I've been attending Santoor classes at Music and Art World for nearly 3 months now. Although Im not…read moreready to "go out on the road" or make my debut at Dorothy Chandler, I've have been surprised at that amount of personal attention I get from the owner and the people who work there. I get personal one on one lessons from a master of Santoor - passionate and professional - I can only hope to play with such grace and enthusiasm and heart. (Personally, I am absolutely fond of the instrument - it melts my heart to hear it played and enlightens my spirit to play it). I would highly suggest to anyone to take a music class or dance classes. It's both relaxing and challenging. Calming my mind from the relentless days of work and stress - while challenging my creative side and eye/hand coordination... completely stimulating.
The school is quite affordable, and they offer more than just Santoor (Santur), Setar, and piano lessons but also Persian dancing and Belly dancing (I can only be a spectator in this case as I was born with two left feet). Based on my observations, the Persian/Belly dancing instructor is quite patient yet firm with her students - I've seen all ages taking the classes and they seem to have fun. (Gosh- I wish I were that graceful. DOH! ) The instructor Ive seen teach is quite famous from what I hear her name is Jamileh - she seems so awesome - powerful, feminine and graceful.
Additionally, they do have a location in the valley where more types of the "arts" are offered: art, flower arrangement, table decor, voice lessons group/individual - kids especially would enjoy these classes, I'm sure.
So, back to my lessons, I've learned an immense amount of the fundamentals of music (its been YEARS since I looked at sheet music). My instructor has students who have been playing for years and then there is me. :) No experience, just the love of music and the desire to learn, practice and progress.