Emil and Dariel Liakhovetski, two dental students with a unique background in music, have been making waves both on stage and in the dental field. Their journey began at the age of four when their grandfather taught them how to play the cello. Since then, they have honed their skills and even performed on America’s Got Talent, captivating audiences with their rock and metal renditions on the cello.
Their musical journey took an unexpected turn when they started experimenting with different genres and incorporating unconventional elements into their performances. To their surprise, their grandfather supported their unique approach and encouraged them to continue exploring their musical talents. This led them to audition for America’s Got Talent in 2014, where they had the opportunity to perform at Radio City Music Hall and gain exposure to a wider audience.
Performing on stage in front of a massive crowd is an electrifying experience for Emil and Dariel. They feel a rush of excitement and feed off the energy of the audience. Despite the initial flutters and nervousness, they embrace the moment and dive into their performance wholeheartedly.
Their journey on America’s Got Talent wasn’t without its challenges. During their final performance, Simon Cowell, a judge on the show, expressed skepticism about their choice to pursue dentistry instead of a full-time career in music. However, Emil and Dariel remained steadfast in their decision to follow their family’s legacy in dentistry. They are proud to be part of the dental community and are excited about the support they received from fellow dentists, musicians, and fans.
While their musical aspirations continue to thrive, Emil and Dariel are equally committed to their dental education and training. Emil is pursuing a periodontal residency, while Dariel plans to specialize in prosthodontics after completing dental school. They share a passion for implant dentistry and hope to establish a “perio pros” practice together in the future.
Balancing their musical and dental careers may seem challenging, but Emil and Dariel have learned valuable skills from their experiences on stage. They have become adept at troubleshooting and making quick decisions, which can be applied to their clinical practice. Moreover, their musical background has taught them the importance of nonverbal communication and emotional connection, qualities that are integral to being effective clinicians.
Emil and Dariel do not see their pursuits as an either/or situation. They love both performing with their cellos and making a life-changing impact through dentistry. They consider themselves fortunate to be able to share their message with the dental community and inspire aspiring healthcare professionals to pursue their artistic passions alongside their chosen careers. Ultimately, they aim to show that one does not have to fit into a predefined box, and that it is possible to excel in multiple domains.