About Nila Dhinaker
I am an experienced and passionate music educator offering piano and French Horn lessons with a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Performance and Behavioral Neuroscience. I studied piano under Dr. Kiyoshi Tamagawa and French Horn under Dr. Patrick Creel at Southwestern University for three years before graduating with honors as a Paideia-distinguished graduate. During my time there, I also co-founded the Southwestern University Band of Pirates and played a pivotal role in launching Music in Motion, an organization dedicated to creating performance opportunities for young musicians through philanthropy.
My eclectic academic pursuits earned me the title of King Creativity Scholar, which was partially awarded in recognition of my independent research in the Viral Symphony project. Together with a team of fellow musicians, biologists, and programmers, we embarked on a unique exploration: What does the coronavirus sound like within a host? This project merged science and music, translating the genetic code of SARS-CoV-2 into an electronic composition, accompanied by a piano and string quartet. It was an incredible journey that illuminated the science behind a global pandemic through the power of music.
Beyond this, I am a creator of the Williamson County Music Project, an endeavor focused on unraveling the rich musical history of our communities through oral history, shedding light on the stories and melodies that might not make it into the written record.
Rooted in behavioral neuroscience, my belief in music’s profound influence on the human brain fuels my teaching philosophy. I strive to make music accessible for students of all ages and skill levels. Music, to me, is more than notes and melodies; it’s a lifelong companion, offering emotional balance, memory enhancement, and self-expression. My approach to teaching is simple: lessons should be enjoyable and something to look forward to, providing a delightful escape from life’s daily demands. I’m particularly fond of teaching adult beginners; it’s a wonderful journey we can embark on together.
Beyond the world of music, I nd joy in outdoor pursuits like geocaching, rock climbing, skydiving, and parkour. On quieter days, I spend time with the ve cats I share my home with or channel my creativity into the culinary arts, crocheting, and doing henna body art.
I will be offering piano and French Horn lessons at both the Northwest School of Music in Austin and the Velocity School of Music in Cedar Park. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to renew your musical skills, I’m here to make your music journey enjoyable and fulfilling.
