From piano lessons to music therapy, Arabesque Music helps children and adults thrive through sound and connection.
Spend 10 minutes with Valery Goldes and you’ll appreciate his love for music. His attention to detail, and his talents as a performer and a composer. But ask him about teaching music to children and he lights up with stories about the ways that music helps kids – especially those who are neurodiverse.
Val, as he goes by, is the managing partner of Arabesque Music, which offers music education and music therapy – they’re different – to children and adults up and down our state. We met with Val recently and asked him to share his background, his passion and some of his success stories.
L.A. Parent: How and when did you develop your love of music?
Val: I started playing music at the age of 7, practicing seven hours a day and quickly immersing myself in a world of concerts and international competitions. That intense early experience shaped my identity and laid the foundation for everything I do today. Music became more than a passion — it was a discipline, a language and a way of understanding the world. I was fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring teachers and mentors who helped guide my journey and reinforced my belief that music has the power to transform lives.
L.A. Parent: What’s your favorite instrument, and how many do you play?
Val: The piano is my absolute favorite — and the only instrument I play. I also sing, which adds a personal and expressive layer to my musicianship. I believe deeply in mastering one instrument with depth and precision and, for me, the piano has always been that instrument.
L.A. Parent: How did Arabesque Music get its start, and what is your goal with it?
Val: Arabesque Music started as a vision to bring high-quality, conservatory-level music instruction into homes and communities, while making it inclusive and accessible. My best friend and I co-founded Arabesque with the belief that music should be for everyone, not just those who can afford elite schools. We also saw a need for specialized instruction for neurodiverse children and adults. Our goal is simple: Use music as a transformative tool for education, communication, therapy and joy.
L.A. Parent: How many families does it serve today?
Val: We’re proud to serve hundreds of families throughout California. As vendors with 19 regional centers, we’re able to work with a wide range of clients, from young children just discovering rhythm to adults rediscovering music as a therapeutic outlet. Our team has grown to include dozens of teachers and therapists across the state.
L.A. Parent: What is music education compared to music therapy, and how does either one benefit children who learn differently?
Val: That’s a great question. Music education is about learning how to play an instrument, read music and develop musical skills. It helps build focus, discipline, motor coordination and confidence. Music therapy, on the other hand, is led by board-certified therapists and uses music as a clinical tool to achieve specific non-musical goals — like improving communication, social skills or emotional regulation.
For children who are neurodiverse, both can be incredibly beneficial. Music creates a safe and joyful space. It helps with structure, communication and expression in ways traditional methods sometimes can’t.
L.A. Parent: Anything else families in Los Angeles should know about Arabesque Music?
Val: Yes, we’re not just passionate educators, we’re a community. We work closely with families, listen to their needs and tailor each experience. Whether it’s in-home lessons, virtual sessions or music therapy tailored to an IEP or IFSP, we meet each student where they are. And most importantly, we make sure that every child, no matter their ability, feels seen, heard and empowered through music.
If you’re interested in learning more about Arabesque’s methods, locations and instruction visit www.arabesqueconservatory.com or call 424-284-8444.
