Manana Restiano
Piano
Manana loves sharing the joy or music with her students! Manana holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the Meliton Balanchivadze College of Music in the Republic of Georgia. She was privileged to study with fine pianists and pedagogues as L. Abashidze and E. Arutunova. During her college studies she was awarded the Silver Medal in the Tchaikovsky Competition. Manana is a Piano Artistry Instructor at Charlotte Academy of Music.
Known affectionately as Ms. Gigi to her students, she is a teacher who always strives to customize a method of study based on each student’s age, learning style and interests. Manana is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and the American College of Musicians. Her students have performed at the District, State and National levels in the National Piano Guild Auditions. Manana also enters her students in the NFMC Piano Festival each year.
Manana is also a gifted artist, and is the director of the Academy’s popular Mo’zArt camps. She studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Moscow where she learned about paiting in oils, watercolors and acrylics. She also learned the art of Gobelin, and her work has been displayed in the former Soviet Union, Iran, Eastern Europe and the United States. In 2009 Manana completed the illustrations for a children’s book, The Wings of Friendship.
First of all, I would like to say that Mrs. Gigi is my third piano teacher, and she is the most encouraging. Only in her class did I actually start liking the instrument I'm playing. Whenever I play a wrong note, her answer is simply ,"Great, but you can do that better!" All in all there is a very happy atmosphere in her class; there is no sign of despondency anywhere! I am really glad I ended up in her class; I can't imagine being in another one!
~Theodore Karabet, Academy Piano Artistry Student
Proud is the word that comes to mind when we think of where our daughter began and how she has progressed. The time that Amaria has spent with Ms. Gigi has proven to be extremely valuable. Not only has Ms. Gigi helped to develop her understanding of music, but she has also assisted in buidling Amaria's self- confidence, which is exemplified in many other aspects of her life. With our eldest child having such a rewarding experience, it only seemed appropriate to have our youngest begin taking lessons as well. In just 2 months time, Jada too has flourished. Each week, Jada is excited about piano lessons as if it is her first day. Such excitement is heartwarming and it further confirms that our children are pleased with their progress and accomplishments. We are truly appreciative of the hard work and dedication that Ms. Gigi has shown to our family over the past few years. We wish her and the Charlotte Academy of Music continued success!
~The Greene Family
Our daughter, Vanessa, has been taking piano lessons from Ms. Gigi for about three years now. Over the years Vanessa has grow so much musically and emotionally due to Ms. Gigi’s nurturing care. Not only is Ms. Gigi a highly skilled piano teacher, she also makes learning fun. Vanessa has participated in the NFMC Festival as well as Piano Guild, each time receiving the highest score. We truly believe this is the direct result of Ms. Gigi’s teaching abilities and careful guidance.
~Tim Jenkins and Judy Cowan, Academy Parents
Manana (Ms. Gigi) works wonderfully with my son, Aiden (age 5). He started taking lessons with her a year ago and made great progress in a short period of time. When he started lessons, he was very quiet and did not talk much. But Ms. Gigi quickly made him feel so comfortable that he is now telling her stories and making her laugh! A few weeks ago, the school was having a competition to memorize as many measures of music as possible – Aiden was up to 20 one night! He was very excited and proud of himself! I credit Ms. Gigi for his progress…she has done a great job of making him feel at home and developing his interest in music and skills on the piano, while keeping it fun. We’re so happy to have her as his instructor!
~Lori Price, Academy Parent
