Check Out Malka Bobrove’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malka Bobrove

Hi Malka, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Music has been a steady presence in my life, shaping me from a young age. I was born and raised in Japan, where I grew up in a home filled with creativity, thanks to my mom, an ikebana teacher. Surrounded by artistry, it felt natural for me to gravitate toward something that resonated with the emotional depth of art. While I briefly explored ballet and theater, the piano was the one thing that truly captivated me. From early on, I always felt that I belonged on stage. Though I was, and still am shy, the stage was where I could fully express myself, free from the hesitations that held me back in everyday life. influenced by my older sister,
I began playing piano at a young age, taking lessons, accompanying students at their recitals, participating in the school orchestra, and acting in musical theater productions for nine years. These experiences outside the classroom were just as formative as my formal training, giving me a broader appreciation for music’s ability to connect people. In middle school, I came to realize that music was more than just something I loved but that it was my true calling. Much of that realization came from my friend Sola, who helped me recognize the inexplicable connection to music I had and made me see that this was the path I wanted to pursue as a career. Around that time, I also had the good fortune of meeting Claudio Lisboa Soares, whose guidance opened my eyes to the piano’s profound beauty, and Kojima Hiroko, whose technical insights shaped me as a musician.

Growing up, music was the one thing I always came back to because it provided a sense of solace and stability when everything else felt uncertain. The emotional challenges I faced gave me resilience, and I leaned on that strength to push through the struggles in life. But it wasn’t until I moved to New York and started my studies at NYU that I truly began to understand who I was as an artist. Under the mentorship of Eduardus Halim, I discovered the freedom to explore music in ways I hadn’t imagined. Horowitz had always been a major inspiration for me, and when I learned that Eduardus was his last pupil, I couldn’t help but feel extremely lucky to be part of that legacy. My time in Paris also had a great impact on both my artistry and my worldview. I studied with Marie-Catherine Girod at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, and the memories I gained from that time, hopping through jazz clubs and exploring the beautiful city of art, will stay with me forever. Beyond performance, I’ve found great fulfillment in composition. Creating my own music feels like carving out a space in the world that’s uniquely mine. Though it can feel vulnerable at times, it’s also rewarding because I get to share my ideas with my peers and audience, opening a window into my thoughts and emotions. In addition to my solo work, I’ve been a part of the Schmidt Trio with Angel and Noelia for the past two years, and it has truly been a treat. This endeavor has been very personal, and together, we’ve created something authentic that means so much to all of us. The projects we’ve built together have been some of the most fulfilling parts of my career.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has been far from smooth, and in many ways, I feel like it’s the challenges that have truly shaped me. Growing up, my family faced many hardships. When my father left, my mom was left to raise my sister and me on her own. I watched her work tirelessly to support us, and through her, I learned what true strength looks like. Her resilience became my example, teaching me to persevere no matter the circumstances. That lesson became even more real when, during my elementary school years, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Suddenly, it felt like my world might collapse. I had already lost one parent, and the fear of losing another was overwhelming. During that time, music became more than just something I loved; it became my lifeline. It was the one thing that allowed me to channel my emotions and express what I couldn’t put into words. In many ways, it helped me survive not just emotionally but mentally through one of the most difficult times in my life. Through every struggle, my mother and sister were my greatest sources of strength. My mom’s unwavering love and determination, and my sister’s constant support have shaped me into the person I am today. Everything I’ve been able to pursue, every dream I’ve had the courage to chase are because of the foundation they built for me. No matter where life takes me, I carry their love and sacrifices with me in everything I do. Leaving Japan for New York was another pivotal moment. Moving to New York City was a dramatic shift. The cultural differences were stark, and I had to adapt quickly. It was both exciting and overwhelming, and in a field that can already feel suffocating at times, I found myself having to rebuild my foundation from scratch. The transition wasn’t just professional, and I had to learn how to navigate a new sense of independence while also searching for where I truly belonged in a world that sometimes felt too big. At the same time, there was the ever-present uncertainty of pursuing a career in the arts. The question of whether I’ll make it or not is always there, lingering in the background. But rather than letting that uncertainty paralyze me, I’ve learned to lean into it. Doubt and struggle are inevitable, but I’ve come to understand that the hardest moments often lead to the most growth. And through it all, I’ve come to love it here. The challenges, the unpredictability, and even the moments of doubt have all reaffirmed that I made the right choice. New York has pushed me in ways I never expected, but it has also given me opportunities, inspiration, and a sense of belonging I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in piano performance, but to me, it’s about more than just playing notes, but rather more about telling stories, evoking emotions, and connecting with others in a way that words can’t. What I’m most proud of is the ability to communicate through my performance. I’ve always believed that what you bring to the performance isn’t just technique but it’s the soul. Music has the power to speak directly to the heart, and if I can move someone, make them feel seen, or even help them process their own emotions, then I feel like I’ve done my job. What sets me apart, I think, is my willingness to embrace vulnerability. While I still cope with performance anxiety, I don’t shy away from the imperfections in my playing because I know that’s where the real emotion comes through. It’s not about playing perfectly but more about playing honestly. I’ve learned the importance of trusting my intuition in every performance and not let fear of judgment hold me back but of course, I am still working on it. I’m also incredibly passionate about collaboration, which is evident in my dedication to the trio. Our bond is deeply rooted in mutual respect and trust. We push each other creatively, and through that, we’ve been able to create something more than just music, but a shared experience that I believe our audience can feel.
Beyond performance, I’m also committed to teaching and making classical music accessible to a wider audience. Growing up, I saw how classical music was often perceived as something reserved for a select few. I want to challenge that mindset and show that classical music is for everyone, regardless of background or privilege. I believe that anyone who wants to learn has the potential to succeed, and as a young educator, I try to instill that belief in my students. As for mental health in music, it’s a topic that’s close to my heart. In many parts of the world like Japan, mental well-being is often overlooked, especially in the high-pressure world of classical music. The pressure to be perfect can be overwhelming, and I think it’s crucial to acknowledge that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your technique. I want to be part of a movement that normalizes these conversations and supports musicians holistically. Looking at my journey so far, what I hope people take away from it is that if you want something badly enough, you can achieve it. The road isn’t always easy, and there will be times when you question whether you’re good enough or whether it’s worth it. But if you keep pushing forward, keep believing in your vision, and stay true to yourself, things will come together in ways you might not expect. It’s not always about achieving perfection, but rather the journey and the growth along the way. If you stay committed, if you keep striving, you can make things happen.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One thing I truly believe is that the best way to connect with classical music and experience its full power is by hearing it live. There’s something about being in the same room as the musicians, feeling the energy of the performance, and experiencing how the music fills the space around you that recordings or streaming can’t replicate. I think many people feel intimidated by classical music, but a live performance has a way of making the music come to life and transforming the way we hear and feel it. If you’re curious about classical music, I’d highly recommend starting with a concert. It might just change how you experience music in ways you never expected. And remember, the majority of the music we enjoy today has roots in classical traditions! There’s a kind of magic in that shared moment between the performers and the audience, and it’s an experience that stays with you long after the music ends.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.schmidttrio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malka.piano/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009274365730&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=YhlPa039xuDlWbiP&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F12DCDCzWmnJ%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#

Image Credits
Ashley Cho
Melanie Chang