Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Louisa Foong. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Louisa, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a combination of faith, family, and the unwavering support of my community. Faith has shown me that challenges aren’t setbacks but opportunities for growth. Life’s ups and downs can be hard to navigate, but I’ve learned the importance of trusting the process, knowing that each hurdle not only strengthens my character but also prepares me for what comes next. A phrase that has guided me for years is, ‘If I don’t give up, I win.’ It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that perseverance is the key to overcoming whatever life throws my way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a pianist, composer, music producer, and educator, my journey has been about blending artistic expression with creating a sense of community through music. I’m an alumna of Berklee College of Music, where I majored in Contemporary Writing & Production, and this foundation has deeply influenced my creative process. In 2021, I founded Pine Music Academy during the pandemic, and this entrepreneurial journey helped me grow significantly in resilience. Building a startup taught me the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and the need to cultivate a supportive community where students can thrive. At Pine Music Academy, we provide a space where students can develop their talents, whether online or in person, and experience the joy of connecting through music. Helping people discover their own musical voice is something I’m deeply passionate about.
What excites me most is witnessing the impact that music can have on people. Whether I’m performing, composing, or teaching, music is always about connection—both to ourselves and to others. I’ve recently released my first single, Rest, as part of my upcoming album, Whispers Within.
Whispers Within is a heartfelt journey through the seasons of life and emotions. Each composition is like a gentle whisper, crafted to bring comfort and evoke a sense of calm. These pieces are reflections of my inner world, capturing moments of tranquility and the ebb and flow of feelings. Through this album, I invite listeners to join me in an intimate exploration of these emotions and find peace within the melodies, just as I have over the years.
I introduced the album with a candlelight piano and cello show in August. It was an intimate setting that allowed me to share my music in a unique and personal way, guiding listeners through the emotions behind each piece.
Moving forward, I’m excited to continue growing as an artist with more live shows, future album releases, and collaborations with different creatives, while also nurturing the next generation of musicians through Pine Music Academy. Inspiring others to find their own musical voices is a privilege, and I look forward to expanding both my personal work and my academy’s impact.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and the ability to build meaningful relationships. These qualities have shaped both my creative path and my growth as an entrepreneur and artist.
First, resilience has been a key element, particularly when I launched Pine Music Academy during the pandemic. At times, it felt like there were constant challenges, and the uncertainty could have easily derailed the process. But every setback taught me to keep going, even when the outcome wasn’t clear. Over time, I found that resilience isn’t about avoiding difficulties, but about learning to navigate through them. While it hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned that with each challenge, resilience becomes a little stronger and more natural, allowing me to push through and grow.
Adaptability has also played a crucial role in my journey. Whether I was adjusting to teaching online, shifting my creative process, or managing the unpredictable nature of the music industry, the ability to pivot has been invaluable. Adaptability gave me the flexibility to explore new avenues and find creative solutions during uncertain times. It’s been essential not only in business but also in my evolution as an artist, allowing me to stay open to new ideas and opportunities.
Lastly, building meaningful relationships has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Music, to me, is all about connection—whether it’s with students, collaborators, or audiences. The relationships I’ve nurtured along the way have enriched my experience and have become a key part of my personal and professional growth. These connections provide support, inspiration, and collaboration that make the journey worthwhile.
For anyone just starting their journey, I’d say: be prepared for setbacks and understand that they are part of the process. Over time, you’ll find that resilience grows with each challenge you overcome. Embrace adaptability, because the ability to adjust will keep you moving forward in the face of change. And don’t forget to focus on building authentic relationships, as they are the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling career.
In summary: resilience, adaptability, and the relationships you build are essential for growth, and they’ve been the guiding forces in my journey as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to partnering and collaborating with others, especially those who are passionate about authentic expression through music and creativity. I’m particularly interested in working with musicians, composers, visual artists, and educators who are driven to create projects that connect deeply with people. Collaborations that allow for genuine, raw, and meaningful expression are what I find most exciting.
If you’re someone who values bringing real emotion and authenticity into your work—whether you’re a musician eager to co-create, a visual artist looking to tell stories through music, or an educator who wants to nurture the next generation of artists—I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can explore new ways of blending our talents to create something that resonates on a deeper level.
You can connect with me through my website or reach out on social media. I’m always open to conversations about potential collaborations with those who share a commitment to creating meaningful, authentic art.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.louisafoong.com | www.pinemusicacademy.com
- Instagram: @louisafoongmusic | @pinemusicacademy
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-foong-730008118
- Other: louisafoongmusic@gmail.com
Image Credits
Yuwei Huang, Cassandra Isbell
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