Greetings! My name is Valentin Chobanu, and I am an accordion teacher, performer, arranger, and music educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience.

Throughout my professional career, I have combined teaching, performing, arranging, and academic work. I hold the honorary title of Honored Artist, serve as an Associate Professor in the field of arts, and head the Department of Folk Orchestra Instruments at the Institute of Arts.

I am also the artistic director of the Impressio Accordion Ensemble, a laureate of international competitions, and a participant in international forums dedicated to music education.

For me, teaching music is much more than developing instrumental technique. My goal is to help every student discover their individuality, develop creative thinking, understand the language of music, and learn to express emotions freely through their instrument.

Experience: 20+ years
Specialization: Accordion Teacher, Performer, Arranger & Ensemble Director

My professional activity combines several areas of musical expertise: performance, pedagogy, academic leadership, composition, and arrangement.

Professional Qualifications & Achievements:

• Honored Artist

• Associate Professor in the Field of Arts

• Head of the Department of Folk Orchestra Instruments at the Institute of Arts

• Artistic Director of the Impressio Accordion Ensemble

• Laureate of International Music Competitions

• Participant in International Music Education Forums

• Solo and Ensemble Performer

• Professional Arranger for Various Instrumental Ensembles

• Laureate of a National Composition Competition

Over the years, I have prepared many accordion students who have successfully participated in national and international competitions. My students have repeatedly become laureates and prize winners of international accordion competitions, demonstrating both strong technical preparation and artistic maturity.

My experience as an arranger and composer also allows me to give students a broader understanding of music—helping them see not only their individual part, but also harmony, instrumentation, musical form, texture, and the interaction between instruments within an ensemble.

I believe that a strong musician is developed through a combination of solid technique, musical intelligence, creativity, and genuine love for music.

My lessons are built around a supportive and creative atmosphere in which students feel comfortable exploring their abilities and developing their own musical voice.

1. Individual Development

Every student has different abilities, musical interests, goals, and learning pace. I adapt the lesson program to each student, helping them progress step by step while maintaining motivation and confidence.

2. Developmental Learning

I use methods of developmental education, encouraging students not simply to repeat material but to understand it, analyze it, ask questions, and think independently.

The goal is to develop not only instrumental skills but also musical thinking.

3. Technique and Musical Expression

Good technique should always serve music. Along with developing coordination, articulation, bellows control, fingering, and technical freedom, we work extensively on phrasing, dynamics, nuance, character, and emotional expression.

4. Creative Thinking

Students learn to look beyond the written notes. We explore harmony, musical form, arrangement, interpretation, and different approaches to performing the same composition.

This develops independence and helps students eventually create their own musical interpretations.

5. Performance Experience

As an active solo and ensemble performer, I place special emphasis on stage preparation. Students learn how to prepare a complete performance, communicate musical ideas to an audience, and perform with confidence.

For students interested in competitions, examinations, or concerts, lessons can include focused preparation for specific performances.

Accordion

Individual accordion lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. Lessons may include:

• Proper playing technique and posture

• Bellows technique and control

• Coordination of the right and left hands

• Development of articulation and fingering

• Reading sheet music

• Rhythm and musical accuracy

• Phrasing, dynamics, and interpretation

• Development of virtuoso technique

• Preparation of concert repertoire

• Competition and examination preparation

Ensemble Performance

Students interested in collaborative music-making can develop the skills necessary for playing in duets, ensembles, and larger instrumental groups.

We work on:

• Ensemble coordination

• Musical balance

• Listening to other performers

• Rhythm and synchronization

• Interpretation within an ensemble

• Stage communication

Accompaniment & Concertmaster Skills

Students can learn how to accompany vocalists and instrumentalists while developing flexibility, responsiveness, and an understanding of the soloist’s musical intentions.

Instrumentation

For advanced students and musicians interested in composition and arrangement, I offer instruction in instrumentation and the principles of writing for different instrumental ensembles.

Computer Arrangement

Students can also explore modern approaches to arranging music using computer technology.

Lessons may include:

• Creating instrumental arrangements

• Working with musical texture

• Harmony and voicing

• Adapting compositions for different ensembles

• Preparing musical scores

• Developing creative arranging skills

Performance & Competition Preparation

For students preparing for auditions, festivals, concerts, examinations, or competitions, I provide focused guidance on repertoire selection, interpretation, stage confidence, and artistic presentation.

“Music education is not simply about teaching a student to play the correct notes. It is about helping them discover their talent, develop creative thinking, and learn to communicate through music. I strive to create an atmosphere where every student can grow as both a musician and an individual. Together, we will develop technique, musical taste, artistic freedom, and a genuine love for music.”