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Our story began in 2018 · Based in Edina, Minnesota
About Naji Piano School
Naji Piano School provides private piano lessons for children ages three and up, teens and adults, at home and at our Edina studio. What began with Soroush Naji’s teaching journey in the Twin Cities in 2018 has grown into a school working with more than 100 families. Our approach remains personal: get to know the student, build trust and help them find their own reasons to keep playing.
Lessons built around the student
Children today don’t learn the way they did 10, 20 or 30 years ago, so we adapt. Our philosophy and new teaching methods are built to improve cognitive skills and create lasting confidence.
Meet our piano teachersFinding his own way back to piano
Soroush Naji began learning music in Mashhad, Iran, at age four. His first two years included xylophone and recorder before he began piano at six and fell in love with the instrument.
When he was a young teenager, that relationship changed. Piano and chess began to feel like commitments chosen for him, and he stepped away from piano for several years. When he returned on his own terms, he discovered how different learning could feel when curiosity and personal choice were part of it. Looking back, the teachers who stayed with him were the ones who made him want to learn more.
That experience shaped the kind of teacher he wanted to become. He began assisting with teaching in Iran and earned a certification from the Arya Institute of Music in Mashhad. In 2018, after moving to the United States, he began his teaching journey in the Twin Cities and started developing the vision that would become Naji Piano School.
Over more than five years teaching at local music schools, Soroush learned from colleagues, built relationships with families and developed his own approach. As his personal teaching schedule grew to more than 60 students a week, he began bringing other teachers into the school to offer more families thoughtful, individual attention.
Today, Naji Piano School works with more than 100 families. Its purpose remains rooted in that personal experience: helping students build musical skills and a relationship with piano they can make their own.
Personal teaching, with clear steps forward
Every student brings different interests, experiences and needs to the piano. Our teachers draw from a range of teaching materials and approaches, adjusting explanations, activities and repertoire as they learn what helps each student. Reading, rhythm, listening, technique and musical expression develop together, with room for curiosity and music the student wants to play.
Children have plenty competing for their attention, from YouTube to Roblox. We believe piano teaching should respond thoughtfully to the world they live in. Games, familiar melodies and manageable challenges can make learning inviting while giving students meaningful skills to work toward.
Practice with a purpose
We talk about what to practice before how many minutes to practice. An assignment might be two short pages, a rhythm to clap or a few measures to play comfortably. Teachers explain what to focus on and how to work on it, giving students a clear goal beyond simply finishing a page or waiting for a timer. Practice expectations grow with each student’s readiness and goals.
Encouragement through the difficult parts
Enjoying piano does not mean every moment will be easy. Some days students feel excited; other days they need help getting started or working through a challenge. We set achievable goals and celebrate progress without expecting perfection. For younger students, teachers explain the weekly assignment to parents and suggest ways to help. No musical background is required.
Finding a teacher you feel comfortable with
We consider the student’s age, interests, experience, learning needs and availability when recommending a teacher. Soroush is closely involved in that process, and the free 30-minute trial gives the student a chance to experience the match for themselves.
Afterward, Soroush follows up privately to hear how the lesson felt. There is no obligation to continue, and we can arrange another trial lesson with a different teacher when needed. Once weekly lessons begin, families can stay in touch with both their teacher and Soroush as questions arise or their goals change.
Different backgrounds, shared care for students
Our teachers bring different musical backgrounds, teaching experience and interests to the school. We value both musicianship and the ability to explain, listen and connect. For a young beginner, that might mean turning a difficult idea into a game. For a teen or adult, it might mean finding a practical way to work toward music they have wanted to play for years.
Teachers have room to adapt their lessons and share their strengths. Soroush stays directly in touch with the team, and we respect the time, preparation and years of practice each teacher brings. Supporting our teachers is part of supporting our students.
Explore the individual profiles to learn about each teacher’s experience and approach.
Thoughtful support for neurodivergent students
Soroush Naji and Carson Aldrich have experience working with neurodivergent children, including autistic students and students with ADHD. Soroush teaches at our Edina studio, while Carson offers in-home lessons. Carson also brings a bachelor’s degree with majors in music and psychology, alongside professional experience in mental health.
Lessons build on each student’s interests and strengths, with pacing, explanations and activities adapted along the way. Families are welcome to share approaches that help their child feel comfortable learning. The trial offers a chance to meet the teacher and explore the fit together.
Piano is our focus
Soroush chose to build a school devoted to piano. That focus guides the teachers we bring together, the materials we explore and the support we offer families. From a child’s first keyboard patterns to an adult’s return to a favorite piece, our work centers on helping people learn this instrument.
Our focus leaves room for different musical interests. Students can build strong foundations while exploring repertoire, listening, playing by ear and creativity according to their goals and their teacher’s experience.
Piano lessons at home or at our Edina studio
Soroush teaches studio lessons at 7300 Gallagher Drive in Edina. The studio offers a welcoming setting where students can step away from everyday distractions and spend time making music.
Our other teachers travel to students’ homes throughout Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park. Available lesson times depend on your address and the teacher’s schedule.
In-home and studio lessons have the same lesson rates, with no added travel fee within these five cities. We’ll help you explore the setting and teacher that suit your needs.
Progress worth celebrating together
Our annual piano recital brings students, families and teachers together for music, smiles and snacks, with no participation or admission fees. It gives families a chance to hear what students have been working on and celebrate the effort behind each performance.
Teachers help students prepare at a comfortable pace. Participation is encouraged, never required, and the focus is on sharing progress and supporting one another.
No card, no commitment
Find your starting point at the piano
Whether you are exploring lessons for your child, starting as an adult or returning after time away, we’d love to hear what you have in mind. Begin with a free 30-minute trial at home or at our Edina studio, and see how learning with your teacher feels.