Sharing Our Passion for Music

Ms. Van is the founder of Virtuosos Russian Music Academy and a graduate of the world-renowned Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Moscow, Russia, where she earned her Master’s degree in Piano Performance.

After arriving in the United States in 1996, she established V.R.M.A., Inc. with the support of her late husband, Yuriy Marshukov. For more than 25 years, Ms. Van has been dedicated to teaching students from across the country, earning a reputation for her structured, creative, and inspiring approach to music education. Her distinctive teaching method consistently fosters remarkable progress and artistic growth in every student she mentors.

Ms. Van’s students have achieved outstanding success, winning numerous competitions throughout the United States—including the V-Star Competition in Orange County, California—and even appearing on national television programs such as “Little Big Shots,” hosted by Steve Harvey.

Highly regarded for her expertise and passion, Ms. Van’s teaching is in great demand among students of all ages, with a waiting list for her classes. She believes that the classical arts are often underappreciated in modern American culture, particularly among younger generations. Her mission is to rekindle a love for piano and the performing arts through positive encouragement, artistic excellence, and a deep, heartfelt passion for music.

Mr. John, successor and son of founder Ms. Van, is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, where he earned his degree with an emphasis in Piano Performance. He has over 18 years of experience teaching piano and more than a decade teaching drums students of all ages.

In his early music career, Mr. John performed with his rock band, which opened for major acts such as The Offspring and played at renowned venues including the House of Blues and Whisky a Go-Go. His band also won Battle of the Bands in 2011. At just 13 years old, Mr. John became the youngest piano finalist in the UCLA Junior Bach Competition.

Throughout his teaching career, Mr. John has trained numerous students for piano competitions, many of whom have placed among the top finalists with a few claiming first prize. His charismatic and encouraging teaching style inspires students to develop both technical skill and a genuine passion for the arts.

A dedicated member of V.R.M.A. for over 20 years, Mr. John believes every student is unique and strives to help each one discover their full potential in a positive, engaging, and motivating environment.

Ms. Sirana earned her Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Yerevan State Conservatory. She is a passionate, dedicated, and caring educator who focuses on helping her students realize their full potential while developing proper piano technique and musical expression.

Her students enrolled in the M.T.A.C. Certificate of Merit Program have maintained an outstanding record, with many achieving State Honors. Beyond her teaching, Ms. Sirana has toured extensively throughout Europe, conducting master classes at renowned venues in Spain, Armenia, Germany, and Russia.

For more than 15 years, Ms. Sirana has been an integral part of V.R.M.A., where she continues to uphold the classical tradition through rigorous European academic standards and a deep commitment to excellence in music education.

Mr. Dūng is a distinguished master of cello performance, celebrated for his artistry and dedication to musical excellence. He studied in Russia and has toured extensively throughout Europe and Asia, earning international recognition for his performances.

A graduate of the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where he completed his Master’s degree in Cello Performance at the top of his class, Mr. Dūng was honored with the prestigious Elite Artist of Vietnam National Award, presented by the President of Vietnam. He went on to serve as the Principal Cellist of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra for an impressive 33 years.

As an educator, Mr. Dūng designs personalized learning programs tailored to each student’s goals and skill level—balancing challenge with enjoyment to foster both technical mastery and a genuine love of music. He is known for his patient, engaging approach and his ability to inspire students of all ages, from young beginners to advanced adult musicians.

Mr. Eric is a passionate violinist, violist, and arranger, and a graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo. He has performed as a violist with several distinguished Hawaiian ensembles, including the Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra, Maui Chamber Orchestra, and Orchid Isle Orchestra.

During his university years, Mr. Eric broadened his musical horizons as a member of the University Jazz Orchestra, where he explored diverse styles on both the violin and viola, drawing inspiration from artists such as Frank Zappa. He frequently created original arrangements and composed string parts for jazz orchestra performances, showcasing his versatility as both a performer and arranger.

More recently, Mr. Eric has expanded his artistry to include the electric violin, performing with various local bands and musicians in the Long Beach area. As an educator, he is deeply encouraging of creativity and exploration, often arranging custom pieces for his students to inspire excitement and personal connection through music.

Mr. Tadashi earned his degree in Guitar Performance from California State University, Long Beach, where he developed a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary styles. With over 20 years of dedicated teaching at V.R.M.A., he is known for his patience, gentle guidance, and exceptional versatility across multiple instruments, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, and ukulele.

As the head of the Rock Band Department, Mr. Tadashi brings energy and creativity to every lesson, helping students build confidence, technique, and stage presence. His supportive teaching style has made him a favorite among students, many of whom are able to perform independently within their first year of study.

An award-winning artist, Miss. Jennifer was the youngest Open Division winner of the Indiana International Guitar Competition and a recipient of the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. She holds both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Guitar Performance from the Peabody Institute, where she studied under Manuel Barrueco.

Her students are always excited to come to her class. They know they will have a fun and interactive time while learning proper guitar techniques and musical expression. Expect a solid foundational teaching style through passionate teaching with students of all-ages. 

Miss. Jennifer has appeared as a soloist in Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez with the Mill Valley Philharmonic and has performed at renowned venues including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Sarasota Opera House, and the American Guitar Society’s 90th Gala Celebration. She has also taken part in the world premiere of Jordan Chase’s Between Earth and Sky and the Baltimore premiere of Sergio Assad’s Giornata a Nettuno with the Barrueco Studio Ensemble.

Guitarist Miss. Jennifer Kim is recognized for her virtuosic technique and expressive sensitivity. Her repertoire focuses on technically demanding works, with a particular affinity for the solo music of Barrios-Mangoré and Tárrega. Through her playing, she uses the guitar as a powerful medium for storytelling and emotional depth.

Rooted in her upbringing surrounded by New Orleans jazz, Ms. Cara a vocal and piano teacher brings a deep sense of musical community into her teaching. She is a beloved V.R.M.A. teacher among her students, known for her warm, encouraging style that leaves each student feeling confident, inspired and most importantly leaving her lessons happy. 

Ms. Cara is a passionate V.R.M.A. music teacher who has trained under professors from California State University Long Beach, Fullerton, Chapman University, and USC. She has built a teaching approach centered on curiosity, creativity, and musical exploration.

An active performer, Ms. Cara has participated in jazz bands, symphonic bands, jazz and chamber choirs, and honor choirs throughout Southern California—often serving as a section leader or assistant director. She has performed at renowned venues including USC School of Music, Meng Concert Hall, and the Bob Cole Conservatory, and has premiered works by composers such as Dr. Matthew Lyon Hazzard and Brian Quan, including performances at Carnegie Hall.

Miss Liberty is a highly educated piano teacher dedicated to musical excellence and fostering a lifelong passion for music in all of her students. She has studied Piano Performance at Chapman University and has trained under professors from Biola University and Chapman University since a young age.

Drawing from a rich foundation of classical piano training, Miss Liberty guides her students in developing both strong technique and beautiful artistry. She also emphasizes performance skills, helping students cultivate stage presence and the ability to communicate through music.

With a patient and encouraging approach, Miss Liberty inspires students to develop a personal love for music while expanding their understanding of what music can mean in their lives. She values music not only as a means of expression and connection, but also as a lens through which to interpret life. By fostering confidence and self-motivation, she helps students grow into thoughtful, independent musicians.

Ms. Nuribeth is a highly skilled voice teacher and graduate from Azusa Pacific University, with an emphasis of vocal performance. She is an accomplished musician and educator with over 10 years of professional teaching experience of all-ages and levels spanning vocal performance, music education, and community outreach. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she seamlessly blends her artistic talents with a deep commitment to growing passion for the performing arts to all of her students. Expect a positive, challenging and encouraging enviornment under Ms. Nuribeth's teaching.   

As a versatile performer, Miss. Nuribeth’s extensive background includes performing vocals across bands, solo acts, and diverse ensembles. Her expertise also extends behind the scenes, where she has arranged vocals for both live shows and studio recordings. Demonstrating a global perspective, her international experience includes an online internship with the PJ Media Group, operating across Colombia and the United States.

An expert educator, Ms. Nuribeth has built a robust career as a music teacher and private instructor, specializing in multiple vocal technique, beginning level piano, musicianship, songwriting, and music theory. She has been a committed member of Virtuosos Russian Music Academy (VRMA), with plans on building the vocal department to new heights!  

Mr. Cameron  graduated from the prestigious Musicians Institute with the emphasis of drum and percussion. Mr. Cameron began his musical journey at the age of five. Growing up in the church, he quickly discovered his passion for playing the drums and knew from an early age that music would be a major part of his life. Recognizing his natural talent and dedication, he began formal drum lessons in middle school, laying the foundation for what would become an impressive career in music.

Mr. Cameron teaches drum students of all-ages and levels. He is highly skilled in right-handed and left-handed drummer styles. He is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of musicians through private drum instruction and music education through proper technique and motivation. With decades of experience, a dedication to excellence, and a lifelong passion for music, Mr. Cameron continues to inspire audiences and musicians alike through every performance. All of Mr. Cameron’s students vary from beginners to the advanced levels, all of which are strong rhythm and notation sight readers. He teaches rock, jazz, blues, soul, and much more. 

During his school years, Cameron became heavily involved in music programs, joining both the marching band and drumline. By the seventh grade, he was already performing and competing alongside the high school drumline and marching band at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School. Throughout high school, he expanded his musical abilities by participating in concert band, jazz band, honors orchestra, indoor drumline, and marching band, gaining experience across a variety of musical styles and performance settings.

At a young age, Mr. Cameron’s talent afforded him opportunities to perform around the world and participate in numerous jazz festivals, further developing his skills as a versatile and accomplished musician. 

Mr. Cameron is one of the newest addition to V.R.M.A’s drum department, with a strong track record of student retention and students leaving his class with a smile!