Interview in "Guitar International" magazine, by Dr. Matt Warnock. January 2010 
(Excerpt):

Matt Warnock: You draw from a wide range of influences in your playing and writing. What are some of the main styles of musical, and non-musical, subjects that have inspired you as a writer and performer?

Arina Burcéva: I'm inspired by different styles of music, as well as art, literature, legends and mythology. I like to draw from the myths and legends various countries (Greece, Macedonia, Brazil, etc.) When I'm reading these stories, and trying to translate them into my music, I'm also checking out that countries musical language, which I also bring into my compositions.

In the end I create pieces that bring out the cultural heritage of these countries through a study of their music, folklore and mythology. Its a very different approach to composing for the classical guitar than most people take, but I find that it really works for me.

Matt: Now that youve been living in the U.S. for a number of years, after being born and raised in Europe, has the American musical heritage, such as Rock, Blues and Jazz, started to come out in your writing?

Arina: I think that subconsciously I've been influenced by blues and jazz, but I haven't formerly studied it. I do use elements of jazz and blues in my writing, but the compositions that I write which have those elements in them tend to be through composed. Im not sure why that is, but its where those pieces tend to lead me from a compositional standpoint.

Matt: Since youve spent time studying with Dusan, and have elements of jazz and blues in your writing, do you improvise when youre on stage, or feature specific improv sections in your pieces when you compose them?

Arina: I do improvise sometimes when I'm on stage, but its never planned out ahead of time. I dont insert specific sections where I know I will improvise, it just happens on the spot. I don't know why, it may be boredom, I don't know. I just feel that the times right to experiment and so I branch off into an improvised section. I think it adds excitement to the performance without taking away from the original intent of the pieces or the program as a whole.

Matt: As someone who writes a lot of your own music, how important do you feel it is for young classical guitarists to write and perform original compositions?

Arina: Every guitarist has to find their own path and writing original music is the one I've chosen. I think for guitarists who are entering a lot of competitions, learning the standard repertoire is a necessary thing, since a lot of those pieces are required for major competitions.
In my career path I have studied with teachers who were composers and performers, and in my own teaching I emphasize composition with my students. I think playing the standard repertoire is fine and works for a lot of people, but its also fun to write music. It helps us find an original voice on the instrument and it brings a new level of excitement into the realm of learning and playing the guitar.