We were lucky to catch up with Florina Petrescu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Florina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started my violin journey when I was 8 years old. I had to practice every day to become a professional violinist later. This is a craft that takes time and effort. I did not have much time to play when I was a child. I had to dedicate most of my time to practicing my violin. Practicing an instrument comes with alone time. You have to be by yourself and perfect the technique, improve the sound and memorize tens of sheets of music. I don’t think I could have done it without my love for the violin. I liked to be by myself though. I was a single child and I used to create games on my own. I also had a passion for writing poems and scripts. I never got bored.

I don’t know if I would have changed anything in terms of how much I practiced. The only way of speeding up the learning process is to focus better on the tasks you have, be in the moment, think of the music and nothing else. That is a challenge in itself. One of the main obstacles which stood in the way of learning more was maturing. Transforming. Becoming a teenager, a young girl, and a woman. Wanted to be accepted, loved, and appreciated. The thoughts associated with these changes took a lot of time from my practice sessions.

The worst obstacle of them all (I struggle with it every day) is overthinking. I overthink everything, from why do I need to practice in the first place, to how to practice, and what tools I need to obtain the correct result. It’s time-consuming and sometimes unnecessary. That is why, I feel at my best when I can just, flow with the music and “feel” it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

HI! My name is Florina and I am a professional violinist. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in violin performance and a Master’s Degree in Chamber Music – Violin from the National University of Music, Bucharest, Romania. I was playing in a full-time orchestra for 7 years prior to coming to the United States.

I immigrated from Romania 8 years ago. I found myself in a different world, and I had to change the way I looked at my career. I started very small, as nobody knew me in the US. I learned how this country works and grew as a person and artist, as the competition here is huge. Now, I am playing with some of the best orchestras in Michigan, and I am collaborating with my fellow musicians and friends to design the music for different events. Still, I also do a lot of solo work, playing violin solo for different events. I enjoy my career so much, as it gives me challenges every day. No day is the same as the other. I love what I do, and I never say: I have to go to work. I have to go and… PLAY. I think this is how everybody should feel about their lives and careers. As a playground for growth, change, happiness, and joy.

What sets me apart from others is that I am MYSELF. I put my soul and love for music into each event I have. Whether it is an orchestra concert, a marriage proposal, a party, a kids’ concert, or a chamber music performance. I treat them the same and I focus on bringing my best to my audience. I love to talk to my clients and find out what they love, and then bring that into their experience.

I am proud of what I built till now. When I created FlorysMusic I did not know how it will turn out. I did not know if people will love my music or if they will even hire me. It took a tremendous effort to let people know who I am and what I do. I had to first be recognized by the music world, by the people who were already there. I had to talk to people and promote myself. This did not come easily as I am an introvert by nature.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

In the music world, as a business owner, my biggest accomplishment is that I am able to do this full-time. I have the freedom of time and the freedom of choosing who to work with. This doesn’t come without challenges, though. But the satisfaction of building my career every day into what I envision is amazing. Another rewarding aspect is when I see the joy in people’s eyes when they listen to my music. When they tell me that I made a difference and their event was magical. When I change their day for the better with a piece of music. Or their life…

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am currently working at my Online Violin Academy. I would like to share my knowledge and gifts outside of the performance area. And what better way than teaching others what I know? I already own a teaching studio (in person and virtual) but I would love to reach more people through my Online Violin Academy. I also plan to write more books. I already have 2 children’s books on Amazon: “The Legend of the Musical Notes”” and Billy, the Frog”.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.florysmusic.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florinageorgiapetrescu/ and my page: https://www.facebook.com/Florysmusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florinapetrescu/
• Youtube: @violinwitched4320 and @florinageorgia8949
• Other: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/florinapetrescu