Constance Shelengian

Although Dr. Constance Shelengian retired as a music educator and administrator, she has found a rewarding second career in publishing as an arranger of Armenian folk music. She is committed to preserving the rich Armenian folk music tradition, adapting the songs for intermediate pianists. Additionally, choral music, musical plays, and music uniquely featuring the Middle Eastern oud are sources for compositions. Her two transcriptions for oud as recorded by the master oudist, John Berberian, are a high point in her collection.

Dr. Shelengian taught vocal and general music, grades K-12, in East Hampton and Scarsdale, NY, instructing as Adjunct faculty for Advanced Choral Methods at Queens College. She has worked with young learners and adults in various capacities, serving as choral conductor, musical director, national workshop clinician, piano accompanist, and vocal coach. 

Connie studied classical piano with Maro Ajemian, jazz piano with Bohdan Sochan, and voice with Nancy Williams of The Met. She has played guitar and keyboard in Armenian folk ensembles since 1970 and organ at Armenian churches in New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

She feels fortunate to continue to collaborate with her creative mother, Rose Kacherian Rybak, a playwright. Connie also finds inspiration teaming up with her husband Rich, an oud player. The duo has recorded “Oud Vibrations: Songs of Armenian Heritage” a collection of Armenian folk music. The album continues to stream online and their videos can be viewed on YouTube.