Lockdown Listening with Julia Zilberman

I grew up to the sound of music, my mum played the piano which my grandparents bought in Berlin just after the war and it had faithfully accompanied her as they moved from one country to another, and my dad played guitar. Guitar was such a prominent member of the family that I rarely remember an occasion without it, as a new-born I’m convinced I heard the sound of its strings before registering my parents’ voices.

I shared my bedroom with that piano as my parents did everything they could to help me learn. So did endless number of most patient music teachers.

Those early days of falling asleep to melodies shaped not only my love for music but also how I see my bedroom as more than just a place to rest; it became a sanctuary where creativity and comfort blended together. The piano in the corner, the guitar leaning on the wall, and the stacks of sheet music all contributed to a space that held both order and warmth.

Over time, I realized how much the details in a room influence its atmosphere, from the arrangement of furniture to the small accents that bring everything together. Even something as simple as a Boho Style Nightstand beside the bed can transform the mood, adding both function and personality while offering a perfect spot to rest a lamp, keep a journal, or place those treasured keepsakes that carry stories of their own.

Sundays were spent alternating between the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and The Moscow Conservatory but much to the family and my own disappointment, lack of patience and ability halted my development. Thankfully, my failure to play did not prevent a life-long love of music.