Mariam Kharatyan is an Armenian-Norwegian Associate Professor in Classical Music and Music Education at the University of Agder. She holds dual Master's degrees in piano performance from the Komitas State Conservatory (Armenia) and the University of Agder. Her research explores Armenian folk music's influence on classical piano works by Komitas and Khachaturian, culminating in her doctoral project 'Armenian Fingerprints' and two acclaimed albums. Education: Master's in Western-European Music, University of Agder (Norway), 2012-present Master's in Piano Performance, Komitas State Conservatory (Armenia) Research Interests: Focus on multicultural interpretation, improvisation in classical performance, and artistic research methodologies. She bridges Armenian folk traditions with Western classical music, emphasizing cross-cultural pedagogy and score-based learning innovations. Explores themes like sostenuto pedal techniques, composer-performer-listener dynamics, and the role of improvisation in rigid classical frameworks. Performance Highlights: Soloist with Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Torun Symphony, and Sarajevo String Orchestra Albums: Khachaturian, Chamber Music (Simax Classics) and Komitas, Shoror (Grappa Musikkforlag) Featured in venues like Troldhaugen (Norway), National Gallery of Art (Washington DC), and Kilden Konserthus Grants & Projects: Lead researcher in EU-funded REACT project (Artistic Research-Based Learning) Erasmus+ Mobility Program activities in Poland and Armenia RHiMuCE research group member Labs/Initiatives: Develops interdisciplinary projects like Songs of the Soul and CreaTeME , blending live electronics with traditional Armenian music. Co-created the Artistic Research Based Learning Toolkit for European music institutions.








