Natalia Timotina-Glavnenco, a junior music major and Anastasiia Pavlenko, a sophomore music major, both studying piano performance, remain best friends despite being competitors in the Music Teacher’s National Association competition. 
Amber Grace Garrard/The Lion's Roar

A shared passion for the piano, a thirst to study overseas and dedication to perfecting their crafts brought two university students together for the opportunity to face off during a music competition.

Anastasiia Pavlenko, a sophomore music major with a concentration in piano performance, is a native of Zhytomyr, Ukraine. She took first place in the Young Artist-Piano competition during the Louisiana Chapter of Music Teachers National Association’s recent statewide competition held at Centenary College in Shreveport. 

MTNA’s main goal is to further the value of music study and music making as well as to support the careers and professional endeavors of music educators. 

Natalia Timotina-Glavnenco,  a junior music major with concentrations in piano and vocal performance and native of Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, placed second in the competition. 

Pavlenko admits that the battle of preparing to be a professional musician includes practicing for five to six hours daily. Her contributions to teaching students in Southeastern’s Community Music School and working as a music director and pianist, along with pursuing a degree, did not permit her to engage in daily practices, but she still found time to prepare for the competition. 

“There were some nights when I was coming home closer to midnight, though there is a big benefit of doing this,” said Pavlenko.  “I don’t know how it works, but inspiration just hits me when it’s dark outside. I also hurt my hand a month before the competition and I had to have two-week break without any playing. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to make it to the competition. Thank God I was praying too. It turned out well eventually.” 

Timotina-Glavnenco had similar struggles when preparing for the competition in regards to juggling necessary tasks as a musician and student. 

“I am always in class, teaching or working, playing for the shows and concerts presented by our music department, etc.,” said Timotina-Glavnenco. “There is always something going on. Being a good student is not easy and having a competition on the top of that leaves you with no free time.”

The normal relationship between competitors in a competition is typically fueled by intense rivalry, but that was not the case between the two university students.

Pavlenko admitted that she and Timotina-Glavnenco are best friends, roommates and the sisters that they never had for each other. 

“We spend a lot of time together, and  we were supporting each other throughout the whole preparation of the competition,” said Pavlenko. “There is no rivalry between us. We, first of all, went to the MTNA competition to gain a precious musical experience and have a fun trip. To our great luck, it turned out an even better way when we took top spots at the competition.”

Timotina-Glavnenco and Pavlenko met when they both gathered to study with the same teacher last year and quickly realized how much they had in common. 

“We have the same background, speak the same native language, were taught piano in the same way, and so, it is always a joy for me to hear her play and I hope one day we will perform as a duo,” said Timotina-Glavnenco.“Many people asked me if I’m upset to be second after my best friend, but I just laugh. We won the first two places going to the competition together. Isn’t that amazing? This is as good as it could’ve been.”

Both women noticed the similarities and differences between their cultures and Louisiana’s, especially the city of Hammond.

Pavlenko describes her city as being known for its “open-hearted” and “freedom-loving people.” She drew comparisons between the palates and spirits of natives of her country and Louisianans.

“They also call us ‘singing nation,’ because every second sings and does it very well,” said Pavlenko. “Though, I think what really sings is Ukrainian soul. Louisianans are very similar to Ukrainians. You are extremely hospitable, cheerful and musical, and your Cajun food is so unique and delicious. I guess this is why I love being here so much.” 

At the age of seven, Pavlenko began playing the piano on her own accord spontaneously. In her very first lesson, she fell in love with the instrument. Her feelings and passion for playing have only intensified since then.

“My head is full of thoughts,” said Pavlenko. “My heart is full of feelings. Piano is a small orchestra under my fingers, and for me, it’s the best way to share myself as a musician with people.”

Timotina-Glavnenco describes the sharp contrast between the city she is accustomed to and Hammond. 

“My city is absolutely different from Hammond,” said Timotina-Glavnenco.  “Chisinau is the capital of Moldova, the biggest and the busiest city in the country.It is definitely not as big as major cities in the USA, but it is definitely crazier than Hammond.” 

Timotina-Glavnenco enjoyed singing as a child in Ukraine with her mother who owned a piano. At six, she began taking private lessons.  

“I can’t imagine what my life would be like without piano,” said Timotina-Glavnenco. “It is not a hobby and never was. It is the most important and special part of my life since I was a kid.” 

Pavlenko’s decision to attend the university was influenced and reaffirmed by her blooming relationship with her first piano professor Dr. Kenneth Boulton as well as hearing of opportunities musicians were awarded.

“I knew a few people who were studying at Southeastern,” said Pavlenko. “I knew how much they had been enjoying it and how many opportunities to gain precious musical experience they had.”

Timotina-Glavnenco also heard of the opportunities that students from her country were awarded and recalls former teachers praising the university, prompting her thirst for travel.

“I always wanted to travel more in my life,” said Timotina-Glavnenco. “We moved a couple times with my family already, and I also dreamed about studying in a different country. I saw Southeastern as a perfect opportunity. I wasn’t wrong.” 

Laura Pray, a part-time piano professor at the university, described Pavlenko and Timotina-Glavnenco as dedicated, talented young pianists. 

“I have really enjoyed working with them this semester and am very proud of their accomplishments,” said Pray. “They both gave musically and technically superior performances at the MTNA Competition in Shreveport, taking home 1st and 2nd place. I am looking forward to watching Anastasiia and Natalia continue to grow and thrive in their piano studies. I know they will both do great things in the future.” 

Pavlenko remained happy to have met Pray and learned from her after only working with her for the current semester.

“I always felt great support from her, and this helped me to get a win at the competition,” said Pavlenko. 

Though both women did not practice with Pray for a long duration of time, Pray made an impact on them.

“We only had a few lessons and she managed to help me with the interpretation of the pieces I’ve been working on the whole past year,” said Timotina-Glavnenco. “She made it easy to learn a new one and prepare everything for the competition without feeling pressure or stress.” 

Pavlenko will compete in the MTNA South-Central Regional Competition in January.

“I am just so happy and honored to be chosen to represent Louisiana in the next regional level of MTNA piano competition,” said Pavlenko. “I am so thankful to God, my parents and all of my piano professors I have ever been studying with for their love, support and leading me to where I am now. I just want to try to bring good news again in January.”

Anastasiia Pavlenko
Amber Grace Garrard/The Lion's Roar

Natalia Timotina-Glavnenco
Amber Grace Garrard/The Lion's Roar