Bio
My Story
Jazz vocalist, pianist, and songwriter from Belarus, currently based in Leeds.
Mira Bolshakova is an emerging artist contributing to the contemporary jazz scene in Leeds through a distinctive blend of jazz, Latin, soul, and swing influences. Alongside reimagined jazz standards, she performs original music shaped by both her classical background and modern jazz sensibilities.
Mira began her musical training at the age of five, studying piano, vocal performance, music theory, choir, and classical repertoire throughout nine years of formal music education in Belarus. Her artistic direction changed after meeting vocal coach Veronika Yanovskaya, who introduced her to jazz and inspired a deep connection with the music of artists such as Chet Baker, Nina Simone, Barbra Streisand and Jacob Collier.
“Jazz is the place where I can express myself fully.”
Following her studies in Belarus, Mira was accepted into several UK conservatoires before choosing to continue her education at Leeds Conservatoire, where she is currently completing a degree in Jazz Vocals.
Acheivements
An experienced live performer, Mira has appeared at festivals, competitions, and concert venues across the UK and Europe. Her achievements include:
• Grand Prix — Jazz Vocal and 1st Prize — Jazz Piano at the Republican Jazz & Pop Competition “Bird” (Belarus)
• Grand Prix — Piano Performance at the International Arts Festival “Light of Music” (Belarus)
• 2nd Prize — Vocal Performance at the Cannes International Festival (France)
• Prize winner at international vocal competitions in Poland and San Marino
With a warm vocal tone, expressive phrasing, and a strong connection to storytelling through music, Mira brings a fresh and personal approach to both classic jazz repertoire and contemporary original music.
Background
• 13 years of vocal performance experience across multiple musical styles, including jazz, classical, pop, and contemporary music
• 15 years of piano performance experience as both a classical and jazz musician
• 2 years of vocal teaching experience, including teaching at the Gordonstoun Summer School, part of the internationally renowned Gordonstoun educational institution
• Jazz arranger and composer with a strong background in ensemble writing and original music creation
• Skilled bandleader with experience in project management, live performance coordination, and independent promotion
• Strong background in live performance, rehearsal direction, and audience engagement