?
I started my musical education with piano lessons at the age of 6 in Serbia and later (1998-2002) I graduated from the Music School in Subbotica as a pianist. During my piano studies I also started singing lessons, which I continued at the National Academy of Music n.a. P. I. Tchaikovsky in Kiev (2003-2008) with professors Violetta Votrina, Svetlana Dobronravova, Ivan Ponomarenko, Larisa Ostapenko and Olena Yakunina.
2010-2014 I absolved the Master of Music Performance / Concert at the Zurich University of the Arts and at the Opera Studio Biel/Bienne with Prof. Jane and David Thorner.
In 2016-2017 I obtained the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Lucerne with Prof. Barbara Locher.
I have participated in many master classes with famous artists such as Stefania Bonfadelli, William Matteuzzi, Bernadette Manca di Nissa, Alexander Vedernikov, Vincenzo Antonio Manno, Marijana Mijanovic.
I started my musical education with piano lessons at the age of 6 in Serbia and later (1998-2002) I graduated from the Music School in Subbotica as a pianist. During my piano studies I also started singing lessons, which I continued at the National Academy of Music n.a. P. I. Tchaikovsky in Kiev (2003-2008) with professors Violetta Votrina, Svetlana Dobronravova, Ivan Ponomarenko, Larisa Ostapenko and Olena Yakunina.
2010-2014 I absolved the Master of Music Performance / Concert at the Zurich University of the Arts and at the Opera Studio Biel/Bienne with Prof. Jane and David Thorner.
In 2016-2017 I obtained the Certificate of Advanced Studies in Lucerne with Prof. Barbara Locher.
I have participated in many master classes with famous artists such as Stefania Bonfadelli, William Matteuzzi, Bernadette Manca di Nissa, Alexander Vedernikov, Vincenzo Antonio Manno, Marijana Mijanovic.
WHY MUSIC?
Music has always been the way to express and explain myself, although no one in my family is a musician. I took this path on my own and music was my own choice. I think music is my big life challenge and it makes me happy.
Music has always been the way to express and explain myself, although no one in my family is a musician. I took this path on my own and music was my own choice. I think music is my big life challenge and it makes me happy.
LOCATIONS & LANGUAGES:
My lessons take place in district 2 (Leimbach, Zurich).
I teach in German, English, Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian
My lessons take place in district 2 (Leimbach, Zurich).
I teach in German, English, Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian
Location
At the moment we offer instrumental lessons in:
- District 7, Fluntern (Piano lessons, Theory group)
- District 2, Leimbach (Singing lessons, Vocal ensemble)
- District 6, Oberstrass (Cello lessons)
- District 7, Hottingen (Violin lessons)
- District 8, Seefeld (Piano lessons)
- District 10, Wipkingen (Violin lessons, Viola lessons)
- Rifferswil / Hausen am Albis (ZH) (Piano lessons, Violin lessons)
Our different joint school projects are held in Fluntern district,
Schneckenmannstrasse 8, 8008 Zürich.
Please contact the school for the details.
Association
Musica Viva Zurich International Music School is a non-profit Swiss association (Verein). We invite all members of the the school to become associate members of the association. The annual fee is CHF 50.
We also welcome anyone who would like to support our concept of creative and quality musical education in Zurich. Your support helps us keep school fees as low as possible. We wish to make excellent musical education accessible to anyone who appreciates it, and at the same time to be able to pay our teachers appropriately.
If you have any questions regarding the association, please contact our Board.
BOARD MEMBERS:
President of the Association, Managing Director of ZIMS Musica Viva
Natalia Schärer
Artistic Director
of ZIMS Musica Viva
of ZIMS Musica Viva
Nadja Saminskaja
Co-Founder
of ZIMS Musica Viva
of ZIMS Musica Viva
Nathanael Su
