Oksana

PIANO WOMAN
by Devon Greggory

Nestled along the outskirts of Burbank, a stone’s throw from Hollywood, stands what is fast becoming the worst kept secret in entertainment — Oksana’s School of Music & Performing Arts.

To the untrained eye, this newly launched endeavor looks like another would-be star-factory, luring unsuspecting parents and desperate newcomers with the promise of fame, in an industry infamous for killing hopes and stealing dreams. But not so. This school, born from the heart of world-renown concert pianist, Oksana Kolesnikova, and nurtured by the melodies of this Russian-born composer, is decidedly different.

But to understand the difference is to understand its proprietor.

With the elegance of royalty and the beauty of a starlet, greatness seemed Oksana’s destiny rather than her desire. Her unquestioned talent compliments an insatiable work ethic; seven CDs, hundreds of tours and a myriad of international collaborations highlight a stellar career.

Oksana debunks conventional wisdom that those who can, do; and those who can’t, teach. Even so, that’s not what’s special about Oksana. What’s special about Oksana is her passion. She offers no get-rich-quick schemes, no promises of success and no assurances; other than she’ll give her all to ensure each student becomes the best they can become.

Passion is the seminal reason Oksana established her school of performing arts; a school whose focus is excellence, not fame; a school dedicated to personal instruction of performers, not mass production of unprepared pupils; a school that teaches every artist they have an obligation to master their craft and a responsibility to share it.

One look at Oksana’s daunting calendar and it’s clear she lives what she teaches.

7 to 9am: composing commissioned originals for her clients

9 to 11: teaching

12 to 3pm: Performing at the legendary Polo Lounge in Beverly Hills

3 to 5: business meetings

5 to 6: interviews/photo shoots with the media

7 to 10pm private dinner concerts and autograph signing

Weekends are family time.

When asked how she maintains such a rigorous pace, Oksana smiles, “Music is not only my purpose, but my passion in life. It is what I was birthed to do.”

Oksana’s school has enjoyed such overwhelming success that this year she expanded to three divisions: music, performing arts and foreign language instruction. To assist in the newfound success, Oksana has assembled a roster of celebrity coaches to teach one-on-one and group lessons either from her studio or in private sessions at students’ homes.

However, my favorite Oksana offering is her privately commissioned musical portraits; original pieces, composed as a timeless present to a loved one or for a special occasion. It’s a truly unique and perfect way to say, “I love you.”

So, how does Oksana feel having her secret unveiled? For Oksana, building her school into a safe haven, where artists can flourish before encountering fame, is more important than recognition.

“Every time I play the piano my mission is to touch many hearts with the gift I’ve been given. I am but one person. What better way is there to touch millions and millions than to train hundreds and hundreds of pianists, violinists, guitarists, actors and singers to share their gifts with the world?”

For more information on Oksana please visit www.pianowoman.com.

To enroll, or for more information, please email mgmt@oksana-k.com