ROCHESTER, N.Y. — It’s not unusual to hear songs spilling out of classrooms inside the Eastman School of Music. But the story behind one song is unique. It’s a Ukrainian folk song, reminding Oleh Kyrsa of where he grew up.

Kyrsa learned to play the violin at 6 years old after hearing his mother singing. He studied at music schools in Ukraine and Moscow, learning from top musicians.

“In music school, where I was accepted, we had fantastic teachers and teachers were from also Berlin [and] Austria because Lviv was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. So it real western European city,” said Kyrsa.

Since 1967, he’s spent his time transforming students into artists, including ones at the Eastman School.

“I am always telling that I am not only teaching students, I learn many things from them," he said. "So it's, you know, very nice communication and the teaching."

Pictures taken throughout Kyrsa's career fill the walls of his studio. Those past moments are what inspired him to hold a series of concerts celebrating his 80th birthday.

One concert included special guests.

“The violinists were students from my studio," Kyrsa said. "it was very touching."

After being a musician for six decades, it can be hard to pick a favorite song. But Kyrsa finally found an answer.

“My favorite song is the one I’m playing right now," he said.