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+.
Saturdays 9am - 4pm, Tuesdays 1:30pm-8:30pm
Saturdays 9am - 4pm, Tuesdays 1:30pm-8:30pm
Marcelo Soares is a classically trained violinist from Brazil who has more than twenty years of coaching and performance experience. During his extensive orchestral career, Marcelo served as the concertmaster of the Riberiao Symphony Orchestra, and appeared as a soloist with them on numerous occasions. Additionally, he was a member of the Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and was a Titular First Section Violin under the direction of Marin Alsop. As an international soloist, Marcelo has performed works including Romance by Antonin Dvorak, Karl Goldmark’s Concerto for Violin, and Violin Concerto no. 1 by H. Wieniawsky. In January of 2020, he won first prize in the 6th edition of the Shenzhen, China music competition. Beyond his orchestral career, Marcelo enjoys private teaching, as well as coaching students for competition; in 2009, he was invited as a guest teacher at The University of Sao Paulo. He is dedicated to helping students prepare for their auditions and develop a fervent passion for music. Fluent in Portuguese. Vaccinated.
Tuesday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Wednesday 2pm-7pm
Tuesday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Wednesday 2pm-7pm
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 Vietnamese
Monday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
Monday 2:00pm-6:00pm, Saturday 8am-4pm, Sunday 11am-5pm
A cellist from Bakersfield, CA, Sarah has earned her Bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance, and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Cello Performance from Azusa Pacific University. Sarah has studied under the instructions of Dr. Marek Szpakiewicz, Dr. Charles Tyler, and Dr. Dieter Wulfhorst. She also had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with New York Philharmonic principal cellist Carter Brey, and Dr. Simona Barbu from the University of North Dakota. During her 14 years of studying and performing, she has been a part of a variety of ensembles including orchestral, chamber, and choral. She also has experience in solo performance, studio recording, and live theater production. In 2015, she toured with the Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra to England and Scotland under the baton of Maxim Eshkenazy. She has been teaching privately since 2015, and coached cello students at the Summer Music Academy in the Bakersfield City School District in the summer of 2022.
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. Vaccinated.
Thursday 4pm-8:30pm
Friday: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm, Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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. Vaccinated.
Thursday 4pm-8:30pm
Xin Qi (Instructor of piano and percussion) is dedicated and passionate about contributing to growth in the field of music. She began studying piano at the age of 5 and was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music in China as a middle schooler, where she studied percussion with a piano minor. She participated and performed in both the Junior Orchestra of Central Conservatory of music and the China Youth Symphony Orchestra. Holding a Bachelors Degree from Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and a Master’s Degree in Percussion Performance from UNLV in Las Vegas, Xin participated in the UNLV Wind Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, the Rebel Marimba band, Rebel Steel, and the Brazilian ensemble, traveling across France and Australia as a performer. With over 10 years teaching experience and a diverse background in music, Xin is a passionate piano teacher who focuses on enhancing students’ awareness of both the musical details and practice methods, while emphasizing the expression of their emotions through music.
Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm
Wednesday, Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 10am-3pm
is a passionate and talented pianist with a rich history of musical achievements and a deep love for teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians. She began studying piano at the age of 6 and quickly displayed a natural talent for music. Participating in various local competitions and honing her skills as a child lead to her first major win at the Hong Kong International Piano Competition in 2012. Over the years, Yixuan continued to shine in competitions, earning the Third Prize in the Campus Instrument Competition of Gansu Province in China, and First Prize in the 3rd Chinese Young Musicians Competition. Vixuan's talent and dedication to music also inspired her students, who went on to win awards at the Golden State International Music Competition, leading to Yixuan being recognized as an Outstanding Instructor. During her school years, Yixuan received the Eugene Alcalay scholarship and was the recipient of the scholarship from the Artist Certificate Program. She received her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Azusa Pacific University, further solidifying her place as a leading pianist in her field. Yixuan continues to inspire and encourage the next generation of musicians through her teaching and musical performance. Her passion for music and commitment to excellence is a testament to her talent and dedication. Fluent in Mandarin.
Friday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm-6:30pm; Sunday 10am-6pm
Friday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Saturday 1:30pm-6:30pm; Sunday 10am-6pm
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. Advanced level only. Vaccinated.
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory, ABRSM
Wednesday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturdays, additional availability upon request.
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory, ABRSM
Wednesday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturdays, additional availability upon request.
received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Music Degree in Piano performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a Master of Arts Degree in Applied Women’s Studies from Claremont Graduate University with an emphasis in music. She is an advocate for women in music and has presented concerts and lecture recitals on the music of women at a variety of conferences throughout the United States. She has twice been a prizewinner in the International Bartok-Kabalevsky competition and won the Pittsburgh Concert Society Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Jamie is past Chairperson for the Pomona Valley annual auditions of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and past President for the Claremont Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon. She is a member of MTAC, MTNA, National Guild of Piano Teachers, American Guild of Organists, International Alliance of Women in Music and is a founding teacher for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program in the United States. Vaccinated.
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory
Monday-Friday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturday 9am - 5 pm, additional availability upon request.
Eve Chen (Instructor of piano)
Saturdays 1pm-5:30pm, Mondays 5pm-8:30pm
Member MTAC, Royal Conservatory
Monday-Friday 1:30-8:30pm, Saturday 9am - 5 pm, additional availability upon 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. Vaccinated.
Mondays 4pm-6pm
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. Vaccinated.
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 1:30-6:00
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. Vaccinated.
Monday-Thursday 1:30pm-8:30pm, Friday 1:30-6:00
is a native Brazilian entertainer/singer/songwriter/music producer with a masters degree in Jazz Studies and Vocal Performance from Cornel School of Contemporary Music. She performed at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the Skirball Cultural Center, the NAMM Show, the Dante Night Show, Globol International, and Blue Whale. Natalia produced a solo EP "No Samba Quero Viver" and her jazz album "What makes me smile," and is the leader of the project, Little Brazil Trio. Performed for the project "Jazz is Dead - a Tribute to Airto Moreira" with Diana Purim, Krishna Booker, Alex Acuña, and Peter Erskine, among others. She was also a Finalist at the 25th USA Songwriting Competition and a Semi-finalist at the Brazil Press Awards USA.
She has taught for the West Coast Music Academy, Los Angeles College of Music, and has sung on Pullmantur and Ibero Cruises. She has an infant daughter and comes with twelve years of experience in teaching and coaching vocals and entry level piano.
Mondays, Thursdays 2pm-6pm
She has taught for the West Coast Music Academy, Los Angeles College of Music, and has sung on Pullmantur and Ibero Cruises. She has an infant daughter and comes with twelve years of experience in teaching and coaching vocals and entry level piano.
Mondays, Thursdays 2pm-6pm
Jeffrey Tay (Instructor of voice & piano)
Jeffery Tay is a singer-songwriter, Independent Artist, and 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 performance and holds a masters degree from Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA and 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. Vaccinated.
Monday-Saturday 1:30-8:30pm, additional availability upon request.
Jeffery Tay is a singer-songwriter, Independent Artist, and 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 performance and holds a masters degree from Musician's Institute in Hollywood, CA and 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. Vaccinated.
Monday-Saturday 1:30-8:30pm, additional availability upon request.
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. Vaccinated.
Board Member MTAC, Member National Flute Association
Wednesday 1:30-6:30
Board Member MTAC, Member National Flute Association
Wednesday 1:30-6:30
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. Vaccinated.
Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 9am-5pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm
was heavily involved with music from a young age, whether it be from aspiring for proficiency on an instrument or even embracing cultural traditions from his Latin background. As a musician focused on woodwind expertise, Jean-Pierre found his love for the saxophone at Glendora High School and for clarinet and flute while attending Azusa Pacific University. He received his Bachelors’ in Music Education at APU in May of 2021, where he is now also pursuing his Master’s in Music Performance. As a result of this connection with the institute as well as the neighboring Citrus College, Jean-Pierre has had the opportunity to perform alongside a few notable artists. They include Brazilian guitarist and composer/arranger Chico Pinheiro, saxophonist and Latin jazz group leader Justo Almario, and Grammy nominated composer Adam Schoenberg. JP works for multiple school districts as a woodwind and drum major coach. His life passion is to share his love for music with those around him. Bilingual Spanish.
Saturdays 1pm-5:30pm, Mondays 5pm-8:30pm
Rafael Tapia 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. Rafael 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. ONLINE ONLY.
Online only
Online only
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. Vaccinated.
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. Vaccinated.
Online only, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
Online only, Saturday 9:00am-5:00pm
After moving from Scotland to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, John has been lucky enough to be able to be a professional musician for over 25 years. John is a has played and recorded with various performers such as Korn, The Chieftains, Michael Flatley, Charlotte Church, The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and The Tonight Show Band. John has performed at The Hollywood Bowl multiple times and at Coachella. He has also appeared and played in numerous movies, TV shows and stage comedies including Oscar-winning Best Picture, Million Dollar Baby, 911, Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Austin Powers 2, Primary Colors, The Tonight Show, The West Wing, Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Providence, and What About Dick?, among many others. John has written, produced and released four CDs and his music has been heard on over 100 radio stations all over the world including Sirius XM and KCRW.
Mondays 2pm-8pm
Mondays 2pm-8pm
Born and raised in the suburbs of Arcadia, Henry is one of the most promising young songwriters coming up though the L.A. Americana-roots music scene. He released his first eponymous debut album in 2019 with the help of Grammy-nominated Chad Watson as producer and on bass. His Dylan-inspired vocals, harmonica delivery lyrics has impressed folk legends like 60's era Troubadour Eric Andersen and Scarlet Rivera, Bob Dylan's violinist and close friend, who told him "you made Bob Dylan proud." Henry has been featured in American Songwriter for his performances at the Coffee Gallery Backstage, where he will return for his taping of his first live album. Henry holds a Philosophy, Politics and Law degree from USC and currently works as a freelance musician, performer, and writer. We are glad for Henry’s partnership in making our community a better place. Vaccinated.
On demand, Thursday 6:00am-7:00pm
On demand, Thursday 6:00am-7:00pm
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. Vaccinated.
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
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. Vaccinated.
Wednesday 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 2pm-6pm, Additional availability upon request
Wednesday 1:30pm-5:30pm, Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 2pm-6pm, Additional availability upon request
Jessica Ornaghi (Instructor of mallets, percussion & drum set)
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.
Monday 4:00pm-8:00p Wednesday & Thursday 4pm-7:30pm Friday 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.
Monday 4:00pm-8:00p Wednesday & Thursday 4pm-7:30pm Friday 2pm-7pm
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. Vaccinated.
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. Vaccinated.
Member MTAC, accepts new students only upon special request