FACULTY

Ms Anna (Piano), is the founder and managing director of Piano Forte Music and Art Academy. 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. 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, Dick Charles Memorial Scholarship and Helen Nern Memorial Scholarship, Alicia Thorp Scholarship, Markrouhi Jamgochian Scholarship and Jane Knecht Scholarship for academic excellence, Honorable Mention Certificate for Sonata/Sonatina Competition by MTNA, Musical Honorarium for concert dedicated to 100th commemoration of Armenian Genocide, 1st Prize recipient of Senior Piano Performer by Armenian Allied Arts Annual Competition, The Best of Show and "Most Promising Talent" by Armenian Allied Arts Annual Competition, Second Prize recipient of Piano Honor's Competition by CAMPT. 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 Katharine (Voice and Piano) holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Breadth Studies from California State University, Northridge, where she combined her passion for music with studies in child development. She teaches both piano and voice, working with students of all ages to build strong fundamentals in technique, musicality, and confidence. Katharine has taught voice at the Palmdale School of Music and internationally at the Immanuel English Fusion Camp in the Czech Republic, where she led vocal warm-ups, coached ensembles, and taught harmonies. Along with her vocal expertise, she enjoys guiding piano students through foundational skills, practice habits, and creative expression. With over a decade of involvement in church music ministry and youth programs, Katharine brings patience, enthusiasm, and a deep love for music into every lesson. Currently, Ms Katharine teaches in our Lancaster studio.

Ms. Elsie’s (Piano) musical journey began in middle school, where she discovered her passion for both violin and piano. Since then, she has cultivated her skills as a pianist and violinist, performing regularly at her local church and as a member of the West Coast Classical Symphonic Orchestra. With the orchestra, she has had the opportunity to perform internationally at renowned venues such as Dvořák Hall in the Czech Republic and Muth Hall in Austria, as well as locally at Disneyland. Ms. Elsie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Arizona Global, combining her love of teaching with her dedication to music. She is passionate about creating a positive and inspiring learning environment, guiding each student on their own unique musical journey. Currently, Ms Elsie teaches in our Lancaster studio.

Ms 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, Ms 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 Ms 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, Ms 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.

Ms. Alyssa's (Violin) 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.

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.

Mr James (Group/Individual Art) is a dedicated artist and passionate art educator based in Lancaster, California. With a lifelong devotion to drawing, illustration, and painting, James has honed his craft through years of study, practice, and collaboration with fellow artists. His work is inspired by masters such as Michael Whelan, Frank Frazetta, Tim and Greg Hildebrandt, as well as peers like Jerry Vanderstelt. Mr James has trained under numerous instructors at Antelope Valley College, continually expanding his expertise in illustration, portraiture, oil painting, and life drawing. Beyond creating his own art, he has discovered a deep passion for teaching, guiding students of all levels to develop their skills and find their creative voice. Currently, he contributes to the local arts community by assisting with weekly life drawing sessions at the Antelope Valley Community Art Gallery. Through both his artwork and teaching, James strives to inspire others to explore their imagination and express themselves through art, carrying forward the knowledge and enthusiasm he has gained over decades of creative practice. Currently, Mr James teaches in our Lancaster studio.