Founder · Piano teacher · Edina studio
Piano lessons with Soroush Naji
Soroush Naji teaches children ages three and up, teens and adults at his Edina studio. His lessons combine clear musical guidance with a friendly, personal approach, helping students build skills through music they enjoy. From young beginners to experienced players, including neurodivergent students, he takes time to understand the person at the piano and what helps them learn.
A different relationship with piano
Soroush began learning music at age four in Iran, exploring xylophone and recorder before starting piano at six. He loved the instrument, but when he was a teenager, the pressure surrounding lessons and practice led him to step away. Returning later by his own choice helped him recognize how much the relationship with a teacher, and the way learning is introduced, can shape a student’s experience.
His teaching journey began with assisting teachers in Iran, and he earned his professional piano teaching certification from the Arya Institute of Music in Mashhad in 2016. After moving to the United States in 2018, he taught at music schools in the Twin Cities and developed the vision that became Naji Piano School.
Today, that experience shapes his approach at the piano. Soroush wants students to feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas and working through difficulties together. He takes their musical progress seriously while recognizing that motivation changes from week to week. His goal is to help students build a lasting relationship with music, with encouragement and expectations that suit the individual.
High standards, held kindly
Clear guidance, encouragement and an approach that grows with each student.
Lessons built around you
Soroush listens to what students enjoy and watches how they respond to different explanations and activities. He draws on different methods and materials, adjusting the pace and approach as they learn together. Students have a voice in their lessons while receiving clear guidance on the skills they need.
Young beginners, from age three
Readiness looks different for every child. Early lessons introduce sounds, rhythm and keyboard patterns through short, playful activities, gradually leading to simple songs. Soroush gives young students time to explore and become comfortable, while helping parents understand what they are learning and how to encourage them.
Understanding the music you enjoy
Reading, rhythm, technique and harmony connect to the music a student wants to play. Soroush teaches classical, contemporary and jazz, and welcomes other musical interests, including Persian melodies. Favorite pieces can be approached through simpler arrangements and smaller steps as the necessary skills develop.
Progress worth celebrating
Our annual recital brings students and families together for music, smiles and snacks, with no participation or admission fees. Soroush helps students prepare at a comfortable pace. Performing is encouraged but optional, and the focus is sharing their progress and celebrating the work behind it.
Practice with a clear purpose
Soroush gives students something specific to accomplish between lessons: a short passage to work through, a rhythm to understand or a page to explore. The task and its purpose guide practice, with the amount adjusted to the student’s age, experience and current needs. Some days feel easier than others. Consistency matters, and small, focused efforts give students a manageable way to keep moving.
For younger children, parents receive clear explanations of the homework and ways to help without needing a musical background. Teens and adults work toward realistic goals around their schedules. When practice has been difficult to fit in, the lesson is still a place to learn, receive guided practice and regain momentum.
Piano lessons for neurodivergent students
A child’s experience in the classroom does not tell the whole story of what they can discover at the piano. Soroush has years of experience teaching neurodivergent children, including autistic students and students with ADHD. He gets to know their interests, strengths and support needs, adapting explanations, activities and pacing as they learn together.
Short, focused activities and manageable steps give students opportunities to make progress without expecting uninterrupted concentration for an entire lesson. Families are welcome to share what helps their child feel comfortable, and Soroush offers practical suggestions for practice at home. The aim is an enjoyable musical experience where the student feels understood and has room to develop their skills.
Soroush teaches these lessons at the Edina studio. For families interested in learning at home, Carson also has experience supporting neurodivergent children and teens and offers in-home piano lessons through the school.
Our son has ADHD, and piano was just what he needed to help him focus. We have been working with Soroush for over two years. He worked diligently with our son to make sure that he excels at every step of the way. Most importantly, he really takes great care of our son and our son (now 10) loves his lessons.
He has a wonderful way of holding kids to high standards while being kind and encouraging, making them genuinely excited to practice and improve. His explanations of music theory are clear and accessible, building a strong foundation that supports their playing.
I had been searching for someone to inspire and guide my son until I met Soroush. The first lesson convinced me we were at the right place. He had my son reading and playing the first day, but more importantly, he felt confident in himself.
His ability to adjust his technique and teaching skills for each an every student is truly exceptional. He has been very supportive and encouraging for both my daughters who are at very different stages in their learning. The parents are well informed about the lessons.
Soroush has a knack for breaking down complex pieces into manageable parts, making learning a breeze. His passion for music is infectious, and he has a unique way of making every lesson fun and engaging.
Soroush is absolutely wonderful, with a calm manner, supportive teaching style and has a fantastic rapport with my daughter. My daughter has improved a lot and always looks forward to her next lesson.
Soroush is formally educated and trained and brings a lot to the table as a piano teacher. Yet his best skill is how he works with your child.
Soroush teaches at the Edina studio
Soroush teaches at 7300 Gallagher Drive in Edina, with free parking directly outside. The studio is a welcoming, engaging space for children, teens and adults, where focused learning sits alongside conversation, encouragement and enjoyment.
Coming to the studio gives piano its own place in the week. For some students, getting ready and stepping away from their usual surroundings helps them arrive interested and ready to focus. Soroush keeps the atmosphere relaxed, giving students room to try something new and work through challenges without feeling rushed.
For families who prefer in-home lessons, our other teachers travel throughout Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park with no added travel fee. Soroush helps families find a suitable teacher and remains available for support as lessons continue.
Studio lessons in Edina and in-home piano lessons nearby
Students from all five of our service cities are welcome at Soroush’s Edina studio. Our other teachers offer in-home piano lessons throughout Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Richfield and St. Louis Park, with no added travel fee.
Meet the rest of our piano teaching team
Soroush works closely with our teachers and considers each student’s interests, learning needs and availability when recommending a teacher. Explore the team to learn more about the people offering in-home lessons through Naji Piano School.
Carson Aldrich 
Cathy Chang 
Leslie Halverson 
Noah Tankersley 
Brett Tennyson No card, no commitment
Book a free 30-minute trial lesson
Interested in lessons with Soroush? Share a little about yourself or your child, the music you enjoy and what you hope to learn. You are welcome to mention previous experience, preferred days and times, or anything that helps the student feel comfortable. Soroush aims to respond within 24 hours to discuss studio availability and arrange your free trial.
The trial is a chance to get to know each other and make some music together. Afterward, Soroush follows up privately to hear how it felt. There is no obligation to continue, and you can discuss weekly lessons or explore another teacher and lesson setting through the school.