Rachel Brown

2011  

• Winner of the CAPMT, Music Teachers National Assoc. Sonata/Sonatina Competition

Rachel Brown, Brandon Davidov, & Alex Massachi

2011

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival

Natalie Kroh

2009 & 2010

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival

Brooke Levin

2007

• Winner of the Composers Today Symposium

Brandon Levin

2008

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival
• Panel winner of Music Teachers Association of California
  

Jason Abrams

2004

• Winner of MTAC, Composers Today Contest at age 16

2002

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival

2001

• Winner of the Southwestern Youth Music Festival - Chopin Category

1994

• Winner of MTAC, Composers Today Contest at age 6

Alex Afari

1995

• Performed at the Greek Theater- Winner of Youth at the Greek Festival. Over a thousand applicant only three pianist were chosen

Jonathan Ahdout

2005

• 1st place winner of the Teenangels Talent Competition with celebrity Judges: Jason Alexander, Seth Green, Alfre Woodard

2003

• Winner of MTAC, Composers Today Contest at age 14
• Released CD of original compositions

Michelle Alpert

2004

•  live Recording of original composition, " Orchestral Piece," by Harvard Westlake's high school's Symphony

2003

• Second Place California State Winner -- Original Composition (MTNA state competition)
• Honorable Mention (MTAC ) Concerto Competition
• Premiere performance of original composition, " String Quartet," at Harvard Westlake's High School's, "Composition and Chamber Music Concert"
• Honorable Mention for the New West Symphony Orchestra Discovery Artists
• Featured soloist sponsored by the New West Symphony Orchestra
• Third Place in the Liana Cohen Music Festival
• Finalist for Valley Cultural Scholarship Competition

2002

• Premiere Performance of original compositions, " Prelude," and " Invention," (for clarinet and oboe) at Harvard Westlake High School's "Composers and Chamber Music Concert"
• Panel Honors for Music Teachers Association of California
• Winner Concerto Competition at Harvard Westlake High School
• Second Place Sonata Competition for California Association of Professional Music Teachers (MTNA)
• Regional Finalist Honors Auditions-- California Association of Professional Music Teachers (MTNA)
• Second Place in the Liana Cohen Music Festival

2001

• "Young Artists Concert"  sponsored by Jewish Federation to sponsor programs at the Long Beach Jewish Community Center
• First Place in the Cypress College Piano Competition, Romantic Era
• Honorable Mention winner at the State Composers Contest sponsored by Music Teachers Association of California
• First Place in the Bureau of Jewish Educations Teen Songwriting Contest
• "Young Artists in Concert" Winner Solo Recital Performance at the University of Judaism 2001 California Arts Scholar awarded "Governors Medallion"

2000-2001

• Young Musicians Foundation Chamber Music Pianist
• Honors Piano Seminar at the Colburn School of Performing Arts

2000

• Second Place in the Music Teachers Association of California Alice Kitchen Memorial Scholarship Competition
• First Place in the Liana Cohen Music Festival
• Released CD of original compositions, "Gabris Song"

1999

• Performed in the Southern California Conservatory of Chamber Music Summer Festival
• Second Place in the Liana Cohen Music Festival
• Released CD of original compositions, "Songs From the Heart"

1998

• Fourth Place in the Showcase Solo Category at the United States Open Music Competition, Oakland, CA
• Honorable Mention at the Cypress College Piano Competition - Contemporary Era
• Master Class at UCLA with Professor Tom Beghin
• Third Place in the Liana Cohen Music Festival
• Chosen to perform original composition, "Reflections," at the Composers Today Symposium in Los Angeles sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California

1997

• Fourth Place at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival - Open Bach Category
• Third Place at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival - Open American Category
• First Place in the Music Teachers Association of California Alice Kitchen Scholarship Competition Elementary Division
• Master Class at UCLA with Professor Milton Stern
• Chosen to perform original composition, "The Enchanted Butterfly," at the Composers Today Symposium in San Francisco sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California

1996

• Fourth Place at the Cypress College Piano Competition Classical Era
• Chosen to perform original composition, "Think of Me," at the Composers Today Symposium in San Diego sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California

1995

• Received "The Early Bach Medal" with a Superior Plus rating from the National Piano Guild Auditions for successfully performing 15 Bach pieces by memory

1994

• "Honorable Mention" Award at the Southern California Junior Bach Festival

Aaron Goldberg

2004

• Winner of MTAC, Composers Today Contest at age 5

Michelle Moreh

2001

• Winner the Southwestern Youth Music Festival

Jasmine Moshfegh

2001

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival

Michelle Moghaddam

2002

• Winner or the Liana Cohen Music Festival

Natasha Navi

2001

• Winner the Southwestern Youth Music Festival

Mathew Sater

2003

• Winner of MTAC, Composers Today Contest at age 5
• Winner of Reflections contest

Sharon Halimi

1995

• Performed Sheila Hekmat's original composition at the Greek Theater- Winner of Youth at the Greek Festival

"Shilla's Method is incredible. Both my daughters, four and six, began reading music effortlessly in just a few months. This skill has given them confidence and a love for music that I know will last a lifetime.

-Jen Crittenden

"Shilla Hekmat is much more than a gifted piano teacher... she is a passionate, talented, and brilliant woman who is devoted to instilling in her students a love for music. Both of my daughters have learned to play beautifully and they have gained confidence and self-esteem through performances which Shilla takes the time to organize and present. Shilla is  a remarkable and inspiring teacher on so many levels and we have been so grateful to have her in our lives!"

-Susanne L. Daniels 

"Shilla's method has given our children a true passion and love for music. We never have to ask them to practice; they can't wait for their turn on the piano!

Shilla's piano books have inspired them to want to master the fundamentals so that they can move on to more advanced music. We were amazed at what they could play after only a few lessons!

And most importantly, Shilla has an amazing rapport with the kids - they love her and can't wait to see her each week!"

-Andrea and Steve Sanford, parents of students Ryan, Brooke, and Jade

"Shilla, thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to our daughters, Kate and Perrie, their love of the piano is a reflection of your passion and excellence as a teacher.  We are so blessed to have you working with our girls.  We look forward to many years and many recitals to come. "

-Kathy Smith & Steve Grace

" Shilla epitomizes the distinction between a simple teacher and an unforgettable mentor.  Through her unwavering passions and dedication to music, she has served inspiration and role model to those who have been lucky enough to know her.

Shilla has devoted herself to teaching music with patience and love ~ and for all she has taught us, we are thankful. "

-Pantea and Parham Yashar

"Your vision, discipline, patience and understanding have made it possible for our children to appreciate music at a higher level. Thank you for all you teach them, over and above the notes and rhythm."

 -Jamshid, Angela, Ben, Amanda, & Lauren Maddahi

"Of all the words that come to mind about Shilla, the most appropriate one is unique. If one looks hard enough, one can always find caring people, altruistic people, dedicated people, and loving people.  But to find all these qualities in a single person is none other than unique.  So it is by our good fortune to have met and learned from such an extraordinary woman.   Our appreciation transcends mere words."

-Jonathan, Jasmine, & Jordan Elist