The Purple Piano: Music, Mindfulness & Movement
Meet the Teachers

Haley Shapiro
Piano & Yoga Teacher, Founder Haley is a devoted musician and teacher. She began taking piano lessons at age six, and soon after began composing, singing, recording, and performing. She volunteered as an accompanist at her local temple and assisted living home, and worked with children through babysitting, volunteering at elementary school aftercares, and teaching piano lessons. She then found yoga in college to help cope with stress and illness, and has been practicing regularly since. Studying Music Business at New York University led Haley to work at recording studios, record labels, and music publishers. This gave her indispensable knowledge about what it takes to be a successful musician in the music industry. Haley has always known that her purpose is to help musicians thrive. Fully realizing her passion for teaching, Haley attended Teachers College at Columbia University and graduated with a Master of the Arts in Music Education. She learned to teach music to students in pre-k-12th grade with a foundation in fostering an engaging, student-centered, and inclusive learning environment. Her studies focused on incorporating mindfulness techniques into the music classroom and performance hall. Haley is also a Certified Children’s Yoga Instructor, and uses music, dramatic play, and fun games/activities to make meditation, mindfulness, and yoga accessible to the youngest of children. She also applies these tools to teaching music lessons to foster positive musical experiences.

Daniel McIntyre
Piano Teacher Daniel McIntyre has been dedicated to studying the piano since 2008, when he first started playing. He quickly grasped the art of piano performance and was accepted in the music program at West Chester University in PA. Throughout his time at WCU, Dan performed numerous recitals and concerts; solo and with ensembles. Most notable was his performance at Carnegie Hall with WCU's Wind Ensemble performing David Maslanka's Symphony No. 4. He also taught private piano lessons to students of all ages. In 2018, Dan moved to Boulder to attend University of Colorado pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance. During his time at CU Boulder, he also studied piano pedagogy with notable piano teacher Alejandro Cremaschi to hone in his teaching skills. Dan performed frequently in solo recitals, ensemble groups, and master classes, while also teaching piano lessons through the CU Youth Piano Program. Dan has invested himself in pedagogical studies. During his studies he focused on the art of piano teaching and how to apply his knowledge to students of all levels. He has taught a wide range of ages and skill levels with the goal of inspiring creativity and musicality. Using a variety of techniques, he focuses on creating interest in music by sharing his own passion for it. Dan is currently accepting new students for lessons in our Erie studio location!

Will Jones
Piano Teacher Will is a dedicated piano instructor, church accompanist, and music producer. He found purpose and mental wellness through artistic expression, most notably writing music. He taught himself keyboard, music production, and music theory, and even had an internship at Eagle Wind Sound as a production intern for grammy award winner PJ Olssen. Shortly after, he began taking private piano lessons and couldn’t get enough. He continues to take private piano lessons, and is also learning how to play guitar. Will has committed himself to teaching piano, writing music, and playing keyboard in local bands around Denver. He is also a professional graphic designer and graphic design instructor, having graduated from Colorado State University in Fort Collins with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Design. Inspired by his own teachers, Will is currently teaching piano across Northern Colorado and is excited to transfer his passion for music to students of all ages and abilities. Open to new ways of teaching, he loves arts and crafts, and believes that music and visual art are very connected, with supplementary learning exercises being an essential tool. Will aims to make learning the piano fun and give back to the community by making the world a better place through music. He is available to teach in-home lessons for piano throughout the Boulder-Denver metro area.

Anna Dean
Piano Teacher Anna Dean is a passionate teacher with over 15 years of piano experience. She began playing piano at the age of six in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and has nurtured her love for music ever since. After years of study and dedication, she continues to share her passion for piano with others in her community. She has taught piano for four years to primarily beginner-level students ages 6-15. After graduating from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Anna has since worked as a preschool teacher and daycare worker. These experiences have enhanced her ability to connect with students of all ages and foster an encouraging, positive learning environment. Anna’s teaching philosophy centers around making music both enjoyable and accessible, aiming to cultivate a sense of accomplishment and joy in every student. With a deep commitment to bringing the joy of music into the lives of her students, she is excited to guide and inspire the next generation of pianists in their musical journeys. Whether teaching beginners or more advanced players, she believes that music can be a powerful tool for personal growth and expression. Anna is currently accepting new students for in-home lessons!

Sabrina Zirakzadeh
Piano, Guitar, Voice, Ukulele, & Flute Teacher Sabrina Zirakzadeh is a passionate musician and educator who has performed around the world. A dedicated vocalist and songwriter, she is happy to teach students of all ages in piano, guitar, and voice, and specializes in sight-reading and chord theory-based playing. Sabrina grew up in Louisville and began her musical journey performing with the Boulder Youth Chorale and studying at Interlochen Arts Camp as a child. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Denver and a master’s degree in Popular Music Studies from the University of Glasgow in Scotland, she taught preschool through high school in Japan from 2012-2022, including 4 years as music teacher and curriculum head for a newly created K-12 English Immersion program. When she returned to Colorado in 2022, she taught music and 5th grade drama at Bixby Elementary School in Boulder until 2025. She has also taught private lessons for voice, guitar, piano, flute, and ukulele around the world since 2007. Sabrina believes that everyone can find something they love in music lessons, whether it’s performing, discovering the science and math behind music, or music appreciation. Her favorite part of teaching is when a student discovers they can do something they never thought they could, like playing a song from start to finish without stopping for the first time or successfully solving a music math or spelling challenge. She also loves to find the fun in lessons, so be ready for plenty of silliness with a purpose in her classes!

Eric Rodriguez
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, & Bass Teacher Eric Welty Rodriguez is a musician, composer, producer, bandleader, and teacher currently residing in the Denver, Colorado area. Eric graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance Guitar. As a multi-instrumentalist - he currently teaches piano/keyboard, guitar, bass guitar, songwriting/composition to students of all ages and backgrounds. He believes every student should follow their own unique and creative musical journey, and aims to make lessons fun and engaging. For the last 10 years, he has been dedicated to writing, performing, and teaching music with the community of collaborators he surrounds himself with. From performing original music in various projects, to teaching local students, music has always been a deep and profound experience for him. He is currently accepting students throughout the Boulder/Denver metro-area and looks forward to sharing his passion for music with new students!

Carlisle Momberger
Piano & Voice Teacher Carlisle is a lifelong performer and arranger of music. She started playing piano at three years old, participating in competitions and Certificate of Merit. Her skills range from French impressionism and romantic period music to modern arrangements of pop and show tunes, including choir accompaniment and composition. As a singer, she has performed with choirs at Carnegie Hall, and sung backup for artists such as Josh Groban and 30 Seconds to Mars. Her musical theater background includes the titular role in the show Alice!, during which she never left the stage. She currently performs at the First United Methodist Church in Boulder, singing solo jazz and folk pieces when she isn't singing in the choir. While Carlisle’s degree is in Chemistry, she has found her true calling in performing and teaching. She has enjoyed teaching piano and voice to students of all abilities between the ages of 4-70. Her teaching style focuses on building an understanding of each piece from the ground up, analyzing the structure of the music to create a strong foundation that holds up under the pressure of performance. As a former chemistry tutor, she understands how to systematically break down concepts in a way that is tailored to each student, instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. She helps her students follow their passions by arranging their favorite piano pieces for their level, and encouraging vocalists to find ownership over their music through expression and artistic choice. Carlisle encourages musical exploration, and loves to make learning fun with games and playful activities. She also works closely with the homeschool community, teaching lessons and leading a rock band. Carlisle is currently accepting new students for in-home lessons in Boulder, Broomfield, Westminster, Superior, Louisville, and Lafayette!

Yazi Diaz
Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Drums, Songwriting, & Voice Teacher Yazi is a songwriter and performer who is passionate about helping students discover the joys of music. He studied the science of music with a major in Recording Arts at University of Colorado Denver. When not teaching, he is active in recording, writing, and performing music and has a background in many genres including rock, jazz, pop, classical, metal, and world music. Yazi believes every student learns differently and tailors his lessons to each individual’s goals, interests, and styles. His teaching approach combines strong musical fundamentals with creativity, making lessons engaging, rewarding, and fun. He is experienced in teaching students of varying ages and skill levels, from beginners learning their first notes to more advanced musicians looking to refine their abilities. He loves helping students build their confidence, technique, and self-expression through music. Yazi is currently accepting new students for in-home lessons on piano, guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, voice, and songwriting!

Alexander Amick
Piano Teacher Coming Soon!