We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gvantsa Butskhrikidze a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gvantsa, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from overcoming challenges and continuing anyway. As a musician, I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures but part of the journey. Music has shown me that beauty often comes from struggle, and that keeps me hopeful. I trust that consistency, honesty, and passion eventually lead to meaningful results, both in art and in life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a violinist and performer who has been devoted to music for the past 17 years. What I do goes far beyond playing an instrument—music is the way I express strength, discipline, and emotion. I believe what makes my work special is the combination of deep classical training and personal life experience that I bring to every performance. Each time I step on stage, I carry not only technique, but a story of persistence and growth.
I came to the United States to pursue my studies, which was not easy as an international student. I arrived without knowing anyone here and had to build everything from the ground up. During my very first semester, I earned the position of concertmaster in my conservatory orchestra, which became a defining moment for me. It was proof that dedication, hard work, and belief in yourself can open doors, even in unfamiliar and challenging environments. I achieved this independently, with the constant emotional support of my parents, who have been my greatest motivation throughout my journey.
I have been playing the violin for 17 years and during this time I have been honored to receive first prizes at several international competitions, including the Chicago International Music Competition, American Music International Competition, and the New York International Music Competition. These experiences shaped me not only as a performer, but also as a leader and mentor.
Beyond performing, I am deeply passionate about creating opportunities for other musicians. This led me to found the Mamma International Music Competition, a project that is already actively running and growing. The competition was created to support and inspire young artists from around the world, and we are preparing for an upcoming gala recital in the spring, which I am very excited about.
My brand as an artist is built on resilience, independence, and authenticity. I want people to know that no matter where you come from or how difficult the beginning may be, it is possible to build something meaningful through consistency, courage, and love for your art.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Discipline was the foundation of everything I achieved. Playing the violin for 17 years taught me that progress comes from consistency, even on days when motivation is low. As a student and performer, structured practice and long-term focus helped me grow technically and artistically. My advice to those early in their journey is to build strong daily habits—small, consistent effort over time creates extraordinary results.
Resilience became especially important when I moved to the United States as an international student. Starting in a new country without knowing anyone was challenging, but learning how to continue despite uncertainty shaped me deeply. Challenges are unavoidable, but resilience allows you to turn them into strength. I encourage young artists to view obstacles as part of the process, not as signs to stop.
Self-belief is what allowed me to step into leadership roles, such as becoming concertmaster in my first semester and later creating my own international music competition. Believing in yourself doesn’t mean having no doubts—it means continuing to move forward despite them. To develop this, surround yourself with supportive people, trust your preparation, and allow your confidence to grow through experience.
For anyone at the beginning of their journey, I would say: be patient with yourself, stay committed to your vision, and remember that your unique story is one of your greatest strengths.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was putting my dreams before their own. They dedicated their lives to supporting my journey, working extremely hard to make sure I had every opportunity to study, grow, and pursue my goals. Many of the sacrifices they made happened quietly, without recognition, but they shaped everything I am today.
Their belief in me never wavered, even during the most challenging moments—especially when I moved to the United States to study. Knowing that my mother and father stood behind me with unconditional support gave me the strength to keep going when things felt overwhelming. I carry their dedication with me in every achievement, and it motivates me to work even harder to honor everything they have done for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mammaarts.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DE43jppfg/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/x8Tqd42QeVQ?si=EIsbn2eebXlmeoEV\
