Ukrainian Musician Showcases the Power of Music
Ukrainian Musician Showcases the Power of Music
September 20, 2022
By Nifemi Bola
CAM Media Contact: Jackie Swan
Moving away from home is an exciting chapter for most college students, but how far would you go to pursue your dream?
Even for those traveling a short distance from home, the experience can be life-changing. Now, imagine throwing a new language, culture, and societal structure into the mix. Confronting these obstacles head-on is something international students like Alona Khoptynets face every day.
Since leaving Ukraine and coming to Sam Houston State University in pursuit of her second master’s degree, Khoptynets has continued to flourish as a musician, having been awarded and recognized in six different competitions with the most recent being second prize in the Franz Listz International Piano Competition.
“It is very interesting to see and compare the different backgrounds of students at SHSU. It shows that music is a universal language,” Khoptynets said. “People are very nice and respectful of your experience and background.”
Khoptynets received her bachelor’s and first master’s degree in piano performance at the Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music in Kyiv, Ukraine. She chose to study at Sam Houston State University after meeting Assistant Professor of Piano, Dr. Diego Caetano, in an online master class with the Ávila International Music Festival in Spain. He encouraged her to study at SHSU where she is now teaching two classes in addition to her studies.
“I was stressed to teach at first because I am an international student and my English is not perfect,” she said. “It was a huge responsibility. Overcoming my fears has made me more confident and teaching at SHSU has been a great experience.”
In recent months, her love of music has provided her with an outlet to express her emotions as she deals with the turmoil happening in Ukraine. She has also been motivated to take in more Ukrainian music and educate others on its value.
“Since the first day it happened, it was a big shock and it has been hard. I still have family and friends in Ukraine and being far away does not make the situation easier. I’m constantly checking the news and seeing if my city is safe, so it has been hard to focus, but I try not to dwell on things. I see what happens with people being killed and assaulted and I think about how that could be me,” Khoptynets said. “This event has shown me how powerful music is. I see images of war when I play some pieces and music has helped me to overcome anxiety through expressing my emotions.”
She recently performed at the Kawai Piano Gallery in Houston to raise money in support of Ukraine in addition to other musical ventures. She advises international students and musicians to be open-minded and to respect the diversity of different students.
“Such a diverse environment will significantly enhance your personal development and enrich you with a unique experience. Use all available opportunities and resources for your creative growth. If you have a dream, give it a try, even if it seems impossible.”