Meet Our Faculty

Faculty & Leadership

Meet the people behind every lesson.

Every member of our faculty is hand-selected from prestigious international music institutions and brings both performance experience and a deep commitment to teaching.

Founder · Piano

Olga Aoust

Born in Gomel, Belarus, Olga began her study with Tatiana Volovko at the National Musical Lyceum in Minsk. In 1997 she received her Superior Performance Diploma from the Belarusian National Academy of Music, then studied with Anne-Marie De Lavellion Verdier at the National Superior Conservatory at Saint-Maur, France, where she was appointed Assistant Professor. In 1999 she won an international competition to study with Maestro Evgene Moguilevsy at the Royal Conservatoire of Music of Brussels, completing her Master's Degree with Distinction in 2003. In 2005 she received the title of "Professor of Piano Playing" in France and won the Concerto Competition at Bowling Green State University, USA. Olga has performed solo and chamber music across France, Belgium, Scotland, Norway and the United States, and is a recipient of multiple international awards including First Prize and a Gold Medal at an international festival in France (1999).

Director · Choir Conductor

Dimitri Batinovski

Dimitri completed his Master's degree in Music Conducting at the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Weimar, Germany (1995–2003). He sang for 11 years in the boys' choir of his hometown Minsk before studying conducting in Weimar. His accolades include 1st place in the NRW state choir competition (2005), 1st place in the German National Competition (2006) and 3rd place in the Federal choir competition. From 2010–2019 he worked as Choir Conductor and Voice teacher at the Boys' Choir Academie in Dortmund, Germany (knabenstimmen.de), preparing students for projects including Mozart's Magic Flute, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and Mahler's 8th Symphony.

Head of Music Program · Piano & Theory

Eleanora Stanevich

Eleanora Stanevich graduated from the prestigious Belarusian Academy of Music in Minsk in 1997 with a Master's Degree. From 1997 to 2006 she was employed as a piano teacher at the M. Oginskyi Music College in Belarus. Many of her students successfully participated in regional and national music competitions in Belarus and continued their music education at the Belarusian Academy of Music. Eleanora is also a prize winner of the international piano competition for young musicians held in Smolensk, Russia. From 2006 onwards she travelled across Europe and other parts of the world as a chamber musician — earning consistent positive responses and recommendations from guests as well as her employers. Eleanora has worked as piano and theory teacher with Life in Music school in Bahrain since 2008. Her students are prepared for the Russian and British piano curriculum examinations from Beginner to Diploma level, and participate at competitions and festivals including Young Musician of the Gulf, the Etude Competition at Life in Music School and music festivals in the UAE.

String Instruments Teacher · Cello & Violin

Iryna Ulrikh

Artistic, versatile performer and experienced teacher. Graduated in 2006 from Mariupol Music College Ukraine in the specialty "Musical Arts" and qualified as a teacher, orchestral (ensemble) performer and leader of the orchestra. Experienced teacher for Cello instruments and Music Theory from Preparatory, Grades 1–8 through Diploma level.

Piano Instructor

Xiaofei Cao

A dedicated and experienced piano educator with an international teaching career spanning over a decade. Xiaofei holds a Bachelor of Arts in Musicology (Teacher-Training) from Liaoning University, China (2004), and combines a deep understanding of music history and theory with a specialised pedagogy designed to inspire students of all ages and skill levels.

Vocal Instructor

Valyantsina Kuzmiankova

Leads our vocal programme — individual and group singing from age five — building emotion, technique and the courage to perform.

Ballet Teacher

Natalia Kniazeva

Master's Degree from The Krupskaya Mogilev College of Culture, specialised in Folk Art. Qualified as an Organizer of Culture Work and Leisure Activities, and certified as a Manager of Folklore Group. At Life in Music, Natalia leads the ballet programme, working with children from age three upwards. She personally conducts every ballet audition and guides students through the primary and junior levels — where posture, discipline and joy meet.

Art Teacher

Irina Averinos

With a remarkable career spanning numerous art exhibitions and festivals in Bahrain and worldwide, Mrs. Averinos brings a wealth of experience and expertise. She has designed and conducted art courses and workshops for children and adults at events organised by the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Social Development, The Royal Charity Organization and private companies over many years. Her paintings are held in private collections across Europe, Asia, the USA, Canada, Australia, Russia and the Middle East.

Administrator

Lyn Mabanta

The first point of contact for every Life in Music family. Lyn handles admissions, scheduling and parent communication — and will be happy to inform you about requirements, policies and how to enrol.

Begin Your Journey

Give your child
the gift of music.

Registration is now open for all programmes. Classes are limited — secure your place today.

Or call us: +973 36798866 · lifeinmusicbahrain@gmail.com

Visit Us

Villa 1653, Road 4633, Block 646, Sanad, Bahrain

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Reach Us

+973 36798866

+973 17625583

+973 39231707

lifeinmusicbahrain@gmail.com

Opening Hours

Saturday9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Sun – Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thursday10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Meet Our Faculty and Leadership