Grigorii Khurdayan

I am a professional guitarist, composer, and conductor with over 20 years of experience in performance, education, and creative direction. My formal education includes studies at several leading conservatories in Russia and Europe. I began at the Lyceum of the Rostov State Conservatory, where I studied classical guitar under Associate Professor Y.G. Likhachev. I continued my education at the Rostov State Conservatory named after S.V. Rachmaninov, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar in 2016, and completing extended studies in Orchestral Conducting under Professor S.A. Kogan, and Composition and Orchestration under Professor A.I. Kusyakov. I also studied Composition at the Moscow State Conservatory (2004–2006) under Professors P.S. Ledenev and K.S. Khachaturyan, and later pursued conducting studies at the Saint Petersburg State Conservatory and at the Prayner Conservatory in Vienna (2011–2013), specializing in opera and symphonic conducting.

Throughout my career, I have performed across Europe, Russia, both as a soloist and ensemble musician. I was one of the founders, soloists, and conductors of the Don Orchestra of Russian Folk Instruments, touring internationally and performing in major venues such as the Karen Demirtchian Complex (Yerevan), Hercules Hall (Munich), and the Rostov Philharmonic. I have collaborated with legendary musicians like Djivan Gasparyan and Karl Frierson (De-Phazz), and led several original projects in jazz, folk, and experimental music. My compositions have been performed at festivals and concerts throughout Russia, including at the Gnesin Academy in Moscow, and my Sonata for Domra and Piano is now part of the official domra curriculum in Russian music schools. I have also composed original music for theater and film, including the productions Trumo, New York. Salto., and Lecture on Something, the latter nominated for Russia’s Golden Mask Festival.

As an educator, I have over 15 years of experience working with students of all ages and backgrounds. I began teaching guitar in 1999, and have since developed a flexible and personalized approach that balances classical foundations with modern techniques and creative exploration. From 2018 to 2020, I led the VAN Folk Band and mentored young musicians in live performance, arrangement, and ensemble leadership. I also regularly give public lectures and masterclasses in music theory, composition, and stringed instruments. My goal is always to help students build strong technique, understand musical form, and develop their own artistic voice.

My teaching style is structured, but never rigid. I believe in building a strong technical foundation through classical methods, while also encouraging creativity, experimentation, and personal expression. Every student is different, so I tailor each lesson to their individual goals, strengths, and learning pace. I work with beginners and advanced students alike — whether you're starting from scratch, preparing for auditions, or looking to deepen your musical understanding.

In my lessons, we often combine hands-on playing with listening, analysis, and discussion. I draw from a wide range of musical traditions — classical, folk, jazz, and world music — and emphasize musicality and expression as much as technique. I’m also happy to help students compose or arrange music if they’re interested in developing their creative voice.

For children and younger students, I focus on building curiosity and engagement through games, storytelling, and rhythm. For adult learners, I emphasize clarity, flexibility, and real-world musical application.