I first studied music at the Juozas Gruodis Conservatory of Music in Kaunas, Lithuania at age 16. During my 4 years at the Conservatory I took classes in Choir Conducting, piano theory and practice, Harmony, Solfeggio, and Music History. I then enrolled at The Lithuanian National Music Academy and studied music pedagogy (teaching) for 4 years. I then entered The Academy of Lithuania (as distinct from the National Music Academy) for 2 years, where I studied for and received a Masters Degree in Education.
I started teaching Music Appreciation and taught the choir at Garliava Secondary School (Grades 5-12) in 1995 after completing my Conservatory training. I taught there for 4 years, until in 1999 I moved to a different Secondary School in Garliava. I typically taught classes of 25 to 30 students from each grade, in 6 45-minute classes per day. I worked at this school for one year only as a substitute for a teacher out on maternity leave. When she returned, I moved on the Ilgiekiemio Primary and Middle School. At the same time, I taught at the Kaunas Primary School with low-income students
In 2001 I decided to move to the United States to broaden my horizons and see the world. I accepted a position as a live-in au pair (nanny) with a host family in Oakland, California. I lived with them for 2 years, met my husband, and married in 2003. I then started teaching music at several schools (see resume), eventually settling into The Golden Key Piano School in Berkeley, Ca..
Laima is currently accepting new students.