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, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve honestly known since I was a kid that I wanted to follow a creative path. Music has been this constant thread throughout my life—I just loved it from the start. My earliest memories are of being completely absorbed by melodies, tapping rhythms on any surface I could find, and just getting lost in the sounds. I would memorize the lyrics to songs after listening to them just once, and it felt like the music just clicked with me in a way nothing else did. My family was a huge influence, always surrounding me with different kinds of music. My parents and grandparents would sing along to Chinese classics, and our house would constantly pulse with Malay/Indonesian tunes, Bollywood beats, and the latest pop hits. It was like living in our own little international music festival, and that exposure really shaped how I see music today.

The turning point for me wasn’t some grand epiphany, but more like a gradual realization that this love for music wasn’t just a hobby. I remember my parents signing me up for piano lessons, and even ballet when I was 5. Let’s just say, though, ballet wasn’t exactly my calling—I quickly realized that my flexibility was, well, a bit questionable. Picture a tiny me trying (and failing) to do splits; I think I spent more time falling over than gracefully twirling! But all those early rhythmic adventures, even the ones I didn’t stick with, helped me understand that music was the thing I needed to do. So, when I eventually told my family I wanted to pursue music professionally, they were all in. Their support was like fuel for the journey, and honestly, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

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?

Hi, I’m Louisa Foong, a musician, composer, and the founder of Pine Music Academy. My journey in music started from a young age, growing up in an environment where music was always present. Whether it was hearing different genres played at home or exploring new rhythms and melodies on my own, I quickly became fascinated with how music could evoke emotions and tell stories. This natural curiosity eventually shaped my path, and what began as a love for sound turned into a lifelong pursuit.

I’ve worn many hats over the years—educator, performer, composer, and producer. In 2021, I founded Pine Music Academy in the middle of the pandemic, where we first launched as an online academy. Despite the challenges of lockdown, we were able to provide students—especially kids—with a sense of learning, fun, and connection during such an isolating time. At the academy, we specialize in providing high-quality, personalized music instruction. Our focus is on fostering creativity in students of all ages, helping them develop not just technical skills but also a deeper connection to music. Whether it’s piano lessons, string arrangements, or music theory, my goal is to empower each student to find their own artistic voice and grow their love for music.

On the creative side, I’m also a pianist and composer. My debut album, “Whispers Within,” is a project close to my heart, set to release on November 1. It’s a collection of instrumental pieces designed to bring moments of calm and reflection to listeners. This album represents my own journey through different seasons of life and emotions, and I’m excited to share it with the world.

I’ve always had a deep belief in the power of connection through music. Growing up, music shaped me in so many ways, and it’s been an integral part of my life’s journey. I don’t just see music as something to perform or teach; to me, it’s a way to build relationships, foster creativity, and help others discover a deeper sense of expression and understanding. Whether it’s through teaching or creating, I’m constantly inspired by how music can enrich lives in unexpected ways.

Through both teaching and performing, my goal is to create spaces where music can inspire and connect. I’m passionate about helping others explore their creativity and deepen their connection to music. Moving forward, I hope to continue fostering that sense of discovery and expression in everything I do, whether it’s through my work at Pine Music Academy or the music I share with the world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, there’s a clear mission behind my creative journey. Music is an incredibly powerful force—it influences emotions, mindsets, and even cultures. While it’s widely known as a form of entertainment, its role behind the scenes, especially in film, is equally impactful. Music can instantly spark emotions, set a mood, or make a story unforgettable. I’m continuously fascinated by how it can evoke such deep feelings with just a few notes.

Beyond entertainment, music has been scientifically proven to offer healing. Clinical music therapy is increasingly recognized worldwide for helping patients manage stress, anxiety, and pain. Research shows that music can reduce blood pressure, boost mood, and even aid in physical recovery. It’s amazing to see how this therapeutic power is being embraced globally in healthcare settings.

What truly inspires me is the way music acts as a universal language that connects people across the world. It transcends barriers, cultures, and languages, allowing us to communicate emotionally and create deep connections, no matter where we’re from.

Understanding the influence music holds, both good and bad, is what motivates me to keep learning. I’m on a continuous journey, exploring how I can use my music to foster positive change and contribute to the community.

It is undeniable that music is a powerful tool for growth, connection, and self-expression. Whether through teaching at Pine Music Academy or composing new pieces, I’m driven by the belief that music can create meaningful experiences that enrich people’s lives.

Moving forward, my goal is to expand that positive influence within both the music world and the broader community. I want to foster environments where music uplifts and inspires, especially for young people. By providing educational opportunities and creating music that resonates on a deeper level, I hope to contribute to a more connected, creative world.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One that came to mind immediately is starting Pine Music Academy in the middle of the pandemic in 2021. It was such an uncertain time for everyone, and like so many others, I wasn’t sure what the future held—especially for teaching and the music industry. But I felt a strong urge to create something positive, especially for kids who were stuck at home and in need of a creative outlet.

Launching the academy online was a huge leap of faith. Everything was new—adapting to virtual teaching, finding ways to keep students engaged over Zoom, and making sure they still felt connected, even though we were all apart. There were definitely challenges, but watching the kids thrive and find joy in music during such a difficult time made all the effort worth it.

That experience really taught me about resilience and adaptability. It wasn’t easy, but we were able to create a space where students could continue learning and have fun, bringing a bit of normalcy and happiness into their lives during a tough period. It’s a reminder that even when everything feels uncertain, pushing through and being open to new possibilities can lead to something really meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.louisafoong.com / www.pinemusicacademy.co,
• Instagram: @louisafoongmusic / @pinemusicacademy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-foong-730008118
• Other: Spotify: Louisa Foong

Image Credits

Yuwei Huang