We are incredibly proud of all of our LOOM Coworking members and love seeing their growth, personally and professionally.

Learn more about Avianna “Avi” Sohner!  

 

Who is Avi Sohner? I was born in Maryland just outside of Washington DC, but I grew up in a small town just south of here called Richburg, SC. I currently reside in Charlotte where I’ve lived for the last ten years with my husband Matthew and Calico cat, Cleo.

Tell us about your educational background?  I graduated from Winthrop University with a BA in Choral Music Education and a MA in Choral Conducting. Music has always been an important part of my life. My father is a drummer and percussionist, and I was in the church choir, school choir, marching band and played in piano competitions growing up. I served as the Assistant Choir Director of Grace Lutheran Church in Rock Hill while in college, and then Handbell and Choir Director of Mt Holly Methodist Church in Edgemoor, SC for six years.

Describe your company and who are your customers? I have operated my own business, The Keys and Cords Studio since 2017. I started teaching piano lessons at the Winthrop Music Academy during my undergrad and I went on to teach at the Playroom Academy of Music in Baxter Village. Shortly after getting married, the Playroom Academy closed its doors. I wasn’t sure where I would go next, or if I would be able to continue teaching my current students. Jen Belk’s daughter was taking lessons from me at the time, and Jen offered me space in the Studios@LOOM. My husband and I took a leap of faith, invested money in opening my own studio and I’ve been here ever since! I teach piano and voice lessons to predominantly children ages 7 and up, and some adults who are either looking to develop a new hobby or rekindle an old one.  We host winter and spring recitals every year in the Gallery where each student performs a piece they have been working on. We also do recordings in the Studio for solos and duets so families can see their students’ progress.

What are your personal and/or professional goals? Over the last ten years, I have taught students who began with me as young children, and have stayed with me through their high school graduations. It is such a joy to watch my students not only grow in skill, but grow in maturity and intellect from children into young adults. Many of my students have come to see me as a trusted adult, confidant, and friend. 

Other than work, what are you most passionate about?  I am very passionate about travel and new experiences with my husband and friends. I am a true beach person, and I really enjoy practicing my skim boarding skills when I am on the water. It has become another “vacation hobby” for me and I feel like my skills improve on each trip. I love food and many different cuisines, and my husband and I both enjoy cooking at home as well as trying new restaurants around our area and when we travel. 

How do you feel you have benefitted or grown at LOOM? LOOM has been instrumental to the success and growth of my business. They have done a great job of accommodating anything I need from daily lessons to the bi-annual recitals. Jen and Laurie have always been so responsive and open to any feedback I have, and have helped me promote my business among LOOM’s membership and in the wider Fort Mill area. I couldn’t have done it without them! 

What is the best way to connect with you? 

email: keysandcords@gmail.com

website: keysandcords.com