CEO & Master Piano Technician

Mani Koosha

Mani Koosha, is a master piano technician and piano expert. Mani is a member of IMU, which itself is member of international Federation of Music (IFM). He is founder of Koosha Piano, which is a technical training complex that activity woks in the field of repair, service, rebuilding and renewal. 

Piano is a very attractive and at the same time complex mechanical device that with a better understanding of the complex world inside it we will become a better musician. In 2025 Ava Music school and Koosha Piano have been merged and now is Manita Music Center. 

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CEO & Pianist

Anahita Khorsandi Koosha

Anahita Khorsandi Koosha is a pianist living in DC area. She started playing piano at age 6 with Mr. Pardis, who was one of the best teachers at the time. After that she started taking lessons from Mojgan Salehi who was also one of the best teachers. She has also studied piano in a conservatory of Tehran for several years. She has studied MBA in University of Massachusetts. As a result of her life-long study of both music and marketing, Anahita Khorsandi founded the Ava Music School in 2017 and now Ava Music school and Koosha Piano have been merged and now is Manita Music Center. 

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Piano Instructor

Dr. Yiran He

Dr. Yiran He, a native of China, earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from George Mason University in 2025, studying with Dr. Linda Apple Monson. She began playing the piano at the age of four. She graduated with a Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Wright State University in 2020 and studied for a second Master of Music Degree in Music Education in 2021, with a 4.0 GPA. 

Dr. He is the recipient of many awards, including the Irene Romanowski Piano Award at Wright State University in 2020.

Dr. He has also given many solo recitals and participated in many solo piano performance events through George Mason University

Piano Instructor 

Dr. Nikan Milani

Nikan Milani is an accomplished pianist, composer, conductor, and music instructor. He has studied in London and the United States. His teachers include Haynush Makarian and Eda Shlym. He has performed US piano recitals in Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC, Boston, and in Cambridge at Harvard University. Nikan Milan studied Piano and Composition at The Longy School of Music. When not composing, performing, or teaching, Nikan conducts a choir. Being extremely well-rounded enables Nikan to be a phenomenal music instructor. He studied music at Harvard University in Boston and also completed specialized coursework in teaching children with autism at Harvard University.​​

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Piano Instructor

Dr. Tian Wei

Dr. Tian Wei is a classically trained pianist and educator who began her musical journey at the age of five. She has since cultivated a rich professional background through extensive performance and teaching. Dr. Wei holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from The Catholic University of America. She previously earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Northern Colorado and her Bachelor of Music from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China. As both a teacher and performer, she has served as Associate Pianist with the National Children’s Chorus. She has also performed at the Kennedy Center and been invited to give

performances at the Embassy of Bulgaria and at the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C. She is also a featured artist of the Washington International Young Artists Music Series.

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Piano Instructor

Farhad Tehrani

Farhad Tehrani graduated from Tehran Conservatory of Music with piano as his specialised instrument. He also has a master degree in Liberal Arts from Georgetown University where he concentrated on the significant role of music on children’s cognitive performances. He is a versatile piano teacher who can successfully teach several piano playing genres. Adept at teaching students to read music, and providing tailored piano lessons to students of all ages and abilities. Mr Tehrani never takes for granted the prominent role of parents in shaping their children’s learning processes and strongly encourage them to familiarise themselves with musical education in order to better accompany their children on their musical journey. As a music teacher, it is his belief that all students, regardless of socio-economic status, physical or intellectual ability, should be offered the opportunity to discover and explore their innate potential as musicians.​​

Piano Instructor

Dr. Pei Hsuan Lin

Pei received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the National Taiwan Normal University, dual Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano, and a Graduate Diploma in Vocal Accompanying from the Peabody Conservatory, where she served as rehearsal pianist for productions including Pride and Prejudice, The Hiding Tree, La Rondine, and Così fan tutte. She is the recipient of the 2018 Clara Ascherfeld Award and the 2021 Sarah Stulman Zierler Prize in Accompanying from Peabody, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano at the University of Maryland. Lin has served as music staff at Wolf Trap Opera.

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Piano Instructor

Hallie Marie Schlaffer

Hallie is a graduate of the University of Colorado in Denver with a degree in Music with an emphasis on vocal performance. She has experience providing voice and piano instruction to elementary and middle school age children.  Hallie is a professional recording artist with songs she has written and recorded under her stage name “Hallie Marie.” Her vocal performances and original songs have received positive reviews in several music publications.  Prior to relocating to the Washington DC area in August 2025, Hallie spent three years performing in various music venues throughout Colorado both as a solo performer and as lead vocalist and piano player for the blues rock band Direville.

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Piano Instructor 

Behnaz Raouf

Behnaz Raouf was born in Iran. She has been playing piano for over 20 years. She has a Master’s degree in teaching and a profound understanding of children’s cognitive development, Behnaz brings a passion for exploring various musical genres. Her two-decade journey in piano, marked by continuous learning, performance, and teaching, caters to diverse learning styles and paces. Whether guiding young beginners or helping adults fulfill their piano dreams, Behnaz tailors her approach. She recently joined Ava Music School as a piano instructor.

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Piano Instructor

Niloofar Rahmanzadeh

Niloofar has always been passionate about the arts and began her musical journey studying piano under the guidance of Amirreza Kardar Tehran, a highly respected piano teacher based in Iran. He provided her with a strong foundation, instilling essential skills and a deep appreciation for music. She later continued her training with Anahita Khorsandi, the founder of Manita Music Center, further honing her craft.

Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition as a prize winning pianist. Now, Niloofar proudly serves as both a piano teacher and the executive manager at Manita Music Center, where she inspires and nurtures the next generation of musicians. 

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Piano Instructor & Piano Tuner 

Juan Carlos (JC) Alegre

Juan Carlos (JC) Alegre began his musical journey at the age of 7, playing piano in his hometown of Lima, Peru. By the age of 9, he was formally studying classical piano at the prestigious National Conservatory in Lima, where he developed a deep appreciation for composers such as Chopin, Schubert, and Mozart. In 1990, he earned a master’s degree in Operations Research from the George Washington University. 

Despite his demanding career, JC never strayed far from music. He continued to play classical piano and expanded his repertoire to include genres such as Latin jazz and pop. In the early 2000s, he toured with Bio Ritmo, a classic salsa band rooted in Richmond, Virginia, showcasing his versatility and passion for performance. Today, JC has returned to music as a full-time career, sharing his expertise as both a piano teacher and piano technician. 

Vocal Instructor (Classical) 

Dieer Hu

Dieer Hu is a dedicated and passionate voice teacher who enjoys helping students of all ages discover their unique musical voices. Originally from China, she began her musical journey with piano at age five and soon developed a love for singing through her experience in a children’s choir. Since then, music has been at the heart of her life.

Dieer holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) in Vocal Performance from The Catholic University of America, a Master of Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, and a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from the China Conservatory of Music. She has performed leading roles in operas such as L’elisir d’amore, The Magic Flute, Serse, and Norma, and has given solo recitals across the United States. Her performances have earned her top honors in international competitions, including the Classical Music Award and the Apex International Music Competition.​​​​

Violin Instructor

Anna Hallett Gutierrez

Anna Hallett Gutierrez is a violinist originally from York, Pennsylvania.  Growing up, she was an active member of local youth orchestras and was awarded top prizes in local concerto competitions.  She received her BA in violin performance from Bard College Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Weigang Li of the Shanghai Quartet. Ms. Hallett Gutierrez aims to bring the love of music to the next generation through teaching, coaching, and concertizing.

Since moving to Leesburg, Virginia in 2025, she has been privileged to perform with Laudare Music as a soloist and section leader, Main Street Chamber Orchestra as Principal Second, NIH Philharmonia, Gettysburg Chamber Orchestra, Shippensburg Festival Orchestra, Gettysburg College Sunderman Conservatory Orchestra, Shippensburg University Community Orchestra. 

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Guitar Instructor

Peter Ghobrial

Peter Ghobrial is a seasoned classical guitarist and passionate music educator with over 15 years of experience. He graduated from the Arabic Music Institute’s Free Studies Department in Egypt with a “Very Good” rating, reflecting his strong foundation in classical guitar performance and music theory. Peter has spent more than a decade teaching students of all ages and skill levels in Egypt, guiding them in both technical development and musical expression. His teaching is enriched by his diverse performance background — he has played in various bands and choirs, performed live across multiple venues, and made appearances on Egyptian TV shows. Peter’s passion for the guitar runs deep. He describes playing the guitar as the most joyful and fulfilling part of his day.​

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Piano Instructor

Yayun Li

YaYu Li is an experienced piano educator, accompanist, and studio founder with over 18 years of teaching experience in both China and the United States. She has guided students of all ages to success in competitions, performances, and academic achievements, always with a passion for nurturing each individual’s unique musical voice.

YaYu earned her Master’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in piano pedagogy from Carthage College and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy at The Catholic University of America, where she studies under Dr. Nikita Fitenko.

Beyond teaching, YaYu is deeply committed to fostering a lifelong love for music through personalized and engaging instruction. In her free time, she enjoys fitness, singing, and dancing. We are excited to welcome YaYu to our team!

Piano Instructor

Peter Ghobrial

Originally from Mexico, Celeste Amador was born in Mexicali, Baja California. She completed her professional studies at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), under the tutelage of Ella Korobchenko and Dr. Karen Follingstad (SDSU). She has taken master classes with Tatiana Gerasimova (Russia / USA), Se-Hee Jin (Korea / USA), Georgiy Sarajyan (Armenia), Jacob Katsnelson (Russia), Mark Fouxman (USA), Ines Irawati (Indonesia / USA), Juan Pablo Horcasitas (Mexico), Francisco Rocafuerte (Mexico) and Edmundo Díaz del Campo (Mexico).​​

During her academic stay, she performed in a series of concerts by UABC’s artistic extension in collaboration with the University’s Symphonic Orchestra (OSUABC), the University’s Chamber Music Ensemble (“La Camerata”) and the University’s Contemporary Music Ensemble.​​

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Vocal Instructor (Persian)

Hossein Jazayeri

Hossein has been singing for as long as he can remember, growing up surrounded by music thanks to a talented family—his father, grandfather, and aunt all passed down their love for it. From an early age, he was drawn to Iranian traditional vocal music, especially after discovering the legendary Maestro Mohammad Reza Shajarian. Inspired by Shajarian, Hossein set out to learn the Iranian vocal repertoire, "Radif," studying with Ms. Naghme Gholami and Mr. Hamidreza Nourbakhsh, both of whom were students of Shajarian himself. This experience has really shaped Hossein’s unique style and deepened his appreciation for the roots of Iranian music.

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Piano & Vocal Instructor

Maya Cooper

Maya Cooper has found that a happy student is more likely to put in the practice required for success. Therefore, she uses her skills as a teacher and published composer to customize each lesson to meet students’ needs and interests and to make her lessons fun!

Maya started her studies in both piano and voice at the Music Institute of Chicago at age five. She received a scholarship to study with noted pianist Chad Bowles at the Piano Academy of the Peabody Institute.  She studied piano, voice and music education at the Eastman School of Music, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree with high distinction.  She also studied voice and conducting (with eleven-time Grammy winner Donald Nally) at Westminster Choir College, where she received a Master’s Degree with both distinction and honors.

Maya has ten years of experience as a voice and piano teacher.  She has won many competitions, and received many awards for her playing, singing, and accompanying. 

Office Assistant

Nyjah Harris

Nyjah Harris, a graduate from Old Dominion University, is a passionate violinist with over a decade of experience. She began her musical journey at the age of 11 through the Shirley Heim Middle School Orchestra. Nyjah’s early training was shaped by influential mentors such as Mr. Macdonald and Mr. Barriclow, and she continued her musical development in college under Dr. Kim at ODU's Symphony Orchestra. She strives to create a warm, patient, and supportive environment where students feel inspired to grow not only as musicians, but as individuals.

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Office Assistant

Phoebe Neel

Phoebe began learning music on the Clarinet when she was a kid, and she has been working to expand her knowledge of music ever since. She spent her High School years honing her skills on the Clarinet and Alto Saxophone, as well as learning the fundamentals of music theory. She is a graduate of Old Dominion University, where she studied Music with an emphasis in Sound Recording Technology, and was a member of the Monarch Marching Band, the ODU Wind Ensemble, and the ODU Clarinet Choir. She has participated in many live performances, both as a performer and as a sound engineer.​​​​​​

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Office Assistant

Natasha Palance

Natasha Palance is a DC-based writer and mission-driven professional with a Master's in International Affairs from SGPIA, The New School named one of the top international affairs programs by the Foreign Policy Association. Her background spans nonprofit development, communications, and policy research in both the private and public sectors. She has supported development, communications, and operations in advocacy-oriented organizations including Greenpeace USA, Samaritan Inns, the Center for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy.​​​​

Piano Gallery Assistant

August Stamper

August Stamper is a current student at George Mason University, studying music performance on the French horn under his professor Dr. Caroline Steiger. On the horn, August has and continues to perform in the GMU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony, as well as the Capital Horns French horn choir.
At Manita Music Center, August is working as our Piano Gallery Assistant, where he works to perfect his skills as a piano technician under his mentor Mani Koosha. 

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Piano Technician

Dominic Jimenez

Music has always been an essential part of my life. Growing up in a musically involved family, I developed a deep appreciation for sound, instruments, and craftsmanship. Over time, this passion led me to the technical side of music—specifically the care, tuning, and maintenance of pianos.

I have been studying the mechanics, structure, and tonal qualities of different piano models. For me, piano service is more than a profession—it’s a way of preserving the soul of music and ensuring every pianist can perform at their best.

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Piano Technician

Sam Nixon

Samuel Nixon is a music performance student at George Mason University, specializing in classical piano under the guidance of Dr. John Healey. Sam is local to Northern Virginia, having grown up in Loudoun County, where he attended the Academy of Engineering & Technology at ACL. He started playing the piano at the age of seven, later taking up the viola at ten and the double bass at twelve. Currently, he plays the double bass with the Mason Symphony Orchestra and has played with various other ensembles throughout the region.​​​​

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Piano Technician

Richard Jacobson

Richard Jacobson is a piano technician. A self-taught pianist, he studied singing at St. Olaf College. A prolific performer in the DC metro area, Richard leads the tenor section at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Herndon, and is a longtime member of "Best in Loudoun County" chamber ensemble Inspiro Choir. Additionally, he frequently appears in stage plays and musicals throughout the area and he is currently working as a piano technician at Manita Music Center. ​​​

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Piano Technician

Josiah Depaoli

Josiah has had a love for music since childhood, and that passion has shaped every step of his journey. After graduating from the College of William and Mary, he entered the world of teaching, where one of his greatest joys was bringing the beauty and excitement of music into the classroom.

Today, as a piano technician at Manita Music, Josiah is thrilled to continue sharing that joy in a new way by ensuring that every instrument is sounding its absolute best. Whether it’s for instructors, students, or music lovers of all ages, he takes pride in helping create an inspiring musical experience with every piano he services.

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