The Journey, the Values and the Future

PHOTO: Newman Photographic

Laura Bulava is a Liepāja-born professional opera singer, vocal educator and creative entrepreneur. For seven years,
she performed at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, but returning to Liepāja opened a new chapter in her
professional life. Here, she founded the vocal studio STARI and later the “Lai skan” association — an initiative
focused on the musical development of children and young people, collaboration and the opportunity to discover
their own voices.

In this interview, Laura reflects on unexpected beginnings that led to important decisions, working with children
and her desire to create something lasting in Liepāja.

How did you begin working with children?

While living in Riga, I was already teaching singing a little, but things really took off during the pandemic, when I moved back to my hometown, Liepāja. I was at home with my first child and started teaching a few students. Gradually, the first ensemble took shape — marking the beginning of the STARI vocal studio.

That was when I realised how much I enjoyed building something from scratch — choosing repertoire, searching for a better sound, planning concerts and constantly raising the bar. Apparently, I had switched something on that I haven't quite been able to switch off since.

What brings you the greatest satisfaction when working with children's voices?

That moment when something that initially sounded rather unpolished suddenly comes together — and I get goosebumps.

I love helping children discover something in their natural voices that they didn't even know they were capable of. That's why I don't want to keep them where everything feels comfortable. There should always be another step to climb.

How would you describe yourself as a teacher?

Strict, playful, creative and rather unpredictable.

We play, we get frustrated, and then we laugh again. I get bored very quickly if we keep doing the same thing. The older children already know that if I walk in carrying new sheet music, they're probably about to hear: “We've got a new song!”

There are, however, a few things I have very little patience for — poor intonation, missed entrances, an inability to hold your own vocal part, and having two left feet.

I like incorporating physical exercises into my teaching, so the plank is a particular favourite — at least as far as I'm concerned. The children tend to have mixed feelings about that.

What do you want children to gain beyond singing, and what does performing mean to you personally?

I want to create an environment where music is more than just one lesson a week. A concert or competition might be the starting point, but there is so much more we can build around it — different activities and new experiences.

That's exactly why I founded the “Lai skan” association: to create projects in different formats where children don't just perform, but experience something together.

“Stories Created Together” means that after every event, there should be more than just a result. There should be memories and a story of their own.

It's also important for me to continue singing and performing. The stage doesn't let you stand still — it reminds me that I still have plenty of room to grow.

What does “YOUR OWN VOICE” mean to you?

I think I'm discovering my own voice more and more with every new project.

I'm becoming less interested in doing things simply because “that's how it's usually done”. I want to bring something personal to every project — an idea, an activity, an experience or a small detail that turns it into something more than just another concert or competition.

At the same time, “YOUR OWN VOICE” is also about being surrounded by many other voices, listening to them, learning from them and still remaining true to yourself.

Why Liepāja?

Because this is home.

I want to stay here, continue growing as a person, raise my children and put down even deeper roots professionally. I want to create events that children, young people and educators will travel to Liepāja especially for — and leave wanting to return.

For me, Liepāja isn't simply a place to organise events. It's a place to begin and to create something that lasts.