Augustinas Rakauskas

Augustinas Rakauskas serves as a Lecturer at Vytautas Magnus University's Music Academy in the Instrumental Music Department, specializing in accordion performance. With a distinguished career as a professional accordionist, he maintains a dual role as both educator and performing artist.

His educational background includes a Master's degree with excellence in concert performance from the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne (Switzerland), where he is currently completing a second Master's degree in Music Pedagogy. This advanced training informs his teaching methodology and performance practice.

Rakauskas specializes in classical accordion performance with particular expertise in contemporary interpretations and chamber music collaboration. His performance interests span traditional classical repertoire, contemporary compositions, and cross-cultural musical dialogues that bridge Eastern and Western musical traditions. As an active performer, he regularly presents solo recitals and collaborates in chamber settings.

His recent musical compositions and performances demonstrate a focus on international music festivals and cross-cultural projects, particularly evident in his 2023 works related to the Vilnius International Accordion Festival and the "Rencontres Orient-Occident" project, which explore stylistic diversity and East-West musical connections.

His numerous scientific awards reflect exceptional achievement in international competitions:

• Multiple first prizes at prestigious competitions including Jeunes Talents-Montrond-les-Bains (France), Accordion Art Festival (Italy), and VAMO-2016 (Austria)
• Grand Prix at the Accordion Art Festival - ITALIA AWARD
• Swiss Awards including Prix Paléo 2017 and consecutive first prizes from the Kiefer Hablitzel | Göhner Swiss foundation (2018, 2019)
• Top placements at global events including Coupe Mondiale and Trophée Mondial competitions

As an active performer, Rakauskas has established a worldwide concert career across Europe, the USA, and Asia. He regularly performs as a soloist and in the chamber music duo "Tutto a Dio," which has itself won multiple international awards. His performance activities directly inform his academic work, creating a dynamic integration of practice and pedagogy.

While maintaining his teaching responsibilities, Rakauskas continues to develop his performance career through international engagements and specialized projects that explore musical connections across cultural boundaries.