Sergey Sarajyan

A recipient of the 2nd degree medal for Services to the Homeland and the Gold Medal from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia, Sergey Sarajyan is a distinguished professor in the Department of Professional Piano and Organ.

In his classroom, Sarajyan fosters a sense of responsibility inherited from the founder of the institution, encouraging students to live with the understanding of carrying forward the performance legacy and to become true representatives of the Sarajyan tradition.

His career, spanning his years as a gifted soloist and a thoughtful, expressive ensemble performer, stands as a testament to an accomplished musician whose success is rooted in firm values.

Sarajyan’s administrative contributions, guided by his unshakable commitment to his profession, reached their pinnacle when he was appointed the 15th rector of the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory. As noted in the album Yerevan State Conservatory: Photographs, Documents, Sayings, 1923-2008 by Professor Armen Budaghyan, Sarajyan’s leadership drew upon a wealth of life experience, from his family’s musical traditions to his work at the Kapan Music College and the Ministry of Culture of Armenia, as well as his decades-long role as a professor and head of the piano department at the Conservatory.

Sarajyan was born into a family of intellectuals who deeply influenced the cultural landscape of Armenia. His father, Georgy Sarajev (Sarajyan), a renowned pianist and composer, and his mother, Anna Sarajyan, a gifted vocalist and professor, shaped his path in music.

Sergey Sarajyan confessed that from an early age, he didn’t merely think about becoming a musician, but felt it in his soul. He studied at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory from 1952 to 1963, where he was mentored by the eminent Nina Stepanian. Later, his alma mater would become a cornerstone of his teaching career.

Sarajyan continued his studies at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory between 1963 and 1969 under the guidance of his father. His training as a concert performer, chamber musician, and educator set the stage for his later achievements. His excellence was affirmed when he entered the Conservatory’s assistantship program from 1969 to 1972, and in 1979, he earned an advanced qualification certificate, solidifying his technical mastery, emotional depth, and artistry.

Professor Sarajyan began teaching from his very first year at the Conservatory. At just 18, he took his first steps in education at the Sayat Nova Music School (1963-1968), and after completing his studies, he taught at the Kapan Music College (1969-1974). In 1970, he was invited back to the Conservatory, where he began as an assistant in the piano department, later progressing to professor by 1992.

In 2002, he was unanimously elected rector, leading the Conservatory with a focus on continued educational growth and international collaboration with institutions such as the Moscow Conservatory, the Gnessin Academy, and the University of Southern California.

Beyond his teaching, Sarajyan played an instrumental role in national and international competitions, served on numerous prestigious juries, and worked tirelessly to shape the Conservatory’s curriculum. His leadership led to the establishment of the Military Conducting Department and the founding of the Yerevan State Conservatory publishing house, among many other initiatives.

Professor Sarajyan’s influence extends to Armenian musical literature, with numerous published works, including piano collections by Armenian composers and his compositions like the Suite on Komitas Themes for two pianos. These works continue to be vital to the Armenian musical repertoire.

As a teacher, Sarajyan has always excelled in recognizing each student’s unique abilities, fostering a rich musical and piano culture. His former students, many of whom have won international and national accolades, carry forward his legacy in both teaching and performance.

In one of his interviews, Professor Sarajyan remarked, «I understand musicians because I am a musician myself.» His life and career reflect the dedication of a true artist who has devoted himself to both his craft and to nurturing the next generation of musicians.