Meet Radmila Stojanovic Kiriluk | Director of Piano Studies at Mesa Community College

We had the good fortune of connecting with Radmila Stojanovic Kiriluk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Radmila, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It is a common practice for professional musicians to teach lessons in addition to performing. I started teaching my first private piano lessons after completing a specialized Music High School in the city of Nis, in my native country Serbia, and continued doing that during my undergraduate and graduate studies in piano performance. Throughout my career, teaching helped me observe music from a different point of view than performing, while providing important insight into how the composition is created, how the emotional connection between a piece of music and a performer is achieved, and how to utilize piano technique in the best possible way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I grew up in Serbia, where I started learning piano at the age of 7. None of my family members were professional musicians, and I was the first one in my extended family who attended music college. Growing up, piano playing was always an important part of my life and, with the support of my parents and my wonderful piano teacher, I was able to continue on the professional path. I have performed in competitions and recitals since I was 8 and completed both Bachelors and Master’s degrees in piano performance in Serbia. It was not always easy. In my early 20s, while still in graduate school, I was fortunate to be hired as a college professor. For six years, I had the best time of my life – working as a teacher but also performing regularly in solo recitals as well as with orchestras, various ensembles, choirs, and soloists. I was involved with the media – TV, radio and newspaper – as a music critic and a performer. But after a while, I felt the need to continue learning and, because a Doctoral degree in piano was not available in Serbia at that time, I decided to apply to colleges outside the country. After sending my application and video to Dr. Caio Pagano at ASU in Tempe, I got an invitation to study with him. I still remember that moment when I was reading his invitation letter. I was surprised, excited, full of joy, but at the same time anxious and fearful. Accepting this invitation would mean that I will have to fly over the ocean for the very first time, leave my wonderful family in Serbia and study in a foreign country with my scarce knowledge of the English language. Money was a big issue because Serbia suffered through an economic crisis and inflation. We had to sell my upright Petrof piano that took me through most of my piano schooling, so I could buy a one-way ticket and set off on a journey to the USA. This huge decision changed my life and career in many ways.

Arriving in Arizona was like arriving at another planet. It was August 11th 1998. The scorching heat that hit my face after reaching the airport parking lot was incomprehensible. On the other hand, saguaros made a great impression on me. I have never seen them in person – only in cartoons and cowboy movies. I was also pleasantly surprised that everyone around me was smiling and was very welcoming. 

After completing a doctoral degree at ASU, I worked at several colleges and made a lot of friends, some local Arizonas, but also many who came from different parts of the world – Korea, Cyprus, Indonesia, Brazil, Canada, China, Japan, Mexico etc. Getting to know different cultures, foods, music and customs is one of the most precious experiences that I have ever had in my life. For the past 25 years, Arizona has been my home and the home for my wonderful family. I met my husband, originally from Pittsburgh, here in Arizona, and we have raised two wonderful and amazing children. Last year, I was hired as the piano residential faculty at Mesa Community College Music and Dance department and I am excited to be sharing my music experience and knowledge with my students and help build a new generations of music professionals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

I love the natural wonders of Arizona. Start going north and visit Meteor crater, which is one of the most amazing “holes in the ground” created 50,000 years ago . Keep driving up north towards Page, checkout Horseshoe Bend and turn by Vermillion cliffs and go to Jacob Lake, a great gateway to the North Rim of The Grand Canyon. You might notice wonderful buffalo grazing on grass. (Just don’t get too close!) On the way back, stop by Canyon de Chelly National Monument and if you have time walk through the Painted Desert where you may walk on my favorite trail, the Blue Mesa trail. Visit the Petrified Forest next to it to finish the day.

As for the spots in the city, I love going to Phonix Symphony, Mesa Art Center, MCC Perfroing Arts Center. I love going to ethnic restauranst and try different foods: All Pierogie, Senor Taco, and China City Buffet in Mesa, Haji Baba in Tempe. Kneaders are a great place to get some warm soup or even a cup of coffee with a friend and Divided Vine Bar is a cozy and relaxed bar with live music where me and my husband go to relax and enjoy some good music.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Website: https://www.musicinmesa.com/portfolio/dr-radmila-stojanovic-kiriluk/#:~:text=Biography-,Dr.,class%20piano%2C%20and%20piano%20literature.

Image Credits
Snezana Krstic