Irina Bazik, Pianist/Researcher

Dr. Irina Bazik is an internationally acclaimed pianist and researcher specializing in the nineteenth century repertoire. Her current research explores female composers-pianists in the nineteenth century, particularly focusing on the ways in which these women challenged tradition and influenced the development of piano repertoire of the time.

 From a young age, Bazik has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and musicality. Her journey began in Serbia, where she began performing at international music festivals and competitions, quickly earning recognition for her technical brilliance and emotional depth. She won several prestigious prizes at international piano competitions in Serbia, Italy, and France, establishing herself as one of the most promising young pianists of her generation.

At just 14 years old, Bazik became the youngest student ever admitted to the Belgrade University of Arts, an early testament to her extraordinary potential. She completed her Master of Music (MMus) at the Belgrade Music Academy, studying under the esteemed Professor Mirjana Šuica-Babić, where she honed her craft and developed a deep understanding of both classical and contemporary repertoire.

Upon graduation, Bazik’s talent and dedication led her to the United States, where she was awarded a full-merit scholarship for the Graduate Diploma Program at the Boston Conservatory, studying under renowned pianist and teacher Michael Lewin. There, she began to gain recognition as a rising star in the classical music world, performing as a soloist with orchestras and in concert halls across the region.

After completing her studies at the Boston Conservatory, Bazik's continued excellence earned her another full-merit scholarship and a Teaching Assistantship at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree, refining her artistic voice and engaging deeply with both the technical and expressive aspects of piano performance.

During her time at UCLA, Bazik was honored with the Gluck Fellowship Award, which allowed her to share the transformative power of music with underserved communities. Through this fellowship, she performed at hospitals, veteran homes, senior homes, and the Braille Institute of America, demonstrating her commitment to using music as a tool for healing and connection. This unique experience broadened her perspective, emphasizing the importance of accessibility in music and deepening her ability to connect with audiences from all walks of life.

Bazik has performed as a soloist with major orchestras and on international stages, earning acclaim for her performances of both standard classical works and modern compositions. Her artistry has also been showcased on radio and television broadcasts, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and innovative pianist. Through these various media, she has been able to reach a global audience, bringing her musical message to listeners in different corners of the world. Her album Encore earned her a prestigious nomination by the Tesla Foundation, recognizing her as one of the most prominent Serbian artists in the United States.

Today, Bazik continues to perform, teach, and inspire future generations of musicians, always striving to push the boundaries of her art while remaining deeply connected to the transformative power of music.

Bazik currently resides in Toronto, Canada.