Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Gorpin.
Hi Victoria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Our story began long before the doors of our school officially opened in August 2015. In many ways, it started in my childhood home in Moldova, where I grew up surrounded by music. Coming from a family of professional musicians, music has been in my blood since birth. At the age of five, I was accepted into a conservatory for gifted students, where I studied violin and piano. Those early years shaped not only my skills but also my lifelong belief that music is one of the most powerful ways to inspire, connect, and transform lives.
When I first came to Plano, I began teaching out of my home studio in 2008. What started as a small group of dedicated students quickly grew into something much bigger than I could have imagined. Parents would share how music was bringing joy and confidence into their homes, and I knew I wanted to take the next step.
In 2015, I turned that vision into reality and expanded into a full music school. My dream was not just to open a school but to build a multicultural community of music—a place where families from Plano and the surrounding suburbs could come together, learn, and celebrate the universal language of music.
From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to provide high-quality music education through a multidisciplinary curriculum, encouraging every student not only to learn but also to perform and compete. We believe students thrive when they are challenged, supported, and inspired.
Today, our school continues to grow, but our heart remains the same as when I first taught from my living room the violin and the piano: to nurture the next generation of musicians, to share the gift of music, and to keep the dream alive that started all those years ago in Moldova.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
But the road was not always smooth. Growing a new business came with challenges, from building trust in the community to finding the right teachers who shared the same passion for music and education. Each step required dedication, resilience, and faith in the mission.
Then came 2020. The pandemic shook the world, and like so many others, our school was deeply affected. Overnight, in-person lessons and recitals came to a halt. It was heartbreaking to see our vibrant classrooms fall silent. Families were facing uncertainty, and for a moment, the future of our school was uncertain too.
But music has always been about perseverance. Just as students practice through mistakes and keep going, we adapted. We shifted to online lessons, reimagined performances in virtual formats, and found new ways to stay connected with our families. It was not easy—many long nights, countless adjustments, and moments of doubt—but we refused to let the music stop.
Slowly but surely, the school came back to life. Students returned, performances filled the air again, and the community we had built together grew stronger than ever. The pandemic tested us, but it also reminded us why we exist: to inspire resilience, creativity, and joy through music.
Today, our school stands as a testament to that journey. From a small home studio to a thriving multicultural music school, our story is one of passion, perseverance, and the unshakable belief that music can carry us through even the hardest times.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Edelweiss, my journey as a musician and educator is at the heart of everything we do. My expertise lies first and foremost in the violin, where I have spent years performing, refining my craft, and sharing my love for the instrument with students. Alongside the violin, I am also a prolific pianist—an instrument that has deepened my understanding of music theory, composition, and performance. Together, these two disciplines have shaped me into a well-rounded musician and a passionate teacher.
My formal training reflects the commitment I bring to my school. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Music Education, as well as a K–12 Teaching Certificate, from Teacher’s College at Columbia University. This academic foundation not only gave me a strong pedagogical approach but also inspired me to think creatively about how to reach students of all ages and backgrounds.
One of my proudest accomplishments is the publication of my children’s book, which introduces young learners to iconic notation. By starting with visuals and patterns before transitioning to abstract symbols, the book helps children build the foundation they need to later read standard music notation. This approach reflects my belief that music education should be accessible, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
At Edelweiss, I hold high standards for teaching and learning. That is why I only hire highly trained, professional teachers who share my vision of excellence and care for students. Our staff is not only skilled in their instruments but also deeply committed to nurturing each child’s growth, making lessons a meaningful and inspiring experience.
What sets me apart is my holistic perspective: I am both an artist and an educator. I understand the discipline and beauty of performance, but also the science and heart of teaching. My goal has always been to create a school that is more than just a place for lessons—it is a community where families feel supported, students feel empowered, and music becomes a lifelong gift.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is not measured only by awards, degrees, or performances—it is measured by the impact I make on students’ lives through music. Success is seeing a child’s eyes light up when they play their first recognizable melody, watching a shy student gain confidence through performance, or guiding a teenager to discover discipline and self-expression through practice.
It is also about creating a space where families feel welcomed, teachers feel valued, and music is celebrated as a universal language that connects us all. Success is building a school that reflects my vision of multiculturalism, excellence, and community—where every student, no matter their background, has the chance to experience the joy and discipline of music.
On a personal level, success means staying true to my values as both a professional violinist and an educator—continuing to grow, to innovate, and to inspire. From publishing a children’s book to shaping a school that hires only the finest teachers, success for me is the balance of artistry, education, and service.
In short, success is not a destination; it’s the ongoing journey of helping others discover the beauty of music and carrying that gift with them throughout their lives.
Pricing:
- 30 minutes lessons are $45 per lesson
- 45 minutes lessons are $68 per lesson
- 60 minutes lessons are $90 per lesson
- These are prices for in school lessons.
- For in home lessons, please refer to our page: https://edelweisssom.com/lessons/
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.edelweisssom.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edelweisssom_?igsh=bmdnc3Ric2xnbGx6
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edelweisssom
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@edelweissschoolofmusic1444?si=lUZyclJQVuFhOSes
