Meet Your Instructor
Serra Hwang
Theory, Harmony, Composition, RCM Exam Preparation
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Serra Hwang was born in Seoul, Korea and received her education in the United States. She received her MA and DMA in Composition from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Musical awards include the performance of her orchestral piece Pinari by the Hallé Orchestra for the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) Composer’s Platform and the winning of First Prize in the International League for Women Composers’ Search for New Music Competition. Serra Hwang’s music has been performed in South America, Asia, Europe, and North America, including concerts more recently at the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts in Seoul and ICWM (International Conference for Women Musicians) in Beijing, China.Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Recent composition projects include writing for PEP (Piano and Erhu Project) and the Vancouver International Women in Film Festival. CD recordings include IEL (Innocent Eyes & Lenses) label’s Asian American Music Compilation CD Project, Boldly Expressive: Music by Women on Albany, cellist Anthony Arnone’s Beckoning on MSR, and pianist Jessica Johnson’s Sojourn on Albany. Hwang has been on the faculty of Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University. Currently she is adjunct professor of composition at the University of British Columbia.
Arvin Fekri
Piano, Theory, Harmony, RCM Exam Preparation
(Youth | Adult)
Arvin has a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA/PhD) degree in music composition from the University of Toronto (2016). He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of British Columbia. His compositions have been performed by the likes of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Nu:BC, Saxophilia and others. He is also active as a film and videogame composer, credited for several films on IMDb and currently the head composer for the videogame, The Lays of Althas. In 2023, his music for The Gold Teeth was nominated for best score at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival.
Taees Gheirati
Santour, Music Theory, RCM exam Preparation
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Taees Gheirati is a PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at UBC, where she passionately explores the music and culture of Eastern Khorasan, Iran. She holds a bachelor's degree in Performing Iranian Classical Music, specializing in the santour, from the University of Tehran, and a master's in Ethnomusicology from Tehran University of Art. She has performed as both a santour player and a vocalist with various ensembles. She also has rich experience teaching in academic settings such as UBC, as well as in various music institutes.
Nadya nuyen
Violin
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Nadya Nuyen is a violinist in her final year of a Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance at the University of British Columbia, where she has studied with David Gillham, Jasper Wood, and Jae-won Bang. She has loved performing with the UBC Symphony Orchestra, in chamber ensembles, and alongside community choirs, experiences that have taught her the joy of making music together. As a teacher, Nadya is passionate about helping students discover not just the skills to play the violin, but also the excitement and creativity that music can bring into their lives. She believes music is a powerful way to connect — with ourselves and with others — and she strives to create an encouraging and inspiring space for her students to grow.
John Nicholson
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Taees Gheirati is a PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at UBC, where she passionately explores the music and culture of Eastern Khorasan, Iran. She holds a bachelor's degree in Performing Iranian Classical Music, specializing in the santour, from the University of Tehran, and a master's in Ethnomusicology from Tehran University of Art. She has performed as both a santour player and a vocalist with various ensembles. She also has rich experience teaching in academic settings such as UBC, as well as in various music institutes.
Taraneh Mousavi
Voice & Singing
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Taraneh Mousavi is an accomplished Iranian vocalist, composer, lyricist, arts manager, and educator with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. Her unique sound blends jazz, classical, and contemporary music, deeply intertwined with poetry and her Persian heritage. Taraneh holds a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from the Cologne University of Music and Dance, and a Master’s degree in Global Jazz from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, where she studied on a full scholarship under the tutelage of Grammy-winning pianist Danilo Perez.
Her upcoming debut EP, “Home is a River,” explores the evolving concept of home and belonging in the aftermath of immigration. As an educator, Taraneh is adept at teaching students of various ages, musical abilities, and genres. Her teaching style is personal and supportive, focusing on developing strong mentorship relationships and building a solid foundation of musical understanding in her students.
Aysan Khalili
Piano | Orff Schulwerk
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Aysan Khalili, with a Bachelor’s in Music from the Tehran Conservatory and a Master’s in Architecture, is a passionate piano and Orff instructor for kids and young students. Since 2013, she has focused on nurturing young musicians, blending structured piano lessons with the creative, interactive approach of the Orff method. Aysan’s teaching experience at institutions like Pars Music Academy and Salaleh has allowed her to create an engaging environment where children explore rhythm, melody, and musical expression in a playful yet meaningful way, inspiring them to build confidence and a love for music.
Negin Zadeh Vakili
Cello
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Negin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cello Performance from Farhang va Honar University in Tehran and brings over a decade of international performance experience to her teaching. From Paris to Berlin to Tehran, she has graced renowned stages and was recognized by the Paris Municipality for her exceptional artistry. Negin’s unique style blends Persian traditional music with global influences, creating a rich and diverse musical approach. Certified in Orff and music pedagogy, Negin offers engaging, structured, and personalized lessons for all levels. Whether you're just beginning or looking to refine your technique, she’ll guide you with care and expertise on your musical journey.
Saba Jamali
Qanun
(Kids | Youth | Adult)
Saba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Art in Tehran. Her musical journey began in the realm of traditional Iranian music, but over the past 10 years, she has explored a wide range of musical landscapes and shared her knowledge by teaching music to many students. Over the course of 14 years, she has had the privilege of performing at international festivals across the globe, including in Malaysia, Germany, France, Poland, Chile, the USA, Canada, and beyond. These experiences have not only expanded her artistic horizons but also deeply enriched her musical expression. Since 2008, Saba has actively contributed to a variety of music projects and albums, and in 2020, she ventured into sound design. As the sound designer and creative director at SHOLAA STUDIO, she has created immersive soundscapes for fashion installations, merging audio artistry with visual storytelling.
Katelin Coleman
Bassoon
(Youth | Adult)
Katelin Coleman, born in Burnaby, B.C., began playing bassoon in high school and studied with renowned instructors in Vancouver, Montreal, and Germany. She holds a Bachelor's in bassoon performance from McGill University and a Master's from the Staatlichen Hochschule für Musik in Mannheim. As a freelancer, Katelin performed with prestigious orchestras across Europe and Scandinavia, including the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Odense Symphony Orchestra. Since returning to Canada in 2016, she has played with ensembles such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Regina Symphony Orchestra. Katelin continues to share her expertise as a performer and educator, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Shahin Pourghiyasian
Tanbour, Tar, Setar
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Shahin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Art in Tehran. A dedicated Tar, Tanbour, and Setar player, he has cultivated his artistry through years of teaching and performance, both in Iran and abroad. His musical path reflects a deep commitment to Persian classical and spiritual traditions, which he brings into his work with students and audiences alike. Shahin has also collaborated on a variety of concerts and cultural projects, contributing his skill and sensitivity to diverse artistic settings.
Ronak Mehrabi
Setar (Online)
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Ronak Mehrabi is an experienced Setar player and music educator, dedicated to fostering creativity and enthusiasm for Iranian music. Born in 1989, Ronak received formal training in Setar under the guidance of renowned masters Behdad Babaei and Masoud Shoari, and studied Iranian music repertoire analysis with Siamak Jahangiri. Ronak holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance from the University of Arts in Tehran, Iran. Drawing on years of performance and teaching experience, Ronak focuses on helping students develop both technical mastery and creativity, with a special emphasis on improvisation skills.
Ardavan Mofidi
Guitar, Ukulele
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Ardavan Mofidi holds a Master’s degree in Musicology from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from the University of Art in Tehran. With over 9 years of teaching experience, he has guided more than 650 students in classical guitar, piano, music theory, and popular music studies. His teaching combines Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) methods with creative and dynamic lesson planning, both in individual and group settings. Ardavan has taught in Iran and Canada, contributed to academic research in music, and published in international performing arts journals. His work bridges the worlds of performance, pedagogy, and contemporary musicology, enriching each lesson with both practical and scholarly insight.
Pegah Taslimi
Flute
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Pegah Taslimi is a dedicated flute teacher and performer with over 12 years of experience in music education. She has taught students of all ages and skill levels, both individually and in group settings, with a focus on beginner and intermediate learners. Pegah's teaching philosophy emphasizes personalized lesson planning tailored to each student's needs, integrating technical development with musical ear training, rhythm, phrasing, and creative expression. She has extensive experience preparing students for performances, festivals, and auditions, while also fostering their confidence through seasonal recitals and ensemble playing. In addition to her teaching career, Pegah has performed and recorded with several notable contemporary and classical ensembles, including the Yarava Music Group, Tehran Flute Choir, and Motif Ensemble. Her performance background spans solo and chamber works, with appearances in Tehran, Berlin, and Thessaloniki. As a passionate educator and performer, she brings a thoughtful, patient, and student-centered approach to every lesson, inspiring young musicians to grow both technically and artistically.
Hamed Hadidi
Guitar & Oud
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Hamed is a classical guitarist, oud performer, and music educator with degrees in Western Classical Music from the University of Tehran. He is currently pursuing his Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Music Education at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. With over a decade of teaching experience at institutions such as the College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, and renowned music academies, he brings both expertise and passion to his students. His career includes international festival performances, masterclasses with leading artists, and published research in music education. Dedicated to sharing both Western classical traditions and the rich heritage of the oud, Hamed helps students of all levels connect with music through solid technique, cultural depth, and personal expression.
Julian Lee De Vita
Cello
(Kids |Youth | Adult)
Julian Lee De Vita is a Canadian cellist born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. He has performed as an orchestral cellist in major halls across every Canadian province and plays regularly with the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra. Julian holds a Bachelor of Music from the Vancouver Academy of Music, where he studied under the direction of Joseph Elworthy and Henry Shapard and is currently enrolled at the University of British Columbia pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music. He has performed in masterclasses for Johannes Moser, Sung Won Yang, Paul Marleyn, Ariel Barnes and the Viano String Quartet. He is a two-time recipient of the Early Music Scholarship awarded by Early Music Vancouver in 2023 and 2025. Julian is an alumnus of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada where he played under the baton of internationally recognized conductors Sascha Goetzel and Naomi Woo. He is also an alumnus of the Scotia Festival of Music held in Halifax and the Kessler Academy held in Vancouver. As a chamber musician, Julian has collaborated with Jonathan Crow, Ian Parker and Timothy Kantor. He has performed in festivals hosted by Music on Main and Turning Point Ensemble. In 2022, he represented the Vancouver Academy of Music at the Banff International String Quartet Competition while giving performances around the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity with his quartet. Julian aims to create a teaching environment where students are given the tools to practice efficiently on their own and make substantial progress. He encourages self-discipline and prioritizes developing a tension-free play style for all his students.