Shushanik Hovakimyan was born in 1981 in Yerevan, Armenia. From a young age, she displayed an innate talent and passion for music, leading her to enroll at the prestigious Alexander Spendiaryan Music School. Under the guidance of her professor, Arkuhi Harutiunyan, she honed her skills and laid the foundation for her future in music.

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During her formative years at the music school, Shushanik's talent blossomed, and she caught the attention of renowned pianist and professor Armen Babakhanyan. Recognizing her potential, Babakhanyan took her under his wing, providing her with private lessons and further enriching her musical education.

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Shushanik gave her first solo recital in 1994 which initiated the beginning of numerous solo recitals in the following years in Armenia and abroad. Notably, in 1996, she captivated audiences with her interpretation of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major alongside the Yerevan Chamber Orchestra. 

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The following year, in 1997, Shushanik participated in the " Young Artists Concerto Festival"  and won the prize for the best performance of a modern concerto, Gershwin’s "Rhapsody in Blue".

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In 1999, she showcased her exceptional talent at the "Armenian Legacy, the Young Talents" First National Piano Competition, where her performance of Aram Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto with the Armenian Youth Symphony Orchestra in the final round secured her the First Prize and a Special prize for the best interpretation of an Armenian Composition.

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Later in 1999 Shushanik moved to live in the United States with her family. After her win she was invited to tour Europe with solo recitals sponsored by KAWAI Europe and in 2001 she had five recitals in Austria, Italy and Germany with a remarkable 2 hour solo program which included the entire 9 Etudes-Tableaux Op.39 of Sergei Rachmaninov, all 3 Intermezzi Op. 117 of  Johannes Brahms, Beethoven’s f minor piano sonata and Bela Bartok’s “Out of Doors” suite.

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In 2002, she made the decision to pursue higher education at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music, studying under the esteemed guidance of Professor Kevin Fitz-Gerald. The same year she claimed victory in the "Sigma Alpha Iota" Scholarship competition in Los Angeles and the "Pasadena Arts Club '' piano competition in Pasadena, CA. 

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In 2003 her remarkable performance earned her the esteemed Third Prize in the Seventh International "Jean Francaix Piano Competition" held in Paris, France, further establishing her as a distinguished pianist on the international stage. 

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After 2 years of studies in USC Thornton School of Music Shushanik realized that her heart remained connected to her roots so she made the decision to transfer to the Yerevan State Conservatory in Armenia to continue her studies with Professor Armen Babakhanian.

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In 2005 Shushanik was invited to perform a solo recital at the prestigious “Festival Culturescapes" in Basel, Switzerland, where she performed Sergey Prokofiev’s piano sonata no. 6 and contemporary pieces by Armenian composers.

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In 2007, she obtained her Master’s Degree from the Yerevan State Conservatory, equipped with qualifications as a concert performer, chamber collaborator, accompanist, and teacher. Expanding upon this achievement, Shushanik pursued further education and expertise in 2009, earning a Post-Graduate Certificate in "Musical Art" with a specialization in Piano from the same esteemed institution. Once again under the guidance of Professor Armen Babakhanian, she delved deeper into the nuances of musical artistry, refining her craft, and expanding her repertoire.

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Shushanik embarked on her journey as a piano teacher at the age of 17, sharing her love for piano with aspiring musicians. Over the years, her students have graced prestigious concert halls such as the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as The Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles. Some of her most talented students have chosen to pursue higher education in music, specializing in piano and organ, inspired by Shushanik's guidance and passion for the craft.