Faculty

Ms Anna (Piano), is the founder and managing direction of Piano Forte Music and Art Academy. A native of Armenia, Yerevan, pianist, performer and teacher, Anna Avetisyan, began her piano studies at the age of 6. She graduated from Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California in 2019 with Honors (Cum Laude), Piano Performance major. Ms Anna studied with Dr. Stewart L. Gordon and Dr. Peter Green. She is awarded Professional Piano Diploma for qualification as an accompanist, ensemble performer, instrumental performer and teacher from Musical College after A. Babajanyan in Yerevan, Armenia, where she studied with such well-respected pedagogues as composer Dr. Ashot Zohrabyan and pianist Ms Elena Galstyan.   Ms Anna has participated in many piano concerts, competitions and performed as a soloist both in Armenia and United States. She is a member of Music Teacher's Association of CA (MTAC) and Golden Key Association; USC Chapter.  Ms Anna is a recipient of many prestigious awards and scholarships, such as Dean's Honor List for academic achievement, (Thornton School of Music, USC, September, 2017), Dick Charles Memorial Scholarship and Helen Nern Memorial Scholarship for academic excellence, (July, 2015, USA), Alicia Thorp Scholarship, Markrouhi Jamgochian Scholarship and Jane Knecht Scholarship for academic excellence, (July 2014, USA), Honorable Mention Certificate for Sonata/Sonatina Competition by MTNA (April, 2015, USA), Musical Honorarium for concert dedicated to 100th commemoration of Armenian Genocide (April, 2015, USA), 1st Prize recipient of Senior Piano Performer by Armenian Allied Arts Annual Competition (May, 2014, USA), "The Best of Show and Most Promising Talent" by Armenian Allied Arts Annual Competition (June 2014, USA), Second Prize recipient of Piano Honor's Competition by CAMPT (February, 2014 USA). With a huge desire of giving the best knowledge, Ms Anna focuses on each student’s needs, abilities and tailors each lesson accordingly. With the professional response she teaches beginners to professionals.

Ms Elizabeth (Piano), has been teaching piano for more than 20 years. As a gifted child, she started her musical education at the age of 4. She graduated from Musical School after Spendiaryan and Yerevan State Conservatory after Komitas in Armenia, Yerevan. Teaching has always been her passion. Many of her students successfully passed Certificate of Merit Exams by MTAC, performed in seasonal recitals and recordings. By addressing each student’s needs and abilities, she develops well rounded educational plan, engages students in learning different musical elements including ear training, sight reading, theory etc. Ms Elizabeth provides professional music education to students of all levels and ages. Currently, Ms Elizabeth teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA.

Ms. Rebecca (Piano, Voice) has great passion for the study, teaching, and performance of music and has been pursuing this interest her entire life. She began studying the piano at the age of five and has experience in many genres and performance venues. She also enjoys singing and has had the opportunity to perform in many choral ensembles and as a solo artist. Ms. Rebecca earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Murray State University and a Masters degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Oklahoma. She has over nine years of teaching experience with students ranging in age from four years old to adult. She also has experience with students of all levels ranging from the very beginner to advanced. Ms. Rebecca enjoys individualizing her instruction and curriculum to best fit each student’s learning style and goals as a musician while helping them develop their musical interests and skills. Currently, Ms Rebecca teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA.

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(Piano) Embarking on her musical journey at a tender age of five, Ms Victoria immersed herself in the world of piano. Alongside her personal pursuits, she graced the stage as the concert pianist from a very young age for both the West Coast Classical (WCC) Concert Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra, accumulating a wealth of performance experience over the years. With a teaching tenure exceeding three years, Victoria endeavors to tailor her pedagogy to the unique abilities of each student, ensuring a personalized and enriching educational experience. Her passion for teaching extends beyond the mere impartation of knowledge; she aspires to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music within her students, aiming to be a source of illumination and inspiration, much like her own mentors have been to her. Currently, Ms Victoria teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA

Ms Candace (piano) began her musical journey in piano at the age of seven. She dedicated herself to learning all she could throughout her childhood years and carried that passion into college, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music in 2021. After graduation she moved to the East Coast and taught elementary music classes, choir classes, and individual piano lessons for three years, gaining experience in teaching at beginner and intermediate levels. With a passion for nurturing musical talent and fostering a deep appreciation for music in students of all ages, Ms Candace is dedicated to shaping the next generation of musicians through comprehensive education and personalized instruction. Currently Ms Candace teaches in our Lancaster studio. 

Teacher Natalie (piano) brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to  piano teaching practice. With a strong ability to connect with students and 17 years of experience with classical and romantic pieces, teacher Natalie creates an enriching and inspiring learning environment. As a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in Architecture, the teacher combines a keen understanding of design principles with a love for music. This interdisciplinary background allows teacher Natalie to approach piano teaching with a creative and structured methodology, helping students grasp complex concepts with ease. The classes are known for fostering both technical proficiency and emotional expression, ensuring students not only learn to play, but also develop a deep appreciation for the craft. In addition to music profession, teacher Natalie is passionate about inclusivity, sustainability, and community engagement.  Diverse range of interests teacher possesses helps students create with a well-rounded and culturally rich education. Currently teacher Natalie teaches in our Marina Del Rey studio.

(Violin) Ms. Alyssa’s musical journey began over 13 years ago when she first picked up the violin, sparking a passion that has since defined her life. For the past decade, she has proudly performed as a violinist in the Symphonic Orchestra of West Coast Classical, a prestigious ensemble in Palmdale, California renowned for its dedication to excellence in classical music. In addition to her orchestral endeavors, Alyssa has found fulfillment in teaching groups of all ages. For the past three years, she has shared her expertise as the Beginning Strings Instructor at West Coast Classical, guiding and inspiring young musicians at the outset of their musical paths. Her dedication to nurturing young musicians reflects her belief in the transformative power of music education and the importance of fostering a new generation of talent. A highlight of Ms. Alyssa’s career includes performances at prestigious concert halls such as Dvorak Hall in the Czech Republic, Muth Hall in Austria, and a recent appearance at Disneyland this past summer. Currently, Ms. Alyssa teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA.

Mr. Jesse (drums, marimba) specializes in teaching percussion instruments, specifically drums and marimba, to students at various skill levels, ranging from beginners to intermediate and advanced players. He has undergone numerous private instructions and devoted six years to the comprehensive study of music theory and rhythm. Throughout this extensive musical journey, Mr. Jesse has consistently focused on imparting advanced music theory and rhythm skills to elevate his proficiency in percussion. His experience extends to actively participating in competitions for various schools and presenting solo performances in recitals. Driven by a genuine passion for motivating students to exceed their limits and relish the satisfaction of reaching musical milestones, Mr. Jesse is dedicated to guiding and bringing joy to students at every stage of their musical pursuits. As of now, Mr. Jesse conducts his teaching sessions at our Lancaster studio.

Mr Zoskie (Acoustic and Electric Guitar) is an active studio/touring musician, with more then 20 years of teaching experience. His eclectic taste and rich cultured background allows for diversity in his musicality and teaching approach. He has experience working with students of all levels ranging from the very beginner to advanced. Students delve into a rich variety of genres during their sessions-spanning pop, classical, rock, jazz, funk, country, and beyond. Moreover, they’re invited to explore traditional repertoire alongside regional styles, such as the evocative melodies of Spanish and Latin American music. Staying actively involved in the music realm, Mr Zoskie consistently collaborates with fellow musicians, and performs. With a heartfelt passion for art and unwavering dedication, he leaves a significant imprint on the education of each student.
Currently, Mr Zoskie teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA.

Mr Jeff specializes in teaching saxophones, flutes, clarinets, oboe and bassoon. He has taught for over 27 years and welcomes students of all levels and ages. Jeff is Vice-President of West Coast Classical and is the director of the West Coast Classical Wind Ensemble, Flute Choir and Jazz Combo Ensemble. Jeff also serves as an Adjunct professor of music at Antelope Valley College. Aside from teaching, Jeff is an active musician in the Los Angeles area performing in studio sessions, clubs, theater orchestras, symphony orchestras, private events, and concert venues. He has over 150 musicals to his credit and has performed and recorded with such artists as Bob Newhart, Tom Scott, Tom Wopat, Fee Waybill, Jello Biafra, Stephen Lynch, Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, The Lawrence Welk Orchestra, and the Robert Ward Blues Band. Jeff also has performed in such places as Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Disneyland, Jamaica, Fiji Islands, New Zealand and Australia. Jeff received his Master of Music from the University of Southern California and Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University.

Ms Antoinette (Group/Individual Art) has been teaching drawing and painting to children and adults, beginning to advanced, since 1994. Specialized instructed mediums include soft pastel, watercolor, oil paint, drawing and colored pencil. Additional mediums include acrylic paint, charcoal, and oil pastel. Styles: soft realism with shading, perspective and texture. Abstraction: Students generally work from reference and add creative touches. Within the visual arts, Antoinette promotes, designs and attends events, teaches workshops, exhibits her work locally and encourages students to enter their artwork into competitions and exhibitions. A San Diego native, Ms Antoinette currently lives in Leona Valley. She is very much involved in the performing arts community: Antelope Valley Ballet, Antelope Valley College Dance Dimensions, and Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. Ms Antoinette pursues her own artistic goals, enjoying shared interests; equestrian life, outdoor activities, dance and classical music. Currently, Ms Antoinette is finishing her MFA program with Azusa Pacific University. The Master of Fine Arts degree is a professorial degree comparable to PhD in other fields. Currently, she works with students at Pianoforte Music and Art Academy in Lancaster studio.

Master Ruben (Group/Individual Chess) is a US Chess Federation Certified Instructor, National Chess (Title Awarded, January 2011)  and Original Life Master (Title Awarded, March 2015). He is a champion of multiple chess tournaments; including Hawaii State Rapid/Open, Antelope Valley 1st Winter/1st Easter/ 2nd Easter/1st Spring/3rd spring/4th Christmas/1st Beat a Master Chess,  Glendale 1st Summer Open, Santa Monica FIDE and Los Angeles FIDE, West Valley Chess Club All Winter Long Swiss, Western State Open Reno, (Nevada)etc. Currently, he holds rating above 2200. Master Ruben brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. With a mastery of advanced chess strategies and a deep understanding of the game’s intricacies, he will guide students of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the fundamentals or an experienced player seeking to refine your skills, Master Ruben’s expertise will take your game to new heights. Currently, Master Ruben teaches in our studio located in Lancaster, CA.