Faculty
A USC music school graduate, Suzanne has taught for over 40 years. Accomplishments include performing in the Indiana University Symphony, South Bend Symphony, USC Symphony, among others and teaching at the South Bend Community Schools Summer Clinic, the Idylwild Summer Music School, the Irvine Conservatory of Music, the USC Community School of Performing Arts. She is a creative teacher committed to excellence, providing good fundamentals for the beginner and coaching advanced students as they prepare for auditions, performances, and contests. Suzanne is also offering a 10% discount on lessons for senior adults ages 70+.
Thursdays 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturdays 10am - 5pm
Thursdays 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturdays 10am - 5pm
is an accomplished conductor recognized for her leadership, musicality, and dedication to fostering the next generation of musicians. Currently serving as the Resident Conductor of the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) in her third season, she has earned widespread praise for her dynamic performances and inspiring artistic vision. Her work has also earned her the 2023 Emerging Professional Award from the Association of California Symphony Orchestras (ACSO), solidifying her reputation as an influential voice in the field of classical music. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Maestra Lacerda’s journey in classical music has been marked by remarkable achievements. She has conducted renowned orchestras in Brazil and the United States, including the Minas Gerais Philharmonic Orchestra (OFMG), São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), São Paulo State Youth Orchestra (OJESP), Santo André Symphony Orchestra (OSSA), Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO), and the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO). She has completed extensive training in Suzuki Method pedagogy, including Suzuki Violin/Viola Teacher Training, the Suzuki Methodology Philosophy Course, and enrichment courses such as Teaching Strategies and Teaching Collective Practices. She also holds certification in Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE), reinforcing her commitment to musical education at every level.Fluent in Portuguese.
Tuesday, Wednesday 1:30pm-8:00pm, Mon, Fri upon request
Tuesday, Wednesday 1:30pm-8:00pm, Mon, Fri upon request
is an active violin performer and teacher. She received her Bachelor in Violin Performance from The Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State Long Beach. She encourages her students to participate in the Royal Conservatory of Music Program in order to track their progress. Ms. Lina has over 15 years of teaching experience. She works with students at all levels from age 5 to adult. Ms. Lina is a mother of 2 young boys. Besides her passion for teaching, she also has a passion for long distance running. Fluent in Vietnamese.
Monday, Tuesday 2:00pm-5:00pm, Weekends upon request
Monday, Tuesday 2:00pm-5:00pm, Weekends upon request
is an award-winning Venezuelan cellist hailing from El Sistema, Venezuela’s acclaimed youth music program. She was a student of magnet school New World School of Arts in Florida, studying under David Cole, as well as a cello performance student at the University of Florida– graduating both academic programs with honors. Ms. Diaz also holds a Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Florida. Ms. Diaz has performed as a touring featured cellist with The Nuevo Mundo String Quartet, the World Orchestra String Quartet, and as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra of Aragua and the Whittier Symphony Orchestra, among others. She was also a principal cellist for the World Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, among others. Currently, Ms. Diaz is the principal cellist with the Pacific Opera Project. She also is a Teaching Artist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Whittier Youth Orchestra, and Santa Monica Conservatory of Music, and is the conductor of the Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory Youth Orchestra and Harmony Project at Longfellow Elementary School. She is a founding member of the JAC Trio, and the Yellow Bird String Quartet. She also is a recording artist for Warner Bros. Studios and Sony Studios. Fluent in Spanish.
Leo Nobre (Instructor of string bass & guitar)
Leo has his bachelors degree in music from the University of Miami. A native Brazilian, Leo attended the American School of Rio de Janeiro, studying acoustic nylon guitar and string bass. As a high schooler he played with various Brazilian artists before being accepted to the University of Miami School of Music where he studied music theory, piano, arranging, and composition. He is a jazz musician, performing on and recording with many artists like Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Dori Caymmi, Airto Moreira, Jill Scott, Sergio Mendes, Hubert Laws, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and many others. Leo has been awarded two Latin Grammy awards for playing with Sergio Mendez. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.
Monday - Friday 3pm-8:30pm
Monday 10am - 9pm
Leo Nobre (Instructor of string bass & guitar) Leo has his bachelors degree in music from the University of Miami. A native Brazilian, Leo attended the American School of Rio de Janeiro, studying acoustic nylon guitar and string bass. As a high schooler he played with various Brazilian artists before being accepted to the University of Miami School of Music where he studied music theory, piano, arranging, and composition. He is a jazz musician, performing on and recording with many artists like Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, Dori Caymmi, Airto Moreira, Jill Scott, Sergio Mendes, Hubert Laws, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and many others. Leo has been awarded two Latin Grammy awards for playing with Sergio Mendez. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian.
Monday - Friday 3pm-8:30pm
has sung nationally and internationally in Mexico, making his Long Beach Opera debut in March 2016 debut in the role of “Wissam” in the World Premier of Raffo & Stokes’ Fallujah and his New York City Opera debut in the East Coast premier (November 2016.) Other recent roles include VCGSRC as “Frederic” in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance (2021), Pacific Opera Project as “Tamino” (cover) in Mozart’s The Magic Flute (2019) Opera California as King Kaspar in Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors (2017) Long Beach Opera as “Man 1” in Robert Xavier’s west coast premier of Frida (2017); Opera Theatre of the Rockies: “Radames” in Verdi’s Aida (2017/scene), “Goro” in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (2017/scene), “Pylade” in Gluck’s Iphigénie en Tauride (2017/scene); Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin (2015/Act 1), Don Jose in Bizet’s Carmen (2015/scene); San Diego Opera’s Opera on Track as “Don Ramiro” in Rossini’s Cenerentola (2016/Act 1); Opera de Tijuana as “Joe” in Gershwin’s Blue Monday (2015/2016.) Currently, Jonathan is a teaching artist and soloist with Los Angeles Opera’s Connect / Zarzuela Project and Music Director at Christ Chapel of Long Beach. He also is a male vocalist for the Billboard’s Top 100 band TIERRA and the corporate bands: The Allen G’s Orchestra, Ben Mallare Entertainment, and Bonnie Foster Productions. Fluent in Spanish.
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-6:30pm
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-6:30pm
holds a doctorate in piano performance from the University of Southern California. He has taught as an adjunct piano faculty at New York University's Steinhardt School and as a private piano instructor at USC and Oberlin Conservatory. His students have won numerous international piano competitions including the Orbetello International Piano Competition (Italy), AMIGDALA International Piano Competition (Italy), Verona International Piano Competition (Italy), WPTA International Piano Competition (Spain), Odin International Piano Competition (Estonia), Aegio International Piano Competition (USA), and Carles & Sofia International Piano Competition (Spain). In addition, his students completed ABRSM, RCM, and CM exams with the highest grades. Julian is a C. Bechstein Artist and partners with them to provide concerts across Europe.
Tues 1:30-8:30, Sat 1:00pm-3:00pm
is currently working on her Masters Degree in Piano Performance from Azusa Pacific University, studying with Andrew Park. She has her Bachelor’s of Music from Azusa Pacific University, studying under Joel Clifft. Nadine first began taking piano lessons at the age of 5 in her hometown of Pasadena, California. She continued her studies under Manami Kawamura from 2018 to 2021 at Pasadena City College where she received her Associate’s in Arts Degree in Music. In 2020, she received the Music Teachers Association Award for Unusual Promise in the Field of Piano Performance, and was the 2nd Prize Winner for the Fritzie Culick Piano Award. As a scholarships recipient she gave her first solo piano recital at Munson Chapel and has since been invited by the International Association of Professional Music Teachers to tour Europe, where she performed solo works in Romania and Austria, in The Great Hall in Târgu Mures? and Haydn Hall in Vienna. During her time in Vienna, Nadine performed in a masterclass with Luca Monti. Nadine was selected to perform at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in the Autumn of 2024. Nadine enjoys teaching piano and hopes she can bless others through music.
Joe Goldberger (Instructor of drum set & keyboard)
Eve Chen (Instructor of piano)
Mon, Wed, Fri 1:30pm-8:30pm
is a professional vocalist, music industry specialist, and passionate educator with over 14 years of experience in teaching and performing. A proud first-generation college graduate, she holds an AA in Performing Arts from Citrus College and a BA in Music Industry Studies with honors from Cal Poly Pomona. Her career has taken her across the U.S. as a lead, background, and studio vocalist, including performances at notable venues such as The Ford Theatre, opportunities to sing alongside artists such as Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. Also singing for ensembles such as Allen G. Orchestra, Nightowl Productions, and opening for acts such as Ozo Motley, Alejandro Aranda (Scarypoolparty), and Sonora Dinamita. In addition to teaching voice and piano, Lupita also offers training in music industry subjects such as copyright, publishing, and recording arts. She is well versed in various audio setups and provides students with hands on guidance in microphone usage, harmony singing, performance technique, and stage presence. As the lead singer and creative director of the Selena tribute band Selenamos, Lupita continues to bring joy and energy to audiences, while her work as a live music and event coordinator keeps her connected to the pulse of the industry. Lupita brings her real-world experience into the classroom, teaching voice and piano through an equity-based approach that meets students where they are. She has taught in multiple school districts, holds a substitute teaching credential, and is committed to making music education inclusive, empowering, and fun. She credits her success to the mentors who believed in her early on and strives to offer that same encouragement to every student she teaches.
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu 1:30pm-7pm
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thu 1:30pm-7pm
Melissa Lai is a jazz vocalist/composer/arranger/educator who loves sharing in the collective joy of making music. She started out with classical piano lessons from age 4 to 13, and then started playing viola, studying with Anna Lim and performing with various youth and school orchestras. In her middle school big band, Melissa developed a passion for jazz and improvisation, which led studying jazz piano with Janet Jones and then Barb Catlin and Gary Fukushima at Pasadena City College. She then found her heart's calling in jazz voice and studied with Alina Roitstein, subsequently transferring to Cal State Northridge and studying with Erin Bentlage (of the vocal group säje), completing a bachelor’s of music degree in Jazz Studies. Melissa’s teaching approach stems from the belief that music is a vehicle for expressing oneself authentically and learning to become a kinder human, and she melds this with her varied musical background to meet students where they’re at and foster space for them to grow.
Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 1:30-8:30, Sun, 10a-3p
Earned a Bachelor of Music degree with and emphasis in Performance from California State University Fresno. Lori also studied with Leone Buyse, Jim Walker, and attended Summer Master Class Seminars with the renowned master flutist and teacher, Frances Blaisdell. With over 20 years of performing and teaching experience Lori is passionate about passing on her love of music to her students through a nurturing environment that emphasizes tone production, technique building, ear training and artistry/musicianship. She believes the study of music enhances every aspect of a young persons development, creativity, sense of accomplishment and future success.
Board Member MTAC, Member National Flute Association
Monday 1:30-6:30
Board Member MTAC, Member National Flute Association
Monday 1:30-6:30
is an experienced clarinetist who believes in the power of education to change people's lives. She began his musical life in Brazil at the age of 12 through a free social project and has since gone through an extensive process of specialization. This process took her through Pablo Komlós music conservatory and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul where she received a bachelors degree in performance, and has received a full scholarship to Azusa Pacific University in California where she is working on her master's degree in performance. Prior to coming to the US Victoria played professionally as section leader in the Municipal Wind Orchestra of Caxias do Sul, in the Festival internacional de Música de Pelotas and Gramado in Concert and other festivals across Brazil, studigying with Michel Lethiec, Patrick Messina, D. Ray McClellan, Marcio Pereira and Sérgio Burgani. She worked recording tracks in studios for Negro Amar for the samba CD from Pamela Amaro, and presented numerous chamber music shows. Victoria currenly plays in the APU Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble while working as a clarinet instructor at the Alvarado Intermediate. ; Fluent in Portuguese.
Mon, Wed 4pm-8pm, Tue, Thur 6pm-8pm (upon request)
Mon, Wed 4pm-8pm, Tue, Thur 6pm-8pm (upon request)
Is featured as the lead tenor saxophonist in the LA Swing Barons as well as member of the classical saxophone quartet Ex Sono. Josh has received numerous awards as a soloist and section player in multiple genres including Outstanding Musicianship awards from the Riverside Jazz Festival and the Fullerton College Jazz Festival as well as winning the state MTNA chamber music competition in California. As a student at California State University Fullerton, Josh played principal saxophone for Symphonic Winds and First Tenor for the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra while studying with Damon Zick and Jeff Ellwood. Josh has performed with artists such as Bob Mintzer, Joe LaBarbera, Francisco Torres, and Scott Robinson.
Saturday 10am-5pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
is a multi-instrumentalist and composer in Southern California. He specializes in playing the oboe, English horn, and saxophones, and is also proficient on the flute and piano. His musical abilities encompass various styles including classical, jazz, and gospel music. Nathaniel's passion for music developed at a young age and has deeply influenced him. Nathaniel completed both his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Oboe Performance from Azusa Pacific University (APU) as a student of Dr. Ted Sugata. He also studied composition under the tutelage of Tom Hynes and Dr. Philip Shackleton. Nathaniel has performed with the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA), which is the largest majority Black orchestra in the nation. He has also played with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County, maintains a private oboe studio, and is a saxophonist in Jimmy McConnell's Super Big Band. In 2024, Nathaniel released his first jazz album, with the patronage of Christ St. John Baptist Church, titled “Gospel Translated to Jazz” and it is available for streaming. Nathaniel is passionate about music pedagogy and will be pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Rutgers University and will continue to be available online for lessons.
Jason Geunsu Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Guitar from Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. After returning to Korea, he taught private guitar lessons at Baekseok Arts University, Paekche Institute of the Arts, and Soongsil University as a lecturer. He then moved to Los Angeles to pursue his Master’s degree in Studio/Jazz Guitar program at the University of Southern California, where he was selected to perform with the USC Thornton Jazz Orchestra, directed by Bob Mintzer and Vince Mendoza’s combo. Both ensembles were selected to perform in the final round at the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in 2016 and 2017. He studied jazz guitar with Bruce Forman as well as studio guitar with Richard Smith and Pat Kelly. He also had an opportunity to perform American Root music under Steve Trovato’s guidance. He completed his Master's degree with Pi Kappa Lambda Honors. With over 10 years of teaching experience Jason's mature and steady character makes him a very trustworthy teacher. His patience and love gives his students as sense of great encouragement. Fluent English and Korean.
Sunday: 1:30-8:30pm
Dr. Ken Nagatani (Associate Instructor of guitar with distinction) Received both a Master of Music and a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Manuel Barrueco, and completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California in 2006 as a student of William Kanengiser. While at USC, he was the recipient of the Mary Pickford Foundation Endowed Scholarship in Classical Guitar and the Jack Marshall Memorial Scholarship. Ken has been active as a teacher and performer in Los Angeles area for the past 17 years, and is currently an adjunct instructor at East Los Angeles College, Long Beach City College, and Glendale City College.
Online only, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Online only, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
started playing the violin when he was 6 years old but switched to the trumpet in 1997. A native of Penang, Malaysia, he served a.s principal trumpet in the Penang Symphony Orchestra from 2000-2002. In 2015, he was appointed Principal Trumpet with Dream Orchestra of Los Angeles and has been performing with this wonderful ensemble since then. Since coming to the United States, Caster has appeared in numerous orchestras, including the American Youth Symphony, Orange County Symphony, Santa Monica Symphony, Quad City Symphony, Cedar Rapids Opera, West Coast Chamber Orchestra etc. While in college, he was one of the finalists in the Maia Quartet competition and was awarded outstanding Pi Kappa Lambda award in 2007. Caster has been performing with many professional ensembles, including the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, National Orchestra of Malaysia, Kumamoto International Orchestra, etc. under numerous conductors and artists, such as Kees Bakel, Michael Tilson Thomas, Kurt Mazur, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Kazuyoshi Akiyama, and many more. During the summers, he has performed in many countries, including Brazil, Italy, Japan, Korea, Belgium, Taiwan, Australia, Thailand, Canada, etc. A doctorate graduate from the USC Thornton School of Music, Caster was inducted as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in 2007 and 2013. While at school, he was also a Fulbright scholarship student and has been awarded 2013 outstanding Brass Chamber Music award. For the past summers, Caster has been performing in many world-class music festivals, including the International Winter Music Festival in Brazil, Alba music festival in Italy, etc. In 2014, he was invited to perform Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 with West Coast Chamber Orchestra. His primary teachers include Andrew Balio, Boyde Hood, David Greenhoe, John Bourque and William Theis. Aside from being an orchestra musician, Caster has also served as Music Director/ Conductor of the Youth Symphony West Orchestra, Brass Coach at California Summer School for the Arts and Adjunct Professor of Brass at Grace Mission University. Caster is a much sought after teacher of trumpet. His students have won numerous music awards, admitted to credited universities, such as Michigan University, Eastman School of Music, University of California, Los Angeles, Cal state University at Northridge, etc. At the same time, Caster’s students also performed in music festivals, orchestras and competitions throughout the country, including the International Trumpet Guild competition, Colburn Youth Symphony and Jazz Orchestra, Pacific Youth Symphony, Idyllwild Music Academy, Colorado Youth Jazz Ensemble, etc. Fluent in Mandarin.
Wednesday 3pm-6pm, Friday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm-3:30pm
Wednesday 3pm-6pm, Friday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 2:00pm-3:30pm
has her Bachelors degree from Azusa Pacific University.
Zach Dowd (drumset)
Mon-Fri 1:30pm-8:30pm
is a drummer and percussionist who graduated from Los Angeles College of Music where he majored in drum set performance. There he studied under Ralph Humphrey (Frank Zappa), Joel Taylor (Al Di Meola, Allen Holdsworth) and a few other instructors. He is well versed in all styles of music and plays with various artists and singer/songwriters at venues such as: Viper Room, Hotel Cafe, The York, Hotel Ziggy, The Mint, and many more. Before moving to LA, Zach lived in the Chicago area where he began his career teaching, gigging, and drum teching. He studied percussion under Adam Cowger at Joliet Junior College and Jimmy Coggins (MJ the Musical). At JJC, he was awarded scholarships and played in and for all of the ensembles at the school. Zach has many years of teaching experience working at Brandolino’s Encore Music in Shorewood, IL before working at Neighborhood Music where he also leads the Monday rock band class.
Mon-Fri 1:30pm-8:30pm
Jessica Ornaghi (mallets, percussion, drumset)
Mon 4:00pm-8:30pm, Wed-Thurs 4pm-7:30pm, Fri 2pm-7pm
is a percussionist and drummer with experience in orchestra performance, ensembles, recitals, and teaching. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. She recently received her master's degree in performance with full scholarship from Azusa Pacific University, with professors Raynor Carroll, Mark Converse, Yuri Inoo, and Bill Schlitt. In Brazil, Jessica played with several orchestras, participated in several festivals and competitions, and in 2016 she was part of the European tour of the YOA orchestra. Since Jessica arrived in the US, she has been playing freelance with orchestras and ensembles and teaching kids and adults of all ages.
Mon 4:00pm-8:30pm, Wed-Thurs 4pm-7:30pm, Fri 2pm-7pm
Joe Goldberger (Instructor of drum set & keyboard) Drummer/percussionist, keyboardist, composer & teacher, Joe has a vast and diverse background as a performance artist. Joe has scored both theme and source music for a variety of American Film Institute thesis projects. Joe also scored the music for the award winning films: "Stone Mansion" (currently running on PBS) and "Sunday Morning Stripper", (PG rated) which is currently running on SHOWTIME. (1st place in SHOWTIMES' SHOWCASE AWARD). Starting in the summer of 2006, and continuing into the present, Joe has been conducting arts-in-education workshops for "Theatre of Hearts Youth First" - at schools, and learning centers in the greater Los Angeles area. He concurrently teaches music classes for LAUSD.;
Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm
FACULTY CURRENTLY NOT TAKING ON NEW STUDENTS:
Carolyn Iga (President, CEO, Senior Instructor of Piano with distinction)
Grew up teaching herself to play the ukulele at the age of 4, and taking formal piano lessons at the age of 7. She became the lead trumpet in the Hawaii State Junior Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band. Carolyn earned a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Hawaii and a Masters in Church Music with a major on piano and choral conducting from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Masters in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2000 she opened Neighborhood Music School, teaching piano to kids in her neighborhood and expanding to studios in Malibu, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, and Arcadia. She worked with mommy and me classes and has coached beginner students all the way through the advanced level of the Certificate of Merit exam and her students have received up to 100% music theory awards. She coaches her students to see the chord structures their music, in order to venture off the piano score and improvise, a technique which is essential in church music. After opening her Arcadia school she began studying Mandarin and has since devoted her life to relief work in China. She coaches piano, vocal, and theory students when she is in town. Fluent in Mandarin.
Member MTAC, accepts new students only upon special request
Grew up teaching herself to play the ukulele at the age of 4, and taking formal piano lessons at the age of 7. She became the lead trumpet in the Hawaii State Junior Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band and Jazz Band. Carolyn earned a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Hawaii and a Masters in Church Music with a major on piano and choral conducting from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Masters in Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. In 2000 she opened Neighborhood Music School, teaching piano to kids in her neighborhood and expanding to studios in Malibu, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel, and Arcadia. She worked with mommy and me classes and has coached beginner students all the way through the advanced level of the Certificate of Merit exam and her students have received up to 100% music theory awards. She coaches her students to see the chord structures their music, in order to venture off the piano score and improvise, a technique which is essential in church music. After opening her Arcadia school she began studying Mandarin and has since devoted her life to relief work in China. She coaches piano, vocal, and theory students when she is in town. Fluent in Mandarin.
Member MTAC, accepts new students only upon special request
Eve Chen (Instructor of piano)
first started piano lessons at age five at the Yamaha Music School in Taiwan; this is where she began to develop her passion for music. During college she participated in various recitals, placing in many competitions, most notably receiving the Honor Award at the Performance Scholarship Competition of Old Town Music for Piano. She also won first place at the Seventh Annual Piano Ensemble Festival of Fullerton College. Ms. Chen graduated from California State University, Northridge with a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano. At CSUN, she studied under Dimitry Rachmanov and performed in master class with Roberto Prosseda. She was a recipient of the CSUN Music Department of the Music Teacher’s Association of California, West Valley Branch Scholarship in 2010-2011. Eve has been active as a teacher and performer for over 10 years, and she is currently a member of the Certificate of Merit program (MTAC). Fluent in Mandarin.
EMERITUS:
Kenny’s career as a professional drummer began at age 12 when he performed under the direction of the Red Saunders Orchestra at the Regal Theater. He was the staff drummer for Brunswick Records while teaching at the American Conservatory before moving to Los Angeles. Kenny toured with such greats as Lou Rawls, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole and performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Lucy Arnez, Diahann Caroll, Carol Channing, Ray Charles, Al Green, Eddie Harris, Al Jarreau, Chaka Kahn, Cheryl Lynn, Billy Preston, Helen Reddy, Dionne Warwick, and Stevie Wonder, and is currently the drummer for Jeff Goldblum. He enjoys teaching and working with people.