Olha Balandiukh grew up surrounded by music in Ukraine, picking up a violin bow and a songbook before she even started school. By age five, she was taking formal lessons in both violin and voice, and she quickly made a name for herself in local competitions. For over four years, Olha has been a valued tutor with MuseCool, where she’s known for her patient guidance and knack for making challenging concepts accessible. Today, she brings that same sense of dedication and curiosity into each lesson, whether she’s helping a student find confidence in their singing or guiding them through the nuances of music theory.

Over the years, Olha has performed in a wide range of settings – from her appearance on The Voice of Ukraine to jazz festivals and contemporary opera projects. She’s collaborated on initiatives like Ukrainian Artists United and Trilogy – Ukrainian Women: Artists, using her music to shine a light on cultural and social issues. As a composer, she leads her own project, The Voice of Ukrainian Nature, blending classical instruments with natural sounds. With her four-plus years at MuseCool, Olha has honed a teaching style that’s both encouraging and effective, inspiring students to explore new styles and reach their fullest potential.

• Favourite Baroque composer?
  Antonio Vivaldi – his concertos are timeless.

• If you could duet with any animal, which would you pick?
  A guinea pig – its unexpected squeaks would keep things interesting.

• Guilty-pleasure pop song you secretly belt out?
  Adam Lambert’s “Superpower” – the range is thrilling to sing.

• Which instrument would you take to a desert island?
  Viola – its warm, rich tone never gets old.

• Morning routine: scales or coffee?
  Coffee ☕️ first, then scales.

• Most overrated musical cliché?
  Saying “that viola is minor” – it downplays the instrument’s depth.

• Go-to karaoke song?
  I’ve never tried karaoke, but I’d love to give it a go.

• Sheet music or free-form improvisation?
  Sheet music with a bit of improvisation – structure plus spontaneity.

• Your superpower as a teacher?
  Communication – clear dialogue makes all the difference.

• One piece of advice for budding musicians?
  Study Francesco Maria Veracini’s “Largo” – it’s a masterclass in patience.