Guests: Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, musicians and educators, collectively known as the Marcolivia Duo.

Host: Dallas' own Henry Harrison

Connect with Marcolivia: Youtube - www.youtube.com/@ohajioff

Facebook - www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042407153728

Episode - henryharrison.com/marcolivia/

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode, Henry Harrison welcomes Marc Ramirez and Olivia Hajioff, the accomplished musicians behind the Marcolivia Duo. As the podcast’s first musicians, Marc and Olivia bring a unique perspective to the show, offering insights into how the world of music intertwines with entrepreneurship and business principles.

Henry and Marc have shared a special bond since they were 10 years old when they played soccer together and became best friends. Later they were in each other's weddings and so now with Olivia they share memorable milestones. Marc and Olivia have built an extraordinary music career together, performing globally as well as teaching around the world and at their private studio. Dr. Ramirez and Dr. Hajioff (PHD's in music) share how they transitioned from being university professors to successfully running their music business of performing and teaching.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

1. The World of Professional Music:

- Marc and Olivia discuss the joys and challenges of being professional musicians. Their passion for music is evident from their performances across the Unites States, Europe and Japan

- including at prestigious venues like The Kennedy Center near their home in the Washington DC area.

- The duo shares the evolution of their career and their passion for teaching including details of what it's like to teach students of all ages — from children to retirees.

2. Performing & Teaching as a Business:

- While their primary focus is music, Marc and Olivia discuss the business side of their work — running a private music studio, scheduling performances, and balancing teaching.

- The couple reveals how they connect with presenters and maintain relationships with conductors to secure repeat bookings and how they navigated the challenges of marketing themselves in the early stages of their careers.

3. Summer Festivals & International Teaching:

- The duo shares their experiences at summer music festivals and teaching in scenic and exotic locations, across the US, Europe to Japan. They provide a glimpse into the unique format of summer teaching, including masterclasses and chamber music instruction.

4. Balancing Passion with Practice:

- The Marcolivia Duo dives into classical music, sharing how they select pieces, prepare for concerts, and stay disciplined with daily practice.

- The couple also discusses the complexities of learning or re-learning concertos, often dedicating months to perfecting each piece before performances.

5. On Teaching & Nurturing Students:

- Marc and Olivia’s devotion towards their students and love for teaching shines through as they share stories about guiding students of various ages. They highlight the unique joys and challenges of helping children and adults discover their love for music.

- Their goal is not only to create proficient musicians but to instill a lifelong enjoyment of music in their students.