“I am passionate about teaching music and all forms of creativity. As a parent, I feel humbled and privileged to share my knowledge and talents with children and adults in our community”
CCAA offers children and adults private music lessons with the intent of helping every student reach their musical potential. Every lesson is thoughtfully prepared and customized to meet the needs of the individual student. We teach with attention to fundamentals while nurturing growth and improvement. Our teaching tools are experience, motivation, self-expression, and musical awareness.
Our Vision | CCAA methodology and mindset are embedded in a holistic musical approach which includes both technical understanding and expression. In a world that can feel overloaded with digital technology and screen time, we strive for authentic human connections with our students and the community in which they live.
Our Values | We value patience and kindness, the development of active listening, and sustained motivation through disciplined practice. We believe emotional connections cultivate individual growth and a supportive community that nurtures the power of the arts.
CCAA instructors are intentional in getting to know their students and nurture a positive and motivating teacher-student relationship. Beyond teaching kinetic and other technical skills, our teachers patiently support students through each stage of growth, empowering them with self-confidence and proficiency. Private lessons are offered for all ages and abilities. All lessons are customized to the student’s learning style, interest, ability, and goals. We find the individual approach, and assess progress, practice, and pedagogy at a pace intended to maximize development. We have highly skilled teachers who are proficient in teaching all styles and genres, from classical to jazz and everything in between. Generally, our curriculum emphasizes fundamental technique, music reading and the overall development of musicianship and music appreciation. Students have fun while growing their skill, confidence, and preparation for performance. Adults can rest assured that it is never too late to learn to play!
About Our Owner
Levon, born in 1980 in Yerevan, Armenia, grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical and jazz music from a young age. His childhood was enriched by the works of composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Khachaturian, and many others. Levon received rigorous training at a music school and participated in various piano competitions throughout Armenia. In 1995, he was honored with a Diploma for the Babajanyan National Competition. The following year, Levon was admitted to the Komitas State Conservatory, specializing in Piano Performance under the guidance of Dr. Svetlana Dadian. During his time at the conservatory, he collaborated with jazz, rock, and pop bands, performing in concerts across the city.
In 1999, Levon relocated to the United States with his family. In 2000, he joined the Maryland Youth Ballet as a pianist and eventually rose to the position of Music Director in 2003. As part of the MYB, Levon accompanied classes for faculty members, as well as notable guest teachers such as Susan Jaffe and Claudio Munoz. He also worked with the Washington Ballet Company from 2000 to 2014, providing piano accompaniment for renowned choreographers and guest teachers, including Septime Webre, Jeff Eduards, Kevin McKenzie, Julie Kent, Roy Kaiser, the Merce Cunningham Company, Trey McIntyre,
and others. Levon actively pursued his love for jazz, performing in local clubs in Washington, DC. In 2008, he showcased his vocal talents as the lead singer in the album "With a Song in My Heart," released with the group Double Sharp. Levon further contributed to the ballet scene by releasing the ballet CD "Beautiful Motions" in 2010, in collaboration with MYB faculty member Rhodie Jorgensen. He was also invited as a pianist accompanist to the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, in 2010 and 2014.
In 2014, Levon formed the band "United Shades of Artistry" and recorded a self-titled album featuring guest artists Randy Brecker and Gary Thomas. He continued his musical journey by releasing the album "Untainted" with the Levon Mikaelian Trio in 2018. He has over a million downloads on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Throughout his career, Levon performed at various notable venues, including Blues Alley, Twins Jazz, Bossa Lounge, and many others. He also maintained a close connection with the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, and played a prominent role in events such as
the 25-year celebration of Armenia's Independence in Washington, DC. Levon organized a fundraiser in 2018, hosting the First Lady of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan, where the Levon Mikaelian Trio headlined the event. In 2019, Levon founded the Chevy Chase Arts Academy in Chevy Chase, MD, establishing a music school dedicated to nurturing musical talent.
In 2022, Levon retired from his position as Music Director at the Maryland Youth Ballet, receiving the Fonseca Founders Award in recognition of his instrumental role in developing an exceptional music department at MYB. Levon actively participates in numerous fundraising concerts organized by organizations such as Seeds of Hope Armenia and Meduni UMSI, among others, to support his home country of Armenia.
Presently, Levon serves as the Director and Founder of the Chevy Chase Arts Academy, where he continues to pursue his innate passion for music while delighting audiences with his concert performances.