Oksana Yakivchenko began violin at 9 years old. Growing up in Ukraine provided her with rigorous musical training as a young player, completing six years at a focused music school where she took private lessons, but also learned everything from piano, theory, ear training, solfege, music history and more. Continuing her studies, Oksana first enrolled in the Kryvyi Rih Regional Music College and finished her education at Kharkiv State Academy of Culture where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance, with an additional concentration in music education.

Throughout her entire education, Oksana performed regularly in student concerts, chamber ensembles, symphony orchestras as well as entering numerous competitions over the span of almost ten years. Some of her accolades include 3rd Prize at the Vivat, Musica! Competition, 2nd Prize at the Young Violinist Competition, 3rd Prize Winner of the Conducting Competition, and 2nd Prize at the Kharkov String Art International Competition.

Oksana found her love of teaching before leaving college. She taught private lessons and group classes to students of all ages at the Kharkiv Music School in Ukraine for several years before moving to the United States. Once settled in Florida, Oksana continued pursuing a career in music education, starting by building her own small private studio (since 2022) and now as a part of the faculty at Elizabeth Farrell Music. Oksana focuses on building strong technique, develop musicality, and perhaps most importantly, discovering the joy in playing music! Her philosophy is to create an inspiring and supportive atmosphere where every student can grow and express themselves through music.

While teaching is her passion, you can also find her performing locally in churches and at charity & private events.