Teaching is a privilege and a huge responsibility that demands selfless work, but it is immensely rewarding. I’m so proud of all of these students I had the privilege of working with in recent years. Many of these students have their own musical voice and have already made wonderful contributions to the music field.
Studio Photo at the Manhattan School of Music (Spring of 2024)
Xianglu Long (MM 2023-25)
“Studying with Dr.Farouk has been a truly inspiring experience. He is an exceptionally sensitive pianist with a profound musicality. His vast repertoire and deep understanding of stylistic nuances from different musical periods have greatly influenced my own artistic growth.”
Liszt sonata in B minor S.178
Scriabin sonata No.9 op.68
Beethoven Sonata Op. 110:
Lucia Liu (MM 2023-25)
Corigliano Etude Fantasie:
Liszt Sonata in B minor
Bach Prelude and Fugue in B minor BWV 869
Franck Prelude, Choral, and Fugue
Milena Martinez Alicino (PPD 2022-24) “In Dr. Farouk I’ve found all the qualities I always dreamt for a piano teacher to have: generosity, inspiring work ethic, genius mind and the ability to see his students for who they really are. Besides, I find him one of the best performers I have ever heard live and he is someone who, I think, deserves to leave a mark on the history of classical music performance and teaching. I learned incalculable knowledge from him but if I were to summarize it in one sentence, I would say, he has shown me that everything is possible to do in your instrument if you really want to; it is a matter of the will and humility before our craft.”
Chopin Nocturne Op. 27 No. 1 in C# minor:
Rachmaninoff prelude Op. 32 n. 12 in Db:
Chopin Impromptu No. 2 in F# Major Op. 36.
Gamal Abd el Rahim, To Our Revolution’s Martyrs. 1. Lament.
Keer Zhang (MM 2024-26) “Studying with Professor Farouk over the past year has been an incredibly valuable experience. Dr.Farouk taught me how to approach music with sincerity and to think structurally when interpreting a piece. His technical guidance also helped me tackle difficult passages with confidence. I’m truly grateful for the growth I’ve experienced under Dr.Farouk’s mentorship.”
Alexander Scriabin – Piano Sonata No. 6, Op. 62
Chopin Etude Op. 10 No. 2 in A minor
Mendelssohn: Variations sérieuses in Dminor, Op.54
Mingyue Li (MM 2022-24)
“Studying with you helped me understand not only how to play music, but also what a truly beautiful sound is. I still remember when you played Rachmaninov for us—your performance always left me deeply moved. The way you played was so natural, beautiful, and emotionally touching. It had a lasting impact on me. I also have great respect for your journey as a pianist. The dedication and passion you’ve shown throughout your life continue to inspire me. I’m truly grateful for everything I learned from you.”
Schumann Sonata No. 3 in F minor, !st Movement:
Beethoven Sonata Op. 27 No. 1
Tek Chon Chan (BM 2023-27)
“Dr. Farouk is a fantastic professor who has had a deep influence on my musical development. His teaching of advanced piano techniques has been especially valuable when working through technically demanding repertoire. Beyond technique, he has guided me in understanding how to express the music in a way that aligns with the composer’s intentions to deepen my interpretation of each work. He is also a kind and supportive teacher, always willing to help me grow both as a pianist and as a musician.”
Liszt Totentanz (Excerpts)
Yuran Gong (Bm 2023-27)
Liszt-Two Legends S.175 No.2
Ravel Miroirs No. 3, Une Barque sur l’Ocean
Minglan Tu (MM 2022-24)
“Dr. Farouk, who is a very outstanding pianist and educator. In the two years I have studied with him, my performance skills have improved a lot, and I have a deeper understanding of music. He will teach patiently and demonstrate in detail, so that I can quickly know how to do it. And in addition to music, he also cares about my daily life and mood, which has also had a lot of positive influence on me.”
Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op 23.
Prokofiev Sonata No. 6, Mv. 3:
Qingyang (Miguel) Yu (MM 2022-24) “Dr. Farouk is a role model for me. He inspires me to become a better musician and a better person. I learned so much from him in every lesson. He cares deeply about my musical progress, my pianistic health, and my personal wellbeing. I am incredibly fortunate to study with him for two years at Manhattan School of Music and to attend his virtual piano academy.”
Faure Pavane
Debussy Image Book 2
Lamis Shams (MM, PS, 2021-24) “Studying with Dr. Farouk for three years was truly transformative. He is not only a world-class pianist, but also a knowledgeable teacher, a supportive mentor, and above all, a remarkable human being.
His mentorship helped me discover and trust my musical voice, to believe in the value of what I do, and to perform with authenticity, purpose, and integrity.
Dr. Farouk’s unwavering support and dedication went far beyond the piano studio. His encouragement gave me the confidence to face challenges, both musical and personal, with courage and clarity. No words can truly express what his guidance has meant to me, and I carry everything he taught me wherever I go.”
Mauna Ghoneim: Sonata for Piano