The Sound of
Oksana Komarenko
Bio
Oksana Komarenko is a passionate music educator, vocal performer, and researcher dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians and educators. Currently a doctoral candidate in Music Education and Voice Performance at Ball State University, she brings diverse experience honed through teaching and performing experiences across three continents that span Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Oksana 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.
In the college classroom, Oksana specializes in preparing future educators, providing field experience supervision, guiding student teaching, and offering applied voice lessons. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes culturally responsive practices, emphasizing the integration of diverse musical traditions while nurturing students' artistic and intellectual growth. She fosters environments where students feel empowered and encouraged to explore their creative potential.
Oksana's research explores the psychological and pedagogical aspects of music education, including the role of pre-performance rituals, the impact of high-stakes performance environments on student learning, and innovative approaches to music teacher preparation. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. She co-authored a paper on developing intercultural competence in music education, drawing from her global experiences and dedication to nurturing students' socio-emotional development.
Oksana's performance career is equally diverse, with leading roles in operas such as Verdi's Rigoletto and Handel's Cesare in Egitto, alongside performances at the Dubai Jazz Festival in the UAE. A 2023/24 NATS competition winner, she remains deeply engaged in both academia and the performance world. She continues to share her love for music through her teaching, advocating for the transformative power of music and its ability to foster resilience and community.
Research
In addition to my teaching expertise, I have authored two completed manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals, exploring topics such as intercultural competence development among music educators and understanding the phenomenon of high-pressure performance in music education. My current research focuses on the role of pre-performance rituals in enhancing music performance. You can view the papers by clicking on the links below.
Here is the link to the Handouts for the session Empowering Educators: Creating Effective Pre-Performance Rituals for Student Success, which I presented at the IMEA 2025 Conference in Fort Wayne in January 2024.
Here is the link to my manuscript: Komarenko et al. (2024). High-pressure in music education: Understanding the phenomenon and empowering students. International Journal of Music Education.
Here is the link to the poster I presented at the IMEA Conference in Fort Wayne in January 2024.
Here is the link to my paper"The Power of Pre-Performance Rituals"
Here is the link to the poster I presented at the IMEA Conference in Fort Wayne in January 2024.
Get in touch
For any questions or inquiries regarding events, such as performances, masterclasses, presentations, workshops, as well as private voice and/or piano lessons, please feel free to contact me.
With extensive experience as a performer, educator, and researcher, I am excited to collaborate and share my expertise in music education, vocal performance, and interdisciplinary artistry.
