Celebrate the Life of Tsyala Khudad-Zade (“Miss Delilah”)

In late April, we were saddened to learn that Tsyala Khudad-Zade—our Miss Delilah had passed.

Our president & CEO James C. Horton shared the following upon receiving the news:

For many of us, and for generations of HSA students, Miss Delilah was more than a piano teacher. She was a constant—powerful presence in the life of this school. For nearly five decades, 46 Years, she poured herself into her students with a level of care, discipline, and excellence that defined what it means to be an HSA educator. It feels especially meaningful to remember that our founder, Dorothy Maynor, personally brought her into the HSA family—a reflection of the extraordinary talent and integrity she saw in her from the very beginning.

She held her students to a high standard because she believed in them deeply. In her studio, young people didn’t just learn how to play the piano—they learned focus, resilience, confidence, and pride in their work. There was a rigor to her teaching, yes—but always paired with a deep and abiding love for her students and their growth.

Her impact is immeasurable. It lives on in the hands of every student she taught, in the paths they’ve gone on to pursue, and in the values she instilled that extend far beyond music.

Personally, I feel incredibly grateful to have known her and to have had her as part of this creative community. She represents the very best of HSA—dedication, artistry, and a lifelong commitment to young people.

Please hold her family, her former students, and each other in your thoughts.

God bless,

James

To celebrate Miss Delilah’s life and impact, we invite you to join us here at HSA on Sunday, June 28th.  Details are below.  Please RSVP by Wednesday, June 24 to either 212-926-4100 or davidbviolin@aol.com, so that we can prepare accordingly.