Her Story
About Olga V.
Olga V. Taimanov is a professional violinist, electric violinist, and violist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, whose career spans orchestral performance, chamber music, teaching, and independent solo work. Her musical training began in Russia, where she started performing at the age of 15 and went on to earn a Master in Music and a Master in Performance from the St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Before relocating to the United States in 2000, she gained international experience performing with the Kibbutz Orchestra and freelancing with the Israel Philharmonic. Once settled in Pittsburgh, she furthered her studies at Duquesne University, completing Artist Diploma programs in both solo and chamber performance.
Throughout her career, Taimanov has held numerous orchestral and academic positions, including violist roles with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Erie Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, alongside a long-standing teaching post at Carnegie Mellon University and a faculty position with the InterHarmony International Music Festival. In the past year, she stepped away from her ensemble commitments to launch an independent solo performance business, incorporating electric violin and one-person-band formats into her live shows. This shift reflects her drive for artistic independence and her perfectionist commitment to delivering performances of the highest caliber.
Guided by values of honesty, dedication, and professional excellence, Taimanov is passionate about elevating the perception of musicians as skilled professionals deserving of fair recognition and compensation. She is currently focused on growing awareness for her new venture, expanding her presence through networking and digital platforms, and balancing the demands of performing, teaching, and continually developing her repertoire. Her recognition as part of the 2026 Influential Women feature reflects a career built on resilience, technical mastery, and a deep emotional connection to her craft.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Olga V.
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the technical skill I've built through years of dedicated study and practice, combined with perseverance and a willingness to keep showing up as an artist. I believe in myself and recognize my own value, and confidently embracing my identity as a professional musician is what continues to motivate me to perform and create. Beyond technique, I place great importance on connecting with my audience on an emotional level.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Early in my career, I didn't receive much formal guidance. The most meaningful advice came later, through a business program for musicians, which taught me that you have to genuinely feel like an artist, show up as one, and believe in that identity. Recognizing my own worth and confidently owning my role as a professional musician has been the guidance that has shaped me most.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go after what you truly want to do, and don't let obstacles stop you. Believe in yourself, stay persistent, and make sure you pursue your dream fully rather than settling for less.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Right now, my biggest challenges include building brand awareness for my new solo business and breaking into a competitive market, while also educating clients on the true value professional musicians bring. Balancing performing, teaching, rehearsing, and learning new repertoire is a constant demand. More broadly, musicians in the U.S. often struggle financially compared to their counterparts in Europe, facing underpayment, irregular and last-minute work, and few full-time positions. That said, I see real opportunity in building visibility through networking, social media, and event work, as well as in helping educate the public on the value professional musicians provide.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and authenticity guide everything I do, alongside hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence and professionalism. I value listening closely to others and sharing the wisdom I've gained through experience. I give my full effort, often well beyond 100%, regardless of compensation, because I am a perfectionist who strives to deliver my very best in every performance.
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