Q&A With Violinist Oana Stefania Bilteanu | Inspiring Artists

Do you love classical music? So does Oana Stefania Bilteanu! Originally from Italy, Oana is a classical violinist currently studying at the University of Music in Romania. Her goal is to study music at the University of Art in Berlin, and she is working hard to achieve her dream and help her family by performing for others in the streets of Berlin. Keep scrolling to learn about this inspiring musician's story, music tips, and more.

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About Oana

Q: Please introduce yourself!

A: Hi! My name is Oana Stefania Bilteanu, I am 22 years old and I was born in Rome, Italy, but I grew up in Romania. I love to study music and play the violin. In my free time, I paint and love to write poems. I am interested in art and live life to the fullest.

Q: What is your music background?

A: I finished the "Marin Sorescu" art high school in Romania, where I studied the violin, was part of the school orchestra, and sang in the school choir During school, I participated in various concerts and competitions. In addition to violin and choir, I also studied piano as a secondary instrument. My high school had a music class, fine arts class, and acting class. Although I was in the music class, I was always interested in fine arts and I got involved in various competitions and projects. Teachers encouraged me because they saw creativity in me.

Q: What is your current involvement in music?

A: I am currently a student at the University of Music in Romania, but my dream is to study further in Germany at the University of Art in Berlin. I work to make my dream come true, for example, in my free time I perform in the streets of Berlin (where I recently moved to). Performing in the streets has taught me a lot of things, I like to play for people and make them feel good while hearing me play the violin. People love my music, I receive a lot of appreciation and the money I earn from performing on streets helps me support my career and even to help my family. I have met a lot of beautiful souls who supported and encouraged me.

Q: Do you have a favorite song, piece, and/or composer?

A: Being a classical music student, I love classical music. My favorite composer is Niccolò Paganini. He played the violin and I like his compositions, they are full of life and energy. It seems to me that he was an unconventional musician, and that defines me- out of the ordinary and showing originality.

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Music Advice

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

A: I would like to tell them that the field of music is not the easiest field. You have to have a lot of passion to dedicate yourself because you need to spend much of your time practicing (so you will miss out on other moments in your life that others usually experience). But the more you dedicate yourself, the more you will receive from the fruits of your labor. Tours, concerts, a life lived on stage- it's wonderful! It is something extraordinary that makes you say that you have lived life to the fullest, you have lived a life as an artist. My advice is to focus and dedicate their time on practicing. At the end, all of this effort will worth it!

Q: What is the best advice a music teacher has given you?

A: During school, I had a wonderful teacher that was way more than a teacher, he was a mentor and father-figure for me. As a musician, I was struggling with competition as I always saw students that were more skilled than me. And in music, at least in the instruments field, the competition is great. My teacher told me that in music and in any other field, there will always be someone who is better. What is important is that you don't forget that you are unique - no one can do what you do! Your only opponent is your mind, you are the only one who can limit you.

Q: What was an obstacle you faced in your music career, and how did you overcome it?

A: I always had the problem of dealing with rejection. Some told me that I did not have the necessary performance experience so that I could not be successful in music, I was very discouraged. I wanted to give up many times, but my teacher didn't let me. He told me, "Don't give up!" and now I am here, doing what many have told me I can't do, forming my career in music.

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Music Inspiration

Q: What is the best experience music has brought you?

A: The relationship with people. Seeing how people appreciate my music and that emotional connection they form with my music (evening bringing some to tears). The applause at the end of a concert is worth all the efforts.

Q: How do you find inspiration for composing music?

A: I have a beautiful relationship with God. I believe in Jesus Christ and He is my inspiration. I think of His way of being, of the noble sacrifice He made, of His noble character. That makes me compose. I believe that music is the only thing a human can give to a Supernatural. In addition, I compose and write from my own experiences. If I have ever loved a person who has passed on, they will always be live on in my compositions.

Q: How does music empower you?

A: Music is my therapy. Through music I transmit my emotions, I release myself. Being an introvert, I communicate through, I can tell the world who I am.

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

A: I would like to tell everyone that it doesn't matter what field you want to pursue, just be your best! Dedicate yourself, instead of working against yourself by doing things that can damage your future, do yourself good. You are your home! You and your mind are on the same team. Work for yourself, develop your knowledge horizon, invest in yourself! Choose to bear whatever you have been given. And don't forget, it is always possible. Anything is possible, if you believe!

A very special thank you to Oana for participating in this interview to inspire others! You can follow her on Instagram at: Instagram.com/oana.music