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

Hi Platinum, how do you think about risk?
Originally from Slovenia, I knew from the age of six that the piano would shape my life. What I couldn’t know then was how often I’d have to take leaps into the unknown to keep following that passion. Professional opportunities at home were limited, and when the chance came to study in the U.S., I left everything familiar behind. First the East Coast, then Hawaii, then the West Coast. Each move required starting over, and each risk demanded resilience. As a foreign student without access to loans, I pieced together scholarships and assistantships, driving myself to practice harder and stay competitive until I completed my Doctorate in Piano Performance. And in many ways, the story continues: just five months ago, I moved again. This time to Southern California, to begin the next chapter with my husband and daughter.

The mindset that allowed me to keep taking those risks began much earlier. My mom gave me The Alchemist when I was young, and while I didn’t fully grasp it at the time, one truth stuck: the journey matters more than the destination. That idea became my compass through setbacks, reminding me that every challenge was part of the process of becoming.

Today, I no longer confine myself to the classical stage. I collaborate with couples and clients to create personalized musical experiences, blending their stories and memories often playing new music with little time to learn it. It’s not always comfortable, but that’s exactly the point. Growth happens when we step beyond the familiar, and music, like life, becomes most meaningful when we dare to take risks.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a private event pianist based in sunny Southern California, performing under the name The Platinum Pianist. What I do goes beyond playing songs; I create atmospheres that elevate life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a walk down the aisle, a first dance, an intimate gathering, or a corporate celebration, my goal is always the same: to add that extra wow that transforms an event into an experience.

Every event has its own rhythm, and I pride myself on reading the room, keeping the energy flowing, and making people feel both seen and celebrated. From setting the tone for a heartfelt ceremony to lifting the spirits of a corporate gala, I love watching how music can shift a space, spark connection, and make memories in real time.

What sets me apart is the way I pair artistry with presentation. I bring a piano shell that makes my setup look like a grand piano, whether the backdrop is a beach, or a palace. But what I’m most proud of is not just the music; it’s the business I’ve built. Moving away from home, leaving the classical world of academia, and starting from scratch wasn’t easy. It took risks, resilience, and a lot of trust in myself. Along the way, I learned that success isn’t just about talent. It’s about courage, thoughtful decisions, and embracing growth through every challenge.

Today, what I want the world to know about me and my brand is simple: I don’t just provide music, I craft experiences. Each performance is a story in itself, a moment I have the privilege to shape and share. My mission is to bring beauty, joy, and elegance to every occasion, while running a business that reflects creativity, authenticity, and strength. And if I’ve learned one thing on this journey, it’s that I love hitting the right note, both literally and figuratively.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my friends visit, I want them to experience the ultimate Southern California mix of adventure, relaxation, and a little Hollywood magic.
We start in Los Angeles with the classics: Hollywood Boulevard, Universal Studios, and Griffith Observatory at sunset. For dinner, I love taking them to a rooftop spot where the views are as unforgettable as the flavors.

Then we head to the coast. Santa Monica for a walk along the pier, Laguna Beach for art and ocean views, and Dana Point for that laid-back coastal charm, a few of my favorite venues (and maybe even a dolphin sighting).

To wrap it up, we spend time in San Diego, strolling through Balboa Park, it’s many museums and finishing with some live music, great food, and a toast to a week well spent.

Southern California really does have it all, and I love watching my friends discover that magic from start to finish.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to thank my parents for supporting me when the chances of having a performing career were close to none, and for trusting my voice enough to let me move away from home, from everyone I knew, to the US, and to do things my own way.

I also want to thank my piano teachers, who instilled a love for the instrument from the very beginning — starting with my first teacher, Marija Šaver, and continuing with Veda Zuponcic and Dr. Jonathan Korth. My American mentors, in particular, taught me to push my own limits, to understand my real potential, and to make clever decisions along the way.

Of course, the biggest thanks today go to my husband, who supports my career and believes in my success even more than I do. For always holding things together at home while I travel, for supporting me even when I’m far away from him and our daughter, and for being my constant anchor.

Finally, I want to acknowledge Dan Goode from The Luxury Musician, who has been a guiding force in showing me the difference between being “just a musician” and being an empowered businesswoman, helping me find my true self along the way.

Website: https://www.platinumpianist.com/

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

Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/platinum-pianist-carlsbad-4

Other: Spotify

Google business
https://share.google/Uut1SQVp7MpPMkCFV

Image Credits
Jack Ma @ Over Power Production
Richard Galiguis @ Wedding and Event Guitarist
Aubrey Rae @ Wedding and Portrait Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.