ABOUT ARCO MUSIC
Arco Music is a local business based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Our mission is to provide the local community with high quality live music entertainment for various events, bow repair services to keep your instrument in optimal playing condition, as well as violin and viola lessons for all ages and levels.
Arco Music was founded in late 2016 by Emil Ivanov, who is a professional violinist, music contractor, strings bow restorer, and violin and viola teacher with over 10 years of experience. After years of performing, teaching violin and repairing bows, Mr. Ivanov decided to combine all his music passions and put it under the umbrella of Arco Music.
Live music for special events, various instrument combinations, large music collection, free consultation, and more.
Learn more about private violin or viola lessons for all levels and ages, prices, and what to expects.
Quick, friendly and professional repair and restoration services for violin, viola, cello or bass bows.
ABOUT
EMIL IVANOV
Emil Ivanov, native of Bulgaria, grew up in a family of professional musicians where musical training was encouraged from a very young age, so he learnt from firsthand experience the benefits of playing an instrument.
Emil received a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and a master’s degree from Rice University. Since his arrival in the U.S. Emil have performed as principal and section violinist with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Louisiana Sinfonietta, Opera Louisiane, and other ensembles in the area. He also served as Personnel Manager and Librarian of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra from 2010-2017.
During his violin studies Emil had the pleasure to attend music festivals and masterclasses, and study with some of the most influential musicians of our time: Ilya Kaler, Mincho Minchev, Ifrah Neeman, Michael Frischenschlager, Gerogy Valtchev, and Paul Kantor. Learning from them inspired Emil to become a teacher so he can help the next generation of musicians in their musical journey.
Emil started teaching while being a student at LSU. Besides teaching privately, he served as a violin instructor at the LSU Music Academy in 2006 and teaching assistant at Rice University. In 2016, Emil was honored to receive an outstanding teacher award presented to him by the Acadiana Symphony and Conservatory of Music where he taught traditional and Suzuki violin from 2010 to 2017.
In 2014, Mr. Ivanov became interested in bow repair and instrument maintenance, and it became his passion since. He completed bow repair and rehair classes from the University of New Hampshire Craftsmanship Institutes in 2015 and 2016, where he studied under the direct supervision of the distinguished bowmaker and restorer Lynn Hannings.
In his free time Emil enjoys yoga, kayaking, archery, tennis, ping pong, and trying new outdoor sport activities.
Meet The Team
Brand Manager
Iya Tsyrkot
At the core of Arco Music, Emil Ivanov is joined by Iya Tsyrkot, violinist, who is an active member of Acadiana Symphony and Rapides Symphony Orchestras, and also an Executive Assistant at the Acadiana Center for the Arts. In addition to having Master's degree in Music Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University, Iya received her MBA from SELU, and manages Arco Music marketing operations.
Digital Media Coordinator
Dragos Filip
Dragos Filip is the Arco Music cellist. Besides playing with Acadiana Symphony and Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestras, he also serves as Strings Director at L.J. Alleman Arts Academy, O. Comeaux Performing Arts Academy, and conductor of Acadiana Symphony Youth Orchestra. Dragos also edits and curates audio and video content for Arco Music.