My Goals
Sitare began her piano education at the Golden School of Music located in Bethesda, MD, and began playing at age 4. She has primarily trained in classical piano music, specifically with works by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and Ravel. Currently, she is studying under Dr. Douglas Jurs at Elon University and will be completing her senior research in Classical Iranian Piano Pedagogy Techniques. This will culminate in a final performance and research article this April.
Aside from her training, Sitare also enjoys playing jazz, pop/rock, and musical theater piano styles; she accompanies/sings regularly in various gigs and is a part of Elon University's Elon Music Ambassadors as an accompanist/singer.
Sitare also teaches students piano techniques and repertoire and is currently completing her minor in Piano Pedagogy at Elon University. Sitare teaches students of all different ages and can tailor her lesson plans to each student's needs. You can book your private lessons with Sitare below!
Teaching Philosophy
I emphasize joy, inspiration, and diversity and strive to create a fun, engaging environment where students explore a wide range of musical traditions, from Western theory to global styles like the Iranian radif. By encouraging creativity, improvisation, and personal expression, I aim to foster a deep appreciation for music and guide students toward both technical mastery and a lifelong love of learning.
Iranian Piano Pedagogy Research
My research on the Iranian radif focuses on exploring how this rich and intricate musical tradition can be adapted and translated for the piano. The radif, with its elaborate modal system and emphasis improvisation, provides a unique framework for expression. By analyzing its short melodies and adapting their nuanced microtonal structure to the tempered tuning of the piano, I aim to bridge this traditional art form with the modern instrument. This research not only preserves and reimagines the radif but also enriches piano pedagogy, offering students and performers a deeper connection to diverse musical cultures.
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