Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valery Goldes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Valery, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Piano Lessons with Valery Goldes & Co., our mission is to open the world of music to every individual, regardless of age, background, or ability. We believe music is not just a skill to be learned, it is a universal language that nurtures confidence, creativity, and emotional expression.

This mission is deeply meaningful to us because we’ve seen firsthand how music transforms lives. Some of our students discover a new passion and sense of identity through piano. Others, especially children and adults with developmental differences, find music to be a pathway for focus, joy, and connection where words may not always come easily.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Valery Goldes, and music has been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember. I first sat down at a piano as a child and immediately felt the transformative power of music. That passion grew into a lifelong dedication not just to playing, but to sharing the gift of music with others.

That is why I founded Piano Lessons with Valery Goldes & Co. We provide piano instruction for children, teens, and adults at every level, from complete beginners to advanced students. Our programs are also designed to meet the needs of individuals with unique learning styles, including those with developmental disabilities or attention challenges.

We help students unlock focus, confidence, and joy through music. Lessons are tailored to each person’s personality, goals, and pace so they can grow in a way that feels natural and rewarding.

What makes us proud is seeing lives change through music. Parents share how their children’s focus and confidence improve, while adults often rediscover passion, creativity, and balance in their lives.

For us, lessons are about much more than piano. They are about growth, connection, and discovering music as a lifelong companion.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

When I started Piano Lessons with Valery Goldes & Co., the most important investment wasn’t financial—it was a commitment of time, energy, and vision. I began with very modest resources, using my own savings to cover essentials like instruments, sheet music, and a simple teaching space. At the beginning, every piano bench, every book, and every student relationship represented a piece of that initial investment.

Instead of relying on outside investors, I focused on growing organically. Word of mouth from families and students helped the business take root, and every new lesson allowed us to reinvest back into improving our programs and expanding our reach. The early growth came from passion and dedication more than capital, which is why the mission behind the company has always remained at the heart of what we do.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first began teaching, I had a student who struggled with attention and coordination. During the first few lessons, it seemed almost impossible for him to sit through even a few minutes at the piano. His parents were discouraged and even questioned whether music would be the right path for him.

Instead of giving up, I committed to finding an approach that would work for him. I broke the lessons down into very small steps, introduced movement and rhythm games, and celebrated even the smallest successes. Progress was slow at first, but week after week he began to focus a little longer, play a little more confidently, and most importantly, smile while doing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pianowithvalery.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pianowithval
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pianowithvalerygoldes/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/piano-lessons-with-valery-goldes-los-angeles