We recently connected with Cansu Ozyurek and have shared our conversation below.
Cansu, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I’m a violinist who teaches little kids, plays in orchestras, and does recording sessions. Over time, I realized that what really keeps me inspired is finding creative outlets in all parts of my work. Whether I’m helping a young student discover their first song or diving into a challenging piece in a studio, I try to bring a sense of creativity and connection to everything I do. Teaching has become more than instruction—it’s a form of creative mentorship. Performing has become more than execution—it’s a way to explore and share emotion. By turning each part of my career into a creative outlet, I’ve found a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose in what I do.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I came to Boston in 2015 to study at Berklee College of Music, and honestly, everything unfolded from there. After graduating, I moved to Los Angeles, got my artist visa, and began building my career as a violinist. These days, I work as both a performer and a teacher.
One of my favorite parts of what I do is teaching young children how to play the violin. There’s something incredibly special about seeing music through their eyes—it reminds me of how I started in the first place. Teaching little kids has become more than just a job; it’s a joyful, creative experience that keeps me grounded and inspired.
On the performance side, I’m deeply passionate about recording sessions. I could spend hours in the studio and never get tired of it. There’s a kind of magic in collaborating with other musicians to bring a piece to life. I also play in orchestras and love the energy that comes from being part of something bigger.
Overall, I’ve found purpose in creating space for creativity wherever I go—whether it’s in a classroom, a concert hall, or a recording booth. My work is all about connection: helping others find their voice through music, and continuing to find mine along the way.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I think three qualities that have had the biggest impact on my journey are perseverance, curiosity, and adaptability.
Perseverance was key when I first moved to the U.S. to study at Berklee. Starting fresh in a new country and a competitive environment wasn’t easy, but staying focused on why I came—my love for music—helped me push through the challenges and grow from them.
Curiosity has always guided me creatively. Whether I’m teaching little kids or experimenting in a recording studio, I’m constantly exploring new ways to express and connect through music. That curiosity keeps the work exciting and evolving.
Adaptability became especially important after graduating and moving to Los Angeles. Balancing teaching, performing, and recording means no two days are the same, and learning to stay flexible has allowed me to say yes to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined at the start.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice would be:
Stay patient and persistent. Growth takes time, and it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away.
Follow what genuinely excites you. That’s usually where your unique voice is waiting to come through.
And stay open. The music world is full of unexpected paths—some of the most fulfilling parts of my career came from things I didn’t plan for.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
One of the people who has been most helpful in my journey is my friend Volkan Can Canbolat. He’s played such a big role in helping me grow, not just as a musician, but as a teacher and a working professional in a new country. From the very beginning, he believed in me and supported me in really tangible ways—like sending me private students when I was just getting started. That made a huge difference at a time when I was trying to build a foundation for my career.
But beyond that, he’s been a mentor to me. He generously shares his experience and the way he approaches his own work—whether it’s teaching, building relationships with students and families. He’s always willing to offer guidance, answer my questions, and help me see things from a new perspective.
Having someone like Can in my corner gave me both confidence and clarity when I needed it most. I’m really grateful not just for the opportunities he gave me, but for the example he set—kind, hardworking, and always willing to help others grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @cansuozyurek
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cansuozyurek8822
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