We were lucky to catch up with Lanzo Luconi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lanzo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

When you spend so much time in creative work, it is nearly impossible (at least for me) to focus exclusively on one thing. You see so many possibilities and applications when you are building your craft, that you can’t help but experiment. As I started showing significant improvement in my piano performance skills, I also became interested in education, psychology, and the importance of human connection in teaching. Since then, my passion for teaching inevitably became a great source of income, which encouraged me to learn more about business. In that journey, I learned the importance of not only diversifying my investments, but also skill sets, streams of income, and most importantly, doing it on things that I was passionate about.
Now, I have created businesses and projects that allow me to not only make a living, but grow in the business and skills. This includes my teaching studio, teaching at a music school, running an international piano festival, consulting with artists and businesses, adjudicating piano competitions, speaking engagements, and teaching master classes around the world.

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?

I’m a pianist, educator, and entrepreneur born and raised in San Jose, Costa Rica. My journey into music was a bit of a push from my mother. Initially, I did not show much interest at first, but I agreed to give it a try for a few months. I had the privilege of learning from an exceptional piano teacher who ignited my passion for music. From that moment on, I was hooked, and music became my life. In that pursuit I discovered many things about myself. My passion for teaching ignited early in my process, when I was just 17 years old. By the time I completed my graduate studies, I had already accumulated several years of teaching experience and earned numerous certifications. My teaching business flourished, and my students achieved remarkable results under my guidance.
But I wasn’t content with just that. I had bigger dreams, starting with my beloved home country, Costa Rica. I wanted to create a program that would bring top artists and educators from around the world to inspire local students. After two years of planning, overcoming hurdles, and sheer determination, the Costa Rica Piano Festival came to life in 2014. It provided young pianists from all over the world the chance to learn, perform, exchange cultures, and explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Nearly a decade later, it’s one of Central America’s biggest piano events.

My journey has equipped me with a wealth of experience, inspiring me to develop innovative teaching methods that resonate with students. Additionally, I ventured into artist consultation and develop several international music programs.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In our education system, it’s crucial to prioritize arts education, making it a fundamental part of learning rather than an optional extra. This lays the groundwork for fostering creativity, as it empowers individuals with the tools for self-expression and skill development, which form the basis of applied knowledge. When we invest in high-quality education and skill development, the outcome goes beyond enhancing our capacity for creation and innovation to meet societal needs. It also leads to a higher awareness of our intrinsic human qualities, resulting in a more united and functional society.

As individuals, we hold the power to make a significant impact by actively participating in arts events, exploring and learning various art forms, and extending support to organizations that are doing commendable work in the field. This collective effort amplifies the reach and impact of the arts, contributing to a richer cultural landscape and a more connected community.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of my role as a music educator is the profound impact I have on my students’ lives. I take immense pride in guiding them on a transformative journey. Watching them develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, refine their self-expression through experimentation, technical discipline, and inspiration is incredibly gratifying. It’s not just about teaching music; it’s about empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with creativity and confidence.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lanzoluconi.com
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/luconilanzo