We recently had the chance to connect with Varand Toros-Adami and have shared our conversation below.
Varand, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
I learn from everyone, regardless of the subject matter. I believe learning should never stop. One day I pick up a book about physics, the other day get my hands on wood working.
That being said, as you are aware, I am a concert pianist, and apart from reading more music history books and analyzing all my findings. I study, read and play music, predominantly classical piano repertoire, where an abundance of history and wisdom lies. And in the process of doing so, by learning new music and performing them, I constantly improve myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi My name is Varand Toros-Adami, I am a concert pianist and founder of Adami Music Academy.
I was born into a family of professional classical musicians. My mother was a concert pianist and music educator and my father was an opera singer. I believe I was 5 years old when I asked my mother if she could teach me piano, and ever since then I played nonstop.
Graduating magna cum laude with a masters degree in piano performance, I was one of the handful of students who received the Pi Kappa Lambda award; an award that is given to those who not only excel in academics, but those who demonstrate characteristics of a leader.
After graduating, I started to teach at two colleges, Glendale as well as Ventura Community Colleges. I got married to my wife, Anoush Gedeonyan, who is also a concert pianist, and ultimately decided to open my own business, and that is how Adami Music Academy was born. My Wife and I currently run the business as well as teach proper music education.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
The world, and by that I mean most people I ever interacted with throughout my life at different continents, told me NOT to be a musician. Because there is no future, no income, and the usual negative thoughts and beliefs. But I don’t listen to people, I listen to my inner Beethoven who said and I quote, “I will seize fate by the throat; it shall certainly never wholly overcome me.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Having endured the mental and spiritual suffering I experienced for almost all my life form certain family members, friends, colleagues, as well as governments, by trying to ignore and undermine my capabilities, trying to put me and my work down, and trying to devalue classical music and classical arts, has proved me that my goal has always been just.
I am the one who is not only reigniting the torch of classicism by my performances, but I am also the one who will make sure it will turn into an undying blaze that will burn until eternity through my teachings of the next generations.
This gift of God in the form of suffering, could not have irrupted the mentioned volcanic power needed in someone, if it had come in the form of an early, and un earned success.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Ludwig van Beethoven.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
If I were to do what I was told to do, I probably would’ve been an engineer or something in the sciences. I am definitely doing what I am born to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.adamimusicacademy.com
Image Credits
Adami Music Academy
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