“I have known Galina since she first came to Pittsburgh in 1999. She joined Edgewood Symphony Orchestra soon after her arrival, and as a symphony member myself, I was able to appreciate her wide range of musical abilities. Galina has now been Concert Master of The Edgewood Symphony Orchestra for the past 14 years,teaches at The Ellis School in Shadyside (Pittsburgh) and has her own studio in Squirrel Hill where I have been her student for several years. Galina is an excellent teacher of the violin, viola, cello and piano, is able to relate to students of all ages and to create individualized teaching plans for each one. She also teaches at the Ellis School in Shadyside and has a studio in Squirrel Hill (Pittsburgh), where I have been a student for several years. Galina is an excellent teacher of violin, viola, cello and piano, is able to relate to students of all ages and to create individualized teaching plans for each one. I have benefitted greatly from her teaching and strongly recommend her”

“Galina has been my teacher these past 14 years. I have always enjoyed my lessons with her. They are uplifting and inspire me to keep practicing. Unique features of Galina’s teaching: 1) She has the overwhelming desire to help a student find the source of a problem. More often than not, a problem turns out to be no problem at all, but simply a barrier or a blank in the student’s mind. 2) She finds a solution to a technical difficulty and helps you to overcome obstacles in a thoughtful manner. 3) Galina is a good judge of the amount of work and effort a student has put into the preparation of a lesson and praises accordingly. Should a student a student not play according to expectations, Galina will not put him/her down, instead she demonstrates how to practice efficiently and she will practice together with the student. 4) Galina’s deep experience as a solo and orchestral violinist carries over into her teaching and encourages her pupils to overcome shyness and to perform for family, friends, and in public. 5) Last, but not least, Galina has the gift of teaching students of any age. I, myself, began studying viola at an advanced age and took lessons with many different teachers. I am much indebted to Galina’s unrelenting teaching ambition which enables me to play chamber music and participate in a small orchestra. 6) She is the best teacher I have ever had. I have stayed with her for the past 14 years.”

“Ms. Galina has been my daughters violin and piano teacher for more than a year. She is the most talented teacher I have ever experienced! She has a “way” with kids that makes it very enjoyable for them to learn. Even if my daughter is struggling with a song or a concept Ms. Galina keeps her engaged and encourages her to keep trying. She provides for a very positive and fun learning environment and gets a great result from the kids!”

“ My daughter started taking violin lessons with Galina six years ago, at the age of 4, and they hit it off immediately. Playing the violin with Galina is her favorite extracurricular activity, and the only one she would never consider giving up, under any circumstances. Galina is an excellent teacher, with lots of patience, caring and encouraging, not to mention an extremely talented and accomplished violinist! We are very fortunate to have her as a teacher and friend to our family!”