Sharing Our Passion for Music

Ms. Van is the founder of Virtuosos Russian Music Academy and graduated from the world renowned Conservatory of Tchaikovsky in Moscow, Russia; she obtained her masters in piano performance. After arriving to the United States in 1996, she opened V.R.M.A inc with help from her late husband, Yuriy Marshukov. She has been actively educating students from all around the states for over 25 years. Her structured, unique and creative style of teaching always produces quality progress in everyone she teaches. Ms. Van's students have won multiple competitions around the United States including V-Star competition in Orange County, CA and even major television shows such as The Little Big Shots hosted by Steve Harvey. She possess teaching quality that is highly sought after   from all ages with a waiting list for her class. Ms. Van believes that the classic arts are  underappreciated and educated here in the states, especially for the youth; her mission is to bring back the true art of piano education through positive affirmation, passion and most importantly love for the performing arts. 

Mr. Johnny, successor & son of founder Ms. Van, graduated from the University of California, Irvine with an emphasis in piano performance. Mr. John has been teaching piano for 16 years & drums for over 10 years. In his earlier years, his rock band Breaking Curfew opened up for big name bands such as The Offspring and played at huge venues such as the House Of Blues, Whisky a-go-go and won battle of the bands in 2011. Mr. Johnny also became youngest piano finalist (13 years old) in the UCLA Junior Bach Competition. He has trained multiple students for piano competition and had his students win and/or place in the top 3 finalists. His charismatic approach to teaching has helped excel his students passion and appreciation for the arts. Mr. Johnny is a firm believer that every student is unique in their own way and his goal is to help them reach their true potential in a fun and motivational environment.  He has been part of  V.R.M.A. for over 16 years. 

Ms. Sirana graduated from Yerevan State Conservatory with a master's degree in piano performance. She is a very passionate, loving and caring teacher who focuses on tapping into her students' true potential while educating them on how to play with proper technique. Ms Sirana has toured all across Europe conducting master classes in famous venues in Spain, Armania, Germany and Russia. Her students who are signed up in her M.T.A.C Certificate of merit program have a perfect record. All of her students have never failed this exam and usually pass with state honors. Mrs. Sirana has been teaching at V.R.M.A. for over 15 years. 

Mr. Dūng is a master at his art of cello performance. He studied in Russia and toured around Europe and Asia. Receiving the Elite Artist Vietnam National award by the President of Vietnam, Mr. Dūng graduated the top of his class from the Vietnam National Music Academy with a master's degree in cello performance. Mr. Dūng was the #1 cello seat in the Vietnam National Symphony for 33 years. His approach to teaching includes creating a specific program just for you that will pose a challenge yet be fun and enjoyable in the process. He is great with children and adults. 

Mr. Tadashi graduated from California State University of Long Beach with an emphasis in guitar performance. Mr. Tadashi is very patient, gentle and highly skilled in teaching multiple genres of guitar, ukulele, bass guitar and the electric guitar. Mr. Tadashi leads our rock band department and also has been with us for over 20 years.  His students love him dearly, and you can expect to play independently within just the 1st year of studying under Mr. Tadashi. 

Mr. Eric, a passionate violinist and arranger, is a graduate of the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. He previously was a violist for several Hawai'i orchestras; The Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, Maui Chamber Orchestra, and Orchid Isle Orchestra. During college, he also joined the university jazz orchestra where he expanded his experience of styles on both the violin and viola, finding particular inspiration from the music of Frank Zappa. Oftentimes he would write out violin and viola parts for pieces played in the jazz orchestra, as well as writing full arrangements for a handful of songs. Most recently he has picked up the electric violin, with an accompanying pedalboard, and plays a variety of instruments with a few Long Beach local bands and musicians. Mr. Eric is highly encouraging of learning and exploration, and enjoys arranging requested pieces by his students, eager to find ways to get them excited about playing.

Mr. Richard, a virtuosic addition to the VRMA family, has been teaching piano over 15 years. He is an acclaimed pianist and composer, embodies musical excellence with a rich tapestry of performances across Europe and the United States. Trained at elite institutions such as the Manhattan School of Music and the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Richard's virtuosity and creativity have captivated audiences worldwide. From prestigious concert halls including Carnegie Hall and the Kimmel Arts Center to intimate venues in Denmark and Norway, his performances transcend genres, seamlessly blending classical tradition with contemporary improvisation. Expect a high level of education with the utmost care and passion for you and/or your child. Mr. Richard's friendly personality resonates with his students and shows throughout their musical journey at V.R.M.A.

Mr. Erik is a graduate from the world-renowned José White Music Conservatory in Cuba, with the highest qualification in piano performance. With over 10 years of professional piano experience under his belt, he led his conservatory with a prestigious performance grade and was awarded 1st place in multiple piano competitions during his stay in Cuba. Mr. Erik’s accompaniment excelled him to perform with many vocalists as well as instrumentalists in different types of classical concerts. His education is based on Cuban (Latin) and Russian classical teaching while reinforcing European theory teaching including classical, jazz and latin styles. When learning from Mr. Erik, expect a teaching method that adapts to all types his students’ musical interests. Mr. Erik is a firm believer that anyone can learn to express their emotions through the piano. Being able to teach all levels from beginner to advanced, Mr. Erik is very patience, kind, will always give his utter best version of himself in every class and project he is presented. 

Mr. Aerek, a highly skilled vocalist and guitarist comes from a musical family. His teaching styles include rock, blues, pop and classical. While attending Orange Coast College, he received numerous scholarships for guitar performance, including the Richard Denner memorial award and was invited to be a member of the American Guitar Society. Under the instruction of Dr. Adam Pettit, Aerek received his Associate of Arts degree in Music and is now currently completing a Bachelors Degree in Guitar Performance at Cal State Fullerton as well as a teaching credential. Aerek also has a passion for music composition, having written for choirs, ensembles and solo works. He has been teaching guitar for over 10 years and believes that no matter the level, there’s always room improvement  for musicianship while keeping a fun and encouraging environment. When not teaching or performing, Mr. Aerek enjoys writing short stories and poems, as well as spending time with his wife and son.

Miss. Rachel is a vocalist and educator from Southern California and has been teaching voice and piano for over twelve years. She holds a   master’s degree in vocal performance from DePaul University in Chicago. Miss Rachel has taken part in many opera productions and has played Orfeo in Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Zia Principessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Mistress Quickly in Verdi’s Falstaff, and more. She was a finalist in the Meistersinger Vocal Competition in Graz, Austria in 2022 and the winner of the Kleinman Competition in Chicago. Miss. Rachel’s goal in educating is mentorship and sparking curiosity and passion in her students through all genres of music. She believes in equipping all her students with the tools to succeed in making music, whether it is for themselves or for others.

Ms. Summer Le, a voice teacher originally from Vietnam and raised in Orange County, CA, brings a diverse background to her teaching. With degrees in Music from Orange Coast College and additional studies in Music Education at Cal State Long Beach, she is classically trained in Bella Canto vocal technique, as well as experienced in Musical Theater and Pop music. Ms. Summer teaches voice and  piano, cherishing the individual connections she builds with her students and witnessing their musical growth. She believes music is a universal language that enriches lives, aiming to impart its importance through her teaching and interactions. In addition to her teaching, Summer Le is an accomplished performer who has graced prestigious venues such as Disney Hall, Carnegie Hall, and various other local stages in her area.