Piano

Enter the fascinating world of the piano at Quartertonez. Whether your child is tapping the keys before dinner or you...

Image of Piano teacher playing the piano

Enter the fascinating world of the piano at Quartertonez. Whether your child is tapping the keys before dinner or you want to pick up the piano again, we are here to help you on this magical journey. Together we will walk through amazing piano music, breaking it down into steps appropriate for your ability level.

Our piano performance is top notch. Whether you enjoy jazz, rock, or classical music, we offer private lessons to help you achieve your musical dreams. Our commitment to incredible music beyond the classroom is reflected in our events which give our students the opportunity to perform and showcase their newfound abilities.

Due to its ease of learning and playing, the piano has widespread popularity. Having a clear view of the notes facilitates music reading. Even if you’re just getting started, it sounds fantastic due to the way it’s tuned.

You will be immersed in a focused and enjoyable setting throughout every piano session at Quartertonez, with individualized attention provided at every stage. Notation reading, music theory, ear training, and playing skills are just a few of the topics we cover in our comprehensive approach.

Did you know that the piano is often hailed as the “King of Instruments”? Its versatility allows musicians to perform solos or ensembles, orchestras, or orchestras, ensuring that pianists are always in demand in the music industry!

Come experience a musical journey with us at Quartertonez, where exciting piano music is just waiting to be perfected and shared with the world.

Piano INSTRUCTORS

FAIROUZ FOTY

CELLO I CHOIR I PIANO I VOICE

EMMA G

PIANO I SONGWRITING I VOICE

IYA MEZENOV

FLUTE I PIANO

MARIANA AMORIM

PIANO I VOICE

RANDA ROUWEYHA

PIANO I VOICE

TAYLOR M. YOUNG

PIANO I VOICE

FAIROUZ FOTY

VOICE I CELLO I PIANO I CHOIR

Fairouz Foty has become a sought out full-lyric soprano in the DC metropolitan area for some years now. She has sung in leading musical performance centers such as The Kennedy Center, Strathmore Hall, the Verizon Center, The Croatian Embassy, The Slovenian Embassy, The Bulgarian Embassy, The Egyptian Embassy, The Anderson House, The Arts Club of Washington, among others. This season she performed the role of Leonora with the Washington Opera Society in Il Trovatore excerpts and other Verdi Operas. She performed at the Argentinian Embassy as part of the Arts for the Aging (AFTA) Gala performance and will be performing at The Kennedy Center Reach Center, The French Embassy, The National Pen Women’s Association among other prominent venues in the DC Metropolitan area this season.
Fairouz has performed the title of role of Cecilia in Maria & Cecilia with the In Series to stunning reviews. In addition she has performed the roles of Micaëla (Carmen, Carol Opera Company), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi, Westminster Choir College Opera), Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Westminster Choir College Opera), Voluptua (La pizza con funghi, Hubbard Hall Opera), Rosario (Goyescas, In Series), Mimi (La Boheme, Romez3arts), and covered the roles of Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly, Hubbard Hall Opera), and Tatiana (Eugene Onegin, Bel Cantanti). Last season Fairouz made her Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra debut in Ethereal Voices, A Toast to the New Year. She also debuted the role of Violetta in La Traviata and performed with the Washington Opera Society in Croatian Christmas and Christmas in Slovenia. Fairouz was a Semi-Finalist in the 2018 Annapolis Opera Vocal Competition. She was invited to perform for the 55th-anniversary concert of the Compania Ernesto Lecuona in Teatro Milanese in Pinar del Rio, Cuba and in San Jose, Costa Rica as part of an intercultural exchange with Grupo31.

Fairouz’s musical foundation began through Arabic music where her father, a virtuosic oud player and Arabic singer, taught her and her four siblings how to play and sing in Arabic. She is in the process of using her Western Opera skills to rewriting a unique genre of Arabic Opera that focuses on the works of early 20th century Arabic composers and musicians as well as fusing popular opera arias with Arabic music. Fairouz is the Artistic Director and Founder of Quartertonez Music, a music school that utilizes western classical pedagogy as well as improvisation, world music, and rote learning to create a unique holistic approach to teaching music. Each semester Quartertonez Music focuses on a different underrepresented genre or culture of music.
Fairouz received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music and Africana Studies from Lafayette College in 2011 and continued her studies at Westminster Choir College, where she earned a Masters of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy with an emphasis on Performance.

For more information, please visit her website: http://www.fairouzfoty.com

EMMA G

VIOCE I BEGINNER PIANO | SONG WRITING

An award-winning musician, author, and youth empowerment coach, I have had a lifelong battle with a rare neurological condition called hydrocephalus, so I understand trauma. I’ve been able to use music to recover from multiple traumas, including ten brain surgeries, by writing and singing my truth, sharing my experiences, and turning my lessons into blessings. I have a unique style that marries the styles of pop, soulful ballads, and a gritty rock edge.

I’m now on a mission to save the world one song at a time, not just through my own music, but also by coaching teenagers to channel their voices and struggles through the powerful tool of songwriting. We all experience trauma, but songwriting is an effective tool to not simply communicate your teenagers’ struggles, but to identify key issues, simplify overwhelm, find the right languaging to communicate their thoughts, and present their learnings, feelings and overwhelm in a way that is non-confrontational, authentic, and creative. Youth Empowerment through Songwriting coaching is the perfect way I combine my background as a teacher, lecturer, YMCA youth coordinator and – of course – a singer/songwriter.

Music is an incredibly effective tool for alchemy: helping audiences and teen songwriters alike overcome struggles, trauma, stress and overwhelm with songs of overcoming, resilience, self-love and stepping into one’s power.

I can’t wait to work with you.

Read more about EmmaG: https://emmagmusic.com/

Book a lesson with EMMA G: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/emma-g

IYA MEZENOV

FLUTE I PIANO

Iya Mezenov is a passionate and experienced musician with a remarkable career as a flute and piccolo player. She was born in Russia and raised in Cuba and currently resides in Maryland. Mezenov obtained her Bachelor of Music degree from the Faculty of Music at the Arts University in Havana, Cuba in 1992, where she graduated as the valedictorian of her class.

In pursuit of further specialization, Mezenov pursued postgraduate studies in Hispanic Musical Heritage at Colegio San Gerónimo de la Habana in 2013. Her desire for continuous growth led her to earn a Master of Music degree in Musical Interpretation from the Faculty of Music at the Arts University in Havana, Cuba in 2018.

Throughout her career, Mezenov has demonstrated her exceptional talent as a flute and piccolo player. She has gained extensive experience performing in orchestras, bands, and theater productions. Her repertoire ranges from classical to popular music, showcasing her versatility and musicality. Mezenov has had the privilege of touring various countries, including Spain, Japan, Dubai, Martinique, Panama, and Brazil, performing on many prestigious stages.

Aside from her performance career, Mezenov has also dedicated herself to teaching. For fifteen years, she served as a flute teacher at the Conservatorio Amadeo Roldan in Havana, Cuba. Her teaching experience has allowed her to instill a lifelong love and commitment to music in her students. Mezenov possesses superior skills in individualized instruction and is proficient in teaching diverse musical styles and interpretative techniques.

In terms of professional experience, Mezenov has been a valued member of several musical ensembles. From 2017 to 2021, she served as the 2nd Flute and Piccolo player in the Cuban National Symphonic Orchestra. Prior to that, she was a member of the Symphonic Orchestra of Ballet and Opera at Gran Teatro de la Habana from 2005 to 2021. Mezenov’s dedication to her craft is evident through her long-standing commitments to these orchestras. Additionally, she has performed as a musician in various bands, including Fascinación Quartet, Piel Morena Band, and Canela Band.

Mezenov is fluent in three languages. As a native speaker of Spanish, she brings a deep understanding and appreciation for Hispanic musical heritage to her performances and teaching. Furthermore, she possesses near-native fluency in Russian and has a professional knowledge of English.

In summary, Iya Mezenov’s impressive career as a flute and piccolo player, along with her teaching experience, has solidified her reputation as a passionate and dedicated musician. Her mastery of diverse musical styles, extensive performance background, and commitment to sharing her knowledge and love for music with her students make her a highly regarded figure in the music industry.

Book a lesson with Iya: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/iya-mezenov

MARIANA AMORIM

PIANO | VOICE

Mariana Amorim is a caring and professional music teacher with over 10 years of experience working with children from pre-kindergarten to 5th grade. She is passionate about creating inclusive instruction and fostering diverse learning environments. Mariana has proven herself to be a versatile choir and music multi-instrumentalist teacher, always attentive and sensitive to the individual needs of each student.

Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Mariana possesses strong language skills that allow her to effectively communicate with students from various backgrounds.

In her professional career, Mariana has held several positions that have showcased her exceptional teaching abilities and commitment to childhood development through music. At Bruce-Monroe Elementary School at Park View in Washington, D.C., she served as a Music Teacher from August 2021 to December 2021, working with students from kindergarten to 5th grade.

Prior to that, Mariana was a Music Teacher at Georgetown Montessori School in Washington, D.C. from August 2019 to March 2020. During her time there, she conducted specialized musical activities that aimed to stimulate children’s motor, social, affective, and cognitive abilities.

Mariana has also worked as a Music Teacher and Musical Instrument Teacher at B&B Music Lessons in Washington, D.C. from December 2019 to December 2021. She conducted music lessons at Creative Minds International Charter School, teaching piano, guitar, flute, and voice to students of different ages and styles.

Between June 2018 and February 20

21, Mariana served as a Music Teacher and Musical Instrument Teacher at the Richardson School of Music in Takoma Park, MD. In addition to teaching general music, she also taught piano and organized regular recitals for younger students.

During her time in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Mariana was a Harpsichordist and Organizational Management staff member at the Baroque Orchestra of UNIRIO from July 2014 to June 2016. She was responsible for organizing logistics, rehearsals, and recruitment.

Mariana also served as a Music Teacher at Pedra da Gavea School in Rio de Janeiro from February 2013 to December 2015. Her music lessons focused on pre-kindergarten to 5th-grade students and were conducted in small groups called “living studios” to contribute to the individual and social development of each child.

Furthermore, Mariana worked as a Music Teacher for babies and toddlers at Espaço Bimbo in Rio de Janeiro from August 2013 to June 2014, providing specialized music work for children aged 6 months to 4 years old.

At Joao Caetano School in Sao Goncalo, Rio de Janeiro, Mariana worked as a Music Teacher from January 2011 to June 2012, conducting study groups with students based on differentiated learning needs.

Aside from her professional experience, Mariana has also dedicated her time and expertise to various social, religious, and community projects in Brazil, the Philippines, Panama, and the USA, where she taught choir, piano, music theory, and baby therapy.

Mariana’s academic background includes a Professional Development on Ukulele Playing and Pedagogy certificate from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, obtained in July 2021. She also holds a certification in Organizational Management from Washington Adventist University, Takoma Park, MD, earned in May 2019. Additionally, Mariana is CPR/First-aid certified since January 2018, also from Washington Adventist University.

With her extensive experience, language proficiency, and passion for music education, Mariana Amorim is a dedicated and talented music teacher who has positively impacted the lives of numerous students throughout her career.

RANDA ROUWEYHA

VOICE I BEGINNER PIANO

Randa Rouweyha has consistently earned high critical acclaim for the beauty of her light lyric voice, her commanding stage presence, and her exceptional acting abilities. She has been described by DC critics as a soprano who “sings with exquisite purity of tone and ringing clarity”, possesses “a sterling voice”, and an “amazingly strong performer”. Cleveland Classical’s outstanding review of her portrayal of Lucia in Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” summed up her performance with the following: “Randa Rouweyha was stunning as Lucia. Her light lyric soprano voice, strong stage presence, and charm brought the role to life.”  

Ms. Rouweyha is an experienced and seasoned performer, who has sung leading roles at numerous prestigious venues both nationally and internationally. In Washington, DC she performed regularly for many years in leading roles at The In Series, one of DC’s innovative opera and musical companies. She also had the honor to perform several mainstage roles with Washington National Opera at the distinguished Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. A native of Ohio, Randa takes special pride in her hometown performances with Opera Western Reserve at Youngstown, Ohio’s beautiful historic Stambaugh Auditorium, where she sang: Lucia in “Lucia di Lammermoor,” Adina in Donizetti’s “L’Elisir d’Amore”, and Rosina opposite renowned tenor Lawrence Brownlee’s Count Almaviva in Rossini’s “Il Barbiere di Siviglia”. Some of her memorable concerts outside the US include a special solo recital at the esteemed Al Bustan Music Festival in her land of origin, Lebanon; and more recently at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center in Istanbul, Turkey where she performed the role of Queen Elizabeth II in a new musical about princess Diana, “Queen of the People’s Hearts”.  

Equally at home with oratorio and chamber music, Miss Rouweyha has been a soloist with several of Washington DC’s respected chamber and choral ensembles; as well as a featured award-winning recitalist for Vocal Arts Society’s art song competition, where she was later appointed as an adjudicator for the event. Randa also has a particular affinity and love for languages. She has sung in English, Arabic, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Latin, and most recently, Chinese at the Chinese New Year celebrations in DC. Randa has also expanded her singing palate into other genres, such as classical Arabic music, which she has had the pleasure to sing at many events and concerts. Some of her favorite artists include Asmahan and Fairuz.  

In addition to her own singing career, Randa is a skilled voice teacher who enjoys helping singers build their voices through her knowledge of vocal pedagogy and bel canto technique. She earned her master of music degree at Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, and her bachelor of music degree at Youngstown State University in Ohio. Randa’s teaching philosophy is to train the voice with a healthy singing production based on each student’s individual needs. Her focus is on proper technique and specific exercises to strengthen the voice. Her goal is to help students sing with ease and command of their technique so that they may be expressive, communicative, artistic, and true to the music they are singing.

For more information, please visit her website: https://www.randarouweyha.com/

Book a lesson with Ralph: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/randa-rouweyha

TAYLOR M. YOUNG

VOICE | BEGINNER PIANO

A Cleveland native, Taylor is a jazz vocalist, arranger and composer. She is a double HBCU alumna, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Central State University with a Bachelor’s Degree of Jazz Studies and obtaining her Master’s Degree of Jazz Vocal Performance from Howard University. Taylor is also a former member of Afro Blue, Howard University’s premier Jazz Vocal Ensemble and most known for their appearance on NBC’s “The Sing Off”. Taylor has a passion for music education. She has been the jazz vocal instructor for the Washington Jazz Arts Institute for the past 5 years under the direction of Davey Yarborough, a previous Howard University Professor of the Jazz Voice department, and a current teacher at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, doubling as the director of the vocal ensemble Voices in Motion show choir, the Mellow Tones jazz vocal ensemble and music theory instructor. Now, she is excited to join the Quartertones team as the new voice and piano instructor.

Book a lesson with Taylor: https://quartertonez.setmore.com/taylor-young

Enter the fascinating world of the piano at Quartertonez. Whether your child is tapping the keys before dinner or you want to pick up the piano again, we are here to help you on this magical journey. Together we will walk through amazing piano music, breaking it down into steps appropriate for your ability level.

Our piano performance is top notch. Whether you enjoy jazz, rock, or classical music, we offer private lessons to help you achieve your musical dreams. Our commitment to incredible music beyond the classroom is reflected in our events which give our students the opportunity to perform and showcase their newfound abilities.

Due to its ease of learning and playing, the piano has widespread popularity. Having a clear view of the notes facilitates music reading. Even if you’re just getting started, it sounds fantastic due to the way it’s tuned.

You will be immersed in a focused and enjoyable setting throughout every piano session at Quartertonez, with individualized attention provided at every stage. Notation reading, music theory, ear training, and playing skills are just a few of the topics we cover in our comprehensive approach.

Did you know that the piano is often hailed as the “King of Instruments”? Its versatility allows musicians to perform solos or ensembles, orchestras, or orchestras, ensuring that pianists are always in demand in the music industry!

Come experience a musical journey with us at Quartertonez, where exciting piano music is just waiting to be perfected and shared with the world.