Erik Biano
Founder/ Piano Teacher
Erik Biano (born Erik Babaians) is a composer and songwriter known for his evocative and satirical music, blending personal storytelling with imaginative composition. His stage name, "Biano," is a nod to his lifelong love of the piano.
Inspired by a wide range of influences—from classical masters like Bach, Beethoven, and Debussy to celebrated songwriters like André Previn, the Sherman Brothers, and Alan Menken—Erik's musical journey began at a young age, with Disney classics sparking his creativity. Over the years, he has developed a distinctive style, merging contemporary composition with a deep appreciation for tradition.
Under the guidance of renowned instructors Dr. Sarkis Baltaian, Dr. Milton Stern, and Dr. Penny Pan, Erik honed his piano skills, earning a bachelor’s degree in Classical Piano Performance. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Erik is dedicated to nurturing his students’ growth. He has guided them through exams
such as Certificate of Merit, Royal, and AP music theory, all while fostering a love for music through disciplined yet enjoyable teaching.
Erik's expertise spans music theory, piano, jazz, composition, orchestration, and
industry-standard tools like Sibelius and Pro Tools. Erik’s goal is to inspire
students to fall in love with music while preparing them to become skilled,
respectable musicians.
Rhonda Babaians
Founder/ Piano Teacher
Rhonda Babaians began her piano studies at age five, demonstrating exceptional enthusiasm and technical proficiency early on. Her remarkable dexterity and ability to play fast, intricate passages with clean articulation have
become her signature strengths. Over the years, she has mastered a wide repertoire, including some of the most challenging sonatas in the classical canon.
Continuing her music education in Taiwan until age 18, Rhonda earned her Associate of Arts degree in piano performance at Pasadena City College under Dr. Cynthia B. Williams. She then pursued her Bachelor of Music in Classical Piano Performance and Pedagogy at California State University, Northridge, under the mentorship of Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov, a world-class pianist and respected pedagogue who is a graduate of the prestigious Gnessin School of Music, where prodigies like Evgeny Kissin honed their skills. Dr. Rachmanov’s profound influence shaped Rhonda’s technical and pedagogical development,
equipping her with the skills to thrive as a pianist and educator.
As an accomplished accompanist, Rhonda has collaborated with various musicians, choirs, and solo vocalists. Since 2003, she has taught piano privately, emphasizing technique, musicianship, and theory. Rhonda believes music is a powerful source of joy and self-expression, striving to instill this love in her students. Her teaching combines discipline with passion, helping students develop technical skills while fostering a deep appreciation for music's beauty.
Through nurturing their passion, she prepares them to realize that music is not just a skill but a lifelong source of joy and fulfillment.
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