Today we’d like to introduce you to Dmytro Gnativ.
Hi Dmytro, 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.
My name is Dmytro Gnativ (Дмитро Гнатів), a Ukrainian-born flutist, musician, and educator. In the last couple of years, I have been fortunate to deliver numerous solo and lecture-recitals across the US and Europe, winning music competitions, publish articles, graduate with a doctorate in music, organize and participate in various charity events, perform with esteemed orchestras, ensembles and even open a publishing company. However, if someone had told me seven years ago that this would be my future, I would have never believed it, and here’s why.
My musical journey started at eight when my parents enrolled me in an after-school music program in Sambir, Ukraine. It was 1999, and the monthly payment was around $2 it covered two flute and piano lessons, plus theory, history, solfège, choir, and a wind ensemble. In general, my childhood was a mix of music and sports.
In my childhood, my family faced financial challenges, a common struggle for many Ukrainian families in the 90s and 2000s. I remember days when our meals consisted of a small amount of bread and a couple of potatoes. Rainy days meant placing pans all over the house due to a leaky roof. Evenings often went by without electricity, and good clothes or shoes were also out of reach. Despite these challenges, we found happiness in what we had. I loved going to music school and playing sports. Looking back, those days hold a special place in my heart. Winter evenings without electricity turned into cozy moments. My parents, two sisters, and I would gather with candles, tea, and sandwiches for a simple dinner. No TV, no Instagram or TikTok, no radio—just our family enjoying each other’s company.
Returning to my musical journey, the initial flute I got was a school-owned “Kyiv Flute”—leaking, keys wrapped in tape, making it a struggle to play. I used to believe only the world’s top flutists could master the low register, but it turns out anyone can with a decent instrument. Despite its flaws, I cherished my first flute, even winning a couple of regional competitions. When I turned 14, we upgraded to a $60 flute, and suddenly, I felt like a pro with “such a good instrument,” though I had much to learn about what a good instrument really is. At 16, I joined Music College, investing in a $400 flute (the most basic for beginners in the US).
After completing four years at music college, I entered the Lviv Music Academy. These times were challenging because an entry-level instrument wasn’t suitable for the Academy’s standards. Throughout the eight long years of higher education, a better instrument remained financially out of reach. I vividly recall an incident during an orchestra performance when one of my flute keys dropped. I continued playing by covering the hole with my thumb (see picture). Despite winning a couple of competitions and experiencing relative success, I sensed that my journey had limitations, and I couldn’t progress much further at that point. Music has become a big disappointment for me and after graduation, I was ready to quit.
However, by some stroke of luck, I received an invitation for an orchestra audition in Ukraine, which I successfully secured. Yet, after half a year in the new city, the reality struck me—I was working full-time in the orchestra, part-time in a band, and teaching music in an afterschool program, barely making $350 a month. At 25, I found myself sharing a 100 sq. ft. bedroom with my roommate, with only one bathroom on the floor and a single shower shared between two floors of big a dormitory. The savings I had set aside for a better instrument disappeared when the local currency lost its value by four times due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2014.
After trying my hand in various professions and making attempts to gather funds for a decent instrument and education (a mere drop in the ocean by Western standards), I made a pivotal decision to give my music career one final push. I began searching for master’s degree programs in both Europe and the US. Desperation led me to reach out to every flute player on Facebook, sending emails and seeking advice, and stipends, all in for trying to find a music career still alive. Out of the hundreds of messages I sent, only a couple yielded replies, and even those who responded couldn’t believe that neither my parents nor I could simply afford to buy an instrument or pay for education abroad. It was a disheartening feeling, realizing that one’s worth seemed tied to financial means.
Fortunately, I found a hopeful connection. Dr. Jennifer Grim from Las Vegas, US, visited our academy for a masterclass back in 2011. Five years later, I reached out to her and sent my recordings, and she remembered me. In 2016, I received a full tuition offer from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. However, financial constraints forced me to decline the offer after spending too much on transcripts, application fees, visas, and other expenses that international students must cover, leaving me unable to afford the tickets.
Nonetheless, I received a scholarship for the following year. In 2017, at the age of 26, I made the tough decision to start a new life. It was a challenging choice as all my family and friends remained in Ukraine, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to travel often. Upon arrival, I told my teachers, “I’m here, and I’ve got no money.” They helped me with initial groceries and rent payments. I vividly recall my teacher assisting me in carrying upstairs my old, worn-out luggage to the apartment, which ended up breaking during the process—priceless memories!
Fast forward six and a half years, and here I am with three highest music degrees, performing with major orchestras in South Florida, and giving recitals and lecture-recitals across the US at universities and flute conventions. I’ve had the privilege of premiering dozens of works, recording music, and sharing the stage with some of the best artists in the world.
It seemed to me that all I needed was a chance to prove myself. Someone to believe in me, offering the time and resources necessary to compete in the music world. Upon arriving in the US, I was immediately provided with a wonderful school instrument, and soon later won a concerto competition performing solo with an orchestra. A year later, Dr. Grim, in collaboration with Adam Workman from Flutistry helped me acquire an even better instrument than I could have ever dreamed of. Today, I’m on the path to obtaining much more advanced, professional instruments.
Looking back and realizing how slim my chances were to achieve anything like what I have today is humbling. The challenges were significant, compounded by the brutal, unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which shattered countless lives, dreams, and careers, including those of many fellow musicians who live in Ukraine.
Summarizing my story highlights a crucial lesson: in the pursuit of equality, it’s vital to remember that equal opportunities don’t automatically ensure equity. Despite arriving in the US and gaining more possibilities, at 26, I found myself significantly behind my peers. Years of playing on horrible flutes had left my hands and embouchure tense, necessitating years to relearn everything. Additionally, the absence of exposure to esteemed artists teaching the European or US way of playing was an additional layer of challenge.
Reflecting on my journey, I recognize that thousands of people are facing similar challenges. Everyone comes from different, diverse backgrounds, and many may need but might not have the opportunity for a full-ride scholarship, a better instrument, a chance to receive a stipend scholarship, or may simply experience discrimination. This underscores the importance of helping each other, striving for equity for everyone, and, of course, remembering to appreciate the opportunities that we might take for granted.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m honored to be a musician at the Palm Beach Symphony and the Florida Grand Opera. Additionally, I serve as faculty and Site Coordinator at “Musicall, Inc.” and work as a private flute and piano teacher at the Lesson In Your Home. I take pride in publishing “An Anthology of Flute Music by Ukrainian Composers 1850-2022,” which aims to expose the rich musical heritage of Ukrainian culture. As part of my commitment to education, I deliver lecture recitals across the US, focusing on Ukrainian flute music and its history.
Some of my performances can be found on YouTube.
Beyond my professional achievements, I cherish a strong family bond, a vast circle of friends, and supportive colleagues. It’s a particular source of pride to be the first in my extended family to earn a Doctorate Degree.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking.
The most significant risk I took was at the age of 26 when I decided to move to the US. On one side, in Ukraine, I had a full-time position in an orchestra, numerous side gigs, and a flourishing social circle. However, I sensed a greater potential for my musical career abroad.
It would have been an easier decision if I had nothing to lose, but I was already in a sort of comfort zone, enjoying my life to some extent. Choosing to quit my job, and become a student again in a foreign country, knowing it would take years, and knowing I wouldn’t get those jobs in Ukraine back if it didn’t work was a tough decision. However, the risks were completely worth it so far.
Contact Info:
- Webpage: https://www.dmytrognativ.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
dmytrognativ/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
gnativ.dmytro/ - Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
dmytrognativ/ - Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@
dmytrognativ2163
Image Credits
@FrostSchoolofMusic
