Katya Bessarabov is a composer and pianist whose work spans orchestral, folk, and electronic music, creating emotionally immersive soundscapes across genres. Classically trained from the age of six, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Music with a specialization in piano performance and music theory. She furthered her compositional journey by obtaining a MFA for scoring motion pictures and contemporary media at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. She was mentored by Dr. Andy Hill (Walt Disney Pictures), Alastair King (Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Wonder Woman), Jack Wall (Call of Duty: Black Ops, Mass Effect), amongst others, further refining her cinematic storytelling through sound. With a background rooted in classical tradition and a passion for genre-blending, Katya brings a distinctive voice to her compositions—one that evokes deep emotional resonance. Her approach is intuitive and bold, whilst delicately maintaining an emotive depth. She often merges contrasting sonic soundscapes, ranging from orchestral, to folk, to electronic, to craft music that is both evocative, emotional and unexpected. A self-described "pianist gone rogue," Katya has also embraced DJing, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Beyond the studio, she’s an avid lover of photography, the arts, dance, travel and outdoor adventures, all of which inform her creative process.

Katya Bessarabov

Katya Bessarabov is a composer and pianist whose work spans orchestral, folk, and electronic music, creating emotionally immersive soundscapes across genres. Classically trained from the age of six, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Music with a specialization in piano performance and music theory. She furthered her compositional journey by obtaining a MFA for scoring motion pictures and contemporary media at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. She was mentored by Dr. Andy Hill (Walt Disney Pictures), Alastair King (Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Wonder Woman), Jack Wall (Call of Duty: Black Ops, Mass Effect), amongst others, further refining her cinematic storytelling through sound. With a background rooted in classical tradition and a passion for genre-blending, Katya brings a distinctive voice to her compositions—one that evokes deep emotional resonance. Her approach is intuitive and bold, whilst delicately maintaining an emotive depth. She often merges contrasting sonic soundscapes, ranging from orchestral, to folk, to electronic, to craft music that is both evocative, emotional and unexpected. A self-described "pianist gone rogue," Katya has also embraced DJing, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Beyond the studio, she’s an avid lover of photography, the arts, dance, travel and outdoor adventures, all of which inform her creative process.

Available to hire

Katya Bessarabov is a composer and pianist whose work spans orchestral, folk, and electronic music, creating emotionally immersive soundscapes across genres.

Classically trained from the age of six, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a specialization in piano performance and music theory. She furthered her compositional journey by obtaining a MFA for scoring motion pictures and contemporary media at the Film Scoring Academy of Europe. She was mentored by Dr. Andy Hill (Walt Disney Pictures), Alastair King (Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Wonder Woman), Jack Wall (Call of Duty: Black Ops, Mass Effect), amongst others, further refining her cinematic storytelling through sound.

With a background rooted in classical tradition and a passion for genre-blending, Katya brings a distinctive voice to her compositions—one that evokes deep emotional resonance. Her approach is intuitive and bold, whilst delicately maintaining an emotive depth. She often merges contrasting sonic soundscapes, ranging from orchestral, to folk, to electronic, to craft music that is both evocative, emotional and unexpected.

A self-described “pianist gone rogue,” Katya has also embraced DJing, drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum of musical influences. Beyond the studio, she’s an avid lover of photography, the arts, dance, travel and outdoor adventures, all of which inform her creative process.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Russian
Intermediate
Afrikaans
Intermediate

Work Experience

Orchestral Recording Session Participant at Film Scoring Academy of Europe
September 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Participated in 15 orchestral recording sessions with ensembles up to 110 players; collaborated with composers and film directors; contributed as pianist and orchestral programmer.
Piano Performer (solo piano, orchestral piano, studio vocals) at Film Scoring Academy of Europe
September 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Performed solo and orchestral piano parts and studio vocals as part of MFA program activities and collaborations with other composers.
Administrator at North-West University (NWU) – MUSA RA Research Entity
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Event planning and management for music concerts and contests; administrative duties to support research and performance activities.
Piano Teacher at North-West University (NWU)
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2024
Teaching piano to students; development of individualized lesson plans and performance coaching.

Education

Master of Fine Arts in Music for Motion Pictures & Contemporary Media at Film Scoring Academy of Europe, Sofia, Bulgaria
September 1, 2024 - August 1, 2025
Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Piano Performance and Music Theory at North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2022
Master of Fine Arts in Music for Motion Pictures & Contemporary Media at Film Scoring Academy of Europe
September 1, 2024 - September 1, 2025
Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Piano Performance and Music Theory at North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
January 1, 2019 - December 1, 2022

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Gaming, Software & Internet