Jacob Shirvanyan holds a Bachelor's Degree in music from the College of Music in the former USSR and a Master's Degree in violin performance from the Komitas Conservatory.

Shortly after completion of his graduate studies Mr. Shirvanyan was accepted by the National Chamber Orchestra of soloists and went on to perform in chamber music concerts in USSR , Spain , Germany , Bulgaria , Hungary , Yugoslavia , France and Italy . He has also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Radio and Television. After coming to the United States in 1990 Mr. Shirvanyan became a teacher of violin and viola, with many of his students winning local and regional competitions.