OUR TEACHERS
Hamed Poursaee
Hamed Poursaee is a distinguished master musician celebrated for his remarkable versatility and expertise. With dual roles as both a composer and conductor, Hamed demonstrates unparalleled proficiency in various musical domains. Proficient in guitar, piano, and vocal performance, his multifaceted talents have garnered him widespread recognition and numerous accolades throughout his illustrious career. Previously serving as a respected professor of music at Tehran University, Hamed now channels his passion for music education as the Director of Programs at Parsi Music and Arts Center. In this role, he is dedicated to nurturing and guiding the emerging talents of tomorrow, further enriching the world of music.
Learn Piano, Guitar, or Voice (Solfège and Bel Canto) with Hamed Poursaee
Devin Maghen
Music has been a part of Devin’s life from a very young age. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Ethnomusicology (the connection between music and culture) from UCLA with minors in Iranian Studies and Persian music. With a deep understanding of music theory and Persian musical systems, Devin offers comprehensive knowledge in Persian music alongside a broad appreciation for diverse global music traditions, but these are not what make Devin a unique teacher.
Devin is more than a music teacher; he is a survivor of a severe brain injury and has had first hand experience in the power music has to heal people – as it was the main practice that guided his healing journey. Devin has a unique ability to use music to help students expand the energy in their lives and connect to their truest selves. Known for his warmth and kindness, Devin has a natural way of bringing the best out of anyone whom he comes in contact with.
Learn Piano with Devin Maghen
Hamed Nikpay
Hamed Nikpay is an acclaimed musician, composer, and music instructor. With a Master’s in Music Composition, he blends Persian heritage with jazz, rock, and world music in globally recognized performances.
He has hosted and judged major TV music shows, produced international festivals, and collaborated with renowned artists worldwide.
As an instructor, Hamed specializes in teaching traditional Persian singing and Setar techniques.
Learn Traditional Persian Singing or Setar with Hamed Nikpay
Solmaz Rezakhan
Solmaz is a dedicated music educator with over fifteen years’ experience, specializing in both general, as well as Adapted needs education. She earned a Masters in Music Education with an emphasis on clinical psychology from ASU. She implements Orff-based instruction, creating an inclusive environment for students with adapted needs. Solmaz uses a wide range of modalities for connecting with her music students as well as her Persian/Farsi language students. She is loved by anyone she comes in contact with.
Learn Music and Persian/Farsi (Adapted for Special Needs) with Solmaz Rezakhan
Sepideh Moazez
Learn Tar or Setar with Fariborz Azizi
Sepideh is a violinist and educator who holds a Masters of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Tehran.
She developed her skills under the great Yang Liu and she has over fifteen years of experience teaching violin to musicians of all ages and skill levels.
Sepideh is an SAA-registered Suzuki teacher who holds prestigious music education certificates:
• Every Child Can.
• Suzuki Unit 1 at San Diego Suzuki Institute (SDSI).
• Suzuki Units 2 and 3 at Los Angeles Suzuki Institute (LASI).
Sepideh believes that learning music changes lives by bringing hope and peace to students’ lives.
Mehrdad Arabi
Mehrdad Arabi, internationally recognized Master of Persian Music, has received multiple awards from prestigious institutions such as the Daytona Beach Symphony Society. In addition to his illustrious career as a performer, he founded the Persian Percussion Ensemble classes at UCLA in 2017. Mr. Arabi is a very warm person who teaches with compassion and understanding.
Learn Daf, Tombak, or Violin with Mehrdad Arabi
Khatereh Gharagozloo
Khatereh Gharagozloo, born in 1980 in Tehran, Iran, pursued her education in music principles at an Iranian music conservatory, graduating in 1998. She specialized in mastering the Santur, a traditional Persian stringed instrument, and showcased her talent through numerous successful performances in Persian classical music concerts across Iran.
Building on her passion, Khatereh furthered her music studies at the University of Art and Architecture, collaborating with esteemed Santur masters. She successfully graduated in 2004 and is presently engaged in teaching Santur and music principles.
Learn Santoor with Khatereh Gharagozloo
Mojgan Shajarian
A prominent figure in Iranian-American music, has captivated audiences globally with over 60 performances alongside her father, Master Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Based in Southern California and teaching at Parsi, she teaches based on her expertise in Persian classical singing and continuing her father’s legacy.
Learn Classical Persian Vocal Techniques + Setar with Mojgan Shajarian
Fariborz Azizi
Fariborz Azizi is a Los Angeles based Tar and Setar player, composer, music educator and researcher. Born in Tehran, Iran in 1961, Azizi has studied under the tutelage of some of the most highly acclaimed masters of Persian classical music, including Hossein Alizadeh, Mohammad Reza Lotfi, and Dariush Talaie. In a career spanning over three decades, Azizi has been recognized as one of the most influential music educators of our time. He has instructed and mentored hudreds of students of varying ages and nationalities on the Tar and Setar.
Learn Tar or Setar with Fariborz Azizi
Farimah Shahraz
Farimah Shahraz, JD, PhD, is a dedicated researcher with a passion for self-awareness and self-development. As an accomplished teacher, she imparts wisdom in meditation dance, Persian poetry, history, and the Shahnameh. Farimah is not only an experienced singer, but also a sought-after vocal training and singing techniques instructor. Her multifaceted expertise enriches the lives of those who seek a holistic approach to personal growth and cultural understanding.
Join Farimah in Guided Meditative Movement
Asiyeh Ziaei
Asiyeh Ziaei, an accomplished Iranian actress in Los Angeles, with three acting awards, specializes in teaching drama. Known for her Radio Iran show “Rhythm of the Night,” she believes acting is a transformative journey of self-discovery. Drawing from experience with directors like Bahram Beizaei, she guides students to become exceptional actors, fostering a connection with their true selves.
Learn Acting with Asiyeh Ziaei
Yasegol Khodbandehlou
Yasegol Khodabandehlou is a language teacher admired by her studnets for her fun and alternative view on language teaching and learning. She uses fun and interactive methods to teach Farsi Persian, Spanish, French, and ESL classes.
