Prof André K. Economou
M: 0422 218150
E: info@classicfingers.com.au
andre@economou.me
CAREER SUMMARY
During his Professorship at the Music University in Athens, André specialised on the education & coaching of young talent in piano and the technical development in performance. After his graduation, he moved to Vienna in 1980, gaining greater exposure in public performance as a soloist and as a chamber music pianist, as well as in orchestra & choir conducting. During his five (5) year stay in Vienna, he worked as a piano lecturer in various institutions and did several public performances under the guidance of Prof Hans Graf, who was the head of the ‘Wiener Musikverein und Darstellende Kunst’.
After moving to Adelaide in 1985, André commenced his musical career as a Music Director of the bi-lingual St. George College. Within a few months of his arrival, he established ‘Die Musiker Studio”, a private Conservatorium with over 18 music teachers (Piano, Violin, Theory & Aural) and over 260 students and ensemble groups. During that time, he also engaged in a numerous public performances as a soloist as well as with other artists, including operatic singers and string ensembles.
In 1996, André sold his music school and changed his career path, getting involved in the world of Graphics and Publishing, which took him to global management positions in Asia Pacific, Europe and USA, dealing with different vertical markets and cultures around Asia Pacific. During that time, André, although not active in music, he had a very small number of private students, and after settling in Melbourne, he is looking forward to returning to his passion in music and enriching his students’ knowledge.
EDUCATION
– Conservatorium of Sao Paulo Brazil – 1961-1965
– Athens Conservatorium – 1966-1975
– Highest Professorship degree at the Music University of Music in Athens (Prof Max Hallecker) – 1976-1980
– Advanced studies at the University of Music in Vienna, specialising in piano repertoire performance (Prof Hans Graf) and music pedagogy for young musical talents (Prof Carmen Graf) – 1980-1985
– Conducting lessons under the guidance of Prof Karl Osterreicher – 1982-1983
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
During his music studies and leading to his Professorship
– Won 1st prize on a TV competition for under 14 year old pianists at the age of 8 (Sao Paulo Brazil)
– Studied in the Music University of Athens under Prof Max Hallecker, who exposed him in the world of piano technique
– Graduated in 1980 with a unanimous perfect score of 10, gaining the highest degree, whilst performing a 90’ minute program (solo & the Schuman Concerto) and for nine (9) consecutive years under scholarship leading to his graduation
– Lectured for 4 years piano students, of which one became an international acclaimed pianist & composer in the UK
During his time in Vienna
– Studied under the guidance of Prof Hans Graf
– Specialised in the music pedagogy for young talents
– Lectured for over 3 years in Vienna
– Performed solos and concertos with various string and vocal artists in Vienna, Salzburg and St Polten
– Was regular conductor of a 4-voice church choir for 2 years
During his time in Adelaide
– Music Director at the bilingual St. George College. Under his time, he established a music program, coached piano & voice and was the director of the end of year college musical
– Principal & Owner of ‘Die Musiker Studio”, a private conservatorium with Piano, Violin, Theory & Aural teachers, as well a junior & senior string orchestra
o The music school had state-wide recognition, with over 18 teachers and 260 students
o School was recognised by the South Australian Conservatorium of Music and a few Bachelor of Music students were taking their Piano or String instrument studies through Die Muskier Studio
o Most String students would have music scholarships in their private college
o Students would win on ever