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Timur Takhtaganov continues his lifelong trend of teaching and making music with others through Austin music school Stereo Lizard in Northwest Austin.
Zooming out
Takhtaganov had an early introduction to music. Growing up in Uzbekistan, his mother was a composer, and Takhtaganovand picked up his first instrument—a guitar— at nine years old.
As he grew up, he played with several famous bands from Central Asia. Music took Takhtaganov to festivals all over the world for six years of touring.
From Asia to Europe to Austin, Takhtaganov moved to Texas nearly a decade ago to be closer to relatives. He and his wife, Nataliya Tselik, partnered to open Stereo Lizard nearly three years ago to help local musicians grow.
“It's a blessing to see how our students grow, because they come here actually knowing nothing about music,” Takhtaganov said. “They don't know how to play [or] how to sing ... but after a little while, it's great to see them playing different songs.”
How it works
The music school features 110 students and a team of 10 professional instructors in piano, voice, guitar and drums. Takhtaganov teaches guitar, ukulele, bass and sometimes piano.
Stereo Lizard offers classes for children starting at five years old, going up to 80-year-olds. Each lesson is planned around the student’s abilities and attention spans.
“All of my colleagues ... understand that there's a big difference between being a good musician and being a good teacher,” Takhtaganov said.
Stereo Lizard also hosts between three and four recitals a year to showcase student talent and help them build confidence in performing.
Learn more
After each lesson, teachers explain what they covered in class so students can review the lesson and practice at home.
Stereo Lizard instructors are constantly working on their curriculum to improve lessons and show parents tangible results, Takhtaganov said.
His thoughts
He encourages both children and adults to invest in their education to help with interpersonal skills and mood.
“Musical education is so important, and I just need to remind adults that music heals,” Takhtaganov said. “When you're not only listening to music, but when you're actually playing it, it's pure magic.”
One last thing
Takhtaganov hopes community members understand that the school is more like a family.
“We are all professionals [and] each of our teachers graduated from [a] conservatory music academy,” Takhtaganov explained. “Every teacher has a very rich background. And usually when people come to our school ... they feel [at] home.”
