Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aija Izaks. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Aija, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

Education begins in the family. Parents should watch their children from the early age and guide them in the path of their talents. It’s very important not to stifle children, even if the career they choose is something seemingly insignificant. Being a music teacher I can say that the sounds of music can be either healers or destroyers, just like in human relationships – when we speak with kind voices and use loving words, we thrive. When we expose children to beautiful music beginning from the early age, they will develop into kind-hearted individuals. Most genres of music are actually alright, as long as the song lyrics are uplifting and encouraging. We don’t realize how much good the humming of positive words to yourself throughout the day can benefit your psyche. Every individual is created very unique, therefore in educational system it’s very important to address that, instead of putting everybody in the same mold. We should thoroughly test an interview teachers very well before we hire them for jobs. Teachers must be truly qualified and kind-hearted, very patient and understanding. They must be very knowledgeable in their field. “Music” is very general term, but if you teach string instruments in school system you must be a string player yourself. Being trombone player can help kids with overall understanding of music, but not with mastering different instrument. Saying this, we are thankful that public education is available free of charge. Parents should teach their children to respect authority regardless of their skill or attitude. And children should know that the most important educators are their parents and God who created them. Being a parent is a greatest job in the whole world, and the most responsible.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

When I was seven years old, I found an old toy violin on the top shelf of my parents closet. My mom had purchased it a long time ago as a souvenir, but I begged her to let me play with it. She allowed me, and she saw how much more I was preferring it to all my dolls, she eventually took me to a music store and we bought the real thing. She was actually very pleased about my interest because her grandfather used to be a village violinist who made his own instruments. He went to the forest, picked the spruce and maple trees of his choice, and created violins with his own hands. He wasn’t officially educated but all the local people benefited from his services at social occasions. So I must have inherited his genes. I diligently studied violin for 16 years and earned my Masters degree of violin performance from one of the most prestigious academies of music in Europe – Latvian Music Academy in city of Rīga, Latvia. Upon getting my diploma I started teaching students and performing at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre orchestra as well as at the National Symphony Orchestra. I started traveling as a violinist recitalist throughout many cities locally and abroad. At age of 25 I moved to the USA because I married Latvian American man. We have been married for 28 years now and we have a son who is 26 and who also has become a musician. While here in America, I have continued my career throughout all these years, playing in various orchestra’s, teaching students privately and establishing my own music agency named “Dreams Come True Music”. Services of my business provide quality music in Houston and surrounding areas. We offer solo, duo, trio, quartet and quintet groups of various instruments, and we even offer group sizes up to chamber orchestra. I have performed for many celebrities, royals and presidents, but the most rewarding experience actually happened to me when I received a medal for community service (for playing my violin in houses of the elderly.) Nothing compares to experience seeing somebody coming back to life while listening to the music I was performing. Yes, music is a healer. Another most rewarding experience is teaching children, because they represent our future. Nothing compares to delight in child’s eyes opened wide with the wonder as they enter the world of music. My hopes and dreams are to create better world through the services I offer. Because when we serve others we benefit ourselves. Our soul becomes richer and our hearts more tender. And just like in any job field of life, we should do the job of music with integrity. We must treat our clients as a family; to help making their occasion extra special. If you’re interested in hiring me, my website is www.dreamscometruemusic.com

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Playing any musical instrument with a goal to become a professional can be compared with an Olympic athlete preparing for Olympics. Although I was very excited about my violin at the age of seven, I soon discovered that practicing several hours a day is not exactly like playing with my dolls. I’m very thankful to my mom who encouraged me throughout all my music journey, assisting me with practice and providing resources for making this happen. I’m also very fortunate that my father was involved in my education as well. We were not very wealthy and had to overcome many obstacles for me to succeed. My father sold his car to purchase a better violin for me. That was a violin I played when I graduated from my music college, and that was the violin I traveled the world with performing many recitals. I still treasure the same violin performing events here in America. It is a handmade instrument by professional Swiss maker of 19 century Gustav Methfessel. Being a musician you must continue practicing at any age. That requires a lot of willpower, stamina and resilience. I had to pass numerous tests and trials throughout my school years. But rewards are heavenly. I’m very happy with my life’s choice.

How did you build your audience on social media?

In our age of digital technology one benefits from being able to advertise on social media. I started utilizing social media eight years ago. First I did it just to be able to give a gift of my musical performances to my friends, so I started posting brief excerpts of my concerts on FB. Eventually audience started growing, and it has always been so delightful to hear peoples testimonies about how I have uplifted their day. Besides being a musician I also work as a fashion model. When playing recitals I love looking like Cinderella, as I wear many different concert gowns. It’s so much fun. It gives beauty to the ear and beauty to the soul. I get most of my clients through my website but there surely have been a lots of offers directly from social media as well. Send me a friend request and I’ll be delighted to connect with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dreamscometruemusic.com
• Facebook: Aija Izaks