Music has the power to heal, inspire, and transform—and no one demonstrates that better than Olena Budak, founder of MWO Academy. From her roots as a classically trained musician in Ukraine to creating a thriving music therapy academy in Houston, Olena has dedicated her life to helping children and adults unlock confidence, mindfulness, and joy through music. In this exclusive interview with SOB: Style of Business, she shares her journey, the science behind music therapy, and how following your creative calling can change lives—both yours and others’. Whether you’re a parent, aspiring musician, or simply a lover of creativity, this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to embrace the healing power of music.
Introduction: Where Music Meets Mindfulness and Transformation
In this inspiring episode of SOB: Style of Business The Podcast, host Keetria speaks with Olena Budak, founder of MWO Academy, about the healing power of music and how creativity can transform lives.
A classically trained musician from Ukraine, Olena has turned her lifelong passion for teaching and performance into a mission of purpose — helping others find peace, confidence, and emotional balance through music therapy.
After relocating to Houston, Texas, in 2023, she founded MWO Academy (Music World with Olena) — a creative space dedicated to emotional wellness, growth, and mindful learning through the universal language of music.
From Musician to Mentor: Discovering the Healing Power of Sound
When asked what led her into music therapy, Olena shares that her path unfolded naturally over the course of decades, during which she performed and taught across Europe.
“I noticed how my students were changing far beyond their musical skills,” she says. “They became calmer, more confident, and more connected to themselves. That transformation amazed me.”
Her discovery deepened after moving to the Netherlands during the war in Ukraine. Invited to perform for Dutch families who had opened their homes to Ukrainian refugees, Olena found that the concert became a turning point.
“Preparing for that concert became therapy for me,” she reflects. “It healed my spirit and showed me how powerful music can be in helping people find peace again.”
That moment marked the birth of her mission — to use her gift not only to teach, but to heal.
Inside MWO Academy: Music Education Meets Mindfulness
At MWO Academy, Olena merges her academic background with a holistic, student-centered approach. Each lesson is designed to meet the emotional and creative needs of the individual — whether it’s a child discovering rhythm for the first time or an adult rediscovering their voice.
“Music, dance, art — when done with joy — they all become therapy,” Olena explains. “My goal is to create a safe, inspiring environment where learning feels natural, peaceful, and fun.”
Her programs include piano, voice, and music theory lessons that also incorporate elements of emotional intelligence and self-expression. She works with both children and adults — including students with autism — and tailors every lesson to enhance focus, confidence, and creativity.
“Music helps children regulate emotions and express themselves,” she says. “It’s a form of mindfulness that teaches patience, balance, and joy.”
A Cultural Perspective: The Global Roots of Music Therapy
Having lived and taught in Ukraine, Turkey, and the U.S., Olena has witnessed how different cultures view music education.
“In Ukraine, music is part of our daily life and education. Every child can attend music school for free,” she shares. “In the U.S., it’s often seen as optional, but in truth, it’s essential for personal and emotional growth.”
She also highlights a key difference in teaching style:
“In America, lessons are usually 30 minutes, but that’s often too short to connect. In my academy, I teach 45-minute to one-hour sessions because that’s where the real transformation happens — when the student feels seen, safe, and inspired.”
Living in Purpose: Music as a Path to Creative and Emotional Freedom
For Olena, music therapy isn’t just a profession — it’s a calling.
“Music isn’t about perfection,” she says. “It’s about transformation. It changes how you see yourself and helps you find balance in life.”
She believes that stepping into one’s purpose — whether through music, art, or entrepreneurship — is a form of healing itself.
“If you feel called to create, that’s your spirit guiding you. Don’t ignore it,” she adds. “We’re all meant to express our gifts.”
Words of Encouragement: It’s Never Too Late to Begin
Olena offers a heartfelt message for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone ready to reignite their passion:
“If you think it’s too late to start, it’s not. You can always begin again. Find the time, find the courage, and follow what makes you come alive.”
She also emphasizes the importance of working with the right mentor:
“If your child leaves a music lesson smiling, that’s music therapy in action — even if the teacher doesn’t call it that.”
Learn More About MWO Academy
Interested in exploring music as a tool for creativity and mindfulness? Olena welcomes both in-person and online students.
Visit: MWO.Academy
Follow: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok — @MWOAcademy
“I respond personally to every inquiry,” Olena says. “I love connecting with people who want to grow through music.”
Final Thoughts: Music as Medicine for the Mind and Soul
Through MWO Academy, Olena Budak proves that music is more than melody — it’s movement, mindfulness, and medicine. Her story is a reminder that creativity can be both a career and a calling, and that healing often begins the moment we express what’s inside us.
Hear the interview on Apple
