Classical guitarist Iva Kosić joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about the terrific work that has seen her grow a big online following.
Hi Iva, welcome to Close-Up Culture. Can you tell us about your background and what led you to classic guitar?
Thanks for having me here. Sure I can 🙂
I come from Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
When I was 8 years old, I enrolled in a local music school where I initially started playing the violin, before switching to classical guitar a year later. My dad is a self-taught guitarist, so I have practically been listening to the guitar since I was born. I was familiar with all the well-known pieces even before I started learning the instrument myself.
What do you love about playing classical guitar?
There are many things I love, but I would say the way the guitar is held when it is played is what I love most. There is a sense of closeness to the instrument, as if I am giving it a hug. Another thing I love is the versatility of the classical guitar; it allows a musician to create lots of different sounds and color variations. One note can sound very different depending on the position, pressure, angle, and so on. This leaves room for creativity and brings out the unique feeling that each performer has.
You’ve built a big following online. What has your experience been like creating content?
Yes, and I must admit that was very unexpected! One day, I just decided to post a few videos and share my favourite pieces, but in just 3 weeks, I gained 10k followers. The response was very positive, and I received many messages from people telling me that the videos inspired them to start or resume learning the guitar, so I decided to continue posting. My experience so far has been amazing. I have met a lot of lovely people and have connected with other creators. On top of that, I have partnered with some great companies.
When it comes to creating content, I am very happy to be able to express myself and to expand the reach of classical guitar.
One of my favourite videos is when you play a tune from Hayao Miyazaki’s film, Howl’s Moving Castle. Is there a piece of music that holds a special place in your heart?
Thank you!
Yes, there is one. It’s a classical piece called Etude in E minor by the Spanish composer Francisco Tarrega. This piece was the reason I decided to pursue a career in classical guitar, and it really made me fall in love with classical music. I was only 10 years old when I first heard it!
You seem to do a lot of travelling! Where would be your dream place to visit and perhaps perform?
Yes, I do! I study in Germany, but I often visit my friends and family who happen to live in many different cities. I would like to travel more in the future, and my dream destination is the island of Bora Bora. On the other hand, Cuba and Brazil seem like such exciting places to hold a concert.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
I am finishing my Master’s degree and will most likely keep studying here in Germany. I also plan to continue creating and posting content. This year, I want to focus more on YouTube, as I recently learned how to edit.
Guitar is my main priority, but I love fashion, fitness and content creation, so It would be great to combine all my interests in one and hopefully continue to inspire people!
Follow Iva on Instagram – @iva.guitar
Excellent guitarist very talented and so nice, so lovely, so attractive!!!