At the Soltani Music School, we welcome families and students of all ages and abilities. We work to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love and appreciation of music while growing friendships, strengthening families, and enriching our community.

Ali Soltani

Owner, Violin, Viola, Fiddle, and Piano Instructor

I’ve been teaching and performing music across Oklahoma and abroad since 2009. Over the years, I have devoted myself to helping students grow as musicians and individuals, combining my experience as an educator, performer, and entrepreneur to serve my community through music. I am a traditionally and Suzuki trained music educator and registered teacher through the Suzuki Association of the Americas. With training and experience in teaching violin, viola, oud, guitar, piano, percussion, composition, Kindermusik, and music & video production, I take a holistic approach to my lesson plans. I strongly believe that good education begins with making a connection with people first. I have been involved as a professional in the Oklahoma public schools for fifteen years and understand the ins-and-outs of the educational system. Historically, I have maintained a studio of 80 to 100 private students. I have taught over 600 private students, hundreds of sectionals, and over 50 group classes/ensembles. During the 2020 global pandemic, I created an online educational violin program called EveryoneStrings.com. I have established several strings programs in private schools that we continue to maintain through the Soltani Music School. A major initiative of mine over the last few years has been to train the next generation of teachers. I have taken several younger musicians under my wing and trained them in teaching and maintaining a private studio. They currently work as instructors in our music school. As a performer, I have presented regularly at art expos and showcases around Oklahoma and abroad. I served as a substitute violinist and violist for the Fort Smith Symphony and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra for a decade. My wife, Andrea, and I grew the Soltani Music School from our home and strive to make it feel like home to all of our 300 students. We have an established scholarship fund that provides financially for students and families in need. Community engagement is a big focus as we aim to connect with those around us. Personally, I love reading, soccer, and playing outdoors with my children. I currently live and teach alongside my wife as we raise our four children in Edmond.

Andrea Soltani

Owner and Cello Instructor

Since 2006, Mrs. Andrea has taught and performed professionally on the cello, piano, guitar, and voice. She is a leader in the arts in Oklahoma, and as a cello instructor, she brings a calm and encouraging presence to her lessons. Rooted in a deep appreciation for history, culture, and classical traditions, her work is driven by a commitment to fostering meaningful connections through music and strengthening community through inclusive, high-quality music education. Mrs. Andrea’s passion for teaching extends beyond her professional work to her four children, whom she homeschools.

Strings

Angelica Pereira

Violin Instructor

Angélica Pereira is a Colombian-born violinist whose career spans orchestral, chamber, solo, and studio performance. She currently serves as Assistant Principal Second Violin of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and second violinist of the CRUSA String Quartet. Pereira has performed in notable events including the United States National Anthem at the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies game (2025), the OKM Music Festival, the Oklahoma Haydn Festival, and national and international tours with the Orchestra of the Americas to Mexico, China, Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Belize. She has also taken part in high-profile productions such as The Who, Andrea Bocelli, Il Volo, and Michael Bublé in concert. Her recording work includes Grammy-nominated and award-winning projects for NAXOS, AaronLazar (Broadway for ALS), Gabriela Montero’s Latin Grammy-winning album Ex Patria, Julian Lennon’s Jude, and numerous film and television scores, including the movie Family Camp and PBS’s Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary. Pereira is a prizewinner of multiple competitions, including the Oklahoma City University Concerto Competition, the Oklahoma Community Orchestra Young Artist Competition, and the Ladies Music Club of Oklahoma City Competition. Her honors include the American Federation of Musicians Charles McDaniel Youth Award, The Journal Record Achievers Under 40, NextGen Under 30 Oklahoma in the Arts, and the State of Oklahoma Citation of Recognition for Outstanding Music Artist. A passionate educator, Pereira has taught privately for over a decade and served as Lead Teaching Artist with El Sistema Oklahoma, faculty at the Oklahoma Conservatory of Music, and a coach for award-winning chamber ensembles. She holds three degrees from Oklahoma City University—a BM in Violin Performance, an MM in Violin Performance, and a BM in Music Education—each time earning Summa Cum Laude.

Chazlen Rook

Violin and Fiddle Instructor

Chazlen Rook is a multi-genre violinist and private teacher. She holds a B.M. in String Performance from the University of Central Oklahoma with minors in Historical Performance and Humanities, and spent a semester abroad studying ethnomusicology at the University of Southeastern Norway. She is now pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at UCO with an emphasis in music production. Ms. Rook performs with a diverse array of ensembles, including the Stringsmen OKC string quartet, Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra, Kintsugi Mob, Enid Symphony, OU Avant-Garden, and her chamber music crew of fellow musical adventurers. As a private teacher, Ms. Rook brings the energy—crafting lessons that challenge, empower, and inspire. Her goal is to unlock students’ musical confidence and cultivate creativity and beauty, one epic practice session at a time.

Scotty Scott

Violin, Viola, and Fiddle Instructor

Scotty Scott, a violist based in Edmond and Oklahoma City, is a highly accomplished educator and performer. He earned his Master’s Degree with High Honors in Instrumental Performance from Oklahoma City University (OCU). During his undergraduate studies, Scott was fortunate enough to receive a full tuition talent scholarship, which enabled him to attend OCU. As a sophomore, Scott was selected to join the Graduate String Quartet, a position he held throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies. Scott has had the privilege of performing with various orchestras and opera companies, including the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Grand Opera, Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Lawton Philharmonic, Fort Smith Symphony, and Vergilius Chamber Orchestra. Currently, he holds the Principal Violist position with the Oklahoma City-based Painted Sky Opera Company. In his free time, Scott enjoys engaging in activities such as painting, reading, and spending time with his three beloved dogs: Benji, Luna, and Baron.

Ryan Kyker

Violin, Viola, and Fiddle Instructor

Ryan Kyker, aka Mr. Ryan, is the Assistant Director of Orchestras at Putnam City West High School and an assistant director for OKC Summer Strings. Mr. Ryan enjoys teaching beginners and loves building meaningful relationships with all students. He loves movie scores, playing video game songs on violin and viola, talking about The Lord of the Rings and Pokémon, and most of all, making music fun and inspiring to learn. Mr. Ryan’s philosophy of teaching is inspired greatly by the famous Shinichi Suzuki, “Teaching music is not my main purpose. I want to make good citizens. If a child hears fine music from the day of his birth, and learns to play it himself, he develops sensitivity, discipline, and endurance. He gets a beautiful heart.”

Lauryn Lackey

Violin, Viola, and Fiddle Instructor

Lauryn Lackey is a student at the University of Central Oklahoma with over 10 years of violin experience! Lauryn was the first hired instructor for the Soltani Music School and has been pivotal in establishing the new school location. She is not only a great instructor and musician, but a great person. In her free time, she enjoys softball and hanging out with my family and friends!

Emma Keller

Violin, Viola, and Fiddle Instructor

Hello, my name is Emma Keller and I have been playing violin for 12 years. I am a student at Oklahoma City University. My goal is to make learning the violin as fun and enjoyable as possible!

Elise Gaymon

Cello Instructor

Hello, my name is Elise! I’ve played cello for over 8 years, and I attend the University of Central Oklahoma, where I also play in the UCO Symphony Orchestra.

Piano

Olivia Bodenski

Piano Instructor

Olivia has been Pianist and Harpist for over twenty years, and has been teaching various skills to a wide range of ages for over five years. She believes that anyone of any age can learn to be an instrumentalist, and that the best way to support her students in their journey is to create a positive and encouraging learning environment. She earned her Bachelor of Music from the University of Oklahoma, and in her free time she enjoys creating art, reading, gardening, and spending time with her spouse and cats.

Jozef Menga

Piano Instructor

Hi, my name is Jozef Menga. I love music and art and am passionate about sharing that with others that are pleased to join the beautiful and interesting journey of learning music. I am from Albania and I’ve studied here in the US, particularly UCO. I graduated with a BA with emphasis in piano performance. I’ve performed for over 12 years and coached/taught for over five. I am excited to be a part of the Soltani Music School, a place where music meets art and provides a safe and comfortable place to learn and grow. See you in the lesson!

Mary Leigh Ochoa

Piano and Voice Instructor

Mary Leigh Ochoa graduated from University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Music Education, Vocal Emphasis, and a minor in Piano. She began her teaching career in Petal, MS, where she taught music education in grades ranging from 3rd grade to Jr High and High School choral music. After moving from Petal, she taught music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools. While in Nashville, she also presented at various District Teacher Events, at State Music Convention, and was on the team that wrote the curriculum guide for music teachers in grades 1-12. Upon returning to Mississippi, she taught choral music at Madison Middle School , Madison, MS, where her choirs consistently achieved superior ratings at district and state levels. Following her retirement from Madison Middle School, Mrs. Ochoa continued to teach piano and voice privately, and served as pianist at Lakeside Presbyterian Church in Brandon, MS. She and her husband now live in Oklahoma City to be closer to family. She looks forward to getting back to work!

Elizabeth Tan

Piano Instructor

Guitar & Ukulele

Ryan Kyker

Guitar and Ukulele Instructor

Ryan May is a classical guitarist with over 20 years of experience and a passion for teaching. Currently finishing his Bachelor’s in Music Education at Oklahoma City University, he offers personalized lessons for all ages and skill levels focusing on solid technique, musicality, and a love for the instrument. Ryan lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and young son, and brings a patient, encouraging approach to every lesson.

Voice

Tae Woodward

Voice & Piano

Tae Woodward is a soprano from Inola, Oklahoma. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Central Oklahoma and now teaches vocal music at various schools in the Oklahoma City Metro. Tae has performed in numerous plays, musicals and operas throughout her career such as Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, and Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Aside from voice, Tae also teaches piano, flute, acting courses, crochet, art, art history, music theory and music history. She serves as the bassist and a choral vocalist at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church where she is also currently directing The Best Christmas Pageant Ever for Bedford Theatre.