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

Hi Valery, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Arabesque Conservatory of Music came from a shared vision between my best friend and business partner, Gervais Maillard, and me. We’ve always had a deep passion for music and the power it has to connect people, transform lives, and build community. Both of us had worked in various aspects of music education, and through these experiences, we saw first-hand the challenges faced by many students, especially those in underserved communities or with special needs, who didn’t have access to music lessons that were truly tailored to their individual needs.

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?

I’m Valery Goldes, co-founder of Arabesque Conservatory of Music, alongside my best friend and business partner, Gervais Maillard. My journey into the music industry has always been deeply personal and driven by a profound love for music and its transformative power. Growing up, I was always surrounded by music, and it became my refuge and my passion. Over the years, I worked in various capacities within music—both in performance and in therapy—seeing firsthand the incredible impact that music can have on individuals, particularly those who face challenges such as special needs, emotional or developmental struggles, or even social isolation.

It was through these experiences that I realized there was a major gap in the music education and therapy world. While there were plenty of traditional music schools and lesson providers, many individuals, especially those with special needs, weren’t receiving the tailored support they required. This realization sparked the idea of Arabesque Conservatory of Music—a place where music education and therapy converge, where each individual is treated as a whole person, with a unique learning style and set of needs. Our mission is to make high-quality music lessons and therapy accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities.

At Arabesque, we provide a range of music lessons, music therapy, and creative arts therapies for children and adults, including in-home lessons, which is a service that sets us apart. Many of our clients struggle with attending traditional studio lessons due to logistical reasons, so offering in-home lessons removes that barrier and makes it easier for families to receive the support they need. We also work with organizations, regional centers, and schools to provide services that are accessible to underserved communities.

What makes us different is our personalized approach. We believe that no two people are alike, and we make sure our services reflect that. Whether it’s through music therapy for a child with autism, helping an adult rediscover their love for music, or teaching a child how to play the violin for the first time, we adjust our methods and curriculum to each individual. We focus on empowerment, self-expression, and emotional growth, using music as a tool to help people communicate, build confidence, and find their voice.

One of the biggest problems we solve for our clients is accessibility. For families of children with special needs, finding appropriate music services can be incredibly difficult. Many traditional music programs don’t have the flexibility or training to work with neurodivergent children or those with physical disabilities. We create an environment where every client feels safe, heard, and supported, and our approach encourages growth at their own pace.

I’m most proud of how we’ve built a community of trust and support. Our clients have become an extended family, and their success stories continue to drive us every day. Seeing a child with special needs begin to communicate through music or an adult rediscover their creativity after years of not playing an instrument is what makes our work so rewarding. I’m also proud of how we’ve been able to hire a team of highly skilled, passionate instructors and therapists who share our vision and dedication.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, the most important thing to know is that at Arabesque Conservatory of Music, we truly believe in the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire. Our work goes beyond just teaching music—it’s about creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience the joy and benefits of music. We are deeply committed to providing personalized services that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Any advice for managing a team?

1. Clear Communication and Transparency
Set Expectations: Make sure your team knows what’s expected of them. Whether it’s performance goals, project deadlines, or company culture, clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page.

Open Communication Channels: Encourage an open-door policy where your team feels comfortable sharing ideas, concerns, and feedback. Listening to their needs and concerns helps build trust and a positive work environment.

2. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements
Acknowledgment: Regularly recognize your team’s hard work, whether it’s a shout-out in meetings, a written note of appreciation, or a small reward. Celebrating milestones, both big and small, makes your team feel valued.

Celebrate Wins Together: This creates a sense of shared accomplishment. Celebrate success as a group to help build camaraderie.

3. Empower Your Team
Provide Autonomy: Trust your team members with responsibilities and give them the freedom to make decisions within their roles. Empowerment increases job satisfaction and fosters a sense of ownership.

Provide Growth Opportunities: Help team members develop new skills and take on new challenges. Whether it’s through training, mentoring, or giving them a chance to lead a project, professional growth is key to morale.

4. Foster a Positive Work Environment
Create a Supportive Culture: Encourage a culture of collaboration, support, and positivity. It’s important that team members feel they are part of a community and not just working for a paycheck.

Team Building Activities: Whether it’s a virtual team bonding session or an in-person event, fostering relationships outside of work tasks strengthens team dynamics.

5. Be Approachable and Lead by Example
Model the Behavior You Want to See: If you want your team to be motivated, respectful, and driven, you have to lead by example. Show your team that you’re willing to put in the effort, be accountable, and work collaboratively.

Be Approachable and Available: Don’t just be a leader by title. Be a mentor and a guide for your team. Your availability for support or just to listen can make a huge difference in team morale.

6. Provide Work-Life Balance
Respect Personal Time: Encourage your team to balance work with personal life. Offering flexible hours or the option to work from home when possible can help employees feel valued as individuals and not just workers.

Support Mental Health: Recognize when your team might be overwhelmed, and be supportive. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so creating a healthy work-life balance can help prevent burnout and keep morale high.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

We first worked together, and then one night, we met for dinner at a French restaurant, where we decided to start a music school together. Since that moment, Gervais has become not only my best friend but also my business partner. We’ve built everything together—our business, our workouts, our travels—and I truly feel lucky to have crossed paths with him.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arabesqueconservatory.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arabesqueconservatory/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arabesque-conservatory-of-music/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/arabesque-conservatory-of-music-los-angeles
• Other: Google Listing: https://g.co/kgs/dqub3LG

Image Credits

I have permission to use the images