Today we’d like to introduce you to Raaz Jasani.
Raaz, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Raaz Jasani, I am 17 years old. I have been playing the piano since I was 5 and teaching since I was 12. I have come quite far in my musical career thus far. I am a classically trained pianist, earning a superior rating for 10 consecutive years at the UCF NFMC Music Festival, and have earned state honors for two consecutive years, ranking among the top in Theory Tests in FSMTA. My story in teaching really began in conflict. When I broke my leg in sixth grade, the world around me seemed to keep moving while I was forced to stop, leading me to feel somewhat incompetent due to the nature of my injury not allow me to do much for myself, let alone others. I wanted to change the narrative, I aspired to overcome this, and I started to confront what I believed was my own incompetence. Somewhere in my conflict and despondency, I realized I didn’t want pity; I wanted purpose.
I turned to my piano, not as an escape, but as a way to give back. Piano has emotionally impacted and matured me in ways I cannot describe, and I wanted to mentor young kids by sharing my love for the instrument with them, with the goal to inspire young minds the same way I was inspired. I began teaching when I was 12. My first student was my neighbor. What started as one lesson evolved into something bigger, a sense of connection, of healing, of rediscovering worth through helping others find themselves within the music they played. Within a year, I had eight students, and what amazed me most wasn’t the growth, but the realization that I loved teaching and hosting as much as I loved playing. In May 2022, I hosted my first piano recital at my home. This defining moment was both nerve-wracking and unforgettable. Standing in front of an audience to speak, rather than perform, was something new for me, and it marked a turning point in my journey. The biggest lesson I learned in my first year is that the best outcomes are only possible through not only hard work, but also collaboration.
Five years later, I’m still teaching, and I see the piano as more than just an instrument. It’s a conversation between the musician and the music. There are ways that music can touch the soul and bring out emotion in ways words simply cannot, and I will always feel rewarded when my students allow themselves to discover this. What began as an unexpected detour became one of the most meaningful parts of my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although there have been some struggles, I have found that the majority of my experience as a music teacher and mentor has been smooth sailing. I enjoy spending time with my students and sharing my passions with them, and it has never failed to be an enlightening experience and a resounding success that I look forward to every week.
I would say the journey has been mostly smooth, but definitely not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of a rigorous academic environment at my high school, along with varsity swim, volunteering, reaching my goals and advancing in piano, and teaching, often leaves very little time just to pause and enjoy life. There are days when it feels like I’m constantly racing against the clock.
Still, I’ve learned that these challenges have helped me grow, not just as a student or musician, but as a person.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My teaching is about connection, not just between student and teacher, but between the student and the instrument itself. I founded my piano business on the belief that no two students should ever learn in the same way, because no two souls express music in the same language, and no two people learn in the same way. What sets my work apart is the individuality behind every lesson. I tailor each lesson plan to the student, whether it’s their personality, their curiosities, or their mood, so that what they learn feels not assigned, but discovered and chosen. I’ve also composed four original pieces and encourage my students to explore composition and creativity if that interests them. What sets my teaching apart is that I offer to guide students through the process of composing their own songs, giving them a chance to express themselves and create something uniquely theirs. I recognize that every student is different. Some are drawn to classical pieces, while others are inspired by modern or popular music. I try to balance both by helping students set personal goals and choose pieces they’re genuinely excited to learn alongside their classical studies. I also write my own theory packets, something that grew out of wanting to give my students more than memorization or repetition. These packets dive into the anatomy of the piano, the vocabulary, the structures, and the meanings behind what they play. Understanding the why behind the notes turns repetition into mastery in technique and conceptualization.
I have also composed four original pieces and encourage my students to explore composition and creativity if that interests them. What sets my teaching apart is that I offer to guide students through the process of composing their own songs, giving them a chance to express themselves and create something uniquely theirs.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, isn’t a number or achievement; it’s the quiet transformation I’ve seen when a student realizes they’re capable of creating something beautiful on their own. My brand isn’t just about teaching piano; it’s about cultivating interest, inspiring confidence, and building a lifelong relationship with music.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People can work with me through private lessons, collaborations, or educational projects focused on music and creativity. I’m always open to partnering with those who value individualized learning and artistic growth. The best way to support my work is by attending student performances, spreading the word, or simply encouraging others to explore the piano. My goal is to make music education accessible, thoughtful, and deeply personal. I offer one free trial lesson with the student before committing to a long-term plan to ensure the student wants to learn with me. A way I can be supported is through public events that I would love to participate in. I would love to play piano at events, as I am a versatile pianist who can excel in a wide range of musical genres.
Pricing:
- $40/hr
- $25/30 minutes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.raazschoolmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raazschoolofmusic?igsh=dzRnMzM2em5mbWl5
