Miljana Nikolić
About
I’m Miljana Nikolić, a concert pianist, chamber musician and piano pedagogue from Montenegro, currently based in Nikšić. With more than fifteen years of stage experience and over a decade of focused artistic training, I have developed a teaching approach that combines solid technical foundations with musical expression, creativity, and confidence-building.
I completed my bachelor’s and master’s studies at the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad in the class of Prof. Biljana Gorunović, and later earned a second master’s degree with highest distinction at the Conservatorio “Niccolò Piccinni” in Bari under Maestro Pasquale Iannone. I am currently pursuing doctoral studies in piano performance.
Throughout my education and career, I have been the recipient of numerous first prizes at international piano competitions across Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, North Macedonia, Croatia... As a performer, I have appeared both as a soloist and chamber musician throughout the region and Europe, collaborating with violinists, ensembles, and pianists, and participating in festivals such as Paris Piano Festival, Belgrade Chopin Fest, KotorArt, and the Montenegro International Piano Festival.
Teaching Style
My goal as a teacher is to help each student develop:
-a healthy and effective piano technique
-expressive and stylistically informed musical interpretation
-disciplined practice habits
-joy, curiosity, and confidence in music
I work with students of all ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced young performers.
I adapt my teaching method to each individual: from playful, imaginative lessons for young beginners to professionally structured sessions for aspiring pianists.
Curriculum
My teaching approach focuses on developing a natural and healthy piano technique, musicality, and confidence at the instrument. I adapt each lesson to the student’s age, level, personality and interests. I am very flexible and always adjust my methods so that every student can learn in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
With children, I combine imaginative musical games, clear technical foundations, and gradual introduction to reading skills. With older or more advanced students, I work on interpretation, style, sound, and efficient practice strategies. I also prepare students for concerts, exams, and competitions when needed.
Recommended Student Texts
For children and young beginners, I primarily use the proven and well-structured methods by Jela Kršić and Lili Petrović, which provide an excellent foundation for technique, reading, rhythm, and musical understanding. For intermediate and advanced students, I work with a wide range of classical repertoire, selected individually for each student. This includes pieces from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th-century literature, using scores and materials that are widely available across all standard editions.
Credentials & Affiliations
-Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Piano Performance — Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad (class of Prof. Biljana Gorunović)
-Master’s Degree with highest distinction (110/110 cum laude, special mention) — Conservatorio “Niccolò Piccinni”, Bari, Italy (class of Maestro Pasquale Iannone)
-Doctoral studies in Piano Performance — Academy of Arts, University of Novi Sad
-Laureate and multiple First Prize winner at international piano competitions in Montenegro, Serbia, Italy, and North Macedonia
-Performer at festivals including the Paris Piano Festival, Belgrade Chopin Fest, KotorArt, and Montenegro International Piano Festival
-Active chamber musician and collaborator with ensembles and soloists across the Balkans and Europe
-Teaching experience with students of all ages and levels, from young beginners to advanced performers
