Circle of Friends Music and Dancing
Tell us about your business and team:
After arriving in Ireland from Ukraine, music and psychology professional Hanna Shchokina found Circle of Friends – Music and Dancing with Hanna in Monaghan town in 2024. At Circle of Friends Hanna provides high-quality music education in piano, classical guitar, mandolin and banjo, while building ensembles and community music projects for children. Currently there are 38 students in the school, where Hanna has created ensemble projects including Nashi and the Circle of Friends Spoon Ensemble and performed at festivals and cultural events across County Monaghan. Hanna’s work has been recognised with the Monaghan County Council Arts & Culture Award.
Describe the best thing about your service:
The most important part of Hanna’s work is creating an environment where children grow not only as musicians but also as confident and motivated individuals. Her teaching combines strong academic music training with creativity, discipline and encouragement. Through music, children learn responsibility, teamwork and the importance of quality and high standards. Students regularly perform in groups, participate in festivals and prepare for Royal Irish Academy Exams, gaining valuable stage experience and confidence. For Hanna, music education is not only about learning an instrument. It is about shaping character, building community and helping young people believe in their abilities and their potential.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I follow is simple: focus on quality and never give up. When you truly believe in what you do and have deep love and passion for your work, people feel it. Consistency, care and high standards build trust and what comes from the heart always reaches the heart.
What does the future hold for your business?
I plan to continue expanding ensemble projects and creating new performance opportunities for young musicians in Monaghan. Another important goal is working towards the academic development of mandolin in Ireland and helping build new educational pathways that allow children and young musicians to study the instrument seriously.