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

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How we fell in love with piano

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

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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

Competition winners

Our students sweep the PTA Reflections composition competition, winning 15 district spots, 5 out of 5 first place winners in WA, and 4 out of 14 national medalists. Plus, our student wins #1 in 2025!

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

Piano lessons get a bad rap for good reason. Limited song choices, intimidating sheet musicLearn what it's like to be a teacher at Payam Music, and slow progress lead students to quit. We’re on a mission to change that.