Education:
In 2022, Helena earned a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her dissertation, titled "Martin Bresnick’s Piano Compositions: An Analysis and Performance Guide," showcases her commitment to both 21st-century music and performance practice.
Prior to her doctorate, Helena earned a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma in 2019, where she studied under the tutelage of Dr. Jeongwon Ham, Dr. Jane Magrath, and Dr. Barbara Fast. Her undergraduate journey led her to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, where she obtained a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance under the mentorship of Jura Margulis in 2016.
During her formative years, Helena also participated in the Young Artist Music Program at the College of Music, Mahidol University, Thailand, in 2010, further enriching her musical prowess.
Collegiate Teaching Experience:
Helena has excelled as an educator, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 2019 to 2022. In this role, she taught Group Piano, collaborated with various instrumental and vocal studios, and coached chamber ensembles, demonstrating her versatility as an instructor.
Her dedication to pedagogy ignited at the University of Oklahoma-Norman, where she worked as a Collaborative Instructor of Group Piano from 2018-2019 and as a Graduate Assistant, serving as a Collaborative Pianist for the School of Music and the Musical Theatre Department from 2017 to 2019. Helena's commitment to fostering musical talent extended to her role as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville in 2016-2017.
Other Teaching Experiences:
Beyond her collegiate teaching roles, Helena's commitment to music education shines through various engagements. In 2023, she became the Piano Instructor and Collaborative Artist in Residence at the Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin, TX. Her expertise also extended internationally, as she conducted a Master Class at TP Music School in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2022. Furthermore, Helena interned as a teaching assistant in an Undergraduate Music Theory Class at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2021 and served as a Guest Artist at the Santi School of Music in Chiangmai, Thailand, in 2017.
Her continuous dedication to nurturing musical talent is evident through her roles as a Piano Instructor at the University of Arkansas Community Music School from 2014 to 2017 and as a Piano Instructor at Aum Aree Music School in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2012 to 2013.
Awards and Recognitions:
Helena Aung's remarkable talent has earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including the prestigious Gold Award in the Piano J category for Best Modern Compositions Performance at the Best Classical Musicians Awards 2023 Season 2. Additionally, she received the Silver Award in the Professional category, demonstrating her excellence transcends age boundaries.
Her commitment to music education was recognized with the Hixson-Lied Travel Grant in 2021 and the Hixson-Lied Graduate Fellowship from 2019 to 2021, both at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Helena's dedication to her craft and academic pursuits also led to scholarships such as the Frances Wood Thompson Endowed Scholarship, Barn Barnett Memorial Scholarship, and Cleo Cross International Student Scholar at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, in 2018.
Helena's extraordinary talent as a pianist was showcased when she emerged as the winner of the Honors Recital Competition at the University of Arkansas in 2016. She was also recognized as a Foundation for International Exchange Students Scholar, a Cronan Scholar, and a Stella Boyle Smith Scholar during her time at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Her commitment to philanthropy is exemplified by her Honorable Mention from the Concerto Aria Competition at the University of Arkansas in 2014 and her recognition as an HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Classical Music Fund Scholar in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2014. Additionally, she received a Certification of Appreciation for her performance in the fundraising event "Hope of Haiyan" organized by the Fulbright Scholars at the University of Arkansas in 2013.
Solo Performances:
Helena's exceptional skills as a pianist have been showcased in a multitude of solo performances. Some notable highlights include her Guest Artist in Residence Faculty Recital at South Dakota State University in 2023, where she performed Martin Bresnick's "Ishi’s Song." She also presented a Lecture Recital at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2022, focusing on polyphonic elements in Martin Bresnick's music.
Furthermore, her Doctoral Solo Piano Recital at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2022 featured a diverse repertoire, including works by Mozart, Chopin, Bartok, and Kapustin. Helena's mastery of the piano was evident in her Doctorate Solo Piano Recitals in 2021 and 2020, which included compositions by Schubert, Ravel, Beethoven, Brahms, and Prokofiev.
Throughout her career, Helena has captivated audiences with her artistry, as demonstrated in various recitals and performances across the United States and internationally, including Thailand and Germany.
Collaborative Performances:
Helena's collaborative talents as a pianist have enriched numerous performances. In 2023, she participated in a Guest Artist in Residence Faculty Recital at South Dakota State University, where she joined forces with other musicians to perform works by Brahms and Mozart. Her collaboration extended to various instrumental and vocal studios during her tenure as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 2019 to 2022.
Throughout her career, Helena has consistently demonstrated her ability to elevate musical compositions through her collaborative efforts, contributing significantly to the musical landscape.
Publications:
Helena's scholarly pursuits have led to the publication of her dissertation, titled "Martin Bresnick’s Piano Compositions: An Analysis and Performance Guide," which was featured in the Music Teachers National Association E-Journal in April 2023. This publication offers valuable insights into the world of music theory and performance, further establishing her as a knowledgeable and respected authority in her field.
Service to the Discipline:
Helena's dedication to the field of music extends to her role as an adjudicator for the Bay Area Piano Competition and Charleston International Music Competition in 2022-2023. She also plays a significant role as the Chair of Competitions for the Nebraska Music Teacher's Association. Additionally, she founded and currently serves as the President of the World Piano Teacher's Association-Nebraska Chapter (WPTA), demonstrating her unwavering commitment to advancing the world of music.