We know what it’s like to quit piano

Our founder Payam Khastkhodaei lost his passion for piano as a child, but while at university he stumbled into a new way of teaching piano inspired by his study of language and developmental psychology.

“If you love what you do, you’ll get good at what you do. Now imagine you love the instrument, you love the teacher, and you love the songs. There's no way you won't become successful."

Payam Khastkhodaei
Founder

How we fell in love with piano

Payam Music started the same way learning piano typically ends: with quitting early.

1996
Childhood lessons
Payam’s mom teaches 3 year old Payam how to play piano. He begins formal classical lessons at age 6.
2000
Composition
Payam begins losing passion because of the classical method, but begins composing songs. The next year he wins his first competition with a song he wrote for his newborn sister, Payvand.
2009
Teaching begins
Payam misses piano after quitting classical lessons. He starts teaching piano in his parents’ basement and quickly builds a loyal following. Inspired by his coursework at Univ of WA, he starts experimenting with alphanumeric notation.
2017
First school opens
Payam opens his first piano school in Bothell, WA. Word spreads about the new way to play piano and compose music.
2018
Competition kicks off
Payam Music students begin competing in the PTA Reflections competition, becoming recognized at state level. Students received their first national medal just two years later.
2024-25
District, state, and national winners
Our students sweep the PTA Reflections composition competition, winning 15 district spots, 5 out of 5 first place winners in WA State, and 4 out of 14 national medalists. Plus, our student wins #1 in 2025! Second school opens in Bellevue, WA.
2025
First school in CA
Payam Music opens the first school in CA in Santa Monica with plans for many schools across the country.

Our values

Always key into high-quality for each and every student, in each and every school.

Quality

Always key into high-quality for each and every student, in each and every school.

Empathy

Practice understanding feelings when building relationships with students, parents, and teachers.

Play

Emphasize the “play” in playing piano. Our students will ultimately excel because they love what they are doing.

Composition

Don’t just copy, create! Continue to question traditional methods and ideas to provide the highest quality instruction.

The future of teaching

Learn what it's like to be a teacher at Payam Music

Careers

Apply to work as a teacher at one of our schools or at our remote HQ.

Piano Teacher - Bothell

Join our instructor team in Bothell, Washington.

Bothell
Part Time
Piano Teacher - Bellevue

Create a joyful environment for students to fall in love with piano in Bellevue, Washington.

Bellevue
Part Time
Piano Teacher - Santa Monica

Teach piano at our newest school in Santa Monica, California.

Santa Monica
Part Time
Get started

Schedule your
free lesson

Reach out for an orientation and first class.

Learn to play the songs you love
Excel with exceptional teachers
Reach diploma level in 4 years
Ages: In-person (4+), Online (7+)
Open to all levels