Oksana Komarenko
Muncie,USA
Summary
Passionate music educator, singer, and researcher dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians and educators. Brings a rich background shaped by teaching and performing across three continents, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Has worked with a wide range of student populations, advocating for an asset-based, student-centered approach to teaching that values cultural diversity and individual potential.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct
Taylor University
01.2025 - Current
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance
Applied Voice
- Provide individualized vocal instruction to non-music majors for personal enrichment and artistic development and to music majors and minors across various degree programs, tailoring lessons to their specific performance and pedagogical needs.
Instructor of Record
Taylor University
08.2024 - 12.2024
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance
Introduction to Music Education
- This required course for music education majors is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to P-12 music education across general, choral, and instrumental concentrations
- Students engage with both historical perspectives and contemporary philosophies of music education
Applied Voice Lessons
- Lessons are designed for non-music majors for personal enrichment and development of musical talent and to meet the general education participation in the arts requirement.
Instructor of Record
Ball State University
01.2021 - Current
Department of Music Education/Department of Voice Performance
Foundational Methods in Music Education II
- This course is designed for candidates pursuing instrumental/general or vocal/general licenses to enhance aural, vocal, and guitar skills essential for effective teaching in school music classrooms
- This course facilitates the development of competencies for administering non-ensemble music courses at various educational levels
Applied Voice
- This course highlights the requisite skills necessary in applied voice for music majors with voice as a secondary instrument, emphasizing approaches to vocal production, repertoire, pitch, rhythm, expression, and technique
Music Basics for Elementary Classroom Teachers
- This course is designed for non-music majors to equip future educators with foundational musical knowledge, encompassing theory, practical instrument playing (recorder/ukulele), and innovative techniques for seamlessly integrating music into teaching practices
Field Experience in Music Teaching
- The course is designed as a field participation and special topic course in music education to prepare students for student teaching
Student Teaching in Music
- This course prepares pre-service teachers to develop teaching competency under the supervision of licensed, experienced teachers in cooperation with university supervisors
Instructor
Private Voice Studio
01.2024 - Current
- Provided individualized voice lessons to students of all ages, focusing on vocal technique, musicianship, and performance skills
- Tailored instruction to each student’s unique needs and goals, whether preparing for auditions, exams, or personal growth
- Offered comprehensive training in vocal health, breathing techniques, repertoire selection, and performance preparation
- Created a supportive environment for students to develop confidence and artistic expression while fostering a strong foundation in vocal technique.
Music and Speech Development Teacher
Ukrainian School
01.2019 - 12.2020
- Designed and taught interactive lessons integrating singing, rhythmic activities, and diction exercises to enhance students' musicality, speech fluency, and expressive communication
- Incorporated Ukrainian folk songs, poetry recitation, and improvisational speech exercises to develop articulation, vocal projection, and phonemic awareness
- Applied cross-disciplinary methods to support language development, active listening, and cultural appreciation through music.
Vocal & Piano Teacher
Private Studio
11.2013 - 12.2020
- Provided individualized voice and piano instruction to students aged 5 through adulthood, tailoring lessons to their skill levels and goals
- Prepared students for board examinations (Trinity College of Music, London College of Music, ABRSM - The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) with a strong track record of success
- Guided students in audition preparation for musical theater productions by European companies and encouraged active participation in school and community concerts
- Focused on technical development, musicality, and performance skills, fostering confidence and artistic growth.
Music Teacher
Orange Tree Children's Nursery, International Preschool of Oman
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Conducted daily music sessions for young children, creating engaging and playful learning experiences to nurture their early musical development
- Designed activities that combined singing, movement, and simple instruments to stimulate creativity, rhythmic awareness, and listening skills
- Fostered a joyful and inclusive environment that encouraged self-expression and introduced children to the fundamentals of music through age-appropriate, culturally diverse songs and activities.
Voice and Piano Teacher, Yamaha Junior Music Course Instructor
Popular Music Institute
08.2009 - 11.2013
- Taught individual voice and piano lessons, as well as group piano classes to students aged 5 through adulthood, focusing on technical proficiency and musical expression
- Prepared students for board examinations (Trinity College of Music, London College of Music, ABRSM), ensuring success in their assessments
- Delivered the Yamaha Junior Music Course and group piano lessons, fostering collaboration and creativity while developing musical skills and confidence
- Focused on both classical and popular music styles, catering to diverse student needs and learning goals.
Elementary General Music Teacher/ Elementary Choir Director/ Voice and Piano Instructor
International School of Arts and Sciences
08.2008 - 07.2009
- Taught KG-4 General Music, focusing on music literacy, appreciation, and foundational skills in both American and British educational systems
- Directed a combined elementary choir and voice ensembles, fostering vocal technique, harmony, and performance skills
- Taught Music Theory as an elective to high school students, integrating theory with practical musicianship
- Taught individual voice and piano lessons as part of afterschool enrichment program
- Organized and coordinated school programs, preparing students for performances and accompanying instrumental ensembles on piano
- Created a supportive environment for musical growth and collaboration across age groups and curricular choices.
Elementary General Music Teacher/ Elementary Choir Director/ Voice and Piano Instructor
St. Mary Catholic High School
01.2006 - 07.2008
- Taught KG-4 General Music under both British and Indian curricula, focusing on music literacy, music appreciation, and developing foundational musical skills
- Conducted a combined elementary choir and voice ensembles, fostering vocal technique and performance abilities
- Led the organization of over 10 school programs annually, handling everything from repertoire selection to performance preparation, ensuring smooth execution of each event
- Accompanied students on piano and managed all logistical aspects of school concerts and performances, providing a comprehensive and engaging musical experience for students.
Elementary General Music Teacher
Ivan Franko Ternopil Gymnasium
01.1999 - 06.2000
Education
Artist Diploma - Voice Performance
Ball State University, School of Music
Muncie, IN05-2027
Doctor of Arts - Music Education and Voice Performance
Ball State University, School of Music
Muncie, IN05-2025
Master of Music - Music Education
Ball State University, School of Music
Muncie, IN07-2022
Licentiate - Classical Singing Performance
Thames Valley University (London College of Music)
London, United Kingdom01.2010
BA and MA Degrees - Vocal Performance and Music Education
Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music
Kyiv, Ukraine06-2006
BA Degree - Concert Singer, Music Teacher
Ternopil Music College (Voice Department)
Ternopil, Ukraine06-2000
Skills
- Self-Directed
- Time management
- Flexible and adaptable
- Organizational skills
International Certifications
- Immersive Learning Certification, Ball State University, 06/2024
- Certified Yamaha Junior Music Course Teacher, 05/2011
- London College of Music (LCM) Licentiate Diploma with Distinction in Classical Singing Performance, 12/2010
Awards Grants Fellowships
- Recognition of significant academic accomplishments at the graduate level, Ball State University, 04/10/2025
- American Psychology Association/Visionary Grant, 04/03/2025 (Submitted)
- 2nd place winner in NATS Regional Singing competition, Indiana, 03/01/2025
- 2nd place winner in NATS State Singing competition, Indiana, 10/26/2024
- National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship, 2024 (Submitted, but not awarded)
- Institute on Educational Sciences Grant, 04/2024 (Submitted)
- Research Grant – The Arnold Bentley New Initiatives Fund Grant, 06/2024 (Awarded)
- 1st place winner in NATS State Singing competition, Indiana, 11/2023
- Creative Aging Program Grant, Indiana, 06/2023
- Aspire Travel Grant, Ball State University, 03/2025
- Aspire Travel Grant, Ball State University, 07/2024
- Aspire Travel Grant, Ball State University, 01/2023
- Honorable Mention in Graduate Concerto Competition, Ball State University, 04/2022
- Honorable Mention in Graduate Voice Competition, Ball State University, 04/2022
Peer Reviewed Articles
- How students use rituals to gain control in academic college settings, Gold, R., Komarenko, O. & Ramirez, G., in prep
- How music education students embrace pre-performance rituals to enhance their craft, Komarenko, O., Ramirez, G., & Gold, R., in press
- High-pressure in music education: Understanding the phenomenon and empowering students, Komarenko, O., Ramirez, G., & Speirs Neumeister, C., International Journal of Music Education, 2024
Peer Reviewed Conference Presentations
- Mindful Music-Making: The Science of Group Pre-Performance Rituals in Performance, Poster presentation, Chirp Week at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 04/16/2025
- Mindful Music-Making: The Science of Group Pre-Performance Rituals in Performance, Oral presentation, Chirp Week at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 04/15/2025
- The Role of Pre-Performance Rituals in Education, Poster presentation, Midwestern Psychological Association conference, Chicago, Illinois, 04/2025
- Tuning the Mind: How Group Rituals Shape Performance and Unity in Music Ensembles, Paper presentation, College Music Society (CMS) Great Lakes Conference, Chicago, Illinois, 03/2025
- Empowering Educators: Creating Effective Pre-Performance Rituals for Student Success, Workshop, Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) annual conference, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 01/2025
- Nurturing Young Leaders: Practical Strategies for Talent Spotting and Development, Workshop, Indiana Association for the Gifted (IAG), Indianapolis, Indiana, 12/2024
- The power of Pre-Performance Rituals in Music, Poster presentation, National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Conference, Knoxville, Tennessee, 06/2024
- Ritual Use in Music Education, Paper presentation, Midwestern Psychological Association conference, Chicago, Illinois, 04/2024
- The Power of Pre-Performance Rituals in Music, Poster presentation, Indiana Music Educators Association annual conference, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 01/2024
- High-Pressure in Music Education: Understanding the Phenomenon and Empowering Students, Poster presentation, Indiana Music Educators Association annual conference, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 01/2024
- High-Pressure in Music Education: Understanding the Phenomenon and Empowering Students, Paper presentation, Hawaii International Conference on Education, Waikoloa, Hawaii, 01/2024
- Can We Ever Truly Feel Interculturally Competent?, Research presentation, Mountain Lake Colloquium, Pembroke, Virginia, 05/2023
- Can We Ever Truly Feel Interculturally Competent?, Poster presentation, Indiana Music Educators Association annual conference, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 01/2023
Invited Talks
- Bridging Cultures Through Music: A Journey with the Bandura, Zakharova, R., Taylor University World Music, Music History courses, Upland, IN, 03/2025
- From Ukraine to the World: Exploring Culture Through the Bandura, Zakharova, R., Ball State University Elementary Music Education Methods course, Muncie, IN, 03/2025
- Bridging Cultures Through Music: A Journey with the Bandura, Zakharova, R., Anderson University Introduction to Music Education Course, Anderson, IN, 02/2025
- Intercultural Exchange: Music Education in Ukraine, Anderson University Introduction to Music Education Course, Anderson, IN, 03/2024
- Music Around the World, NAfME at Ball State event, Muncie, IN, 03/2024
- The Power of Pre-Performance Rituals in Music, 2023 Educational Psychology Research Symposium, Muncie, IN, 12/2023
- Voice Health: A Guide to Maintaining Your Instrument, Anderson University Collegiate Chapter of the National Association for Music Education, Anderson, IN, 04/2023
- Intercultural Exchange: Music Education for Children in Ukraine, Anderson University Introduction to Music Education Course, Anderson, IN, 03/2023
- Ukraine Culture and Traditions, Ball State Lifelong Learners Organization, Muncie, IN, 09/2022
- Intercultural Exchange: Music Education for Children in Ukraine, Anderson University Introduction to Music Education Course, Anderson, IN, 03/2022
Performance Experience
Solo Recitals
- Collaborative Recital, Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, 04/15/2025
- Solo Recital, Christian Church in Muncie, Indiana, 04/11/2025
- Doctor of Arts Performance Degree Recital, Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, 04/13/2024
Performances
- Performance at Piano Studio Recital, Hahn Hall, Ball State University, 04/22/2025
- Performance at Voice Studio Recital, Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University, 04/09/2025
- Opera Gala, Ball State University, 02/2025
- Competed in the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Collegiate Competition, 02/2025
- Competed in the Graduate Concerto Competition Ball State University, 10/2024
- Opera Gala, Ball State University, 02/2022
- Numerous appearances at Dubai Jazz Festival and on the MBC 1 TV show 'Good Morning, Arabs', Middle East (UAE and Oman), 2006-2019
- Soloist of the Ternopil Philharmonic Society, Ternopil, Ukraine, 1998-1999
- Choir Singer at the St. Peter's Church, Ternopil, Ukraine, 1996-2000
- Soloist of the vocal ensemble 'Lyre', Ternopil, Ukraine, 1996-1998
Opera Roles
Ball State Opera Production
Role Opera Composer
La Fée Cendrillon Viardot (April 4, 2025)
Cleopatra Giulio Cesare in Egitto Handel (April 14&16, 2025)
Soloist of the Opera Studio, Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music, Kyiv, Ukraine, 2001-2006
Role Opera Composer
Gilda Rigoletto Verdi
Mimi La Boheme Puccini
Suzanna Le Nozze di Figaro Mozart
Natalka Natalka-Poltavka Lysenko
Iolanta Iolanta Tchaikovsky
Marfa The Tsar's Bride Rimsky Korsakov
Cherubino Le Nozze di Figaro Mozart
La Contessa di Ceprano Rigoletto Verdi
Professional Development
- The Graduate Opportunity and Leadership Development Program, 04/10/2025
- Inclusive Excellence Champions Program, Ball State, 2024-2025
- Immersive Learning mini-course certification, 06/2024
- Responsible Conduct of Research Training Program, 04/11/2024
- Level 1 in Orff Schulwerk Teaching, 07/22/2022
- Indiana Chapter Orff workshops, 2021-Current
- Indiana Music Education Association Conference, 2021-Current
- Inclusive Excellence Workshop, Spring 2022
Affiliations
- National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
- Indiana Music Education Association (IMEA)
- National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
- The College Music Society
- Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (SEMPRE), UK
- Indiana Orff Schuwerk Association (IOSA)
- Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Ukrainian
Native or Bilingual
Russian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Adjunct
Taylor University
01.2025 - Current
Instructor of Record
Taylor University
08.2024 - 12.2024
Instructor
Private Voice Studio
01.2024 - Current
Instructor of Record
Ball State University
01.2021 - Current
Music and Speech Development Teacher
Ukrainian School
01.2019 - 12.2020
Music Teacher
Orange Tree Children's Nursery, International Preschool of Oman
01.2019 - 05.2019
Vocal & Piano Teacher
Private Studio
11.2013 - 12.2020
Voice and Piano Teacher, Yamaha Junior Music Course Instructor
Popular Music Institute
08.2009 - 11.2013
Elementary General Music Teacher/ Elementary Choir Director/ Voice and Piano Instructor
International School of Arts and Sciences
08.2008 - 07.2009
Elementary General Music Teacher/ Elementary Choir Director/ Voice and Piano Instructor
St. Mary Catholic High School
01.2006 - 07.2008
Elementary General Music Teacher
Ivan Franko Ternopil Gymnasium
01.1999 - 06.2000
Artist Diploma - Voice Performance
Ball State University, School of Music
Doctor of Arts - Music Education and Voice Performance
Ball State University, School of Music
Master of Music - Music Education
Ball State University, School of Music
Licentiate - Classical Singing Performance
Thames Valley University (London College of Music)
BA and MA Degrees - Vocal Performance and Music Education
Ukrainian National Tchaikovsky Academy of Music
BA Degree - Concert Singer, Music Teacher
Ternopil Music College (Voice Department)
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