Our Teachers

At the heart of Peterson's School of Music is a faculty of passionate educators and accomplished performers. Our instructors bring years of professional experience and a diverse range of teaching styles to every lesson, ensuring that students of all ages and skill levels find their unique musical voice.

Whether you are picking up an instrument for the first time or refining your technique for a professional audition, our teachers are here to guide, inspire, and support your journey. Explore our faculty profiles below to find the perfect mentor for your musical goals.

  • A woman with dark hair sitting at a white piano, wearing a black dress with a white collar, and a watch on her left wrist, in front of a blue curtain.

    Oksana Peterson

    Oksana is the owner and director of the Peterson's School of Music, holding a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Saratov State Conservatory. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in advanced piano instruction, focusing on Romantic and Classical music. In her free time, Oksana enjoys cooking and mushroom hunting, drawing inspiration from nature.

  • A man playing a violin, holding a bow and looking at the instrument, with a beige wall in the background.

    Alexander Epshteyn

    Alexander holds a Master’s degree in Violin Performance from the Conservatory. With over 40 years of teaching experience, he is dedicated to nurturing musicians at all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced. His passion for music is particularly evident in his love for Romantic and Classical genres. In addition to teaching, Alexander enjoys traveling in his free time, which enriches his perspective on music and culture.

  • A woman in a dark dress stands next to a white grand piano, with a balloon arrangement of silver and purple balloons on the stage. Colorful stage curtains are in the background.

    Olena Kitach

    Olena holds a Bachelor’s degree from Krivoy Rog Music College, where she specialized as a piano teacher and concertmaster. With over 30 years of teaching experience, she offers instruction in both piano and vocal performance for students of all levels. Olena has a deep passion for classical and Romantic music, which she shares with her students.

  • A young woman with long, wavy brown hair, wearing a black dress, sitting in front of a white grand piano with a bouquet of pink and white flowers in a white vase on top, in front of a gray curtain.

    Lavinia Chobanu

    Lavinia is currently pursuing a degree in Music Education at the University of Northwestern, with a focus on piano performance and composition. With over 4 years of teaching experience, she is enthusiastic about working with students at any level. Lavinia enjoys listening to and playing Romantic and contemporary music.

  • A young woman with dark brown hair in a black dress with small white floral patterns, sitting at a black piano with her hands resting on her lap.

    Victoria Kretsu

    Victoria is currently studying music and has several years of teaching experience. She focuses on piano instruction, particularly for beginner and intermediate students. Victoria is dedicated to nurturing her students' love for music while building their foundational skills. Her approachable teaching style fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment.

  • A young woman with long brown hair sitting beside a black upright piano with an open lid in a music room.

    Kassandra Mejia

    Kassandra is currently studying Music Education and Theory at North Hennepin College. With over 3 years of teaching experience, she offers lessons in piano, guitar, and music theory, focusing on beginning and intermediate levels. Kassandra enjoys a diverse range of musical genres, particularly Christian, Latin American, and pop music, with a touch of jazz. In her free time, she loves listening to music, playing various instruments, and spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and enjoying the lakes.

  • A man with short hair wearing a gray t-shirt sitting at a white piano with a flower arrangement in a white vase on top, against a dark curtain background.

    Leonid Tkachenko

    Leonid holds a Master’s degree in Music History and Theory from the Kiev State Conservatory. With over 20 years of teaching experience, he specializes in piano and guitar instruction for beginning and intermediate students. Leonid is passionate about Romantic and classical music, which he incorporates into his lessons to inspire his students. His deep knowledge and enthusiasm create an engaging learning environment for aspiring musicians.

  • Martin Long

    Martin Long is a seasoned trumpet performer and educator with extensive experience in orchestral, chamber, and brass ensemble settings. He studied trumpet performance at the University of Minnesota, Bethel College, and the Aspen Festival Institute, and has trained with many notable brass musicians, including members of the Minnesota Orchestra, Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic.