Life & Work with Charlotte Loukola

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlotte Loukola.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born to two Finnish parents in Charlotte, NC, and that’s actually how I got my first name! In a way, it was nice that I wasn’t born in Minneapolis, for example. I began playing the violin at age three in Rockford, Illinois. After having moved to Finland with my parents at age seven, I continued violin lessons in the little town (Jyväskylä), that I started to call home. I soon began taking part in international master classes and competitions, and at age 12 I transferred to study at the Sibelius Academy pre-college department.

In the summer before my senior year in high school, I attended the Heifetz International Music Institute and this was a monumental moment in my musical career. There, I met Mr. Ilya Kaler, a world-renowned violinist who I then proceeded to study with during my Bachelor’s degree. After having graduated with my BM from the Cleveland Institute of Music with a minor in Business Management from Case Western Reserve University, I began my Master’s studies at the Juilliard School studying with Professor Masao Kawasaki.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My road has thankfully been quite smooth. However, there is one moment in particular that made me realize how fortunate I have been. When I was 17, I played in a benefit concert that was for a friend from elementary school. They were a very talented violinist, who in my opinion had only the sky as their limit. Unfortunately, he got an extremely severe case of narcolepsy after he got the vaccine against the Zika virus.

He lost his ability to live a normal life, he wasn’t able to continue school nor was he able to continue playing the violin. Even though there have been disappointments along the way, remembering what happened to this friend helps put things into perspective for me. At the end of the day, a loss in a competition or some other rejection isn’t that important if I can keep my health and can share the joy of music with others.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a classical violinist! I’m currently pursuing my Master’s at the Juilliard School and Sibelius Academy. I’m very proud that I have been able to work my way to these prestigious schools from the small town I grew up in Finland.

It has been a long path of hard work and countless hours in a practice room by myself, but I do enjoy the results I have gotten so far. I enjoy collaborating with my peers, whether it be in the form of chamber music, orchestral music, or fun gigs we get to do together.

A surprisingly fun part of being a musician is how I get to be a part of people’s special moments. I have played for several weddings and proposals, and it’s always equally fun to see these events and the happy couples.

What matters most to you?
It’s hard to pick one thing that matters most to me, but I hold family, friends, and health close to my heart. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my family and friends.

I have heavily relied on the advice I have gotten from the people closest to me. And none of this would be possible if I didn’t have good health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.charlotteloukola.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chillaa1999/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-loukola/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLoaagzHtBV5f2B2vqGPLyQ 

Image Credits
Jyrki Loukola and Hannah Duncan