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I'm actually a very passionate and dedicated artist, and my life is a blend of music, creativity,
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and lifelong learning.
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As a pianist, educator, and artistic director, I try to inspire through profound emotional
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power of music, while sharing my knowledge and experiences with others both on and off
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the stage.
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My life journey has also led me to explore fields beyond music, from technology to holistic
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health, all of which shaped my approach to teaching, performing, and living with intention.
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For our final episode of 2024, we welcome multi-award-winning pianist and Steinway
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artist Sofia Agranovic.
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Sofia's journey is a testament to resilience and passion.
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In the 1980s, she paused her flourishing music career to pursue a successful path in information
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technology, excelling as an IT executive at companies like Midlife and Merrill Lynch,
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all while practicing piano daily.
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Every single day, even if I worked overtime, and I worked long overtime hours, weekends,
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sometimes night calls for maintenance, 3 o'clock in the morning calls with London, Japan,
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wherever, had to fix the problem or help other people.
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Every single day I was practicing piano, no matter what.
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I used to come home and I drove to work, you know, I come home, I'm totally exhausted.
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I was sitting down at the piano with clothes dyes, which I couldn't move.
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I was practicing, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, half an hour every single day, no matter what.
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In 2008, she made a triumphant return to music, performing on international stages like Carnegie
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Hall and Lincoln Center, releasing 11 acclaimed solo albums and earning the title of Steinway
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Artist.
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It happened sort of naturally.
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I didn't plan it.
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I didn't expect it ever to happen because I know how hard it is to build career.
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So it's unthinkable.
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I would never think that it would happen.
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So now, when I'm back miraculously, for many years now I'm back, I look upon everything
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differently.
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I appreciate it much more.
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Every time I have opportunity to practice, I'm very grateful for it.
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I got a lot of this gratitude.
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I got the feeling of gratitude for everything I do.
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We should appreciate every moment.
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Join us this Tuesday, December 17th at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on our YouTube channel for this
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inspiring episode with the audio available on all podcast platforms.
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Sophia's story proves that passion with dedication can persevere and thrive.
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So let her journey inspire your own musical path.