Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Elida Dakoli.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dr. Dakoli. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in Communist Albania, I overcame political persecution to become a world-renowned artist, educator, human rights activist, author, and entrepreneur. Showing great potential at age six, I was one of the few candidates selected to study at the Jan Kukuzeli Lyceum of Music. By age twelve, I made my first recital debut and subsequently performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Brahms-Saal, Rathaus, Carnegie Hall. I left Europe to pursue graduate studies at Baylor University and earned a Doctorate of Music from Louisiana State University.
Today I am a Mason & Hamlin Artist and recording artist and public face for PianoDisc. I am an Ambassador for Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation advocating for human rights through my music and lectures and I will be the subject of a documentary they are producing about my life and career. I currently live in Dallas, Texas, with my husband and three children, where I am on the faculty at Dallas Baptist University and have established the Dallas Institute of Musical Advancement, an innovative music school that services the top private schools in Dallas. Currently, I am preparing to start my own show in partnership with Real PR News, where I share my insights into the Dallas music education scene and how innovations in music curriculum can foster the next generation of leaders.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In the world of music, one has to be the best or it’s very hard to survive. With this truth in mind, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. However, I am thankful for the opportunities I have had thus far. I was born in an isolated and brutal Communist regime in Albania. While I had a loving and supportive family, we were the subject of persecution for our defiance against the Communist regime. This meant there was much more pressure to be truly excellent at what I wanted to pursue, as the odds would always be stacked against me because of my last name. Luckily, I was gifted and a hard worker with a family that did everything within their power to help me advance despite our status. I was accepted into an exclusive music training program at a young age, which was the only way to receive access to piano lessons and a piano to practice, as there were few in the city.
Eventually, the Communist regime fell. I graduated with my degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Music and Arts in Tirana, Albania, and right away, I started teaching in that University. Soon after my graduation, I was invited for a Workshop & Master Class at the University of Music and Arts in Vienna, Austria. While there, I was invited to study my Master in Piano Performance in the U.S. I pursued my education and career and now I do the same in business. Needless to say, I have dealt with various pressures in my life that have affected my music and performance and helped me survive in a competitive industry. I believe that every step I have taken in my life has led me to something greater. The resilience and persistence I have gained from my adversity have allowed me opportunities to explore every facet of my capability and imagination, and for that, I am grateful.
Please tell us about DFW Institute of Musical Advancement.
The Dallas Institute of Musical Advancement, or DIMATexas, is a revolutionary program being implemented at several top Dallas private schools that focuses on fostering excellence, confidence, and performance from an early age to prepare students with the skills they need to be effective and independent leaders and future entrepreneurs beyond solely music. Serving on the faculty at the Dallas Baptist University in addition to my presence in elementary education has given me unique insight into how private schools have prepared students in the past and what changes can be made to raise creative and strong adults in the modern world.
DIMATexas provides on-site and off-site music lessons, and now virtual lessons, to some of the top private schools in Dallas. As a mother myself, I saw that there was a need for quality music lessons in these schools that was on par with the high level of their academics. We accomplish this through a variety of ways unique to DIMATexas and are currently enrolling for the new school year at https://www.dimatexas.com/sign-up-for-a-class.
Holistic and Comprehensive Music Education Curriculum: We provide private, semi-private, and group lessons to accommodate the different learning styles of all students in piano, violin, cello, voice, guitar, ukulele, composition, and many more. Students of all disciplines (not only piano) learn music history, theory, technique, and repertoire.
Commitment to Performance: However, where DIMATexas really stands apart from other programs and schools is our commitment to performance as an essential skill and part of the program, not just a bookend to the year. Our students regularly and consistently perform in recitals and concerts throughout the school year to improve their comfort on stage and confidence as successful young musicians.
Highest Level of Educators: DIMATexas carefully vets the credentials of all teachers in the DFW area, many of which hold doctorates, and all of which are at the master’s level. Our teachers are at the height of their craft and we boast strong retention that helps keep consistency with all of our students throughout their years of study.
Additionally, in September, we are starting to offer Mommy and Me group classes named “Music Connect.” It is essential that parents are involved in their students’ musical life and provide support for them to succeed.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are many people that have helped me along the way. Certainly, my parents have instilled in me the work ethic at a young age. A tradition that I would like my children to follow. I have a great support system at home from my husband, someone that I would consider my best friend.
There is a long list of people that have helped me along the way with their guidance and faith in me. I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back to the community through my knowledge and life long experiences.
Contact Info:
- Address: DIMATexas 1625 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
- Website: www.dimatexas.com
- Phone: (214) 382-3785
- Email: dimadfw@gmail.com
- Instagram: @DIMADFW
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DIMA-Texas-1347084058758701
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2IxWacx5OSwpHl-n7278ZA
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
