1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,520
I'm actually a very passionate and dedicated artist, and my life is a blend of music, creativity,

2
00:00:10,520 --> 00:00:12,520
and lifelong learning.

3
00:00:12,520 --> 00:00:19,200
As a pianist, educator, and artistic director, I try to inspire through profound emotional

4
00:00:19,200 --> 00:00:25,320
power of music, while sharing my knowledge and experiences with others both on and off

5
00:00:25,320 --> 00:00:26,940
the stage.

6
00:00:26,940 --> 00:00:33,000
My life journey has also led me to explore fields beyond music, from technology to holistic

7
00:00:33,000 --> 00:00:42,360
health, all of which shaped my approach to teaching, performing, and living with intention.

8
00:00:42,360 --> 00:00:47,420
For our final episode of 2024, we welcome multi-award-winning pianist and Steinway

9
00:00:47,420 --> 00:00:49,440
artist Sofia Agranovic.

10
00:00:49,440 --> 00:00:54,040
Sofia's journey is a testament to resilience and passion.

11
00:00:54,040 --> 00:00:59,480
In the 1980s, she paused her flourishing music career to pursue a successful path in information

12
00:00:59,480 --> 00:01:05,480
technology, excelling as an IT executive at companies like Midlife and Merrill Lynch,

13
00:01:05,480 --> 00:01:08,360
all while practicing piano daily.

14
00:01:08,360 --> 00:01:14,920
Every single day, even if I worked overtime, and I worked long overtime hours, weekends,

15
00:01:14,920 --> 00:01:20,040
sometimes night calls for maintenance, 3 o'clock in the morning calls with London, Japan,

16
00:01:20,040 --> 00:01:23,600
wherever, had to fix the problem or help other people.

17
00:01:23,600 --> 00:01:26,600
Every single day I was practicing piano, no matter what.

18
00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:32,680
I used to come home and I drove to work, you know, I come home, I'm totally exhausted.

19
00:01:32,680 --> 00:01:37,300
I was sitting down at the piano with clothes dyes, which I couldn't move.

20
00:01:37,300 --> 00:01:43,880
I was practicing, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour every single day, no matter what.

21
00:01:43,880 --> 00:01:49,360
In 2008, she made a triumphant return to music, performing on international stages like Carnegie

22
00:01:49,360 --> 00:01:55,240
Hall and Lincoln Center, releasing 11 acclaimed solo albums and earning the title of Steinway

23
00:01:55,240 --> 00:01:56,240
Artist.

24
00:01:56,240 --> 00:01:58,440
It happened sort of naturally.

25
00:01:58,440 --> 00:01:59,440
I didn't plan it.

26
00:01:59,440 --> 00:02:06,520
I didn't expect it ever to happen because I know how hard it is to build career.

27
00:02:06,520 --> 00:02:08,320
So it's unthinkable.

28
00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:11,760
I would never think that it would happen.

29
00:02:11,760 --> 00:02:19,160
So now, when I'm back miraculously, for many years now I'm back, I look upon everything

30
00:02:19,160 --> 00:02:20,520
differently.

31
00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:23,160
I appreciate it much more.

32
00:02:23,160 --> 00:02:28,080
Every time I have opportunity to practice, I'm very grateful for it.

33
00:02:28,080 --> 00:02:31,280
I got a lot of this gratitude.

34
00:02:31,280 --> 00:02:34,400
I got the feeling of gratitude for everything I do.

35
00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:37,120
We should appreciate every moment.

36
00:02:37,120 --> 00:02:42,480
Join us this Tuesday, December 17th at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on our YouTube channel for this

37
00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:47,240
inspiring episode with the audio available on all podcast platforms.

38
00:02:47,240 --> 00:02:53,000
Sophia's story proves that passion with dedication can persevere and thrive.

39
00:02:53,000 --> 00:03:20,000
So let her journey inspire your own musical path.