What Students are Saying ...about Richard Berman      ...about Sharmila Guha       ...about Megan Hook    ...about Suzanne Lukather        ...about Sam McElroy       ...about Lori Moran ...about Marina Pogosyan       …about Anahit Sevoyan       ...about Aaron Westman ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ...about Richard Berman "Since I am a classroom teacher, I was looking for someone who was not only a talented musician, but also a talented teacher.  Richard is both.  He has a passion for music that clearly shows through his vast repertoire of songs that he enjoys playing.  It is always a treat to listen to him.  He also takes the time to get to know me as a person and this is such an important quality in a teacher.  Richard truly cares about my progress.  He sets high expectations but is patient in helping me achieve my goals.  His lessons are structured enough so that I know what to expect each time, but challenging enough so that I am constantly moving forward.  I cannot believe the amount of progress that I have made in just the few months that I have spent with Richard.   Learning how to read and play music has been my childhood dream, and Richard has been a positive, motivating force. -- Lonnie N. "The best thing I can say about Richard teaching my son piano is - WOW! My son had taken music lessons in the past and the teacher's lesson plan was so slow that my son quickly got bored and dropped out.  Not with Richard.  He is intuitive when it comes to how quickly his students can absorb and pushes my son to do achieve his potential.  In three months my son is playing with both hands, playing songs and practicing without being told. Any student would enjoy having Richard as a teacher. He is an excellent musician with the ability to share his passion." --Robyn E.    "I love playing piano and I love having my piano lesson in the daytime. I have been taking lessons for more than 3 years.  But in the last 6 months, Richard is the only piano teacher that I feel has taught me something.  He has helped me become better at reading music and I am becoming a better musician.  I know I could take a piano course at the highschool, but I like him a lot and can't imagine not being taught by him." --Nikki D. (14) "Richard is so caring and personable. We just love him. He doesn't mince words when telling Nikki she needs work in a certain area. How will a child ever learn if they don't think they have anything to work on?  At the same time, he never holds back compliments when she does succeed. When he's here, he makes me feel like Nikki is his only student because he is fine tuned into her progress and her needs. He is serious about her lesson, but light-hearted and fun. Nikki's love for the piano was waning and I was afraid she would want to quit because she never practiced. Richard has helped her renew her love and now she plays all the time!  We're glad to have met Richard, both as a person and as a teacher." --Joelle D. (Nikki's mom)

...about Sharmila Guha "Sharmila's vast knowledge of music and singing as well as the numerous creative techniques she employs has enabled me to sing with confidence and see definite progress in my skills.  I never thought I would enjoy singing this much!  It has brought a new and very welcomed aspect to my life." --Tom P., 45 "I got to know Sharmila singing in the chorus of 'I Pagliacci'.  Let me assure you that she can perform as well as teach!  She invited me to a jazz gig, and after enjoying many gigs, my desire to sing jazz got stronger and stronger.  But jazz is sophisticated, and has rules.  How was I going to learn the ropes?  I was talking to Sharmila after a gig once and she said she was teaching at Lori Moran Music Studio and would be happy to teach me Jazz 101.  The rest is history: I'm taking classes in jazz theory and singing with Miss Sharmila, and I leave every lesson feeling like a cool million dollars!  She's already "hipped" me to many little things I saw her and others do that I didn't understand, and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.  What are you waiting for?  Call her now." --Sherry H.

...about Megan Hook "From my first lesson with Megan Hook I felt very comfortable and supported.  I was given space when needed in my lessons but was also challenged.  I really appreciated that my lessons were tailored for me.  I could hear and feel the improvement in my singing after each lesson, which was exciting.  I couldn't have asked for more in a voice teacher! Megan's talents, expertise, and kind spirit make her a true rare find."  --Janelle, Seattle, Age 27 "I have had the pleasure of taking voice lessons from Megan Hook for the last two years. Her lessons are structured and focused but very low key and fun.  From the very first lesson I was comfortable and relaxed, which I think is a testament to Megan's personality and "vibe." She is great at coming up with different ways to explain the same concept or different exercises to try until you find one that "clicks" for you. She is always on the lookout for something new to try and is continually working to expand and improve her teaching skills. She also utilizes information she gathers from other activities in her life, like yoga, by adapting methods that might work for vocal training. She is extremely patient and very supportive. I have truly enjoyed my lessons with Megan and feel that my voice has improved quite a bit after taking lessons with her." -- Mary T.  "The prospect of going through my life without singing a song seemed so desolate that I forced myself to find a teacher. I was fortunate indeed to find Megan. When I first came to Megan, the sound of my own voice disgusted me. I would rather have addressed the United Nations than stand and sing a song. Now, thanks to Megan, her skill, her care, her unfathomable patience, I can sing. I like my voice and all the beautiful songs are mine to have, to sing, to enjoy. The singer inside me that I thought was dead, is now alive. Thank you." --Roger B., Age 62 "I studied with Megan for almost 4 years in preparation for majoring in music at college. The first thing I noticed about her teaching is that Megan really makes you feel welcome to singing and her studio. She works hard on getting to know your unique voice so she can give the best possible advice for you. Megan tailors lessons to each individual person in her studio, and addresses each person's needs in a way that is most effective for that person. She focuses on teaching people to sing without tension and with proper breath support, because that is what will ultimately enable you to have a long and successful vocal career."  --Maia

...about Suzanne Lukather "Our daughter, Mary, has taken voice lessons from Suzanne for two years.  Through her association with the Music Studio, Mary made her professional debut in Baz Lurhman's "La Boheme" at the Ahmanson in 2004, as well as at The Disney Concert Hall with the California Philharmonic's Childrens Chorus. An accomplished singer and performer herself, Suzanne has the ability to teach vocal technique to young people that is inspiring and highly effective. Suzanne's enthusiasm and professionalism provides a wonderful role model for her students." --Dr. and Mrs. Michael Regalado "Suzanne Lukather is one of the best kept secrets in the business. A wonderful teacher, she helped me shed some of the bad habits I acquired along the way and focus in on my own true voice. The breathing exercises are exhilirating and easily translate in performance. I'm so thankful she has decided to share her knowledge of vocal technique and love of music." --Terrie Richards Alden, Concord Recording Artist Click here to visit Terrie Richard Alden's webpage. "I believe that my training with Miss Lukather is the reason I was accepted to LACHSA." --Annakate Blackford "Suzanne has been able to adapt her style of teaching to meet my specific needs. She has demystified the theory aspect of learning piano by breaking down the elements into easy-to-grasp concepts. I feel I am growing immensely under her tuteledge." --Timothy Naux, Songwriter "Since our granddaughter started taking singing lessons with Suzanne Lukather, not only has her voice developed beautifully, but she has also had the opportunity to audition and perform in a variety of circumstances.  Suzanne has continued to be very involved in all her students' growth.  We feel it to be a great privilege for Mia to have her as a voice teacher." --Mr. and Mrs. John Logg "I began studying with Suzanne with a goal in mind.  She helped me to accomplish that goal.  Because of her time and effort, I was able to prepare for the audition which led to acceptance at Idyllwild Arts Academy.  Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and singer.  She uses her experience as a professional singer to teach you how to use the most important parts of your instrument - your mouth, ears, posture, diaphragm - and your mind." -- Danielle Demianew, 16 years old

...about Sam McElroy "Since working with Sam, I feel my technique has improved dramatically. Sam breaks down the components of singing in a unique, colorful way, and his teaching techniques have caused me to approach my voice in a whole new light. He also cultivates a great appreciation for singing as an art.  His great experience and skill as an opera singer is clear in his teaching method and in the variety of repertoire that he recommends.  In addition to being a skilled teacher, he also demonstrates a deep concern for each individual student." --Jackie R., student at UCLA

...about Lori Moran "I have felt absolutely comfortable recommending Lori to my high school students, and have even studied with her myself.  Singers today need to understand classical and pop styles of singing, and Lori can teach them all, whether it is operatic, belting, or the mix." --Joel Pressman, Music Department Chairman   Beverly Hills High School "Lori has a wonderful way of explaining the intricacies of the voice.  In my opinion, the hardest part of singing is that most of the adjustments you make are internal, and therefore can't be physically demonstrated.  Lori is unique in that she helps the singer to visualize what they want to achieve, and allows them to connect that image with the physical action that they want to produce.  I've made more progress with Lori than anyone else, because she is able to pinpoint what I need to work on, and tell me exactly how to do it." --Rachel Dubois, student at Yale University "I started piano lessons to better my overall musicality and because I had always had an interest in theory and reading music as a singer/songwriter.  Lori Moran really got to know me and my personality and chose the perfect method of teaching to suit my needs.  After only four lessons I felt like I was able to play at a basic level that made me want to keep learning!  She is so patient and knowledgeable and I have had such a wonderful experience with her.  I would urge anyone interested in piano or vocal lessons to take from Lori Moran; she is incredible!" --Sarah Cardenas, singer/songwriter   Click here to visit Sarah Cardenas' website "In just the short time that Lori has worked with my daughter, I have seen a clearly noticeable improvement in her singing range and style.  But I am more appreciative for something Lori has somehow given her - higher self-esteem and motivation.  Prior to coming to Lori, she had "lost her jingle".  Lori's teaching has resparked her self-esteem, given her more confidence, and made her much more happy." --Mr. Joel Springer "For three years now, I have been referring my students to Lori Moran Music for vocal lessons.  Lori Moran is a highly trained, excellent voice coach.  She is a wonderful teacher, adored by her students.  It is comforting to be able to contact Lori when my students are working on specific songs for our musical productions.  She works with them to prepare for auditions as well as after they are cast into roles.  I appreciate the fact that the studio guides students to understand both classical and pop/musical theatre styles of singing.  Students are taught to link their chest and head voices with fluidity.  I highly recommend anyone who is looking for voice training to Lori Moran Music Studio." --Shanti Belasco, director and owner of Belasco Theatre Company "I have been studying with Lori Moran for over a year.  I think the most amazing thing about her is the way she inspires her students to perform to the best of their ability.  She truly believes in each and every person she teaches and continues to push them to get out there and share their talents with others.  I recommend Lori to anyone who is looking for a teacher to bring them to the next level." --Lauren Ditsky, actress/singer   Click here to visit Lauren Ditsky's website "Lori Moran is a wonderful teacher.  After only being with her for a short while, I've already learned so much.  I feel like I really learn something new every lesson." --Ayelet Firstenberg, Musical Theatre program at University of Miami "Lori's enthusiastic love of music shines through in every lesson.  She is positive, professional, and patient!" --Amy Powers, lyricist

...about Marina Pogosyan "We so appreciate you.  I have waited a long time to find a teacher like you.  Thank you so much for the joy and blessing it has been to know you and have you as Thomas and Tony's piano teacher.  They are such rascals and you handle them so well." --Michelle Williams "Piano rocks!  I love this teacher, she is the bomb!" --Ashley (age 7 years) "Thank you for all that you do to inspire and teach Andrew.  We appreciate all that you do!" --Rebecca Adams "Thank you for teaching me piano." --Channing.  (age 6 years) "Marina is a great teacher.  I'm playing pieces I never dreamed I'd be playing." --Mary Venus "Marina is great, fun and interesting.  The information was in depth as much as was needed." --Ann Brakora

...about Anahit Sevoyan "Amazing Pianist and Piano Teacher...Our son took piano lessons for three years before we found Mrs. Anahit. Within six months under Anahit’s instruction, our son not only can play challenging repertoire, but his technical skills improved greatly. Mrs. Anahit’s perseverance, patience, and professionalism are some of the admirable attributes we have been blessed with." --Michael and Sibell Muller, May 2007 "The amount of pride and passion Anahit carries in her work of music cannot be measured in words.  Knowing that I have been given the chance to study under her, gives me a sense of pride myself. She is one of the most knowledgeable and intelligent music teachers I know. I am thankful to have her as a piano instructor." --Mane Tevosian, April 2007 "Thank you  so much for teaching me piano. You are a wonderful pianist and a great teacher. I am very grateful for your wisdom and course you gave me." --Kathy, June 2005   " I just wanted to thank you for working with Zack for his competition. It was nice to meet you and I know Zack learned a lot from the experience of competing and playing with you.  You are a magnificent teacher." --Jennifer and Zack Dekel, May 2004