About

Certified Taubman Approach Instructor & Concert Pianist

Mira Opalińska is a critically acclaimed pianist, educator, and a pioneering figure in piano pedagogy. She holds the distinction of being the only certified Taubman Approach Instructor in Scotland, and the very first for Poland. Celebrated for her unique artistic voice, Opalińska seamlessly bridges the worlds of classical precision and spontaneous jazz improvisation, creating a genre-defying style defined by its depth, space, and exquisite texture.

Formative Years & Elite Training

Born in Poland in 1982, Opalińska’s extraordinary talent was evident early; she made her major solo debut at the Rzeszów Philharmonic Hall at just eleven years old. A laureate of numerous piano competitions, her youth was marked by extensive European concert tours and frequent radio and television broadcasts.

Driven by an innate curiosity, she expanded her classical foundation into jazz, studying at Warsaw’s prestigious Bednarska College of Music under the legendary Andrzej Jagodziński. In 2006, she relocated to Scotland, graduating with First Class Honours from the University of Strathclyde under the guidance of David Patrick.

International Career & Notable Collaborations

Opalińska’s career is distinguished by prominent international tours across the UK, Europe, China, and Japan. Her performances have been featured on BBC Four and BBC Radio Scotland. A major highlight of her career includes opening for the iconic ECM artist Tomasz Stańko, which blossomed into a celebrated collaboration and tour with Finnish drummer Olavi Louhivuori, backed by the Polish Cultural Institute.

Her discography reflects a deeply versatile and inquisitive artist:

  • Lumière (2012): Her chamber jazz duo album with bassist Douglas Whates, which drew critical comparisons to Bill Evans and Paul Bley for its masterful use of space.
  • A Highland Ballad (2012): A compelling collaboration with Scottish violinist Feargus Hetherington, showcasing her versatility in chamber music and deep connection to her adopted home.
  • J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations (2017): A profound return to her classical roots, tackling one of the most demanding keyboard works in existence.
  • Cat's Songs - 17 Haiku for Piano (2023): An ambient, modern classical solo project composed by world-class drummer Bartłomiej Oleś.
  • Time Diary (2025): Her latest collaboration with Oleś, beautifully uniting her cinematic piano performance with ambient soundscapes.

The Taubman Approach & Pedagogy

In 2021, Opalińska dedicated herself to mastering the Taubman Approach, studying intensely under Master Teacher Deren Eryilmaz in London, alongside advanced consultations with the world-renowned Edna Golandsky and Mary Moran. Following years of rigorous training through the Golandsky Institute’s international symposiums and masterclasses, she was officially certified as an Instructor of the Taubman Approach in April 2026.

Today, Opalińska provides elite, world-class tuition aimed at helping pianists overcome technical limitations, prevent injury, and unlock their full artistic potential. She warmly welcomes enquiries for private lessons and consultations from students of all levels at her primary studio in the Glasgow area, as well as seasonal sessions at her studio near Rzeszów, Poland.

Press

"A revelation: To Trzaskowski... Komeda... Makowicz... Możdżer... Wasilewski... continue the line with Mira Opalińska"
—Jazzwise founding editor, Stephen Graham

"Absolutely beautiful."
—BBC Radio Scotland

"Technically very able—she plays classical recitals as well as jazz—she solos without any grand displays of technique, preferring clear, melodic developments of the original themes and a refined choice of notes."
—The Herald (Rob Adams)