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Meet the piano teachers at Naji Piano School
Meet our team of piano teachers for children ages three and up, teens and adults. Our teachers offer in-home lessons across Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park, with no added travel fee. Soroush teaches at our Edina studio. Explore each teacher’s background and approach, then tell us what you are looking for. You are welcome to request a teacher or let us help you find a suitable match.
Different backgrounds, a shared commitment to students
Our teachers bring different musical backgrounds, interests and teaching experience. What connects them is a commitment to understanding the student: listening, explaining ideas clearly and adjusting when a different approach would help. We value musical progress and enjoyment together, with achievable practice goals and guidance for parents supporting younger children at home.
Soroush Naji 
Carson Aldrich 
Cathy Chang 
Leslie Halverson 
Noah Tankersley 
Brett Tennyson Soroush Naji
Soroush’s music education began at age four in Iran, and he started piano at six. After stepping away as a teenager and later returning on his own terms, he came to understand how much the teaching experience shapes a student’s relationship with music. His teaching journey in the Twin Cities began in 2018 and grew into Naji Piano School.
At our Edina studio, Soroush teaches children ages three and up, teens and adults, including neurodivergent students. He builds lessons around the individual, using clear musical goals and manageable practice tasks. He also guides teacher matching and stays involved with families as their lessons develop.
Carson Aldrich
Carson brings 15 years of piano experience and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College, where he double-majored in music and psychology. He has taught piano through Prince Music Company and has extensive experience supporting neurodivergent children and teens, including autistic students and students with ADHD. In his in-home lessons, he combines patient explanations with attention to each student’s interests, comfort and pace of learning.
Cathy Chang
Shih-Han (Cathy) Chang began piano at five in Taiwan. She studied bassoon and piano at Soochow University, earned a Master of Music in bassoon at the University of Minnesota and is pursuing a doctorate in piano, with completion expected in summer 2027. Cathy combines technique, theory and musical expression with patient, personalized guidance for children, teens and adults.
Leslie Halverson
Leslie brings a background in music education and student development to lessons for children, teens and adults. She creates a welcoming environment where students can ask questions, explore ideas and build confidence. Her teaching connects technique, theory and sight-reading with each student’s goals. Alongside teaching, she is an active performer and ensemble director in the Twin Cities.
Noah Tankersley
Noah grew up in rural Minnesota, learning independently before pursuing formal study and completing a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance with an emphasis in piano in 2020. An active band performer, he brings a strong ear and experience across classical, jazz, Latin American, R&B, rock and pop. His lessons connect technique and musical understanding with ear training, playing by ear and music the student enjoys.
Brett Tennyson
Brett studied music performance and elementary education at North Central University in Minneapolis. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and active performer, he brings experience in folk, jazz, rock and jazz fusion. He enjoys finding different ways to explain a concept, helping students work through technique and theory while exploring their musical interests and creativity.
Finding a teacher you feel comfortable with
Your interests and preferences help guide our recommendation. The free trial gives you time to meet the teacher and experience a lesson before deciding whether to continue.
Step 1: Tell us about the student
Share their age, experience, interests and preferred lesson setting, along with days and times that could work. You are welcome to tell us about helpful teaching approaches, support needs or a teacher you would like to meet.
Step 2: We recommend a suitable match
Soroush considers what you share alongside each teacher’s experience, approach and availability. For children under five, he looks for a teacher experienced with very young beginners. In-home matching also takes your location into account.
Step 3: Try a free 30-minute lesson
Meet your teacher, spend time at the piano and get a feel for learning together. There is no payment card required or obligation to continue. The trial is free for your family, and the school pays the teacher for their time.
Step 4: Tell us how it felt
Soroush follows up privately after the trial to hear whether the student felt comfortable and enjoyed learning with the teacher. You can choose a start date for weekly lessons or discuss another trial lesson with a different teacher.
In-home lessons across five cities, plus our Edina studio
Our teachers teach in homes throughout Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park, with no added travel fee. Soroush teaches studio lessons at 7300 Gallagher Drive in Edina, with free parking directly outside. Share your preferred setting, location and availability so we can help arrange a suitable weekly time.
Questions about our teachers
Can I choose which teacher we get?
Yes. You are welcome to request a teacher whose background or approach interests you. Soroush will consider your preference alongside the student’s needs, your location and scheduling availability. He can also recommend a match. After the trial, we follow up to hear how it felt and can arrange another trial lesson with a different teacher.
Do we get the same teacher every week?
Yes. Weekly lessons are normally with the same teacher at an agreed time, helping them get to know the student and build on previous lessons. Soroush remains available for questions, and you can contact him whenever you would like to discuss a different teacher or approach.
Do all your teachers come to our home?
Carson, Cathy, Leslie, Noah and Brett offer in-home lessons in our five service cities, with no added travel fee. Available times depend on your address and the teacher’s schedule. Soroush teaches only at our Edina studio. Tell us which setting you prefer when you get in touch.
How young can a student be?
We welcome students from age three, but readiness varies. For children under five, we match families with a teacher experienced with younger beginners. Early lessons may include playful activities with sounds, rhythm and keyboard patterns. A free trial helps you meet the teacher and explore whether now is a good time to begin.
Do you teach adults?
Yes. We welcome adult beginners, returning players and those developing existing skills. Lessons reflect your musical interests, experience and schedule. Practice goals are manageable, and a busy week does not mean you need to skip your lesson. It can be a useful opportunity for guided practice and renewed momentum.
What if our teacher is ill?
We will let you know as soon as possible. If your teacher needs to cancel, we can arrange a makeup lesson when schedules allow or provide a credit or refund for the missed lesson. Soroush will help coordinate the next steps with you.
No card, no commitment
Book a free 30-minute trial lesson
Have a teacher in mind, or would you like help choosing? Tell us a little about yourself or your child and what you hope to learn. Soroush aims to respond within 24 hours to discuss availability and help arrange your free trial. There is no obligation to continue.