Meet Larisa Capatina | Pianist, Piano Teacher and Music Studio Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Larisa Capatina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larisa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
We’ve been musicians our whole lives, and teaching was a natural extension of our passion for music. As our classes filled up, we realized that we could expand beyond just the two of us, creating a team of like-minded professionals who shared our values. Our vision was to develop a school that not only teaches technical music skills but also fosters a deep love for music, where learning is enjoyable and meaningful. Starting our own music academy allowed us to shape an environment where children can thrive musically, emotionally, and intellectually, ensuring that every lesson is an experience they’ll treasure. We wanted to build a community where music becomes a cherished part of each student’s life, and we knew the best way to achieve this was through our own business, creating something unique and lasting.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We were fortunate to begin our musical journey at a very young age, attending professional music schools right from the start. Music wasn’t just a major we chose in college—it has been part of our lives for as long as we can remember. Our professional music education lasted nearly 18 years, during which we performed regularly at student concerts, held solo recitals, collaborated with other musicians on the major stages of our country, competed in national and international competitions, and even performed with orchestras multiple times.

One of the unique aspects of our journey is our commitment to performing as a piano duo, which started in university and has been a core part of our professional lives ever since. Performing together as two classical pianists requires a special level of dedication, coordination, and mutual understanding, but it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our career.

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of organizing our own concerts, both in our home country, Moldova, and in the UAE, where we lived for over 10 years and established our first music studio.

The path to where we are now wasn’t without its challenges. We had to learn about the music business from scratch, and we grew together not only as concert pianists but also as teachers, entrepreneurs, and concert organizers. Each experience strengthened our partnership and shaped the business model we use today.

Along the way, we learned that true growth comes from experience, from embracing the importance of networking, and mastering the art of communication. Above all, we discovered that everything you do must be infused with soul and creativity. Only when you pour your passion into your work can it truly be appreciated by others. That’s what sets us apart, and that’s the story we live by.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If our best friend was visiting, we’d definitely want to show them the beauty of Colorado, and we’d start by taking them to some of our favorite places: Boulder, Estes Park, and Vail.

We’d kick things off with a hike at Chautauqua Park in Boulder to explore the iconic Flatirons and enjoy the amazing views. Then we’d head to Pearl Street Mall to browse the quirky shops, enjoy local art, and maybe catch a street performer or two. For lunch, we’d take them to the unique Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, which offers an international menu in an intricately decorated space. A relaxed evening stroll along Boulder Creek Path would be the perfect way to wrap up the first day.

Next, we’d venture to Estes Park and spend a full day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park—hiking around Bear Lake or Alberta Falls and driving the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road. We’d also visit the famous Stanley Hotel, taking a ghost tour for fun or just soaking in the history. In the evening, we’d enjoy a quiet moment by Lake Estes or explore the shops in downtown Estes Park before having dinner at Bird & Jim.

In Vail, we’d wander the beautiful Vail Village, admiring its European charm and stopping for breakfast at The Little Diner. We’d spend the day exploring Gore Creek Trail or visiting the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. For a bit of adventure, we’d head up the mountain via the gondola to Adventure Ridge for activities like hiking or zip-lining. Dinner at Sweet Basil, known for its contemporary American dishes, would be the perfect way to end the day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our journey as musicians and educators wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of our parents. They nurtured our passion for music from a young age and provided us with the encouragement and resources we needed to pursue our dreams. Their belief in us has been a constant source of strength throughout our careers.

We also owe immense gratitude to our teachers, who poured their love, dedication, and expertise into our growth as musicians. They not only taught us the technical skills but also instilled in us a deep appreciation for the art of music and the joy it can bring to others. Their guidance has shaped who we are today, both as performers and as educators, and we continue to carry their lessons with us as we teach the next generation of musicians.

Website: https://www.letspracticeacademy.com/about-us; https://www.lvpianoduo.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lets_practice_academy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandVPianoDuo

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpmdBYaukkSjn2SrSgecm6g/videos