Nebu J. Issabey Music School Program
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Tiglat Issabey
Music Director
Phone (773) 863-3550 Email tiglat.issabey@auaf.us
Remembering Maestro Nebu J. Issabey
1930-2014
The late Nebu J. Issabey was born in Tabriz, Iran in 1930. He began violin lessons at age four, taught by his mother. In the next few years, he taught himself to play the piano. He later went on to study under the tutelage of the famous Italian violinist Luigi Pazanari, French violinist Tina Montofel, and later Joachim Blume and Carl Kaufhold while attending the Music Academy of Cologne, Germany.
In 1955, he founded the first Assyrian choir in Tehran, called the Nineveh Choir, which was later considered the leading choir in Iran. In 1966, the Iranian Fine Arts Institute was named the top-ranking choir in the country. Maestro Issabey and the Nineveh Choir performed for the Shah of Iran, where he was recognized.
After leading a notable career abroad as a musician, composer, and instructor, Maestro Issabey moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1973 and brought with him his dream to create an Assyrian national choir. He revived the Nineveh Choir, which later became known as the Assyrian National Choir. Also among his many contributions to the Assyrian community, Maestro Issabey composed “Roomrama” which he hoped would be recognized by Assyrians worldwide as the national anthem, unifying the Assyrian nation.
Maestro Issabey’s goal to share Assyrian culture through the international language of music was evident throughout his career. The music program at the AUAF is named in his honor and shares his mission of identifying and supporting Assyrian talents.
At the Assyrian Cultural Foundation, we feel that education and engagement in the musical arts are a vital part of the development of each individual. Music is a part of the cultural heritage of every human being, serving as a common thread for people around the world.
The Nebu J. Issabey Music Program is an intensive program intended to train students in their instrument of study. Our program offers both private lessons in piano, violin, cello, clarinet, flute, and group lessons in guitar. We also offer voice lessons.
Our goal is to identify Assyrian Americans with exceptional talents at an early age, encouraging them to develop their talents in order to become effective cultural leaders. We strive to empower Assyrian students and provide them with the tools they need to excel in pursuing artistic studies and careers. Our mission is to produce excellent Assyrian American musicians in a four-year study program.
Staff
Tiglat Issabey, Program Director
Barbara Bright-Read, Executive Assistant & Assistant to Music Director
Rasson Betyonan, Lead Instructor
Miles Tesar, Woodwind Instructor
Kevie Yu, Violin Instructor
Kjell S. Sleipness, Violin Instructor
Stephanie Sorisho, Cello Instructor
Hanna Fujisaki, Piano Instructor
Apply
Email: Barbara.bright-read@acf-us.org to apply.
Current Students
Semester Schedule
Winter
January 5 - March 13
Break: March 15 - March 22
Spring
March 23 - June 12
Break: June 14 - June 21
Summer
June 22 - September 11
Break: September 13 - September 20
Fall
September 21 - December 18
Break : December 20 - January 3
Class Schedule
Mondays
Piano
3:30 pm to 8:25 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Rasson
Woodwinds
5:00 pm to 7:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Miles
Piano
3:30 pm to 7:25 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Hana
Tuesdays
Piano
4:00 pm to 8:25 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Rasson
Violin & Viola
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Kjell
Violin & Viola
4:30 pm to 7:25 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Kevie
Piano
3:00 pm to 6:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Hana
Wednesdays
Piano
3:30 pm to 7:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Rasson
Piano
3:00 pm to 8:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Hana
Thursdays
Piano
11:00 am to 7:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Rasson
Violin & Viola
5:00 pm to 6:55 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Kevie
Woodwinds and Brass
4:25 pm to 8:25 pm
Private Lesson
Instructor: Miles
Saturdays
Piano
10:00 am to 3:25 am
Private lessons
Instructor: Rasson
Cello
9:00 am to 12:55 pm
Private lessons
Instructor: Stephanie