At CMC, piano students are guided by teachers who bring both deep experience and heartfelt dedication. The Piano Department is a place where students of all ages and backgrounds can grow in skill, confidence, and joy. Whether they’re beginners learning their first scales or advanced students preparing for conservatory auditions.
Two of CMC’s outstanding piano faculty members, Lilia Zheltova and Matylda Rotkiewicz, shared what makes this department so special: its personal approach, musical excellence, and deep care for each student.
With backgrounds from Russia to France to Poland, CMC piano teachers like Zheltova and Rotkiewicz bring both global expertise and personal warmth to their lessons. Zheltova received her M.A. in musicology at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, taught at music colleges in Russia and Uzbekistan, and worked with the Tashkent Opera House and Uzbek Philharmonic before immigrating to the U.S. in 1990. She is now a sought-after accompanist for Bay Area arts organizations and teaches at CMC and in her private studio. Her method combines piano technique, music theory, sight reading, and repertoire in every lesson, always tailored to each student’s needs. Rotkiewicz trained in Paris and Boston, has won numerous international piano competitions, and has led piano departments at esteemed institutions on both coasts.
Both agree: being a great teacher means being deeply involved in a student’s musical and personal growth. “Being a music teacher requires involvement in a student’s growth as a musician and as a human being,” says Zheltova. “Otherwise, it’s just instruction-giving, not true teaching.” In one-on-one lessons, she says, the bond between teacher and student becomes foundational. “It’s such an intimate relationship, you cannot not be involved and motivated, especially when you see motivation from the student.”
At CMC, that motivation is met with both rigor and compassion. Faculty understand the importance of strong technique, careful repertoire selection, and consistent practice; but they also meet each student where they are. “At CMC, we are going toward students’ personal needs and goals,” Zheltova explains. “We can help a student progress at a highly professional level and continue music education in college and beyond. But at the same time, we provide a really valuable time learning music for beginners, amateurs, and all levels in between.”
This adaptive, student-centered approach is a cornerstone of the department. “CMC teachers adjust to the needs of students—instead of students having to adjust to the requirements of CMC,” says Zheltova.
To support that flexibility, CMC’s piano faculty prepare students for exams like the Music Teachers’ Association of California’s Certificate of Merit (CM) and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), with a clear understanding of the rigor and rewards of each path. “All teachers at CMC understand the importance of rigorous technical training and skills needed to prepare even the smallest piece of music,” says Zheltova. “We also encourage students to take advantage of regular performance opportunities—whether at end-of-quarter recitals or outside events. These experiences help students share their music and experience the community’s support and love.”
Performance is central to CMC’s philosophy. “Music is a performing art,” Zheltova emphasizes. “I always encourage my students to use any opportunity to perform—not only at CMC, but at their schools, family gatherings, and any setting where they can be proud of their achievements.”
One student success story close to Zheltova’s heart is that of Ryan Rusali. “He came to me when he was five years old—a very talented and motivated little boy,” she recalls. “He progressed quickly and earned a scholarship. He stayed with me until almost the end of high school, but during his last year, due to scheduling, he studied with another teacher. We said goodbye, and he went off to college.” Years later, while attending the symphony, Zheltova was approached by a young man. “‘Lilia, do you remember me? I’m Ryan, your former student.’ I recognized him and was so happy to see he still loved music. Then he asked if he could come back to take lessons again.”
Today, Ryan is playing advanced professional repertoire, performing at CMC concerts and MTAC San Francisco Branch recitals. “It’s such a pleasure to be his teacher again,” Zheltova says.
Matylda Rotkiewicz, who joined CMC in 2008, shares a similar passion for mentorship and excellence. A Polish-born pianist who studied in France and the U.S., Matylda has dedicated her career to both performance and teaching. “Teaching has always been a huge part of my life,” she says. “I’ve taught at several schools in the Boston area, and my favorite was Brookline Music School, where I also served as Department Chair. When I joined CMC, I immediately fell in love with its vision and mission.”
She’s especially proud of her students’ participation in the Certificate of Merit (CM) program. “All 21 of my students passed their evaluations this year—many with state honors! We work on multiple areas: repertoire, technique, sight reading, and theory. It’s a systematic process that helps students build confidence and a love for music.”
Matylda also highlights the importance of performance opportunities beyond the classroom. “Five of my students participated in the Contra Costa MTAC Baroque Festival this February—Mimi Bakker, Maeve Gibbons, Erina Nakagawa, and brothers John and Tim Yukl—and they all did an amazing job! They earned red and blue ribbons, and plaques. Events like these help students build confidence, introduce them to new repertoire, and give them valuable performance experience in a supportive setting.”
She encourages students to explore various paths, from the Royal Conservatory of Music exams (RCM) to local festivals and competitions. “For most students, performing in recitals, concerts, auditions, or exams is an inevitable and valuable part of their musical journey. It’s not just about playing notes—it’s about sharing artistry and building resilience. Weekly lessons are essential, but experiences like recitals and festivals keep students engaged and constantly striving for excellence.”
At CMC, teachers like Rotkiewicz and Zheltova don’t just develop great pianists—they nurture a lifelong love for music. Zheltova emphasizes the importance of discipline and motivation in her teaching, saying, “I try to, first of all, acknowledge their talent, raise the importance of discipline of practicing, and lust for always reaching a new level on their musical growth.” She believes this approach helps students progress at all levels, whether they pursue professional music or simply enjoy playing for personal fulfillment.
For students like Ryan, Mimi, Maeve, and many others, CMC’s Piano Department is a place of continuity, growth, and joy. Excellence lives in every note—and behind each note is a teacher ready to nurture, guide, and inspire.
Experience that excellence firsthand! Join us at the Juliet McComas Keyboard Marathon: Natural Connections, where CMC’s talented piano faculty will perform alongside other extraordinary pianists. This much-anticipated annual event celebrates the artistry, community, and musical brilliance of our piano department.
🎹 SundApril 27th, 2025 at 3pm
📍 CMC Concert Hall, 544 Capp St., San Francisco
🎟️ Reserve your tickets here
Come be inspired by the very teachers who make CMC’s Piano Department so special!