Meet Gulia Gurevich | Violinist, Educator and Creative. Small Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gulia Gurevich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gulia, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
My business succeeded because of the unwavering belief and commitment, even when results weren’t immediate. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset allowed to turn setbacks into learning opportunities. Resilience and adaptability were key— we stayed open to change and pivoted when necessary.

Strong partnerships, particularly with DIA of California, played a crucial role in developing an exceptional educational model and a truly unique product. Building genuine connections with our customers and colleagues helped foster trust and loyalty. Most importantly, we attracted top talent—passionate educators who love teaching, believe in our mission, and are dedicated to making a real difference.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I would say my professional journey has been an exciting one and is one of resilience, passion, and dedication to music and education. Arriving in the United States from Uzbekistan alone at the age of 16, I faced challenges of adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life—all while pursuing dreams of becoming a world-class violinist. Yes- I was determined and worked very hard, but I also met some amazing humans on my path that I am so grateful for, who supported, encouraged and mentored and inspired me, and continue to do so.
Fast forward- I have built a chamber music career as a violinist with the award-winning Prima Trio while also thriving as a successful entrepreneur and educator.
As co-founding member of the Shkolnikova Academy in France, together with my colleagues from around the world, we transformed our vision into reality, cultivating a supportive unique and inspiring environment for dedicated music students around the globe. We are thrilled to bring dreams to life by establishing scholarships that provide opportunities for talented young musicians.

As a founder and director of the Humanitas School of Music and Art I am proud that our brand stands for excellence, creativity, and the transformative power of education and the arts. It is built on a foundation of passion and a belief that music and artistic expression have the ability to change lives.
Humanitas stands out from the competition by offering a deeper, more connected approach to artistic education—one that transcends technical skill-building and fosters meaningful connections across disciplines, communities, and the broader world. We believe that true artistic mastery requires more than just practice—it demands intellectual curiosity, emotional depth, and a sense of purpose. Our curriculum is designed to encourage students to think critically about their craft, explore the historical and cultural significance of artistic movements, and apply their knowledge in innovative ways.
Humanitas School of Music and Art success ultimately led to a meaningful partnership with DIA (Dual Immersion Academy) of California, expanding opportunities for students and enhancing arts and language early education.
Through collaboration with DIA of California, innovative approaches, and a dedication to nurturing talent, we are creating an environment where students and educators can thrive. Our goal is to inspire, connect, and make a lasting difference in the world of language, music, art and beyond.

Like any entrepreneur, I faced hurdles along the way—building organizations from the ground up, navigating financial challenges, and proving the value of music education in a rapidly changing world. However, my team’s ability to adapt and stay committed helped us overcome these obstacles and create something truly impactful.
My way of giving back is volunteering to provide music for hospices and developing a scholarship program for the children in need.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1:

Morning: Arrive and check in Santa Monica for a central, fun location.

• Breakfast at Blue Daisy or Surging Fox

• Walk down Hollywood Blvd – Hit the Walk of Fame

• Hike to Griffith Observatory – views of LA and the Hollywood Sign.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at In-N-Out Burger (a must for first-timers, animal-style everything!).

• Visit the Getty Center – Explore European classical art while listening to live classical performances in the garden (check their event schedule!).

Evening:

• Dinner at Danny Boy’s Pizza (Downtown LA) -Best pizza in LA

• Classical Music Option: Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall – If there’s a concert, this is a must! Stunning acoustics and world-class performances.

• Drinks at Perch – A rooftop bar downtown with city skyline views.

Day 2: Beach Day + Venice Vibes

Morning:

• Breakfast at Great White (Venice Beach) – Trendy, casual spot near the beach.

• Walk the Venice Boardwalk

Afternoon:

Lunch at Gjelina

• Bike ride from Venice to Santa Monica Pier – Stop for beachside fun and arcade games.

Evening:

• Sunset at El Matador Beach (Malibu) – One of the most picturesque spots in LA.

• Dinner in Malibu

• Classical Music Option: See what’s playing at New West Symphony that evening. Or Live Chamber Music at Pepperdine University – Their Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art sometimes hosts intimate concerts.

Day 3: Downtown & Artsy LA

Morning:
• Breakfast at Grand Central Market

• Visit The Broad Museum – Contemporary art

Afternoon:

• Lunch-Authentic tacos with handmade flour tortillas.

• Explore the Arts District – Check out street art, boutiques, and coffee at Verve or Stumptown.

• Visit the Colburn School of Music – If there’s a student recital or masterclass, it’s an incredible way to hear young classical musicians in action.

Evening:

• Dinner at Majordomo (by David Chang) – Korean-American fusion with bold flavors.

• Classical Music Option: Chamber Music at Zipper Hall (Colburn School) – A hidden gem with excellent student and faculty performances.

• Rooftop drinks at Broken Shaker – A poolside bar with colorful cocktails.

Day 4: Theme Park or Studio Tour + Classical Twist

Option 1: Universal Studios Hollywood

Option 2: Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Evening:

• Hollywood Bowl Concert, Museum & Backstage Tour – Even if there’s no concert, learning about. If there is a show that night- outdoor classical performances under the stars! Bring wine and a picnic.

Day 5: Hidden LA & Relaxing Classical Vibes

• Visit Huntington Library & Gardens – Stunning botanical gardens and rare books.

Lunch at Samarkand (West Hollywood) – One of LA’s best Uzbek restaurants! Try their plov, manti (dumplings), lagman (noodle soup), and shashlik (kebabs). The ambiance gives a real Central Asian feel.

• Explore Silver Lake

• Evening recital at USC Thornton School of Music – One of the best classical music programs in the country, often with free performances.

Day 6: Road Trip to Ojai + Classical Music Detour. Chill wine tasting, hikes, and the famous “Pink Moment” sunset. Ojai Music Festival (if in season) – One of the best avant-garde classical music festivals in the country!

Day 6

• Visit LACMA

• LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilio

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to dedicate my shoutout to Natalia Staneva, CEO of New West Symphony, for her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to the arts. Beyond Natalia’s professional achievements, I admire her commitment to making classical music accessible to diverse audiences. She understands how the power of music can inspire, educate, and bring people together.

I also admire Ruriko and Cello Guo of the Pink Mozart Entertainment for their incredible dedication to bringing high-quality, innovative musical experiences to their clients. Their passion for music and the arts is evident in everything they do, from curating exceptional performances to fostering emerging talent, while making classical music more engaging and accessible to modern audiences.
What truly sets the Pink Mozart team apart is the unwavering commitment to excellence and the genuine love for what they do. Their ability to create meaningful connections with their artists and clients, as well as their vision, resilience, and dedication to their craft continue to inspire me.

Website: https://www.humanitasagoura.com/

Instagram: guliagurevich

Image Credits
Stacy Gleason Photography.
Hair by Alexandra Zortea