Ph.D. and M.A. in music theory, University of California, Santa Barbara (dissertation topic: Russian Methodology of Music Theory and Analysis) (2003); aspirantura of Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1993); Diplom of Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory (1988); degrees in piano, theory and composition from Ufa Specialized Music School (1982). Studied music theory with Pieter C. van den Toorn, Michael Beckerman, Yuri Kholopov, Valentina Kholopova and philosophy with Jacques Derrida (UC Irvine 1997-2001). Has been teaching theory sequence in the United States for the past ten years. Presented papers on topics of Russian music theory and analysis, theory of performance, semiotics and methodology of aural skills at the national and international conferences. Published research on music of Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninov and Dmitri Tiomkin in Vereiniging voor Musiektheorie, Goldbergstiftung, Acta Semiotica Fennica, Film Music Journal and Musical Academy Quarterly, as well as philosophical studies in Sinij Divan and Logos.
