Our Instructors
Valery Goldes
Valery Goldes is a recording artist, pianist, singer-songwriter, composer and a producer. Valery grew up in Israel. A child prodigy in classical piano, Valery played for Bill Gates and with orchestras across Europe & Israel, including under the baton of Zubin Mehta with the Israel Philharmonic starting when he was only 13. Valery studied with the best in Israel, Germany and then in New York at the Juilliard school. With his training from the classical world, Valery felt that he could best use his talent as a gifted entertainer and a singer-songwriter in the arena of pop and contemporary music. His debut song Cinderella-Special Girl became a viral hit on social media and was viewed more than a million times on YouTube.
Valery’s music is a dynamic piano based pop with a totally modern twist. His music has culturally diverse elements, strong melody lines, and a mix of musical genre — pop, classical, hip hop – that together add up to a distinctive sound.
As a piano coach, Valery's passion has always been to share his music knowledge and experience with his students. He has been teaching kids and adults all his life and believes in being not only an instructor but a mentor to each of his students. His teaching subjects include piano, composition, songwriting and improvisation.
Aiting Riley
Aiting Riley, concert pianist, educator, accompanist, chamber music coach, and an ensemble pianist. She studied at The Hartt School of Music and Boston Conservatory majoring in piano performance. During college, she attended many masterclasses with pianists from all over the world such as Lang Lang, Federico Coli, Jonathan Bass and others. Aiting has over 20 years of piano experience and actively performs as a soloist and an ensemble player. She held her first recital at the age of 7 and was invited to CCTV 15 (China Central Television of Music channel) as a soloist at the age of 10. Aiting is not only an award-winning pianist but also a piano teacher who teaches with a loving heart. Aiting now is a member of the Steinway & Sons Teacher & Educational partnership program.
Gervais Maillard
Born in France and raised in England, South Africa, and Belgium, Gervais Maillard started his musical training at a young age at the Paris Conservatory. After pursuing piano performance education in multiple countries, Gervais relocated spent a summer at Guildhall School of Jazz in London and subsequently to Boston where he attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music and studied Jazz Composition. During his time at Berklee, Gervais studied under acclaimed composers including Scott Lee, Victor Bailey (Weather Report), and Fulbright Scholar Margaret McAllister. His works were recorded and performed by outstanding jazz musicians including Dabin Ryu and Takumi Kakimoto. His jazz composition « Pistachio Sorbet » is part of the soundtrack for award winning 2019 film « In a New York Minute ».
Gervais also founded award-winning band People the Kangaroo with established singer and composer Alan Wurman. The band has toured nationally for years, including as the opening act for GRAMMY award winning band Los Rabanes in New York. The band’s first EP was lauded by local press including The Deli Magazine describing the music as « extraterrestrial backing vocals, synth and guitar riffs that twist and turn around one another and drums big enough to fill a stadium
Darren Liou
A pianist since the age of five and a clarinetist at age thirteen, Darren Liou has been surrounded by music for almost his entire life. By the end of high school, he aspired to both perform and teach music as his career.
Darren is an LA based musician who recently received his master’s degree in clarinet performance at the University of California, Los Angeles. Prior to this, Darren received his Bachelor of Music at UCLA in 2021 where he studied with Boris Allakhverdyan, principal clarinetist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as renowned clarinetists Steve Barta and the late Gary Gray. As a firm believer in education and with a drive to inspire, he simultaneously received a Bachelor of Arts in music education under the same institution. During his time at UCLA, Darren has had the opportunity to perform with the UCLA symphony, wind ensemble, and philharmonia, and has debuted several compositions for solo clarinet and chamber ensembles. He was also selected to perform with the LA Philharmonic’s program of Bernstein’s “Mass” in 2017.
As both a performer and an educator, Darren hopes to spread music in ensembles and teach private lessons. With over fifteen years of piano experience as well, he plans to use his experience to inspire young musicians all over the world.
When he is not practicing his instruments, Darren enjoys spending his time making YouTube videos and improving his archery skills.
Asli Ozer
Asli is a singer, pianist, composer, and producer. She embarked on her musical journey at the age of 6, mastering both classical and jazz music disciplines. Her band triumphed at the Istanbul Jazz Festival Young Jazz competition in 2014. With two albums and over 10 singles released, Asli's enchanting music resonates with listeners across the globe. Passionate about teaching, Asli guides students on their musical journey, sharing her expertise and inspiring growth.
Lesky Monis
Lesky Monis was born in the Dominican Republic. At age 8 he had already started taking private piano lessons by a member of the National Conservatory. Later during high school years he continued with private lessons in the US, auditioning and winning some scholarships and performing local recitals. He was invited some of the local events; several times to play at Bynden Woods to perform in their concert series, as well as the opening of the Miller Center for the Arts. At the time he was also involved with local bands in the community as an accompanist. He then enrolled in Penn State School of Music before coming to LA to become a full time musician. He actively gives private lessons as well as performs a variety of gigs.
Hillai Govreen
Hillai Govreen is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and educator based in NYC. Born and raised in Israel her love for music was triggered at an early age. She started playing classical piano at the age of 6 and later picked up the clarinet and the saxophone. Throughout high school she was awarded musical scholarships from the American Israel cultural foundation 4 years in a row and played first clarinet in the young Israeli philharmonic orchestra. She was awarded “outstanding musician” and was accepted with a full scholarship to study at the “Barenboim Saiid” academy in Berlin. She graduated with honors from The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in 2020.
As a music teacher, Hillai is passionate about sharing her musical knowledge and experience with her students. Hillai works personally with every student to create a customized series of lessons that is challenging, organized and creative and helps them work towards their goals.