Ata - Teacher #4653

Instruments:
- Composition
- Guitar

Services:
- Composition
- Counterpoint
- Harmony
- Music Theory (Advanced)
- Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate)
- RCM - Advanced Harmony
- RCM - Basic Harmony
- RCM - Counterpoint
- RCM - Intermediate Harmony

Languages:
- English
- Farsi

Teaching Philosophy

As a teacher, I focus on creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for students interested in guitar and composition. My approach balances technical skill development with creative exploration, ensuring that students not only improve their playing and writing abilities but also find their unique musical voice.

In guitar instruction, I emphasize fundamental techniques, fingerstyle and plectrum playing, chord progressions, and improvisation. Whether a student is interested in classical, contemporary, or fusion styles, I tailor lessons to their individual interests while reinforcing essential musical skills like rhythm, phrasing, and expression.

In composition lessons, I guide students through the process of developing their musical ideas, understanding harmony and counterpoint, and orchestrating for different instruments. I encourage students to explore a wide range of styles, from traditional to contemporary, and help them build confidence in their creative decisions.

Musical Education

I hold a Bachelor of Music from Tehran Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from University of applied science and technology in Tehran. Currently, I am completing my Master of Music in Composition at the University of Calgary, where I have studied under Dr. Allan Gordon Bell and Dr. Laurie Radford. My master’s program is set to conclude in April 2025.

My education has been shaped by both Western contemporary music and Persian classical traditions, allowing me to develop a unique approach to composition and musical interpretation. Prior to my graduate studies, I engaged in extensive training in music theory, orchestration, and performance, working with ensembles and orchestras in Canada and internationally. My experience also includes specialized studies in film scoring, contemporary ensemble writing, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Awards and Distinctions

Throughout my musical journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive several recognitions for my work in composition and music education. Some highlights include:
• Bell Family Bursary – Awarded for excellence in music composition.
• Fully Funded Masterclass in the Netherlands – Selected to study film scoring and contemporary composition under Rens Machielse.
• University of Calgary Full Funding – Received full support for my Master of Music in Composition.
• Collaborations with Professional Ensembles & Orchestras – Including the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, LandsEnd Ensemble, Calgary wind symphony and ILO Quartet.

Special Skills and Training

My approach to guitar teaching blends technique, creativity, and real-world musicianship. With a background in both classical and contemporary styles, I help students build strong fundamentals while exploring improvisation, composition, and even music production.. My experience allows me to teach guitar not just as an instrument, but as a tool for expression and creativity.

Rates

30 Minutes: $39.00
45 Minutes: $49.00
60 Minutes: $59.00

There is a one-time registration fee of 25 $ charged with the first lessons. All Taxes are included in prices, if applicable

NOTE: Your Credit card will be charged ONLY when the first lesson is set up and confirmed with the teacher

Policies


1. Cancellation Policy

Lessons not cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice are billable to the client and payable to the teacher. This does not of course apply to travel fees unless the notice is effectively given at the door and the teacher has travelled to the location.

2. Cessation (quitting) Policy

A client must provide a 2 lesson notice period to stop lessons. So a weekly student needs to give 2 weeks of notice, a biweekly student works out to 3 weeks notice and a twice weekly student works out to a week of notice.

3. Illness Policy

Lessons cancelled due to illness or extraordinary circumstances with less than 24 hours notice remain billable to the client and payable to the teacher.

BAH teachers are encouraged to offer a make-up lesson at a future date in the interest of client relations and general goodwill. This only makes sense as teaching a student with the flu for example, will ruin the rest of your week's employment.

No more than 2 lessons may be made up due to illness within a 60 day period.

4. Rescheduling Policy

Any lesson can be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours notice.

Summer Vacation and Extended Absence Policy

Clients may schedule longer absences for trips etc. 24 hours notice is required.

It is normal and typical for students and about 20% of our teachers to schedule a break in the summer. We do not enforce a notice period (see cessation of lessons) at the end of a long summer break.

5. Evaluation Period

There are no free trial lessons with Beethoven at Home but we do offer a 2 lesson evaluation period where it is easy to try out a teacher. There are no free lessons during the evaluation period and clients may choose to discontinue the lessons at any time by providing the required 24 hours notice. After the student's 3rd lesson the required 2 lesson notice period will apply (see cessation of lessons above).

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