Volavy was born in Brno, Moravia, and studied at the Vienna Conservatory under Anton Door.

[3] She recorded piano songs under the name Volavy and two pseudonyms (Felix Gerdts and George Kerr).

[8] On the piano rolls, the pieces she recorded included works by Robert Schumann[9][10] and Ludwig van Beethoven.

[11] Volavy's hand was damaged in an accident on the subway in New York City.

[1] She received financial compensation for the injury[12] and she was unable to continue playing the piano.