Meet Shilla
A lifetime of music
Shilla Hekmat is a renowned piano educator in Los Angeles, known for her unique approach to teaching that blends passion with education. With over 35 years of experience, she has mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have become accomplished pianists, musicians, and composers.
Shilla excels in identifying and overcoming the challenges young musicians face, transforming traditional piano lessons into a journey of passion and discovery. Her dedication goes beyond teaching technical skills; she inspires children to believe in their potential and grow through the art of performance. In her creative and supportive environment, Shilla encourages not just musical excellence but also personal accountability and the pursuit of dreams.
Education & Excellence
Shilla Hekmat's educational journey is as impressive as her teaching career. A distinguished graduate of CSU Northridge Department of Music, she has enriched her pedagogical skills with specialized training in the Orff-Schulwerk Method at UCLA, tailored for children, and studies in the Robert Pace and Kodaly methods. Her dedication to continuous learning was evident early in her career when she received a music scholarship from CSUN in 1985.
Shilla's profound understanding of music education is reflected in her successful 16-book piano method series, which offers a comprehensive and motivational approach to learning piano. Her insights and theories have been shared in renowned publications like Keyboard Companion Magazine and presented in lectures to influential music education organizations.
A Legacy in Leadership
Shilla Hekmat's accomplishments extend far beyond her teaching. She has been recognized as the 2011 Woman of the Year by both the Iranian Women’s Organization and the Hadassah Organization, acknowledgments of her significant impact on the community. As a passionate advocate for charitable causes, she has been instrumental in raising over $700k for Connecting to Cure Crohn’s and Colitis through annual piano recitals. Her commitment to community service also includes her role as a committee member of Looking Beyond, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities.
Shilla's leadership and community engagement were further highlighted in 2021 when she was invited by Beverly Hills Mayor Lili Bosse to program a performance at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts for Sing for Hope. Her legacy is not just in her musical achievements but in her profound impact on the community and her dedication to enriching the lives of children through music.