I'm actually a very passionate and dedicated artist, and my life is a blend of music, creativity,
and lifelong learning.
As a pianist, educator, and artistic director, I try to inspire through profound emotional
power of music, while sharing my knowledge and experiences with others both on and off
the stage.
My life journey has also led me to explore fields beyond music, from technology to holistic
health, all of which shaped my approach to teaching, performing, and living with intention.
For our final episode of 2024, we welcome multi-award-winning pianist and Steinway
artist Sofia Agranovic.
Sofia's journey is a testament to resilience and passion.
In the 1980s, she paused her flourishing music career to pursue a successful path in information
technology, excelling as an IT executive at companies like Midlife and Merrill Lynch,
all while practicing piano daily.
Every single day, even if I worked overtime, and I worked long overtime hours, weekends,
sometimes night calls for maintenance, 3 o'clock in the morning calls with London, Japan,
wherever, had to fix the problem or help other people.
Every single day I was practicing piano, no matter what.
I used to come home and I drove to work, you know, I come home, I'm totally exhausted.
I was sitting down at the piano with clothes dyes, which I couldn't move.
I was practicing, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour every single day, no matter what.
In 2008, she made a triumphant return to music, performing on international stages like Carnegie
Hall and Lincoln Center, releasing 11 acclaimed solo albums and earning the title of Steinway
Artist.
It happened sort of naturally.
I didn't plan it.
I didn't expect it ever to happen because I know how hard it is to build career.
So it's unthinkable.
I would never think that it would happen.
So now, when I'm back miraculously, for many years now I'm back, I look upon everything
differently.
I appreciate it much more.
Every time I have opportunity to practice, I'm very grateful for it.
I got a lot of this gratitude.
I got the feeling of gratitude for everything I do.
We should appreciate every moment.
Join us this Tuesday, December 17th at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on our YouTube channel for this
inspiring episode with the audio available on all podcast platforms.
Sophia's story proves that passion with dedication can persevere and thrive.
So let her journey inspire your own musical path.