Dr. Beata Golec, a Polish-born pianist, theorist, and composer, enriches the Upstate New York music scene through her teaching and collaborations with choral ensembles at SUNY Geneseo, RIT, and the Diocese of Rochester. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, she received the 2020 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, the 2024 Victor Business Awards, and the Ontario County ATHENA Leadership Awards.

 

Dr. Golec, a dedicated piano instructor at SUNY Geneseo and Rochester Institute of Technology, weaves her passion for music into the fabric of her students’ lives. With expertise honed through roles on boards of examiners for Advanced Placement in Music Theory and International Baccalaureate in Music, she shapes the next generation of musicians. Her influence extends beyond academia as she serves as the music director at Holy Cross and Our Mother of Sorrows Churches in Rochester, NY. Through her leadership, she nurtures a community spirit, guiding choirs to elevate worship experiences. Dr. Golec’s commitment to education and faith demonstrates her belief in the transformative power of music, fostering both personal growth and collective harmony in every note played and every student inspired.

 

Dr. Golec founded Golec Music Studio in Victor, NY, with a mission to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists. At the studio, students of all ages and skill levels can explore a diverse range of musical disciplines, from piano and voice to intricate music theory and composition. The studio also offers specialized services, including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exam preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped for academic challenges. Beyond traditional lessons, Golec Music Studio provides comprehensive support for college auditions and music theater preparations, helping aspiring performers shine on stage. With a focus on competition readiness, recordings, and transcriptions, Dr. Golec’s expertise extends to creating unforgettable musical experiences for weddings, funerals, and corporate events. At Golec Music Studio, students don’t just learn music; they build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the art.

 

At just 13, Golec's journey into the world of composition began. By 16, she captured the attention of the music community with her piece “Fantazja Polska,” a heartfelt tribute dedicated to Pope John Paul II. This composition earned her a prestigious honorable mention at the “Patri Patriae” All-Polish Composers Competition, marking her official recognition as a composer. “Fantazja Polska” was premiered in 1997 at the Ars Cameralis Silesiae Superioris Festival in Katowice, Poland, performed by the duo Beata Golec and Miroslaw Makowski. The score of this piece was preserved in the Vatican.

 

Golec's contributions to the annual Women in Music Festival in Rochester, New York, have made a significant impact on the contemporary music scene. Among her showcased works are "Four Preludes" and "Phobia," both evocative pieces for piano, alongside a rich array of compositions like "Forests," "Toccata," and the atmospheric "Clouds," which brings together marimba and vibraphone. Her versatility is further exemplified in "Toccata No. 1" for organ solo and the dynamic "Minimal Talk" for trumpet and piano. The haunting beauty of "Ocean" and the introspective "Falling" round out her impressive repertoire. Serving as the assistant director during the 2011-2012 season, Golec played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting women's voices in music, fostering a community of creativity and collaboration. Her work continues to inspire both performers and audiences alike.

 

In the spotlight from October 2006 to April 2007, Golec captured hearts as the Artist of the Month at the prestigious Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition. She clinched first prize in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, she continued to shine, earning the second prize—a testament to her dedication and artistry in the world of piano.

 

Dr. Golec is an active performer. She debuted at Carnegie Hall in May 2005 and performed there again in 2006. She enjoys performing solo, as well as collaborating with vocalists, instrumentalists, orchestras and choirs. She has performed in a master class and concert settings for
world-renowned musicians such as: Marvin Hamlisch, Alicia de Larrocha, Angela Hewitt, Blanca Uribe, Rebecca Penneys, Yong Hi Moon, Malcolm Bilson, Philip Jenkins, Boaz Sharon, Michael Torke and Judith Lang Zaimont.

 

Golec performed at the following venues: Carnegie Hall, NYC, Bosendorfer Saal, Vienna, Austria, Women in Music Festival, Rochester, NY, Chautauqua Festival, Chautauqua NY, Lenna Hall, Chautauqua NY, Kilbourn Hall, Rochester, NY, Eastman Theater, Rochester, NY, State University of New York in Geneseo, Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY, Make a Wish Foundation (gala concerts in Rochester and Niagara Falls), Rotary Club (Buffalo, Rochester), Garret Club (Buffalo, NY), Ellicott Square Building, Buffalo NY, Dante Alighieri Society, Buffalo, NY, Women's Club in Jamestown, NY, Villa Maria College, Buffalo, NY, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, Eastman House, Rochester, NY, Nazareth College, Rochester NY, University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY, Fryderyk Chopin Academy of Music, Warsaw, Poland, K. Szymanowski Academy of Music, Katowice, Poland, Classics on Elmwood Concert Series, Buffalo, NY, Rowan University, NJ, Temple University, PA, Roberts Wesleyan College, Rochester, NY, Town Hall in San Sebastian, Spain, Piano Festival and Masterclasses, Prague, Czech Republic, Ars Cameralis Silesiae Superioris, Katowice, Poland, Polish National Philharmonics, Warsaw, Poland, Silesian Philharmonics, Katowice, Poland, Chopin’s Manor House in Duszniki Zdroj, Poland, Lazienki Krolewskie in Warsaw, Poland and Czech Institute in Warsaw, Poland.