Elif Karakas

Elif Isil Karakas began her musical studies at the age of 4,5. In 2010, she became a student at the Antalya State Conservatory in the class of Dr. Goktepe. Giving her first recital at 7, Karakas now performs in major venues throughout the United States and Europe, and tours the U.S., Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, France, and Bulgaria as a guest performer in several festivals. She has appeared under the baton of Gary Green, Nesrin Bayramogullari, Kevin M. Geraldi, Desiree, Overree, Steven D. Davis, and other conductors. Karakas won numerous international competitions, including the Hopes, Talents, Masters' Classical Piano Competition in Bulgaria (2012, 2nd prize), Horowitz Piano Competition in Ukraine (2013, finals), Skryabin Conservatory Piano Competition in France (2015, 3rd prize), Carmen Clavier Piano Competition in Indianapolis (2016), Blinn Piano Competition in Texas (2018, 2nd prize), Dr. Pauling Piano Competition in Texas (2019, 2nd prize), and won Texas TMEA All-State for 2 consecutive years placing in 1st place in 2018, 2019 and won 3rd prize in 2020 etc. Having worked with international pianists, Karakas has gained the Russian, Turkish and American schools of piano technique. She has studied with Dr. Weems from the University of Houston and Dr. Roux from Rice University. Currently, Karakas is pursuing her Bachelor's degree at the Manhattan School of Music and is taking an active role as a solo concert pianist.

 

  With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Karakas has prepared students for entrance exams, tests, and concerts. She has worked with students ranging from 4 to 18, helping them advance their piano technique, and musicality, as well as gain general music knowledge and culture by approaching music from the classical repertoire. Depending on the student's goals and interests, she picks a method and supports with lesson plans for each student's individual needs. She hopes to instill a lifelong love of music in her students.

 

  Besides, she produces a classical music show called Classical Note on the national Radyobir channel, where she hosts world-renowned classical music artists. Other than music, she has won prizes in Chess, Swimming, and Optimist contests.