We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olesya MacNeil a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Olesya, thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
As the Founder & CEO of MUSIC TEACHER LA, I’ve always been passionate about making waves in the music education world—especially here in Los Angeles, where our city’s creative pulse sets the tempo.
From day one, our mission has been to deliver top-quality in-home music lessons that go way beyond basic scales and sheet music.
But before MUSIC TEACHER LA was even a glimmer in my eye, my roots were growing deep in a family of stamina and intellectual curiosity. My grandparents were resilient due to the extraordinary circumstances they faced: from their teen years, they were swept up in the demands of World War II, working tirelessly in factories and helping ensure victory for the USSR in 1945. That experience molded them into humble, hard-working pillars of their communities. The spirit of persistence and intellectual curiosity echoed through my family—my parents and relatives of their generation went on to become accomplished doctors, engineers, architects, and criminal judges, holding Master’s or PhDs.
Growing up, I was surrounded by this incredible network of close-knit, high-achieving family friends, who were more like relatives than acquaintances.
Our home was a hub for creativity and ambition, regularly visited by renowned figures from the music industry.
My parents maintained a close friendship with Svetlana Krutaja—the mother of world-famous composer Igor Krutoi. This connection brought countless inspiring personalities into our orbit.
Here’s a fun childhood memory: When I was a teenager, illustrious lyricist Rimma Kazakova asked me to do a very important favor—mailing an envelope containing her latest song lyrics to composer Igor Krutoi. Those lyrics would soon become the chart-topping hit “Ты меня любишь” (“You Love Me”), famously performed by Alexander Serov. It felt magical to have played even a tiny role in the journey of a song that would touch so many. Here’s YouTube link to the song https://youtu.be/SMKHcaas1lo?si=w6-XAG5mW9tRSZbC
While our everyday life in the USSR was far from luxurious, these influences taught me invaluable lessons: perseverance, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the importance of working through hardships with optimism and heart. Those principles became my foundation—carrying me through two solo immigrations in my youth, overcoming major life and health struggles, and shaping my approach to music education.
At Music Teacher LA, we don’t just teach kids how to play music; we teach them how to persevere through tough passages—both on the piano and in life.
Here’s what sets Music Teacher LA apart:
• In-Home Lessons Since 1991: We’re one of Los Angeles’ longest-running music schools to offer in-home lessons—a tradition we’ve kept going for 33+ years, even during the pandemic when many others shifted gears to virtual-only. Our students thrived thanks to our commitment, staying connected, and maintaining a sense of normalcy and joy.
• Epic Teacher Training: Our teachers aren’t just musicians; they’re mentors. We provide complimentary, ongoing coaching sessions to ensure every instructor can inspire perseverance, self-care, and confidence. Only 2% of already carefully pre-screened applicants make it onto our team. Every MUSIC TEACHER LA instructor holds a bachelor’s degree in music, has a strong track record with kids, and is a US citizen to provide students with the stability they deserve.
• Personalized Approach: Every student’s journey is unique, and so are our lesson plans. Our teachers meet regularly to discuss each child’s progress, personality, and learning style, customizing every lesson to keep students not just improving, but smiling.
• Recitals with a Twist: Our annual recital parties are legendary. Students are encouraged to choose bold, challenging pieces—often inspired by their friends’ performances. Everyone gets a taste of the stage, basking in achievement, collecting our coveted MUSIC TEACHER LA backpacks, certificates, and goodie bags—because hard work gets rewarded.
• Fun Fact: Over the years, we’ve taught thousands of students, and a huge number have gone on to excel—not just in music, but as doctors, engineers, and tech pros. Many of our alumni still credit the perseverance and self-belief they learned from MUSIC TEACHER LA as key to their success.
My proudest moments come when teachers share stories of students blossoming—sometimes against great odds—thanks to the supportive, close-knit community we’ve built. Whether it’s steering a child onto a healthy path or championing artistic dreams, our work proves that music lessons can change lives in big and small ways. At MUSIC TEACHER LA, we’re not just creating musicians; we’re creating stories worth telling.
Olesya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those meeting me for the first time: I’m Olesya MacNeil, Founder & CEO of MUSIC TEACHER LA.
My journey is rooted in a family where resilience, achievement, and a reverence for the arts were cherished traditions.
Family & Formative Years
My parents each set extraordinary examples: My mother, an accomplished first-degree engineer, designed and developed a tractor model still manufactured throughout the former USSR—a remarkable achievement for a female in her industry and era. She wasn’t a professional musician, but her love for music led her to teach me piano at home from the age of 5.
My father’s story is equally inspiring. Before becoming the mayor of our city and launching his own private businesses, he managed a factory department overseeing an incredible 300,000 people. Beyond his remarkable professional successes, he brought music into our daily life—always singing at family gatherings and with friends, making weekend evenings fun and enjoyable.
We grew up amidst a close-knit network of family and influential friends, all highly educated and accomplished in their respective fields. Our home regularly hosted renowned guests from the business and music industries. My family has kept warm friendship with Svetlana Krutaja (the mother of world-renowened composer Igor Krutoi). These relationships made creativity and intellectual pursuit a living, breathing part of our daily lives. As a teenager, I was even entrusted by Rimma Kazakova to mail the lyrics for what would become Alexander Serov’s iconic hit “Ты меня любишь” (“You Love Me”) to composer Igor Krutoi, a small but unforgettable brush with musical history.
Professional Path & Philosophy
Those early years led me to seven years of intensive music studies before university, followed by three Master’s degrees—in Music, Pedagogy, and Child Psychology. After immigrating to the United States, I pursued further education, earning a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and studying business law, equipping me with the skills to build a resilient, modern business.
In Los Angeles, I founded Music Teacher LA out of a passion for teaching and a belief that music is a gateway to confidence, joy, and lifelong growth. We offer in-home, customized lessons (piano, voice, violin, guitar, and more) with an unmatched focus on care, excellence, and individual growth. Only 2% of already prescreened teacher applicants join our team, each selected for their education, passion for children, and love of mentoring.
What Sets Us Apart
At Music Teacher LA, we deliver more than just music lessons—we deliver life-changing experiences. Here’s what makes us stand out:
• Best-in-Class, Personalized Lessons: Every student receives high quality instruction, tailored specifically to their unique personality and learning style. Our mission is simple: bring out the very best in every individual, whether they dream of the concert stage or simply want to enjoy music at home.
• Family Legacy of Excellence: Music, education, and genuine connection are at the heart of our story. Our founder’s upbringing was filled with inspiring mentors and accomplished family friends—creating a foundation built on lifelong learning, creativity, and a sense of belonging.
• Success Beyond Music: We believe the true value of music education goes far beyond playing notes. With every lesson, our teachers nurture perseverance, self-confidence, and a positive mindset—giving students the tools they need for success in every area of life.
• A Thriving, Supportive Community: From our legendary, joy-filled recitals to our close ties between teachers, families, and alumni, MUSIC TEACHER LA is more than a school—it’s a vibrant community where students are inspired to grow, connect, and shine.
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When you join Music Teacher LA, you’re not just signing up for lessons—you’re investing in the highest standard of teaching and a philosophy that helps young people succeed for life.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the tens of thousands of students we’ve empowered, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in music, academia, technology, medicine, and beyond. Our work is more than education—it’s planting seeds for character, happiness, and lifelong friendships.
At MUSIC TEACHER LA, we welcome each family into the legacy of artistry, resilience, and connection that shaped me.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
When it comes to managing a team and keeping morale high, I believe it starts with truly knowing who you’re bringing on board. Although I have staff who help pre-screen applicants, I always personally interview every potential teacher. After working with all kinds of families—easy-going and challenging, wealthy and less fortunate—I’ve developed a keen sense for the social cues that indicate strong morals, manners, work ethic, and communication skills. We’re looking for individuals who are not only talented but also easy to work with, open to collaboration, and capable of following guidance.
We set a high bar for character and compatibility. If an applicant doesn’t meet our standards, we don’t move forward. Thankfully, with our thorough screening, we rarely encounter unacceptable candidates—but on the rare occasion we have, we addressed any fallout swiftly and professionally, even taking legal action when necessary to protect our reputation.
Personality and people skills matter as much as teaching ability. We train our teachers to bond with every student by listening attentively to their “small talk.” The goal is to build rapport, foster focus, and gently guide young students (we accept students as young as 4) to concentrate for longer periods and persevere through challenges.
We value diversity among our teachers and match personalities carefully, drawing on over 33 years of experience to pair the right teacher with each child. Sometimes, families come in with preferences, but we help them explore the best fit—and it can be delightful when a match exceeds everyone’s expectations.
My advice: Invest in thoroughly getting to know your team. Don’t compromise on standards—prioritize character and listening skills alongside talent. Create space for teachers to bond with their students, encourage open communication, and always celebrate those perfect “matches” that make learning joyful for everyone. That’s how you build a positive, high-morale team that lasts.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that truly illustrates my resilience is immigrating—twice—completely on my own as a young adult. Each move was a test of strength. Arriving in my second and last new country- USA- with limited English and no support network was daunting, and not everyone I met had good intentions.
During my move to Los Angeles, UCLA gave me contact info for a local business that supposedly helped newcomers find housing. The owner seemed warm and caring, comparing me to his own daughter my age and promising to help me as much he would help his own daughter. Trusting his guidance, I gave him my bank details—something he claimed was standard practice in the U.S. to confirm I have funds to rent.
A few months later, I discovered that some of my money had disappeared. That was a rude awakening. With basic language skills and no one to turn to, I wrote and translated a speech and called him, calmly stating that I would report his actions to UCLA, where he advertised his services. Confronting that setback was a defining moment. It taught me that life doesn’t always go as planned, and there will always be people or situations that test your spirit.
I teach my teachers and students, especially those going through tough times—whether they’re coping with loss or struggling after setbacks, like students recently displaced from their homes in Pacific Palisades. My message: Stay focused, keep your values, and hold onto the belief that a brighter future is always possible if you persevere. That mindset of diligence and hope is at the heart of everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://musicteacherla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musicteacherla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicTeacherInLA/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/musicteacherla/
- Twitter: https://x.com/musicteacherla/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMQ2Qtz0PXfvpmT4G7fXX4w?sub_confirmation=1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/music-teacher-la-marina-del-rey-7
- Other: NEXTDOOR https://nextdoor.com/pages/music-teacher-la/
PINTEREST https://www.pinterest.com/MusicTeacherLA1/
RESOURCES https://musicteacherla.com/resources/
GIFT CERTIFICATES https://squareup.com/gift/0CZ1CBZBNPAQT/order
Image Credits
Olesya MacNeil, FOUNDER & CEO of Music Teacher LA