Hi, my name is Moni Simeonov!
I grew up in a family of musicians and started playing pretty young. When I was 15, a violin guru and generous human being Todor Pelev accepted me as his student at the Idyllwild Arts Academy and brought me to the US. I ended up obtaining 6 degrees from American universities. My main teachers were Zvi Zeitlin, AniKavafian, and Midori.
My studies with Midori felt like a true apprenticeship. The 7 years I spent as her student shaped my character definitively - from my understanding of technique and style to my views on generosity and ethics. Performing and teaching alongside her internationally and in countless American cities, I got a glimpse of what it takes to give world-class performances after 14 straight hours of work, to derive artistic inspiration out of the simplest daily experiences.
Performing
Teaching is how I make a difference but I also perform regularly. I’ve given recitals and soloed with orchestras around the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. My recordings have been broadcast by NPR, CBS, ABC, KUSC, and PBS in the States, by Classic FM and Bulgarian National TV in Europe, and by KBS and NHK in Asia. Outreach activities have taken me to places ranging from homeless shelters in Los Angeles and at-risk centers in Tennessee, to Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon, and hospices in Sri Lanka. Living in LA, I've played for video games, hundreds of films, as well as on the Ellen DeGeneres show. I’ve also led the orchestra for pop artists, such as Barry Mannilow and Elton John.
Teaching
During my doctoral studies, I tore a muscle in my right shoulder (wrestling practice). I thought that would be the end of my performing career so I started reading about the greatest teachers and coaches in sports, chess, martial arts, music, philosophy. I noticed that, at the highest levels, their wisdom overlaps. Luckily, my shoulder recovered but I had already developed the dream to teach for a living - to patiently and diligently guide students into the next stages of their development.
My students have received substantial scholarships from the Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, San Francisco Conservatory, Indiana University, Bard College, Peabody Conservatory, USC and are performing with major symphony orchestras. But more importantly, they create their own sense of discipline and duty, independent of the external expectations.
My summers take me to the Interlochen Arts Camp, Atlantic Music Festival and Singapore Violin Festival. During the year, I serve as the Director of Strings with California State University, Long Beach as well as a faculty member at the Colburn School.
Hobbies
In my college days, I realized that having a single focus on my violin studies complicates them. So I decided to systematically take time and enjoy other pursuits. Studying foreign languages helps me feel connected to distant cultures. It also helps me communicate more succinctly in any language. I also practice the complimentary martial arts of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There is a tremendous amount in common between martial arts and playing an instrument - from patience and physical balance, to relaxed focus and discipline. I also lift weights, run long distances, and sit in meditation.
Everyone can find 10 free minutes a day.
It’s my mission to inspire musicians to be physically active and meditate. It’s the 21st century and science agrees with ancient wisdom. We live longer, find tranquility, and get better at any activity if we add a little more mindfulness in our lives.