Katia Palivoda began to play piano at the age of six. Born and raised in Belarus, a former Soviet Union Republic in Eastern Europe, Ms. Palivoda graduated from the Belorussian Boarding School of Arts in Minsk with a professional piano education degree. Ms. Palivoda earned a Masters degree in classical piano from the Belorussian Academy of Music, and began teaching piano at the Belorussian Central Music School. After moving to the United States, Katia began imparting her love of music through teaching at San Elijo Dance & Music Academy. Katia values each student as a unique individual and focuses on not only the fundamentals of music, but also on encouraging each student to stretch their imagination, be creative, and to ultimately produce beautiful music.

Currently she is the pianist for the Chamber Music Trio “Souvenir”, Children Philarmony-a new music project in North County San Diego, as well as continuing to play for a series of educational programs that introduce classical music to kids. 

Katia has accompanied the Ballet Conservatory in performance playing Brahms Waltzes, and she will also play Chopin Preludes for the debut of Degas Dances in March 2020.