Today we’d like to introduce you to Yevgeniya Jane Lepskaya.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born in Kiev, Ukraine and immigrated to the United States when I was 19 years old. I received a full scholarship to Roosevelt University Musical College in Chicago. I graduated in three years, with honors, from the Chicago Musical College with a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy. I then attended Northern Illinois University for graduate school on a full scholarship, and received my Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy in 1999.
I have been teaching music all my life. While I was a student at Roosevelt, I began teaching a few people on the side. Word began to spread of my teachings, and the number of students I had kept growing. Fourteen years ago, I got my own space and started my teaching business.
The biggest challenge that I had to overcome was coming to the United States. I did have full scholarships to Roosevelt, but I only had $200 in my pocket. It was very hard to survive on little money, let alone in a brand new country. It was a struggle to survive, but I overcame the challenges with the help of teaching.
I view my business as an extension of myself. I love what I do. I’ve been involved with music my entire life, and teaching for many, many years. Music is what I know, and what I love. It is about the art; it is beautiful and a special gift. The best part, for me, is working with the children. The children are like my extended family – it warms my heart to know that they appreciate and care about me as much as I care about them. It gives me a great feeling to know that I have great relationships with the children.
My biggest success so far is that I’ve never had any other job besides teaching and playing piano to support myself and my career. Most artists, whether its fine arts or creative arts, are forced to have other jobs to support their work. I have always been able to support myself, make a living, and create a life for myself solely with my art.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Life is not smooth period. The same philosophy applies to all worldly things, so my journey has not been easy. However, I have kept at it for close to 30 years, and it paid off. I believe I achieved a success in business, I’m totally self-reliant.
Please tell us about Yevgeniya Lepskaya’s School of Music.
Yevgeniya Lepskaya’s School of Music is a professional music school that is designed to give your child a comprehensive music education of the highest quality. We continue the musical traditions of the famous Russian and Western European Schools of music. We promote high standards of musicianship in our students by providing an education in various music disciplines such as private instrument instruction, music theory, music history, solfege, and choir. All of our classes are designed to supplement private instrument instruction in order to cultivate well-rounded young musicians.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I learned I must believe in myself.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1032 Busse Highway
Park Ridge IL 60068 - Website: www.artofmusicschool.us
- Phone: 773-319-5108
- Email: artofmusicschool@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofmusicschool/
- Facebook: https://business.facebook.com/artofmusicschool/?business_id=923699877701029&ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Persik97
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/yevgeniya-lepskayas-school-of-music-park-ridge
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
