Elena Prokopienko , a Russian- Canadian concert pianist, has played the piano since the age of six . She studied at the Kazan Specialized Music School for Gifted Children and the Kazan State Conservatory graduating with a Master's degree in Solo Piano Performance, Chamber Music, and Pedagogy. She studied piano with Professor Natalia Fomina, herself a student of the legendary Russian pianist and outstanding pedagogue Heinrich Neuhaus, a creator of a piano 'school' which is a great achievement in a development of the art of piano playing.
During her studies, Elena was employed as a Conservatory Staff Accompanist. She was coaching and providing musical accompaniment for performance students (mainly focusing on string students) for recitals, auditions, lessons, competitions and instrumental examinations.
After graduation from the Conservatory with honore Elena has launched a successful career in Russia. She worked as a performer, accompanist and piano teacher at various teaching levels: music schools, colleges developing her teaching skills and gaining valuable work experience.
Between 1990 and 2007, Elena lived in Poland, where she was employed as a piano teacher and accompanist at the State Music School in Lomza. She held position of Head of Piano Department at this school for 12 years. During her tenure at the State Music School, Elena was regularly invited for piano workshops, seminars and open classes as well as to perform at festivals, accompany recitals, adjudicate various competitions and auditions. She was also an expert for the promotion of professional teachers.
For many years, she collaborated with Witold Lutoslawski Chamber Filharmonic as an orchestral musician. She also was a member of Alla Breve String Quartet.
In 1995, in collaboration with an accomplished horn player Tomasz Sopur (Poland ) she released CD " Dziela muzyki waltorniowej " featuring music by J.Brahms, W.A.Mozart, R.Schumann
Elena has lived in Mississauga since 2007, combining performing and coaching at The Phil and Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists and The Glenn Gould School of Music in Toronto as well as instructing students from her Elena's Piano Studio.
As a soloist and chamber musician, Elena has performed at various recitals and concerts in Russia, Poland, and Canada. Her concert repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by Russian, Polich, French, Austrian, German, Spanish, American and Canadian composers.