Baiazitov exemplifies career crescendo

Dr. Ruslan Baiazitov wanted to be a music teacher since childhood. He has accomplished that and much more, including releasing a new CD. 

Baiazitov joined San Jacinto College’s music department at the Central Campus in January 2022. He teaches classical piano, private piano lessons, music appreciation, fundamentals of music, sight singing and ear training, and theory and directs the string ensemble. 

Q: Tell us about your education and background.  

A: I began my musical studies in my native Kazakhstan. I am a graduate of Kazan State Conservatory in Russia. I was invited to continue my education at Musik und Kunst Privat Universität der Stadt Wien in Austria, where I received my master’s degree in 2015. 

I completed my postgraduate studies at the prestigious Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna. 

I continued my education in the U.S. at Baylor University as a piano and composition major with Krassimira Jordan and Dr. Scott McAllister. In 2022, I completed my Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance and symphonic conducting at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. At UH, I studied with Tali Morgulis, Timothy Hester, and Franz Anton Krager. 

Q: What inspired you to choose this career path? 

A: My grandmother, who taught high school math for around 33 years, has greatly influenced my life. While mathematics and music might appear unrelated, they have a deep and interconnected relationship that spans centuries. This link is not accidental. Mathematics is integral to music, influencing everything from the structure of musical scales to the physics behind an instrument's sound. 

 Q: Share about your new CD and what makes it unique. 

A: During my years of education, I had the privilege of meeting great professionals who had recorded large collections of musical works by a single composer. These encounters served as a profound source of inspiration. 

When I began practicing Frédéric Chopin’s 24 Etudes, Op. 10 and Op. 25, I became intrigued by the idea of exploring piano techniques, which would enhance my teaching skills. After dedicating time to practice, I ventured into performing several recitals featuring Chopin’s etudes. Eventually, I recorded a CD. 

Interestingly, I hadn't initially contemplated performing these etudes publicly or recording them. Lynne Brandt, department chair of music and audio recording at the Central Campus, supported my CD project by organizing a recital at San Jac. It's so important to have professionals like Professor Brandt in my life who can appreciate challenges of the artistic process. Additionally, Amanda Watson, a representative from Steinway, along with Steinway Piano Gallery Houston, supported my project by offering a superb venue and a grand piano for the final recording. 

The 24 Etudes proved to be the most challenging program I've ever undertaken. Practicing such a demanding repertoire requires immense energy and robust health. To meet these challenges head-on, I incorporated regular gym sessions and worked with a personal coach. Engaging in exercises not only benefited me physically but also mentally, aiding me in tackling the demands of this program.  

Q: Is this your first CD, and how did it feel to release it? 

 A: This is my second CD. I recorded my first CD in Vienna, Austria. Additionally, I have produced an album featuring my own compositions, available on Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, and many others. Releasing this CD was a moment of happiness. While it involved a lot of work, the results were worth it.   

Q: What else have you been working on? 

A: During a recent trip to New York, I was honored to be invited to visit the Steinway & Sons factory on Oct. 22-23 as part of a special program, Doretta Steinway Experience, for 25 selected piano teachers from Texas. It was an incredible experience to see firsthand the craftsmanship behind the world-renowned Steinway pianos. Our trip also included a memorable visit to Carnegie Hall, making this an inspiring experience for any music enthusiast. 

I am currently working on a new CD featuring Liszt's 12 Transcendental Etudes, supported by a grant from the Music Teacher National Association.