We were lucky to catch up with Igor Pererodov recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Igor, thanks for joining 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 learning saxophone when I was just seven, back in Uzhhorod, Ukraine. My parents scraped together enough money for a secondhand sax and some lessons. But truly, I learned through relentless practice. Hours upon hours every day, even when my lips were sore and my fingers ached. The Conservatory years were intense – rigorous training in theory, technique, and performance.

Looking back, I think I could have sped up my learning by embracing more diverse styles earlier. In the Conservatory, we focused heavily on classical and traditional jazz. It wasn’t until my contracts in Dubai and Tunisia that I really delved into modern genres. If I had exposed myself to these styles earlier, I believe I would have developed a more versatile sound sooner.

As for essential skills, beyond the obvious technical proficiency, I’d say adaptability and active listening. Being able to adapt to different musical contexts and truly listen to and communicate with fellow musicians – these skills have been crucial, especially in my international experiences.

The biggest obstacle? Initially, it was resources. Quality instruments and training are expensive. Later, it became my own preconceptions about what “good” music should sound like. Breaking free from those notions to explore and create more freely – that was a significant hurdle.

Now, here in America, I face new learning challenges. The music business here operates differently, and there’s so much to learn about marketing myself, networking, and understanding the local music scene. But you know what? Each obstacle is just another opportunity to grow. As we say in Ukraine, “Важко в навчанні — легко в бою” (Hard in training, easy in battle). Every challenge overcome makes me a better musician and a stronger person.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Of course, I will be delighted to introduce myself.

My name is Igor Pererodov, and I’m a 33-year-old professional saxophonist from Ukraine, now trying to make my mark in the vibrant music scene of San Diego, California. My journey with the saxophone began when I was just a wide-eyed 7-year-old in small town called Uzhhorod, captivated by its soulful sound on the radio.

From those early days of practicing in our small apartment, much to my neighbors’ laughs, I went on to study at the prestigious Kharkiv Conservatory. There, I honed my skills in classical and traditional jazz music, laying a strong foundation for my future career.

After graduation, I quickly became a popular choice for weddings and parties in Ukraine. My ability to blend traditional melodies with contemporary styles made me a hit with both older and younger generations. But I yearned for more, to push my boundaries and explore new musical landscapes.

This drive led me to some incredible opportunities. I secured contracts to play at the luxurious Bulgari resort in Dubai and various high-end hotels and restaurants in Tunisia. These experiences were transformative. Not only did they expose me to a wide array of musical styles – from smooth jazz to Arabian-influenced melodies – but they also taught me how to connect with diverse audiences.

Now, here in the United States, I’m offering a unique blend of services.

I provide live saxophone performances for events – weddings, corporate gatherings, jazz clubs – but with a twist. My performances are a fusion of American jazz, Eastern European melodies, and influences from my time in the Middle East and North Africa. It’s a sound that’s distinctly mine, a musical journey around the world in one performance.

What sets me apart? I believe it’s my ability to bridge cultures through music. In a single set, I can take you from the smoky jazz clubs of New Orleans to the vibrant streets of Kyiv, then whisk you away to a bustling Dubai nightspot. It’s not just about playing notes; it’s about telling stories and evoking emotions that transcend language barriers.

For clients looking to add a unique flair to their events, I offer custom musical experiences. I can compose original pieces that blend the client’s personal story or brand with my eclectic style. It’s about creating not just music, but memories.

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve made through my music. Whether it was bringing tears to a bride’s eyes with a heartfelt melody in Ukraine, or seeing people from different cultures come together on the dance floor in Tunisia – these moments remind me why I do what I do.

What I want potential clients and fans to know is that when you book Igor Pererodov, you’re not just getting a saxophonist. You’re getting a passionate storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and someone who puts his heart and soul into every note. Music, for me, is not just a career – it’s a calling.

As I navigate this new chapter in America, I’m excited to share my musical journey with San Diego and beyond. I’m here to prove that music truly is a universal language, one that can bring people together regardless of where they come from.

And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll hear Ukrainian folk melodies floating out of California’s jazz clubs. That’s the beautiful unpredictability of music, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it’s the incredible power of connection. You see, when I’m on stage, saxophone in hand, there’s this magical moment where everything else fades away. It’s just me, the music, and the audience. And in that moment, we’re all speaking the same language – the language of emotion.

What I find truly rewarding is the ability to touch people’s hearts through my music. When I play, I’m not just producing sound; I’m sharing a piece of my soul. And when I see the audience respond – a tear in someone’s eye, a smile spreading across their face, or even just a subtle nod of understanding – that’s when I feel the true power of what I do.

I remember this one time in Tunisia, I was playing at a beachside restaurant. The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists from all over the world. As I started playing a melody that blended a Ukrainian folk song with some Arabic scales I’d picked up, I saw something beautiful happen. People who couldn’t speak each other’s languages started swaying together, smiling at one another. In that moment, my music had created a bridge between cultures.

Here in America, I’m experiencing this on a whole new level. When I play in San Diego, I’m not just performing; I’m sharing my journey, my heritage, and my passion with every note. And when I see people connecting with that, when I feel them understanding a part of my story through the music, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Another aspect that I find deeply fulfilling is the creative process itself. As an artist, I have the freedom to experiment, to push boundaries, to create something that’s never been heard before. When I’m composing or improvising, I feel truly alive. It’s like I’m having a conversation with the universe, channeling emotions and experiences into melodies.

But you know what? The most rewarding moments are often the quiet ones. When a young aspiring musician approaches me after a show, eyes wide with inspiration, asking about my journey. Or when an elderly couple tells me my music reminded them of their homeland.

These moments remind me that what I do has the power to inspire, to evoke memories, to heal.

Being an artist isn’t always easy, especially as an immigrant trying to make my way in a new country. But these rewarding aspects – the connections, the creativity, the ability to touch lives – they make every challenge worthwhile. It’s what gets me up every morning, eager to pick up my saxophone and share my music with the world.

In the end, being an artist isn’t just about the music I create. It’s about the lives I touch, the stories I tell, and the bridges I build. And that, to me, is the most beautiful melody of all.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, of course. I have a goal that drives me forward

My creative journey is driven by a mission that’s deeply personal yet universal. It’s about using music as a bridge between cultures, between people, between hearts.

You see, coming from Ukraine, a country with a rich musical tradition but also a complex history, I’ve always felt the power of music to transcend boundaries. Now, as an immigrant in America, this mission has taken on new meaning.

My goal is twofold. First, I want to introduce American audiences to the beauty and depth of Eastern European music, particularly Ukrainian melodies. There’s so much emotion, so much history in these tunes that many here have never experienced. By blending these sounds with jazz and other styles familiar to American ears, I hope to create a musical dialogue between my old home and my new one.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, I want to use my music to foster understanding and empathy. In today’s world, where divisions seem to be growing, I believe artists have a responsibility to build bridges. Through my performances and compositions, I aim to show that despite our different backgrounds, we all share common emotions and experiences.

There’s a Ukrainian saying: “Музика – це мова душі” (Music is the language of the soul). My mission is to speak this language fluently, to translate the stories of my homeland, my journey, and the people I meet into melodies that touch the soul.

I dream of a day when my music can contribute to greater cultural understanding. Perhaps a young American listener will be inspired to learn more about Ukraine after hearing one of my performances. Or maybe a fellow immigrant will find comfort and a sense of belonging in my fusion of different musical traditions.

Moreover, I hope to inspire other artists – especially those from immigrant backgrounds – to embrace their unique voices. Our diverse experiences are not limitations; they’re our strengths, the colors we add to the world’s musical palette.

Ultimately, my goal is to leave a legacy that goes beyond just music. I want my creative journey to be a testament to the power of art in bringing people together, in healing divides, in celebrating our shared humanity.

It’s a lofty mission, I know. But every time I pick up my saxophone, every time I see diverse audiences swaying together to my music, I’m reminded that it’s a mission worth pursuing. Because in the end, we’re all just trying to connect, to understand each other a little better. And if my music can play even a small part in that… well, that’s the most beautiful composition I could ever hope to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pererodovsax.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igorpererodov_livesax/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IgorPererodovLiveSax
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IgorPererodovSax