Piano Lessons by Zara

I am a musicologist, a classically trained pianist and a teacher of music theory. I believe that a good musician should be capable of performing multiple genres of music and teaches their students based on bringing out their strengths in the styles they enjoy and can most excel in.  I am an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Florida State Music Teachers Association (FSMTA), and the current president of the Okaloosa County Music Teachers Association (OCMTA).

“There is music in every child. The teacher’s job is to find it and nurture it”. Francis Clark.

I am originally from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan where I was born and raised. After primary school I choose to pursue higher education in music. I earned an associate degree from the Music College of Turkmenistan and a bachelor’s degree in Musicology and Piano from the National Music Conservatory of Turkmenistan. I went on to teach music theory and history at the Music College of Turkmenistan and privately taught piano lessons.

When I came to the United States in 2004, I wanted to expand my music knowledge and experience by learning to play the organ. I enrolled in and completed the Applied Organ I and II courses at State College of Florida in Bradenton, Florida under the tutelage of Professor Dwight Thomas.  Professor Thomas is also the Director of Music and Organist at The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter in St. Petersburg, FL.

Having had a long and successful career teaching at the collegiate level for many years in Turkmenistan, after coming to the United States, my focus changed to providing private piano lessons to grade-school aged children and young adults. I enjoy every lesson teaching music without the expectation of them becoming a professional musician but rather a better person, having more love, compassion and gentleness.

In 2011 my husband and I relocated to Mildenhall, England where I continued my career teaching piano to children of all ages according to their talent and interest in various genres and styles of music. A few of my students even showed a high interest in and were successful at achieving ABRSM ratings of Distinguished at Grade 5, Pass at Grade 5 and Merit at Grade 3. Additionally, another of my students participated in the International Moscow Festival of Art in Moscow and took Third place in the piano competition.

My husband and I returned to the United States in early 2022.  I have re-opened my piano studio and once again have a great group of students.

"To play a wrong note is INSIGNIFICANT.  

To play without passion is INEXCUSABLE."   

L.V. Beethoven