Born in Tehran, Iran, Dr. Sanaz Rezai began studying piano in Vienna, at the age of seven. By the age of ten, she competed at the international level where she was awarded numerous prizes. After immigrating to the United States, Sanaz completed her Bachelor of Science in Piano Performance at California State University, Fullerton, graduating cum laude and with honors. At CSU Fullerton, Sanaz  was awarded the undergraduate pianist award, won first place in the Grossmont Community Concert Association Competition, and received the Fenstermaker Scholarship through the Musical Merits Foundation of Greater San Diego.

Sanaz went on to complete both her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts at UCLA in piano performance. Her dissertation topic was Maurice Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit within the context of Orientalism during Impressionism. While at UCLA, Sanaz taught German language courses for the German department, as well as piano instruction for composition and performance students and music appreciation courses in the Music department. Sanaz has had the privilege to work closely and perform the works of prominent UCLA faculty composers including Mark Carlson and Richard Danielpour. Sanaz has taken part in many music festivals, offered solo recitals, and performed as a soloist with orchestras and wind ensembles.

Sanaz had the privilege to study with Jane Bastien, Gloria Cheng, Eduardo Delgado, George Katz, Vitaly Margulis, Ingrid Pachner, and Walter Ponce.

In 2023, Sanaz moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, where she has continued performing in both chamber and solo settings.  Her areas of interest include piano pedagogy, collaborative piano, and the interdisciplinary studies of art and music history. Sanaz teaches privately in Glenleith, Dunedin, and remains a member of Music Teachers’ Association of California.

Away from the piano, Sanaz loves to garden with her husband Conor and sons Jascha and Pascal.