Meet the Team
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.
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.
Piano Instructor
Conghui Chen
Conghui Chen is a pianist and piano educator with international performance experience across China, Europe, and the United States. She has performed in venues such as the Musikverein Vienna and participated in international music festivals in Italy, working with distinguished pianists. Her achievements have been recognized with honors including the Ethel and Carl Galbraith Scholarship from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
Alongside her performance career, Conghui is passionate about teaching and has experience working with young students. She specializes in guiding beginners to build a strong musical foundation through structured, engaging, and supportive lessons, while fostering proper technique, musicality, and confidence. She also completed a second Master’s degree and a Graduate Performance Diploma in Collaborative Piano. She is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) candidate at The Catholic University of America.
Piano Instructor
Nikan Milani
Nikan Milani is an accomplished pianist, composer, and music instructor. He has studied music under the guidance of renowned teachers, including Haynush Makarian and Eda Shlym.
He studied Piano Performance and Composition at the Longy School of Music, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music.
As a performer, Nikan has presented piano recitals in Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
In addition to composing, performing, and teaching, Nikan conducts a choir. His diverse background as a pianist, composer and educator allows him to provide students with a well-rounded and inspiring musical education.
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.
Piano Instructor
Dr. Quan Cheng
Quan Cheng is a collaborative pianist and piano instructor who has completed the Doctor of Musical Arts in Collaborative Piano at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Quan has experience teaching students of all ages and levels, from beginners to more advanced pianists.
In lessons, Quan focuses on building strong technical skills while making learning engaging and enjoyable. Students are encouraged to develop musical expression, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the music they play. With a background in collaborative performance, Quan also helps students improve listening skills, rhythm, and musical communication.
Quan is passionate about creating a positive and supportive learning environment, helping each student grow at their own pace and develop a lifelong love of music
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.
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 imporve 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, should be offered the opportunity to discover and explore their innate potential as musicians.
Piano Instructor
Sophia Sung
Sophia Sung is a Korean American piano instructor who is passionate about helping students grow through music. She began studying piano at the age of 6 and studied under Professor Jin Woo Jung, a highly respected professor at the time. During her musical journey, she received awards in youth competitions and later won the 3rd place in a national competition in Korea with Prokofieff Piano Sonata No. 3.
Sophia earned a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia. She believes that every child has a unique way of learning and focuses on child-centered teaching while building strong musical fundamentals, and a love for music.
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.
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.
Piano Instructor
Emma Zhao
As a dedicated pianist and educator, Emma Zhao firmly believes in the power of music. To her, music can warm one’s heart, take people courage, and guide individuals toward self-discovery. In her role as a teacher, Emma is committed to nurturing her students' personal growth while fostering a safe and positive learning environment. Emma holds Bachelor of Music (B.M.) and Master of Music (M.M.) in Piano Performance
from the Mannes School of Music in New
York. And then earning her second Master’s degree in Music and Music Education (Ed.M) from Teachers College, Columbia University.
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.
Violin Instructor
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Piano Technician
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.
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 piano technician.
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.