Meet Kamilla Kakhkharova Bendersky | Pianist & Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kamilla Kakhkharova Bendersky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kamilla Kakhkharova, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As a child I intuitively gravitated towards music asking my parents if I could study piano without really knowing why. As I matured as a person and a musician, I came to realize the incredible power of music to connect people from different backgrounds, countries and social classes. Music can also profoundly touch and transform people’s hearts bringing relief from life struggles, grief and overall process our emotions in a healthy way. I was born in Khujand, Tajikistan, but unfortunately our family had to leave my homeland because of the civil war and political unrest after the collapse of the USSR. Most of my conscious years I spent in the diverse city of Moscow, Russia. There I was lucky enough to attend Music School and Music College under the Tchaikovsky Conservatory. Seven years ago I was very fortunate to come to study in the United States where I am continuing my education and career to this day. Throughout my years traveling and living in different cities, countries and environments, I witnessed the universal power of music that brings people together, encourages empathy and solidarity. My goal as a pianist, composer and educator is to share music and knowledge that nurtures not only artistry and high musicianship but also promotes harmony, understanding and compassion.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have recently graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and moved to Los Angeles a few months ago. I am a professional pianist, composer and educator. I’ve performed solo as well as with chamber groups internationally. I have recently started a Master’s program in music composition. I am interested in creating music for visual media, particularly in the context of video games. I am passionate about creating meaningful and interactive stories and narratives. I believe video games are a place for a range of creatives like artists, designers, programmers, musicians, all from different fields, to come together in the creative act that encourages collaboration, creativity and experimentation. I am also a firm believer in music education and its vital importance in personal development. Currently I run a private piano studio, and I am dedicated to working with individuals of all ages and skill levels. Although I’m still at the very beginning of my professional career, I am excited to contribute my musical voice, knowledge and perspective to the world of art and entertainment.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Waterfront Venice is a very cool restaurant/bar by the beach. Bartender Dennis is awesome, you are guaranteed a great time!

Beverly Hills Cookies has the best cookies I’ve ever tried hands down.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family, especially my mother, husband, and my aunt Erika who have been incredibly supportive throughout my musical journey. Furthermore I wouldn’t be able to grow as much as I did without my teachers and mentors Irina Agazhanova, Tatiana Direktorenko and Max Levinson. And of course I cannot survive without the inspiration and support from my dear friends. Last but not least – a big shoutout to Daniel Erichsen, a sleep physician and his books “Set it and Forget”, “This is Natto” that helped me overcome a severe case of insomnia.

Instagram: piano.kamilla

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamilla-kakhkharova-bendersky-8b8713132/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kamilla.bendersky

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaPNPmay-zRIeLjpcjLe7-Q

Image Credits
Isabel Hainer (my portrait with the trees and a car in the background) Rocky Taverna (picture of my back when I am playing piano in a red top)