New Faculty Member Q&A: Anna Petrova

Anna Petrova, an associate professor in the Butler School of Music, is an internationally acclaimed pianist, educator and arts leader who has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Virginia Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Manhattan Chamber Sinfonia, Louisville Orchestra, the Iași and Timișoara Philharmonics, Valencia Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of Wallonia and major orchestras in her native Bulgaria. She has been the recipient of top honors and awards at numerous competitions internationally, including the Queen Elisabeth and José Roca competitions, MAW Alumni Enterprise Award and the Bulgarian Ministry of Culture, among others. Most recently, Petrova taught at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, and she also serves as the co-artistic director of ATX Chamber Music and Jazz. She holds bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the Manhattan School of Music.

Tell us about the classes you’ll be teaching this year.

This year, I’ll be teaching applied piano to undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students.

What attracted you to the Butler School of Music and The University of Texas at Austin?

I was drawn to the Butler School by the exceptional artistry and dedication of its students, as well as its forward-looking approach to preparing musicians for meaningful, multifaceted careers. UT Austin’s broader culture of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship, together with the creative energy of Austin itself, made the opportunity even more compelling.

How did your professional pathway lead to your current research focus?

I grew up in Bulgaria and attended a specialized music school from age six through high school, receiving an intensive and highly focused musical education. At 18, I moved to New York to study at the Manhattan School of Music. The energy and diversity of the city broadened my perspective, both as a musician and as a person, and introduced me to artists pursuing many different paths in music.

Inspired by my own teachers, I also discovered a deep passion for teaching. The artistic community and lasting relationships I formed in New York ultimately shaped a career that brings together performance, pedagogy and artistic leadership. Today, my work encompasses performing as a soloist and chamber musician, teaching the next generation of pianists and serving as co-artistic director of ATX Chamber Music and Jazz, an Austin-based nonprofit.

What’s something that students and colleagues should know about you?

I take music very seriously, but I try not to take myself too seriously. I believe that high standards, curiosity and a sense of humor can and should coexist in the studio and in every collaboration.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, researching, or working?

I love gardening, spending time in nature and being with my family: my husband, our toddler son and our goldendoodle.