Today we’d like to introduce you to Rozhina Rajabloo.
Hi Rozhina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was introduced to music at a very young age. By the time I was five, I began learning violin, though my strongest connection was always with the piano. Practicing violin did not come naturally to me, and I even stopped for a while. Eventually, my coach challenged me to reach a certain level before I could move on to a new instrument. That gave me the motivation to keep going. At twelve, I finally began learning piano. I did not have a real piano at the time, only a five-octave keyboard, but I practiced as much as I could. Piano became a powerful outlet. It brought me moments of stress and moments of peace, but more than anything, it taught me patience, musical sensitivity, and emotional expression. I am grateful for the classical foundation I gained through both violin and piano, as it continues to shape the way I understand and create music today.
Around that same period, I began to imagine the possibility of studying music abroad. Although it felt distant, the idea stayed with me and began to influence the direction I was moving toward.
In high school, I was accepted into the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talent, where I followed a rigorous academic curriculum focused on math and physics. Despite the intensity of that environment, music remained central in my life. During that time, I also began vocal training, which turned out to be the most challenging part of my musical development. My first vocal lessons were discouraging. I lacked a healthy vocal technique and received constant criticism. I came close to giving up. Instead, I decided to try again with a different coach. At that point, I did not believe in myself as a singer, but through consistent work, I began to build confidence. That was when I first started to imagine a future in music as a vocalist, not just as an instrumentalist.
In 2022, I moved to Slovakia to attend an international high school. The academic program was broad, but there were no music offerings. Because of internet restrictions back home, I also had to stop all of my lessons. I missed music deeply, so I began looking for new ways to reconnect with it. Eventually, I discovered a local jam session. At first, I struggled to understand what was happening because of the language barrier, but during my second visit, someone invited me to sing. I only knew a few jazz standards at the time, but that invitation gave me direction. I began learning more songs so I could keep participating. That experience marked the beginning of my journey into jazz.
In my second year in Slovakia, I formed a band and began performing regularly. I organized my own performances, gave interviews, and played in both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. I performed in small venues, bars, and eventually held my first original showcase, where I sold tickets and handled everything independently. These experiences taught me how to create opportunities, adapt to new environments, and believe in my ability to make things happen.
Even after all of that, I was still uncertain about applying to study music professionally. I was the only student in my school pursuing music, and I kept considering backup plans. But in December 2023, only one month before application deadlines, I decided to fully commit. I have always felt the need to create and to communicate something personal through my work, and music has always been the most natural way for me to do that.
I was first accepted to the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Soon after, I received a full scholarship to Berklee. That moment brought clarity and confirmed the direction I had chosen.
Since arriving at Berklee, I have been surrounded by talented and inspiring musicians from around the world. It has shown me how much more there is to learn and how important it is to stay open and curious. My focus now is on deepening my craft, finding my artistic voice, and building a strong foundation for the future I envision.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The path has not always been smooth, but each challenge has helped shape the person and artist I am today. One of the most significant transitions I experienced was moving from an academic background in math, physics, and economics to pursuing music full-time. Music had always been a personal outlet, something that grounded me emotionally. Turning that into my main focus and future career was both exciting and demanding. It required me to shift my mindset and begin treating music not only as a source of inspiration but also as a serious craft and profession.
Another important shift was internal. For a long time, I focused on meeting expectations from teachers, coaches, or institutions. I became very good at following directions and executing ideas, but I had not stopped to ask myself what I truly wanted to express as an artist. This past year, I made the decision to pause, reflect, and realign with my own creative voice and purpose.
That period of reflection was invaluable. It helped me define what I want to say through my work and how I want to show up as a musician. I now approach each day with a clearer sense of intention. I am focused on creating music that is not only technically strong but also emotionally honest and meaningful to me.
I believe that art should not be approached as a product of routine or pressure. I am not interested in creating simply for the sake of output. What motivates me is the desire to communicate something real and to make music that resonates on a deeper level. I am in the process of finding my voice and making sure that everything I create reflects that voice. I continue to learn and grow, and I give myself space to pause and stay grounded in what matters most.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My background is primarily in performance, which is where I feel most at home and where I’ve had the most experience. I’ve mostly performed in Slovakia, as well as in my home country, and that’s what people often associate me with, live performance and emotional connection through music.
Lately, my focus has been shifting toward creating the kind of music I want to perform. I began songwriting about a year and a half ago. While my early work resonated with audiences, it didn’t feel fully aligned with me artistically. Since then, I’ve been on a journey of deeper self-reflection, learning to write in a way that feels more authentic and connected to who I am. I’m constantly learning and evolving, aiming to improve every day, but performance will always remain a part of my life.
What I am most proud of is the intention that drives my work. I want to create experiences that go beyond the music itself. In 2023, I organized a concert where all proceeds were donated to a charity supporting child laborers. That experience continues to remind me why I chose this path. Music, for me, is not only a way to express and connect, but also a way to contribute. I understand that not every performance can directly support a cause, but I hope to bring purpose into my career whenever I can. Whether through the message in my music or the impact of my work, I aim to give back and make a positive difference for others.
Another part of my journey that I value deeply is my independence. When I moved to Slovakia, I faced a new culture and a language I did not speak, but I still took the initiative to find performance opportunities. I began by reaching out to venues myself and started performing in smaller spaces. Over time, I built relationships and eventually began working with BKIS, the Bratislava Cultural and Information Center. That opened the door to larger opportunities, including performing at the Christmas market, organizing my own charity concert, managing ticket sales, and doing press interviews all while I was still in high school and navigating life abroad.
That combination of self-motivation, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose is what continues to guide me, both as a performer and as a creator.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, my focus is on continuing to grow both as a creator and a performer. I’m committed to deepening my knowledge and honing my craft, and I’m excited to start sharing my original work more intentionally. Performing pieces that genuinely reflect who I am as an artist is a key part of the direction I’m moving toward, and I’m eager to engage more deeply with my audience through music that feels authentic to me.
Along this journey, I’ve discovered a genuine interest in teaching. I didn’t expect it to be as fulfilling as it is, but I’ve realized that guiding others in their artistic growth is deeply rewarding. The idea of helping students find their emotional outlet through music and providing guidance to avoid technical mistakes that could hinder their progress excites me. What appeals to me most is the everyday interaction with students, where you get to be part of their creative journey and see their development over time. I’m eager to explore this side of my path further and see where it leads.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___.rozhina___/
Image Credits
Martin Abelovský
