How old were you when you first learned to play an instrument?

I was 5 years old when I started playing violin and cello. After a few years, I began playing the recorder, which led me to start with the clarinet when I was 8 years old. Later in my life, I learned to play saxophone and piano.

When did you first begin teaching music?

I began teaching clarinet at the public music conservatory in Serbia when I was 20 years old; I was in the second year of my BA studies at the University of Belgrade's Music Academy. I immediately fell in love with teaching, and I haven’t stopped since then.

What is the thing you like most about teaching?

The thing I like the most about teaching is passing on knowledge. I believe that music education is a powerful tool for personal and intellectual growth. Through music, students can develop creativity, discipline, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Also, throughout my own life experience, I strongly believe in the healing power of music.

What is your favorite type of music?

I don’t have only one favorite type. My favorite types of music are Classical, Jazz, Balkan music, Bossa Nova, and Choro.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a teacher?

My biggest accomplishment as a teacher is teaching a student how to love music and establish a healthy relationship with their instrument. I firmly believe that playing music and having fun during that process needs to come from love because if it comes forcefully without love, it might create a great musician, but an unhappy human being.

If you could give a quick tip to students, what would it be?

I would share with them something that resonated with me deeply when I was younger: “To play a wrong note is insignificant, but to play without passion is unforgivable.” (Beethoven),

How old were you when you first learned to play an instrument?

I was 5 years old when I started playing violin and cello. After a few years, I began playing the recorder, which led me to start with the clarinet when I was 8 years old. Later in my life, I learned to play saxophone and piano.

When did you first begin teaching music?

I began teaching clarinet at the public music conservatory in Serbia when I was 20 years old; I was in the second year of my BA studies at the University of Belgrade's Music Academy. I immediately fell in love with teaching, and I haven’t stopped since then.

What is the thing you like most about teaching?

The thing I like the most about teaching is passing on knowledge. I believe that music education is a powerful tool for personal and intellectual growth. Through music, students can develop creativity, discipline, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Also, throughout my own life experience, I strongly believe in the healing power of music.

What is your favorite type of music?

I don’t have only one favorite type. My favorite types of music are Classical, Jazz, Balkan music, Bossa Nova, and Choro.

What is your greatest accomplishment as a teacher?

My biggest accomplishment as a teacher is teaching a student how to love music and establish a healthy relationship with their instrument. I firmly believe that playing music and having fun during that process needs to come from love because if it comes forcefully without love, it might create a great musician, but an unhappy human being.

If you could give a quick tip to students, what would it be?

I would share with them something that resonated with me deeply when I was younger: “To play a wrong note is insignificant, but to play without passion is unforgivable.” (Beethoven)