Biography
Anjela Tokadjian has studied the piano for over 22 years and has cultivated a deep understanding and passion for her craft. She has performed several recitals, and has extensive experience in solo performance, as well as collaborative and chamber music. Anjela holds a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from California State University, Northridge. Her previous teachers include Dr. Charles Asche, Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov, Margarita Markosyan, and Mariana Sargsyan.
Throughout her musical journey, Anjela has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with distinguished teachers such as Alexandre Dossin, Enrico Elisi, Kirill Gliadkovsky, and more. In the summer of 2019, she participated in the Borromeo Music Festival in Uri, Switzerland, where she worked with astounding and renowned faculty from numerous universities at the national and international level, and gave multiple performances. She is a recipient of multiple scholarships and fellowships, including the Frank McGinnis Memorial Scholarship.
Along with her love of performance, Anjela is also a piano teacher of over ten years. She biannually organizes recitals for her students to showcase the repertoire they have worked on over the course of six months. Her students’ repertoire ranges from beginner Czerny etudes to advanced Bach Prelude and Fugues, Beethoven sonatas, and large romantic works. As a teacher, she is nurturing, kind, passionate, and devoted to her students.
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When Mrs. Anjela is not teaching or practicing piano, she enjoys cooking, painting, and spending time with her husband.
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Teaching Philosophy
As a teacher and a pianist, I know how important the role of the teacher is in not only creating a successful pianist and musician, but in keeping the student excited and passionate about their study of music. Lessons are tailored to each and every individual student, because I know that every student's personality is different and responds differently to different approaches. It is important for me to get to know each student and to find out what method works for them, this is why I require prospective students (and their parents) to fill out a questionnaire before beginning lessons.
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Students are also required to participate in the studio recitals that take place twice a year. Performing repertoire is an important part of music lessons, as it creates confidence in their music abilities, provides motivation, and clearly marks every wonderful milestone our students achieve. Families also receive a DVD of every recital their student participates in.
Each lesson entails technical exercises, ear training, sight reading, music theory, and performance pieces. Students are required to come to every lesson prepared and ready to work and learn. Piano lessons are a group effort: teacher, parents, and student need to all work together for the student to grow.
A teacher can only open the door, it is the student's job to walk through it.