Nava Payandeh

Nava Payandeh (she/her) is a dedicated flutist and educator with a passion for both performance and teaching. Originally from Iran, she overcame significant barriers to pursue her musical education, earning her Master of Music with a full scholarship from Montclair State University. She has won numerous prizes for her musicianship and was the sole flute intern at the Atlantic Music Festival in 2023.

As a performer, Nava has played with various orchestras and ensembles on the East Coast. She is equally passionate about teaching and has extensive experience instructing students of all ages in flute, beginner piano, and music theory. In her teaching, Nava fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment, helping students develop strong technical foundations while exploring their unique musical voices. Drawing from her diverse background in Western classical and Middle Eastern music, she encourages students to connect with music on a deeper level.

Beyond music, Nava is committed to education and outreach. She has provided free flute lessons to Bahá'í students in Iran and was selected for the National Flute Association’s outreach program, where she introduced world music to diverse communities.

Now based in Cambridge, MA, Nava continues to perform, teach, and inspire students to develop their artistry and love for music.