Ptown Business Spotlight: Radayeva Music Studio

From Margaret, News Team Contributor

Music is an intriguing art form that has captivated audiences of all backgrounds for centuries. Its uniqueness largely stems from the fact that it is the only language that can be spoken and understood without a single word being uttered.

I had the privilege of interviewing Mrs. Rimma Radayeva, the owner of the Radayeva Music Studio as well as a seasoned musician that has brought music into many peoples’ hearts and homes. She, along with several other instructors, teach their students the intricate technicalities involved with this form of creative expression and facilitate an appreciation for it in young and old minds alike. You can read more about this studio below.

1. What is the history of the Radayeva Music Studio?
I attended Dnepropetrovsk State College of Music from 1990 to 1994 and earned the title of Teacher & Concert Master with Honors. I obtained my Master’s Degree in Music at the Donetsk Conservatory in 1999 and graduated with the titles of Teacher of Piano, Artist of Chamber Ensemble, and Concert Master, with a specialty in piano and organ. During my career in Ukraine, I performed as a soloist with both the chamber and symphony orchestras. I was also an instructor of piano at the Dnepropetrovsk Children’s Music School and served as a judge in the Dnepropetrovsk and Donetsk Regional Competitions. In 2002, I moved to the United States and started my own business teaching private lessons. Word spread quickly about my teaching abilities. Through that success, I had the opportunity to purchase my studio in 2006. Radayeva Music Studio was subsequently founded.

2. Why did you found the music school? 
Music helps the mind develop and grow. It is the universal language that everyone understands and relates to. I wanted to share this love of music with as many people as possible. I realized that through my success, I could pass my knowledge and love of music on to others and in turn help them succeed. For a teacher, being able to help others succeed by doing what you love is very rewarding.

3. Which instruments do you offer lessons for? 
Radayeva Music Studio offers private piano, violin, viola, cello, voice, guitar, and percussion lessons in Pleasanton for children from the Preparatory through Advanced Levels as well as adults of all ages.
We offer only quality instruction and begin with a firm foundation of hand position, difference in touch, ability to visualize the music, and then understand it so that every student, should they decide to do so, will be able to progress to the highest level of their musical ability.

4. Why and how is this business an integral part of Pleasanton’s music scene?
I believe that our students are an integral part of Pleasanton’s music scene for many reasons. Through their education at my studio, they obtain sufficient confidence to perform in front of an audience and share the music they love with friends, family, and the public. This means that they share their music with a large number of people in Pleasanton and the surrounding areas. Through their love of music, they also in turn support other local musicians, which enriches the local music scene. I encourage all of my students to perform in local festivals and competitions. Many of them place highly in contests at the United States Open Music Competition (USOMC) in Oakland (https://www.usomc.org/), as well as many other local competitions and festivals, such as the Big Draw Festival in Pleasanton.

5. How has this company changed since its beginnings?
When I first started my business, it was just myself teaching private lessons. Through the years, I have been able to grow that into the studio I have today. I have strived to not let the success of the studio change the way we teach and the attention we give to each student. We continue to offer the same dedication, attention, and values that I established in the beginning.

6. What goals would you like this establishment to achieve in the future?
It is our goal to groom students who later in life can pick up any sheet of music and not only perform it as the composer meant it to be, but also have their own take on style and execution of the piece. Every style/class of music has rules that must be followed for it to be performed correctly. For example, music from the Baroque era is different than that of Classical. This applies to Romantic, Impressionist, and Contemporary songs. Seeing students of the studio learn these abilities and apply them to their music fulfills that goal. The students can apply the work ethic and the skills they have learned to other aspects of their lives as well. That is an achievement that we are very proud of and will continue to foster in the studio.

The Radayeva Music Studio is located at 1228 Quarry Lane Suite A in Pleasanton. More information about this studio can be found here.