Oksana Kolesnikova
Making it in Music
June 13, 2006 | by brett | Permalink
Oksana is a Russian born pianist and composer who has been playing the piano since the age of five. She pursued the American Dream of making it big as an independent artist in spite of the challenge of learning a different culture and language. She began her studies in Kazakhstan and won her first competition at age 9. In 1993 she moved to the U.S. and settled in Florida with her family. 8 years later she graduated with honors from Florida State University in August 2001. She has since performed hundreds of concerts, including two world tours of Europe and Asia. She is also the first Russian-born female pianist to perform for deployed U.S. Troops. Already a household name across the USA, (she appears regularly on HSN alongside cosmetic mogul Adrienne Arpel and on PBS with Scott Houston ‘The Piano Guy’), Oksana is currently collaborating with Olympic gold medallist Oksana Baiul in a dynamic project that brings their respective art forms together. Oksana was recently nominated ‘Woman of the Week’ by CBS in Los Angeles, CA (see link below) and has been invited to perform at the United Nations Headquarters.
Here are a few of her answers to our questions:
What has been the key to achieving the level of excellence that you’ve reached in your life?
“Persistence. The willingness to get up and to keep going no matter how many times you might fail. Many people give up after a few failures. When one fails, it’s important to remind oneself that to lose a battle does not mean to lose a war.”
As you look back on your first ten years after college, what would you do differently?
“I would relocate sooner to areas that are more appreciative of the arts, such as L.A., Las Vegas, or New York. It is wonderful and inspiring to be around fellow artists who are equally focused in making their dreams come true, in places where there are more opportunities and appreciation for what you do.”
Were there ever pressures from society telling you to be or do something else, and how did you block this and pursue your passion?
“My answer to that is follow your heart. If you truly have a passion and love what you do, and can formulate a realistic plan to achieve your dreams instead of simply dreaming, do not listen to others discouraging you and move forward with the development of your strategic planning. I wake up every morning happy and looking forward to a new day, full of creativity and excitement. This was my reward for deciding to pursue my passion. Even with all the challenges typical of my industry, I will never regret having followed my dream. If nothing else, one day when I am old I will not blame myself for not having at least tried.”
View Oksana’s CBS Woman of the Week story here:
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THERE ARE 7 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Rod Says:
June 14th, 2006
she’s really awesome, saw her play live in nyc a while back.. looks, talent and brains… got my vote!
Tony Vincente, NY
Jeff McKaig Says:
June 16th, 2006
Hi to all-
Just wanted to say ” Hi ” to Oksana, and congrats
on all of her milestone achievements, including her
recent citizenship. This hard-working lady indeed has really acknowledged the reality of the pursuing the
” American Dream “. For those of you who might not know
Oksana, Visit her site, Buy some CD’s, or catch her in
concert sometime, Her youthful exuberance and energy
contains the most outstanding capacity to entertain all
audiences, young, old and in between.
Her skills at the piano and keyboards are unprecedented,and being a keyboard player myself, I truly appreciate and respect the skill and energy that Oksana projects in every performance or recording. Her
music makes a valubale asset to any environment, whether
working, or simply traveling down this great road of
life. Good Luck Oksana, we’re pulling for you !!!
Sincerely , Jeff McKaig and family.
Pat Zagers Says:
June 18th, 2006
I am glad that Oksana did not relocate from FL too quickly, because it gave me the chance to meet, get to know, and become friends with this beautiful soul. I have known from the beginning that she will make it big. That kind of talent with that kind of work ethic all wrapped around a heart glowing with generosity and love cannot fail. You go, Oksana!
Karen Kildall Says:
June 23rd, 2006
Watching Oksana perform is hypnotic. Her fingers seem to float over the keyboard effortlessly. Oksana’s passion and dedication to her music is unbreakable. In my opinion, Oksana has it all… beauty, inside and out, incredible talent, passion and the desire to share her artform with others. Anyone who has ever been fortunate to see Oksana perform comes away in awe of her beauty and talent. Her passion for her music never fades and she is a true inspiration for others to keep their dreams alive.
OKSANA DEFINITELY HAS MY VOTE!
Karen Kildall
Austin, Texas
Rocco Ventrella Says:
June 23rd, 2006
Hi Oksana,
I’m proud and glad to know you and I’m sure that you’ll have much luck because you’re a talented musician and a nice and gentle person.
Hope to see you soon!!!
!!YOU RULE!!!
RV
Roslynn Says:
July 16th, 2006
I’m so glad Oksana is here in L.A. She gives me the opportunity to do what I’ve wanted to do for years, take piano lessons. She is a great teacher and I know she enjoys her work as both a teacher and a dynamic pianist.
Bank Barclays Merchant Offshore Singapore Says:
October 17th, 2006
Good observation, your ideas are right on.
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