Laurie Robinson – Director
Billboard Top Ten Composer and Vocalist, Laurie Robinson is a graduate Cum Laude of the University of Arizona in piano and composition where she was a student of renowned American neo-classical composer, Robert Muszinsky and noted pedagogue and Liszt scholar, Ozan Marsh.
During her last 18 years as a private instructor, Laurie has educated hundreds of children and adults, becoming involved in the musical development of numerous families. Laurie’s teaching philosophy recognizes the student’s necessity to gain a level of accomplishment very early on, and adapts to the natural abilities that each student brings. Understanding that in both children and adults, all students can innately play some music by ear, understand the geography of the instrument, harmony and a simple reading of the musical language.
Demystifying this musical process is the basis for her developing a unique and extremely effective piano method upon which her students thrive. In addition to providing a modified comprehensive piano method or a very traditional European classical education, Laurie also coaches aspiring songwriters to achieve their goals at the piano and in lyric writing, as well as theory and harmony for professional musicians.
Besides being an educator, Laurie Robinson is a published composer, songwriter and vocalist. Her compositions have been performed by renowned ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Houston Symphony Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra. Laurie Robinson has performed twice as a featured solo soprano at the Hollywood Bowl with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and has been featured at the Kennedy Center For Performing Arts in Washington D.C., with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Emmanuel Fratianni – Director
Born and raised in Europe. Emmanuel Fratianni is a former tenured professor of the Montreux Jazz School. Pianist, composer and conductor, he has guest conducted around the world and in the US with prestigeous ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Emmanuel is an active member of the film and video games industry.
In his 20 years of experience as an educator Emmanuel has developed a “to the point” teaching method for beginners and advanced students. Whether he teaches well-known melodies or jazz improvisation, his approach is fun and well organized. In addition to a traditional jazz curriculum, Emmanuel offers his students a similar approach to the study of blues, pop, classical piano and composition.
As a pianist and composer Emmanuel Fratianni has performed extensively in Europe and in the US. In 1995 with a commission by the City of Montreux, Emmanuel made his orchestral debut at Stravinsky Auditorium with the Ensemble Orchestral de la Riviera. Since living in Los Angeles, Emmanuel’s musical career has expanded to include composing and conducting for film, TV and video games. He has worked for 5 years as an orchestrator and additional music composer on the military courtroom drama series “JAG” and has recorded on all the major scoring stages in Los Angeles.
Emmanuel Fratianni’s concert work has been performed so far by renowned American orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Houston Symphony Orchestra.
Hasmik Avagyan
Educated in both the United States and Armenia, Hasmik Avagyan is a graduate of the prestigious Komitas State Conservatory. With over ten years experience teaching children and adults, Hasmik brings with care and enthusiasm, her highly effective and fun approach to all levels students. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at Pepperdine University, Hasmik shares with all of her students her extensive professional musical experience.
Dan Martinez
A versatile and accomplished classical and jazz pianist, earning his Music Degree from Cincinnati Conservatory, where is was a student of Phil DeGreg, Kim Pensyl, (jazz studies) and Franklin Larey, Dr. Elaine Leung-Wolf (classical studies.) His early career as a jazz pianist led him to performances in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean and he has been featured with the legendary Nelson Riddle Orchestra and the Kentucky Symphony to name a few. Dan is also an accomplished composer, orchestrator and arranger, with his music for film and visuals garnering many awards. Dan has a remarkable ability to bring his vast experience in the musical arts to all of his students of all ages.
Evan Richards
(School Administrator) Currently Pursuing his undergraduate degree in Music Education, Evan is an accomplished, professional touring and studio percussionist. When not busy recording and performing on his first instrument with his many ensembles, Evan can be found at the school assisting our directors and students.
