Evelina Savonin: Practicing Progress, Not Perfection
Evelina Savonin
The UAF College of Liberal Arts proudly recognizes Evelina Savonin as the 2024–2025 Outstanding Graduate Student in Music. A master's student in piano performance, Savonin embodies the quiet strength, intellectual grace, and deep dedication that define the spirit of graduate study at UAF.
Throughout her time at UAF, Savonin has been more than a student. Through a graduate assistantship, she took on substantial leadership in the classroom, independently teaching up to seven credits per semester. “Although the faculty was always there for me and offered guidance when I needed it, having the responsibility and independence to lead my own classes gave me an entirely new level of growth,” she said. “I learned how to guide others while still growing myself, and that teaching is less about having all the answers, and more about listening, adapting, and creating a space for others to learn.”
Savonin's story is a powerful reminder of what graduate education in the arts can be: a space where technical mastery and personal transformation meet. Her experiences at UAF have shaped her not only as a musician but also as a mentor and educator. It’s no surprise, then, that the future she envisions is one grounded in sharing her knowledge. “I plan to stay curious, keep learning, and give back—whether through mentoring students, teaching, or contributing to projects that I’m passionate about,” she said. “I hope to stay open to collaborating on projects that bring music and people together.”
Savonin’s advice to future students reflects this philosophy: "Don't be afraid to reach out—to your professors, to your peers, to the opportunities around you… Every performance, every project, every conversation, every opportunity… it all adds up and shapes your journey in a unique way."
For someone who plays an instrument often associated with perfectionism, one of the most valuable lessons Savonin has learned is about grace and endurance. “In a field like music, it’s easy to get caught up in striving for perfection. But what truly moves the needle is showing up every day, even when it’s hard,” she said. “Progress may be slow, but it’s real and it’s worth it.”
Her reflections offer a broader lesson for anyone in the CLA community: excellence is not an endpoint, but a process. One that is often messy, challenging, and slow—but always, ultimately, transformative.
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Music is part of a long tradition of recognizing excellence in performance, composition, and musical scholarship at UAF. The Department of Music nurtures creative thinking, collaboration, and expressive skill—core strengths that CLA celebrates across disciplines. Savonin’s journey reminds us that the liberal arts are not just about learning what is; they are about shaping what can be.
As she prepares to step beyond UAF, Savonin carries with her not only the technical prowess of a trained pianist, but the strength and insight of a teacher, collaborator, and lifelong learner. “UAF has given me more than just a degree or education,” she said. “This program challenged me, inspired me, and helped me to grow into the musician and person that I am today.”