Aba S.
Aba’s musical journey first began in Elementary School. From Clarinet to Piano and Electric Guitar, Aba has been playing music since 8 years old. Playing in concert band, marching band, and Jazz Band allowed Aba to successfully learn various types of orchestrations quickly, perform in various venues throughout California, and gain the ability to improv play. Aba was one of few students chosen from the Coachella Valley to play clarinet in a full orchestra at Riverside Community College during his time at Palm Desert Charter Middle School. This allowed Aba to experience what an audition process takes and how important preparation is for musical performances. Aba graduated from Boston College with degrees in Political Science, Film, and Music. During Aba’s time at college, he became well versed in the arts by being a part of a sketch comedy club, creating short films, and learning the art of Audio Recording and Production. He loves playing rock, blues, hip-hop, and Pop on electric guitar and piano along with creating beats. Aba is very passionate about the arts and hopes to inspire others.
Read BioAba S.
Riverside County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Carol L.
Carol started singing at the age of 12 or so, taking after her musical talent from her mother who was a pianist and organist. She majored in music at Univ. of N. Texas while singing in the chorus of the Dallas Summer Musicals in the summer. Upon graduation, she went to New York City to study voice, coaching, acting, and dance. She sang 4 summers with the Glimmerglass Opera Company in Cooperstown, NY, where she sang leads in Marriage of Figaro, Barber of Seville, Carmen, Pagliaccim Merry Widow and others. After singing many opera roles in New York City with the Bel Canto Opera Company, New York Lyric, and the Virginia Opera Theater, she moved to Germany to pursue her aspirations to sing leads in operas there. She performed leads with the Saarlaendisches Staatstheater in Saarbruecken, Germany and then went on to sing in Phantom of the Opera in Hamburg Germany. Carol has traveled the world singing on ships for over 15 years, performing operetta and Gershwin, Cole Porter and musicals. Carol has a passion for music and traveling. She lived in Los Angeles where she performed and started giving singing lessons and piano lessons to kids and adults. She has relocated to the desert and is adding clients to her studio. She is mature, patient and fun-loving.
Read BioCarol L.
Riverside County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Jincy N.
Jincy started playing piano at age of 8, taking classical music lessons from the most acclaimed piano instructors of her hometown. Being a top student with highest grades in music theory classes along with concrete skills obtained from performative courses, resulted in comprehensive experiences for her. Shortly afterwards, she became passionately interested in music composition and started to write a few pieces for piano. Jincy has been working with young students and been watching her students fall in love with music and follow their dreams (which is what she always wishes).
Read BioJincy N.
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Joanna S.
Joanna has been teaching piano and voice since 1991. Some of her students have gone to become music majors in performance and education. She has a passion for her students to grow to love and appreciate every aspect of music as a language. In voice, her emphasis has been children’s education using Kodaly (a Hungarian curriculum based on three different styles of teaching from Italy, England and France). Other studies would include solfege, voice, piano performance, Alex technique emphasis performance, release, and a piano studies emphasis in theory. She is also certified by the state of California as an Activity Director. She started playing in church when she was 12 years old and started arranging some simple versions of hymns. She has been in competitions in her junior high years and performances. She was very involved in musicals in high school and sang in elite choirs in college. She has written Christian Contemporary music for churches and written children’s musicals. She also composes classical contemporary music with stories. Her plans are to someday write the stories in books for expressive therapy for children, learning disabilities, and dementia to help them to learn to express more creativity and gain confidence and an awareness of music with art and color. She also does music awareness in retirement homes. In 1996, she wrote Christian contemporary music for a ministry and participated as one of the singers and soloists on cable TV for a year. She is a member A.S.C.A.P. and has had music on local Christian radio stations and throughout Europe. She has performed piano and voice in different areas in Riverside, San Diego, and Colorado.
Read BioJoanna S.
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Michael J.
Michael has been teaching, playing, and writing music for nearly 20 years. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts for Jazz Composition and finished his Bachelor of Music at Southeast Missouri State University. He is currently working on his Masters's in music composition at San Diego State University. In addition to teaching, composition, and music theory research, Michael is an active performer both in bands and as a solo act. He works with kids of all ages and loves to bring the joy of music to children's lives. His teaching style and approach are catered to each individual student.
Read BioMichael J.
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Songwriting.
- Production.
- Bass guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Ukulele.
- Music Theory.
Erica T.
Erica is a multi-instrumentalist from San Diego, CA. Erica’s formal training began with classical piano lessons as a child; since then, her passion expanded to the drums, guitar, bass, uke, vox, and various percussion instruments. Erica received a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2016 and decided to follow her musical aspirations, performing in local San Diego rock bands while teaching music. Erica loves the joy that music brings and is passionate about empowering others through music education. She loves to connect with others through songwriting, spontaneous jam sessions and believes in the healing powers of playing music.
Read BioErica T.
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Drums.
- Online Lessons.
- Ukulele.
- Music Theory.
John R
John has been playing piano for 23 years and teaching piano and voice to children in the San Diego area with positive results in all of his students. In 2007 he traveled with the global education and music program Up with People where he had the opportunity to perform music throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States and for events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Tournament of Roses Parade. John has performed in several musical theater productions as both a singer and musician. He has sung in the role of Seymour for the musical Little Shop of Horrors, and used his piano abilities to play for productions of Grease and Bye Bye Birdie. John has successfully created and maintained a youth choir for children and teens at his church, focusing on tonal quality, accurate diction and performing as a group. With a solid understanding of children, he is able to make a connection with all students that help them to understand the complexities of music. John uses relatable examples and interactive activities that exercise their creative abilities while solidifying their musical foundation. In this way, he is able to analyze the students’ abilities and tailor the lesson based on his/her ability to comprehend and create music. His goal is to explore music with others so they may develop a unique form of expression which resonates in any country while enjoying the serenity that coincides with creating music on a piano.
Read BioJohn R
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Kenneth L
Kenneth’s heritage is a family of concert pianists, and music teachers. He has been studying and playing music for more than 30 years. As a concert band director, he has been teaching piano, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and ukulele for fourteen years. His great joy is helping students not only to learn the instrument of their choice, but to assist them in overcoming any physical or mental obstacles that may come across their path learning their instrument. His approach is patient and encouraging. His education consists principally in music and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He considers the well-being of each student and their learning of their chosen instrument of equal value.
Read BioKenneth L
San Diego County
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Clarinet.
- Saxophone.
- Ukulele.
- Music Theory.
KeySlayer
At age of 6, he was formally trained by his Mother, an accomplished classical pianist and teacher. During which he studied classical works including Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Debussy, Schubert, Scarlatti, Scriabin along with detailed intense technique studies including Czerny and Griefen und Begriefen. Based on passing an audition, KeySlayer studied with various piano teachers between the ages of 8 and 18 for additional attention to performance mastery, theory, composition and technique. Achieving an important 1st place win in the MTAC (Music Teachers Association of California) Sonata Contest at San Diego State University as a student of Sherman Storr was one of many results. The illustrious list of highly accomplished pianists that trained him include: Louise Robberecht, Lylian Simpson, Charles Slagley, Ilana Mysior and Sherman Storr. These musicians had notable success and well known classical performance and teaching careers. KeySlayer has an advanced level of performance, theory, technique, composition, arranging and sight reading ability. He has experience as a musical director, recording/video artist, music copyist, percussionist/drummer, accompanist, band member on percussion/keyboard in concert band, orchestra, symphony and pop music.
Read BioKeySlayer
San Diego County
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Kirk B
Kirk’s love of music began at the age of 12, when he picked up the trombone and began playing jazz. Demonstrating talent and dedication, he was playing in advanced jazz groups and orchestras within several years, eventually playing in Utah’s Youth Symphony as 1st Trombone. Kirk transitioned to the Electric Bass in high school and continued on to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York for a bachelor’s degree in music. There, he split his time between two jazz bands, three rock groups, and his own jazz/funk ensemble. In addition, he was a member of the student orchestra, playing on an Upright Bass. After graduating, he was accepted to Berklee College of Music and immediately involved himself in half a dozen bands, student performance projects, and regular weekly gigs throughout Boston, all while holding on to the Dean’s List academic standing and double majoring in Bass Performance and Film Scoring. After Berklee, Kirk moved to New York City where he began scoring for independent and student films. Most notable works include a composition for NPR’s “This American Life,” where he scored the nationally played trailer showcasing their live HD broadcast. Now in San Diego, Kirk’s newest chapter in music is teaching piano and bass guitar to children and adults who are beginning their own musical journeys. Kirk’s experience as a jazz bassist and composer offers a unique perspective towards music and music theory. Without losing sight of the importance of fundamentals, Kirk encourages his students to “think off the page.” His philosophy is to inspire learners to think creatively and internalize the music, which can help not only in the understanding of music, but with critical thinking skills as well. Above all else, his naturally patient and positive personality serves to keep lessons light and always fun.
Read BioKirk B
San Diego County
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Bass guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Kyle A
Kyle began playing piano at the age of 7 and continued taking private lessons for 17 years. He received a Piano Teaching Certification from Fullerton College at age 22. Kyle continued his education at Berklee College of Music where he received a Bachelor of Music in Film Scoring. Over the past 15 years he has had the opportunity to perform in nearly every style of popular music. He enjoys learning about the music of different cultures and is currently a member of Peruvian Cumbia group, La Chamba. As a private teacher, Kyle has instructed students from young children to adults in all aspects of musicianship. He feels it is important that students not only become skilled pianists but well-rounded musicians as well.
Read BioKyle A
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Lorenzo
After having graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring in late 2013, Lorenzo started off his career interning for film composer George S. Clinton (known for his work in the Austin Powers movie franchise). He later quickly entered the video game industry after creating his own audio production studio whilst working with game developers around the world. In addition, Lorenzo has been playing piano since the age of 5 and has been teaching both piano and music production for the last 6 years. Although classically trained, his lessons can cater to anyone learning to play the piano, may it be for Jazz, Hip Hop, or Classical music. He believes that technique, sight-reading, ear training, music theory, and improvisation are all key components to becoming a great and well-rounded musician, and if interested, a great composer.
Read BioLorenzo
San Diego County
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Saxophone.
- Music Theory.
Margie V
Margie’s teaching career began at age 7, when she gave piano lessons to her 14-year-old brother. She began teaching full-time 30 years ago. She’s had experience with all kinds of music learners, of all ages, and she develops lesson plans to spark the unique interests of her students. She enjoys doing customized arrangements and is flexible about teaching material. Margie plays a number of other instruments in addition to piano: guitar, organ, Russian gusli, and hammer dulcimer. She studied piano, organ, conducting, and pedagogy, on 3 scholarships, at UCSB, SDSU, USD, and Shenandoah Conservatory. Margie is a life member of the national music honor society, TRI-M, having served as chapter president in high school. Currently she is an active member of the National Federation of Music Clubs, a teachers’ organization.
Read BioMargie V
San Diego County
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Ukulele.
- Music Theory.
Mary J
Mary is an Actress, Singer, Writer, Teacher, Pianist, Composer, Playwright, Director, Producer, and Novelist. She is a classically trained vocalist who specializes in Musical Theatre, Pop, Jazz, and Country. Her previous voice teachers range from Opera Singers who sing pop for Grammy award winning video games, to (not one but two) Phantoms from Phantom of the Opera and several others of note. She emphasizes vocal health and proper technique with her students. She started her Suzuki piano training at age four and continued for twelve years with the same studio and during those years was recognized at many conferences and national events. Needless to say, she is classically trained, but chooses to use a variety of techniques with her piano students in order to cater to their learning style and interests, while instilling proper technique and a love of music. All of Mary’s students leave with smiles on their faces and a love, understanding, and appreciation for music. Originally from the Boston area, she was an actress in Boston, New York City, and Chicago before moving to San Diego. She started her collegiate training at The Hartt School of Music Dance and Theatre and The Chicago College of Performing Arts where she studied Musical Theatre, and (due to health complications) transferred and completed her training at the University of San Diego and has degrees in both Music and Theatre. She Music Directs at J Company and runs their As One Ensemble, Works as a Music Director and Acting Teacher for Junior Theatre, has a private Voice, Piano, and Acting studio, and is in the process of getting a new musical off the ground and her novels published. Mary believes in catered education; education that is crafted specifically to each person’s strengths and interests in order to fully access one’s potential and has found enormous success with her students in the past. She has helped several of her student’s land roles, win competitions, and get into top institutions/programs for the arts.
Read BioMary J
San Diego County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.
Michael M.
Music has always been important in his family’s history. His maternal great-grandmother Lena Thomas played guitar with the Wandering Minstrels in Arkansas back in the 1800s. (photo: 2nd from left) His other grandmother’s (Hazel Harrison) musical roots were tied to Liverpool, England. She was especially proud of a recently popular Beatle named George Harrison. Her being his aunt. Even though not everyone her age was in the Beatle’s Fan Club quite yet, she certainly was. Seems like from then on they always tried to know and memorize Beatle’s trivia, catchy lyrics, and songs. Now, over half a century later, when his family gets together for a reunion (Lena’s side), it’s like a mini Woodstock Festival. His grandfather played guitar and fiddle on the radio with Roy Clark. His mother and her twin sister sang on TV and radio when they were kids. So, raised in a music-loving family moved to perform in front of his family and friends. While his primary love is singing, he began to play piano, organ, clarinet, and guitar from an early age. He learned acoustic guitar first, then got his first electric guitar as a teen. Later, he played rhythm guitar for a local band and fronted it with lead vocals. As an adult, he’s given acoustic guitar lessons to children and adults, both in the USA and in South America. He’s taught British and American English in South America as well. In 2006 and 2007 he spent some time authoring a published book on techniques of hypermiling. Since it was one of the first books of its kind, it was featured on LA’s KTLA news and other stations. He’s created an acoustic guitar playing course (in Spanish) to teach how the guitar works, with simple and advanced techniques, highlighting fundamental and inverted chord building principles without having to read traditional music. Being of baritone vocal range, his singing voice is similar to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Neil Diamond.
Read BioMichael M.
Riverside County
- Voice.
- Piano.
- Guitar.
- Online Lessons.
- Music Theory.