Milen K. TakeLessons Instructor Piano, Keyboards, Music - classical, jazz, pop, composition, music theory, ear training Tiara St., Van Nuys, CA

"Milen - pianist, composer, arranger, teacher - represents a new generation of world musicians.  Combining his Bulgarian background with rigorous European and American education and conservatory training, and a vast experience in the music worlds of two continents, Milen is a dynamic performer, composer and educator working with equal success in a variety of genres.

As an educator with over 11 years of teaching experience, Milen has taught piano, keyboards, music theory, history, and ear training in a classroom setting, as well as privately. He is a patient and skillful instructor, who inspires his students to learn and progress while having a lot of fun.

As an instructor, I have taught students of all abilities and ages - from 4 to 65 year-olds, from beginners to advanced. I draw from a variety of teaching systems and literature to create the best possible personal program for each student depending on his/her age, ability, aspirations, and goals. Often I would compose a piece for the student if he/she needs a little more attention to a specific area in their studies (i.e. left hand technique) while writing it in a style or manner that the student particularly likes (i.e. "Sean's Boogie"). In this way I create an excitement and inspiration to improve in the funnest way.

I relate to my students in a very natural and effective way, no matter what age they are. I have also taught students with dissabilities (i.e. autism) who improved greatly under my tutelage. I am a fun, laid-back teacher who knows when to be strict, and how to inspire and challenge his students to achieve and be their best.

I take the best from the European and American schools and methods of teaching (classical piano, theory, solfeggio). Also teach jazz, pop and rock music.

High School of Music "D. Petkov" - Plovdiv, Bulgaria - piano performance - 9/1987 - 5/1996 (degree received)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - piano performance - 9/1998 - 12/1999 (not complete)
California Institute of the Arts - piano performance - 9/2000 - 5/2002 (degree received)
California State University, Northridge - composition - 9/2005 - 5/2008 (degree received)

Piano, Keyboards, Music - classical, jazz, pop, composition, music theory, ear training