Suzanne Inwood (violin, viola)
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+.
Monday 3:00pm-8:30pm Tuesday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Thursdays 2:30-8:30, Sunday 3pm-5pm, additional availability upon request.
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+.
Monday 3:00pm-8:30pm Tuesday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Thursdays 2:30-8:30, Sunday 3pm-5pm, additional availability upon request.
Yao Wang (cello) was born in Xinjiang, China, and began cello study at the age of five with his father. After attending Shanghai Conservatory in China from 2004- 2005, he completed his Performer’s Certificate at La Sierra University in Riverside, received a full scholarship to the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California, and received his Master Degree in music performance from Azusa Pacific University. In 2000 Yao was awarded 2nd Prize in the National Competition and top prize in the Central Conservatory String Competition in China. In 2002 he received a full scholarship to the Itzhak Perlman Music Program, and performed with Perlman in that year. Also in 2002, Yao was featured soloist in a performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto with Xinjiang Philharmonic. Yao won 1st Prize in the American String Teachers' Association competition in Redlands Los Angeles, and received a full scholarship to the International Cello Master Program Gregor Piatigorshy Seminar that year. In 2008, he became one of winners in Sigma Alpha Iota Competition. Yao served as principal cellist of the Corona Symphony Orchestra from 2008-2010 and continues to solo in the Los Angeles area. Fluent in Mandarin.
Friday 4pm-6:30pm, available upon request
Jeffrey Tay (voice, piano, guitar)
Jeffery Tay is a singer-songwriter, Independent Artist, Producer. Jeffery started learning classical piano a at the age of 10, and shortly after began learning the ukulele and guitar. He majored in vocal studies and holds a bachelor degree from Xinghai Conservatory of Music where he was awarded “outstanding graduate student.” After graduation, he signed a contract with a Chinese label to be a singer and songwriter and released two original albums between 2013-2015. Soon after, he released 4 original singles as an independent artist, producing his own music videos, one which was pitched by MTV Chinese Channel and aired for more than one year. In 2018 Jeffery moved to Los Angeles and graduated from Musician Institute with a Certificate in Independent Artistry.
He holds awards as Top 4 in “The Guangzhou Foreign Language Singer Competition” (2009); Champion of “Budweiser of China Campus singer competition”; Top 10 in Hong Kong TVB “International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship” shows (2012); Top 4 in MTV China channel ‘Aloft Star’ (2015); Top 4 in Guangdong TV ‘Live casting idols of China’ (2016) Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm, additional availability upon request. Lessons@home
Jeffery Tay is a singer-songwriter, Independent Artist, Producer. Jeffery started learning classical piano a at the age of 10, and shortly after began learning the ukulele and guitar. He majored in vocal studies and holds a bachelor degree from Xinghai Conservatory of Music where he was awarded “outstanding graduate student.” After graduation, he signed a contract with a Chinese label to be a singer and songwriter and released two original albums between 2013-2015. Soon after, he released 4 original singles as an independent artist, producing his own music videos, one which was pitched by MTV Chinese Channel and aired for more than one year. In 2018 Jeffery moved to Los Angeles and graduated from Musician Institute with a Certificate in Independent Artistry.
He holds awards as Top 4 in “The Guangzhou Foreign Language Singer Competition” (2009); Champion of “Budweiser of China Campus singer competition”; Top 10 in Hong Kong TVB “International Chinese New Talent Singing Championship” shows (2012); Top 4 in MTV China channel ‘Aloft Star’ (2015); Top 4 in Guangdong TV ‘Live casting idols of China’ (2016) Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm, additional availability upon request. Lessons@home
Kiana Bell (voice, piano, guitar, ukulele)
Hailed by the San Diego Union-Tribune as a “versatile wonder,” Kiana Bell is making her voice heard in the worlds of classical, musical theatre, and pop singing. While completing her B.A. in Music at Point Loma Nazarene University, she spent three years as part of San Diego Opera’s Educational Outreach and Apprenticeship program, Opera Exposed!, performing concerts in the Greater San Diego area, as well as on the mainstage as one of the youngest members of the chorus. Favorite credits include Carousel (Utah Festival Opera), Ragtime (San Diego Musical Theatre), La Cenerentola (San Diego Opera on Track!) and American Rhythm (Lamb’s Players Theatre). Kiana has received prizes and recognition from the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artists Competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Metropolitan Opera National Council. Kiana has recently taken a step into commercial music by becoming a Featured Singer and vocal captain for Royal Caribbean Cruises International, where she travels and performs anything from Musical Theatre revue shows to her own pop and soul sets. Kiana has been teaching private vocal lessons and vocal workshops since 2012. She makes it her aim to equip her students for any genre of singing by harnessing and cultivating classical-based technique. e.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm Available through December 3.
Hailed by the San Diego Union-Tribune as a “versatile wonder,” Kiana Bell is making her voice heard in the worlds of classical, musical theatre, and pop singing. While completing her B.A. in Music at Point Loma Nazarene University, she spent three years as part of San Diego Opera’s Educational Outreach and Apprenticeship program, Opera Exposed!, performing concerts in the Greater San Diego area, as well as on the mainstage as one of the youngest members of the chorus. Favorite credits include Carousel (Utah Festival Opera), Ragtime (San Diego Musical Theatre), La Cenerentola (San Diego Opera on Track!) and American Rhythm (Lamb’s Players Theatre). Kiana has received prizes and recognition from the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artists Competition, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the Metropolitan Opera National Council. Kiana has recently taken a step into commercial music by becoming a Featured Singer and vocal captain for Royal Caribbean Cruises International, where she travels and performs anything from Musical Theatre revue shows to her own pop and soul sets. Kiana has been teaching private vocal lessons and vocal workshops since 2012. She makes it her aim to equip her students for any genre of singing by harnessing and cultivating classical-based technique. e.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm Available through December 3.
Irene Chen (piano)
Jiaqi Irene Chen is a collaborative pianist. She got the Based-Merit scholarship and Koldofsky scholarship at USC Thornton School of Music, and graduated with the Keyboard Collaborative Arts Department Award from Honors Convocation 2019. She has been studying Collaborative Piano since she was doing her master degree, which was earned from Central Conservatory of Music in China. Through two years of study at United States, Jiaqi Irene Chen has collaborated with various musicians from a wide variety of genres spanning instrumental music, opera, musical theater and choral ensembles.
Jiaqi Irene Chen not only has a high passion for music but also has a high sense of responsibility while teaching. She has been teaching for over a decade in both China and the U.S. The range of students’ ages she has taught is from a three-and-a half-year-old child to an over sixty-year-old grandma. She has built her own teaching style with diversity and a lot of patience.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm, additional availability upon request. Lessons@home
Jiaqi Irene Chen is a collaborative pianist. She got the Based-Merit scholarship and Koldofsky scholarship at USC Thornton School of Music, and graduated with the Keyboard Collaborative Arts Department Award from Honors Convocation 2019. She has been studying Collaborative Piano since she was doing her master degree, which was earned from Central Conservatory of Music in China. Through two years of study at United States, Jiaqi Irene Chen has collaborated with various musicians from a wide variety of genres spanning instrumental music, opera, musical theater and choral ensembles.
Jiaqi Irene Chen not only has a high passion for music but also has a high sense of responsibility while teaching. She has been teaching for over a decade in both China and the U.S. The range of students’ ages she has taught is from a three-and-a half-year-old child to an over sixty-year-old grandma. She has built her own teaching style with diversity and a lot of patience.
Monday - Friday 1:30-8:30pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm, additional availability upon request. Lessons@home
Melody Xiang (piano)
Melody (Yongjin) Xiang, a pianist, comes from China. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. She studied piano when she was 3 years old. She received a bachelor’s degree in Shenzhen University. During her time in university, she won the first Prize in Youth group in the sponsored by the Thailand Bangkok Opera Art Center of Southeast Asia Second Prize in 18th Hong Kong Aisa Piano Open Competition. In 2017, she went to Longy school of music of Bard college in Boston for advanced studies. During her time in Longy, she received the Graduate Fellowship Scholarship and worked with students who were non-piano majors to help pass the piano exam. In 2019, she received her M.M. in Piano Performance at Longy. Now she is an active member of the MTAC. Melody has gained much knowledge in piano technique, and can draw from a combination of these backgrounds in her own teaching. She feels a need to share this great and musical sensibility with students of all ages.
Member MTAC
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 2:00pm-7:30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-12pm
Melody (Yongjin) Xiang, a pianist, comes from China. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin. She studied piano when she was 3 years old. She received a bachelor’s degree in Shenzhen University. During her time in university, she won the first Prize in Youth group in the sponsored by the Thailand Bangkok Opera Art Center of Southeast Asia Second Prize in 18th Hong Kong Aisa Piano Open Competition. In 2017, she went to Longy school of music of Bard college in Boston for advanced studies. During her time in Longy, she received the Graduate Fellowship Scholarship and worked with students who were non-piano majors to help pass the piano exam. In 2019, she received her M.M. in Piano Performance at Longy. Now she is an active member of the MTAC. Melody has gained much knowledge in piano technique, and can draw from a combination of these backgrounds in her own teaching. She feels a need to share this great and musical sensibility with students of all ages.
Member MTAC
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 2:00pm-7:30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-12pm
Gary Blumer (piano, composition)
Holds a masters degree in Composition from Wayne State University, he's been performing at the piano for over 35 years in jazz, classical and pop genres. Band leader, freelance pianist, composer/arranger and educator - having taught at WSU for 13 years - are all areas in which Gary has many years of experience. www.myspace.com/garyblumerjazzpiano
Member MTAC
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm;
Monday, 11am-8:30pm (Burbank)
Holds a masters degree in Composition from Wayne State University, he's been performing at the piano for over 35 years in jazz, classical and pop genres. Band leader, freelance pianist, composer/arranger and educator - having taught at WSU for 13 years - are all areas in which Gary has many years of experience. www.myspace.com/garyblumerjazzpiano
Member MTAC
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 9am-6pm;
Monday, 11am-8:30pm (Burbank)
Bilinda Lou (piano)
Started playing the piano at the age of five, Bilinda has studied piano, attending the Macao Conservatory in China as a piano performance pre-college student. She then went to Wright State University in Ohio where she received her Bachelors in Music in piano performance and then to the University of Colorado, Boulder where she finished her masters degree also in piano performance. Besides piano, Bilinda also studied orchestral percussion throughout college and has performed in Vienna, Salzburg, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and China. Bilinda enjoys teaching students from beginning to advanced level with musical training of technique, musicianship, theory, and sight-reading. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Enjoy this amazing piano piece by one of our esteemed teachers Bilinda Lou performing Schumann Vienna Carnival, op 26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lkD8uhpzKw&feature=youtu.be
Member MTAC
Wednesday, Thursday 1:30-8:30, Friday 1:30-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm
Started playing the piano at the age of five, Bilinda has studied piano, attending the Macao Conservatory in China as a piano performance pre-college student. She then went to Wright State University in Ohio where she received her Bachelors in Music in piano performance and then to the University of Colorado, Boulder where she finished her masters degree also in piano performance. Besides piano, Bilinda also studied orchestral percussion throughout college and has performed in Vienna, Salzburg, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, and China. Bilinda enjoys teaching students from beginning to advanced level with musical training of technique, musicianship, theory, and sight-reading. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Enjoy this amazing piano piece by one of our esteemed teachers Bilinda Lou performing Schumann Vienna Carnival, op 26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lkD8uhpzKw&feature=youtu.be
Member MTAC
Wednesday, Thursday 1:30-8:30, Friday 1:30-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm
Lori Richardson (flute, piano)
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
Tuesday 1:30pm-8:00pm, Wednesday 1:30-6:30, Mondays upon request
FACULTY CURRENTLY NOT TAKING ON NEW STUDENTS:
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
Tuesday 1:30pm-8:00pm, Wednesday 1:30-6:30, Mondays upon request
Esther Yi (piano, Kindermusik)
Earned her Bachelor degree from California State University Northridge in Piano Pedagogy. She had been teaching piano for last 22 years, impacting 4 year olds to adults for over 2 decades. Just a few classes short of receiving her Masters in Early Childhood Education from California State University Los Angeles, she brings a wealth knowledge and understanding of children's minds and musical needs. Former member of MTAC for 7 years. Fluent in Korean.
Member MTAC, Kindermusik Educator
Saturdays 10:30pm-5pm
Earned her Bachelor degree from California State University Northridge in Piano Pedagogy. She had been teaching piano for last 22 years, impacting 4 year olds to adults for over 2 decades. Just a few classes short of receiving her Masters in Early Childhood Education from California State University Los Angeles, she brings a wealth knowledge and understanding of children's minds and musical needs. Former member of MTAC for 7 years. Fluent in Korean.
Member MTAC, Kindermusik Educator
Saturdays 10:30pm-5pm
Evan Sanchez (oboe)
Evan completed his undergraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK under world renowned oboists Nicholas Daniel and Gordon Hunt. He is currently a master’s student at University of Southern California studying under Joel Timm. He has also participated in a variety of summer music festivals and academies in Brazil, Canada, and England to name a few. With a passion for chamber music, he has been a guest artist in such groups as Camerata Pacifica and the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland. As an LA native, Evan is committed to social justice and has worked with groups such as Harmony Project and Street Symphony, both of which are spearheading social change through music and education. Evan aims to provide his students with a warm, encouraging environment with values rooted in musicality and guiding them to their full potential as an oboist.
Monday-Saturday 1:30pm-8:30pm, additional availability upon request
Evan completed his undergraduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, UK under world renowned oboists Nicholas Daniel and Gordon Hunt. He is currently a master’s student at University of Southern California studying under Joel Timm. He has also participated in a variety of summer music festivals and academies in Brazil, Canada, and England to name a few. With a passion for chamber music, he has been a guest artist in such groups as Camerata Pacifica and the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival in Finland. As an LA native, Evan is committed to social justice and has worked with groups such as Harmony Project and Street Symphony, both of which are spearheading social change through music and education. Evan aims to provide his students with a warm, encouraging environment with values rooted in musicality and guiding them to their full potential as an oboist.
Monday-Saturday 1:30pm-8:30pm, additional availability upon request
Sean Williams (guitar, bass, ukulele)
Sean has been teaching guitar and bass for over 15 years, working with students of all ages, ability levels and styles. Sean holds a Bachelor of Music from CSU Hayward and is currently a graduate student in the Studio/Jazz Guitar program at USC's Thornton School of Music. Having also studied at the renowned Berklee College of Music, Sean has had the honor of learning from some of the best music educators in the world. As teacher, Sean seeks to inspire his students by encouraging their own creativity and musical interests while building a strong foundation in the fundamentals. As a music lover without regard to genre, Sean has performed in many musical settings, from straight ahead or avant-garde jazz to blues, rock, pop, funk and classical. As a leader, Sean performs regularly with his organ trio as well as various jazz ensembles. Though jazz/improvised music plays a huge part of his musical life, Sean is also involved in various rock projects, musical theater as well as work as a session musician. Currently, Sean is working on composing and recording his original music as well as performing in the LA area.
Wednesdays 1:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday 1:30pm-5:00pm
Sean has been teaching guitar and bass for over 15 years, working with students of all ages, ability levels and styles. Sean holds a Bachelor of Music from CSU Hayward and is currently a graduate student in the Studio/Jazz Guitar program at USC's Thornton School of Music. Having also studied at the renowned Berklee College of Music, Sean has had the honor of learning from some of the best music educators in the world. As teacher, Sean seeks to inspire his students by encouraging their own creativity and musical interests while building a strong foundation in the fundamentals. As a music lover without regard to genre, Sean has performed in many musical settings, from straight ahead or avant-garde jazz to blues, rock, pop, funk and classical. As a leader, Sean performs regularly with his organ trio as well as various jazz ensembles. Though jazz/improvised music plays a huge part of his musical life, Sean is also involved in various rock projects, musical theater as well as work as a session musician. Currently, Sean is working on composing and recording his original music as well as performing in the LA area.
Wednesdays 1:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday 1:30pm-5:00pm
Dr. Ken Nagatani (guitar)
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.
Wed 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
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.
Wed 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Joshua Jerome (saxophone, clarinet, flute)
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. .
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
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. .
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm
Dr. Caster J. Teoh (trumpet, brass)
Hails from Penang, Malaysia, Caster started playing the violin when he was 6 years old but switched to the trumpet in 1997. Caster was serving as 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
Hails from Penang, Malaysia, Caster started playing the violin when he was 6 years old but switched to the trumpet in 1997. Caster was serving as 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
Fernanda Fuentes (percussion, drumset)
(percussion, drumset)
Growing up in Curico Chile, Fer learned to love and appreciate the rhythms of her home country from cumbia, and cueca to salsa and Latin rock/pop. She played and recorded with the Latin Grammy and MTV awards nominated girl band MammaSoul, and toured through Europe and South America with the girl band LaBanda en Flor. Fer moved to LA 4 years ago and her exceptional skill and passion for music has gotten her to perform with artists like Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony (on her South American Tour opening for Halsey), world famous reggaeton artist Becky G., Thalia at the Forum LA, Debbie Gibson on her tour in Chile, Indonesian pop star Inul Daratista, Jorge Blanco, Abraham Laboriel and Oscar Hernandez among others. Fer is currently endorsed by TRX Cymbals, DW Drums, Vic Firth and MEE Audio.
Monday 4:00pm-8:30pm, Tuesday 4:00pm-8:30pm
(percussion, drumset)
Growing up in Curico Chile, Fer learned to love and appreciate the rhythms of her home country from cumbia, and cueca to salsa and Latin rock/pop. She played and recorded with the Latin Grammy and MTV awards nominated girl band MammaSoul, and toured through Europe and South America with the girl band LaBanda en Flor. Fer moved to LA 4 years ago and her exceptional skill and passion for music has gotten her to perform with artists like Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony (on her South American Tour opening for Halsey), world famous reggaeton artist Becky G., Thalia at the Forum LA, Debbie Gibson on her tour in Chile, Indonesian pop star Inul Daratista, Jorge Blanco, Abraham Laboriel and Oscar Hernandez among others. Fer is currently endorsed by TRX Cymbals, DW Drums, Vic Firth and MEE Audio.
Monday 4:00pm-8:30pm, Tuesday 4:00pm-8:30pm
Kenny Elliott (percussion, drumset)
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 among others. He enjoys teaching and working with people.
Monday-Wednesday 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday 11:30am-3:30pm, Additional availability upon request
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 among others. He enjoys teaching and working with people.
Monday-Wednesday 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday 11:30am-3:30pm, Additional availability upon request
Quentin Dennard (percussion, drumset)
Quentin Dennard was born in Detroit, Michigan, and started his career in the late 1960s as session drummer for Motown Records. In a career spanning more than half a century, he has performed with multitude of music legends including Aretha Franklin, Roy Ayers, Dionne Warwick, B.B. King, Issac Hayes, Lamont Dozier, Jermaine Jackson, The Originals, Billy Mitchell, Keb Mo, and The Temptations. Quentin has also worked as a drummer in musical theatre, performing in the Fullerton Opera’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin, as well as the Ms. California beauty pageant and the world-renowned play Jelly’s Last Jam. Quentin’s mastery of many styles of music helps his students learn to “feel” each style, so that when they are called into a performance or recording session, they are not only ready to sight-read in any style, but to excel and impress.
Tuesday 1:30pm-8:30pm
Quentin Dennard was born in Detroit, Michigan, and started his career in the late 1960s as session drummer for Motown Records. In a career spanning more than half a century, he has performed with multitude of music legends including Aretha Franklin, Roy Ayers, Dionne Warwick, B.B. King, Issac Hayes, Lamont Dozier, Jermaine Jackson, The Originals, Billy Mitchell, Keb Mo, and The Temptations. Quentin has also worked as a drummer in musical theatre, performing in the Fullerton Opera’s production of Ain’t Misbehavin, as well as the Ms. California beauty pageant and the world-renowned play Jelly’s Last Jam. Quentin’s mastery of many styles of music helps his students learn to “feel” each style, so that when they are called into a performance or recording session, they are not only ready to sight-read in any style, but to excel and impress.
Tuesday 1:30pm-8:30pm
FACULTY CURRENTLY NOT TAKING ON NEW STUDENTS:
Jonathan Lacayo (voice, piano, children)
Jonathan, a lyric tenor and San Diego native, studied vocal performance (B.A.) under Dr. John Craig Johnson and vocal coach Ines Irawati at Point Loma Nazarene University. Before finishing his studies, Jonathan had become an accomplished teacher. At the age 18 he began directing his church choir and by the following year had become the Director of Worship Ministries (Centro Cristiano La Palabra.) In the middle of his junior year of college he had been offered a teaching position at the Recreational Music Center in San Diego. There he created a Vocal Arts Summer program and helped create school curriculums through their school site programs, establishing a vocal curriculum at the Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Academy. Furthermore, Jonathan has sung with Diego Opera’s university partnership program Opera Exposed! and outreach program Opera on Track under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Reveles.
Jonathan has had the privilege of being invited to sing throughout the United States and internationally in Mexico. He made his U.S. Debut with Long Beach Opera, March 2016, in the role of “Wissam” in of Heather Raffo & Tobin Stokes’ Fallujah, an opera inspired by the story of U.S. Marine Christian Ellis in the Iraq War. He reprised the role in his debut with New York City Opera November 2016. Jonathan made his international debut with Opera de Tijuana in the role of “Joe” in Gershwin’s Blue Monday October 2015. Other roles include 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); Point Loma Opera Theatre: “Parpignol” in Puccini’s La Boheme (2015), “Prince Charment” in Massenet’s Cendrillon (2014), “Beppe” in Donizetti’s Rita (2014), “Giuseppe” in Loesser’s Most Happy Fella (2013), “Aeneas” in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (2012) understudy for “Camile” in Lehar’s Die Lustige Witwe (2012) and “Don Anchise” in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera (2011). Fluent in Spanish.
Monday-Wednesday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 1:30-6:30, Saturday 9am-5pm. Currently not accepting new students.
Jonathan, a lyric tenor and San Diego native, studied vocal performance (B.A.) under Dr. John Craig Johnson and vocal coach Ines Irawati at Point Loma Nazarene University. Before finishing his studies, Jonathan had become an accomplished teacher. At the age 18 he began directing his church choir and by the following year had become the Director of Worship Ministries (Centro Cristiano La Palabra.) In the middle of his junior year of college he had been offered a teaching position at the Recreational Music Center in San Diego. There he created a Vocal Arts Summer program and helped create school curriculums through their school site programs, establishing a vocal curriculum at the Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Academy. Furthermore, Jonathan has sung with Diego Opera’s university partnership program Opera Exposed! and outreach program Opera on Track under the direction of Dr. Nicholas Reveles.
Jonathan has had the privilege of being invited to sing throughout the United States and internationally in Mexico. He made his U.S. Debut with Long Beach Opera, March 2016, in the role of “Wissam” in of Heather Raffo & Tobin Stokes’ Fallujah, an opera inspired by the story of U.S. Marine Christian Ellis in the Iraq War. He reprised the role in his debut with New York City Opera November 2016. Jonathan made his international debut with Opera de Tijuana in the role of “Joe” in Gershwin’s Blue Monday October 2015. Other roles include 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); Point Loma Opera Theatre: “Parpignol” in Puccini’s La Boheme (2015), “Prince Charment” in Massenet’s Cendrillon (2014), “Beppe” in Donizetti’s Rita (2014), “Giuseppe” in Loesser’s Most Happy Fella (2013), “Aeneas” in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas (2012) understudy for “Camile” in Lehar’s Die Lustige Witwe (2012) and “Don Anchise” in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera (2011). Fluent in Spanish.
Monday-Wednesday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 1:30-6:30, Saturday 9am-5pm. Currently not accepting new students.
Olivia Breidenthal (violin, viola)
Earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University and a Master’s in Arts Teaching from Bard College’s Longy School of Music. While at DePaul, she spent four years under the tutelage of world-renowned soloist Ilya Kaler. She has spent her life immersed in music, having both parents as musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and she has studied the violin since she was 5 years old. She is also an alumnus of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. She has performed in Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Olivia is passionate about teaching music. As a graduate of music school, she feels strongly about the effect that music has on youth and the academic community.
Thursday 2:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 2:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday 8am-4pm. Currently not accepting new students
Earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance from DePaul University and a Master’s in Arts Teaching from Bard College’s Longy School of Music. While at DePaul, she spent four years under the tutelage of world-renowned soloist Ilya Kaler. She has spent her life immersed in music, having both parents as musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and she has studied the violin since she was 5 years old. She is also an alumnus of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. She has performed in Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Olivia is passionate about teaching music. As a graduate of music school, she feels strongly about the effect that music has on youth and the academic community.
Thursday 2:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 2:30pm-8:30pm, Sunday 8am-4pm. Currently not accepting new students
David Orr (piano)
A New England native, David received a Bachelor of Arts in both Piano Performance and Theory from the University of New Hampshire, and holds a Masters of Music in Composition from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has studied and performed internationally with concert pianists from the top music schools in the country, including New England Conservatory and Juilliard. He has also received awards from several prestigious piano competitions, including the American Fine Arts Festival (held in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall). In addition to performance, David is an active composer for film, television, and video games, with dozens of clients including HBO and Activison. His video game music has been performed internationally, with a 2015 performance at the Dutch Game Music concert in the Netherlands. With extensive academic training in the art of composition, he also regularly composes concert music. He completed his first symphony The Alchemist in 2014, which was recorded by the The University of Massachusetts, Amherst Symphony Orchestra. David brings his diverse musical experience to his lessons, providing students with a well-rounded education in performance, theory, and analysis. Having taught in a variety of private and group settings -- from preschool lessons to university lectures -- He draws from all of these environments to provide a comfortable, relevant, and engaging environment for his students. You can find out more about David and his work at www.davidorr.net. Member M MTAC
Monday & Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Tuesdays 4:00pm-8:30, Saturdays & Sundays.
Currently not accepting new students.
A New England native, David received a Bachelor of Arts in both Piano Performance and Theory from the University of New Hampshire, and holds a Masters of Music in Composition from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He has studied and performed internationally with concert pianists from the top music schools in the country, including New England Conservatory and Juilliard. He has also received awards from several prestigious piano competitions, including the American Fine Arts Festival (held in Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall). In addition to performance, David is an active composer for film, television, and video games, with dozens of clients including HBO and Activison. His video game music has been performed internationally, with a 2015 performance at the Dutch Game Music concert in the Netherlands. With extensive academic training in the art of composition, he also regularly composes concert music. He completed his first symphony The Alchemist in 2014, which was recorded by the The University of Massachusetts, Amherst Symphony Orchestra. David brings his diverse musical experience to his lessons, providing students with a well-rounded education in performance, theory, and analysis. Having taught in a variety of private and group settings -- from preschool lessons to university lectures -- He draws from all of these environments to provide a comfortable, relevant, and engaging environment for his students. You can find out more about David and his work at www.davidorr.net. Member M MTAC
Monday & Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Tuesdays 4:00pm-8:30, Saturdays & Sundays.
Currently not accepting new students.
Yafei Lin (piano)
is an experienced soloist and collaborative artist with performances in the United States, Taiwan, and on television. Most recently, Yafei worked as a collaborative pianist with numerous Los Angeles-based choirs, including SUUS Choir, Taiwanese Hai-Yun Choir, and Woodland Academy Choir. She serves as a staff accompanist at CSU Northridge, and regularly accompanies for student competitions and evaluations throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As an active member of the Music Teacher‘s Association of California (MTAC), Ms. Lin has developed a reputation as a music educator dedicated to excellence and student success, and her students have been recognized for their outstanding performances in the Certificate of Merit and ABRSM. A native of Taiwan, Yafei began studying piano at the age of seven and continued her education at Shih Chien University, where she studied piano and violin. She holds a Master’s Degree in piano performance from CSU Northridge, with piano studies under Dmitry Rachmanov, and was the recipient of the Etude Music Club Endowment and the Art Council Music Scholarship. Fluent in Mandarin.
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory
Wednesday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturdays, additional availability upon request. Currently not accepting new students.
is an experienced soloist and collaborative artist with performances in the United States, Taiwan, and on television. Most recently, Yafei worked as a collaborative pianist with numerous Los Angeles-based choirs, including SUUS Choir, Taiwanese Hai-Yun Choir, and Woodland Academy Choir. She serves as a staff accompanist at CSU Northridge, and regularly accompanies for student competitions and evaluations throughout the greater Los Angeles area. As an active member of the Music Teacher‘s Association of California (MTAC), Ms. Lin has developed a reputation as a music educator dedicated to excellence and student success, and her students have been recognized for their outstanding performances in the Certificate of Merit and ABRSM. A native of Taiwan, Yafei began studying piano at the age of seven and continued her education at Shih Chien University, where she studied piano and violin. She holds a Master’s Degree in piano performance from CSU Northridge, with piano studies under Dmitry Rachmanov, and was the recipient of the Etude Music Club Endowment and the Art Council Music Scholarship. Fluent in Mandarin.
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory
Wednesday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturdays, additional availability upon request. Currently not accepting new students.
Jiaxin (Aria) He (piano)
Received her Bachelors of Music in Music Education at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China. She was invited to perform in the highly selective Outstanding Student Graduation Concert of 2013. In 2015, Jiaxin received her Masters of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst on full Scholarship. She has extensive experience working with students of a variety of ages and backgrounds, both in China and the US. While in China, Jiaxin operated her own private studio, with students ranging from preschool ages to adult. During her time at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she worked with advanced undergraduates to further their technique and mastery of performance. Jiaxin enjoys working with students of all ages, and uses their personal interests and passions to draw connections in music. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Member MTAC
Currently not accepting new students.
Received her Bachelors of Music in Music Education at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China. She was invited to perform in the highly selective Outstanding Student Graduation Concert of 2013. In 2015, Jiaxin received her Masters of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst on full Scholarship. She has extensive experience working with students of a variety of ages and backgrounds, both in China and the US. While in China, Jiaxin operated her own private studio, with students ranging from preschool ages to adult. During her time at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she worked with advanced undergraduates to further their technique and mastery of performance. Jiaxin enjoys working with students of all ages, and uses their personal interests and passions to draw connections in music. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Member MTAC
Currently not accepting new students.
Carolyn Iga (President, Piano, Kindermusik)
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 100% music theory awards. Her piano students have been distinguished by their lyrical melody lines. She coaches intermediate 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 100% music theory awards. Her piano students have been distinguished by their lyrical melody lines. She coaches intermediate 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