Showing results 15 of 53

Jenny P.

Jenny has always been passionate about music and teaching piano and feels privileged to have taught for over three decades. She believes that because every student is different, each lesson should be different. Her emphasis on the importance of positive reinforcement helps her students excel rapidly. Jenny was born in Madison, Wisconsin, and began to play the piano when she was two. She began serious piano studies with her mother when she was five, and mentoring with Juilliard-trained Olive P. Endres when she was seven. Jenny’s “teaching lineage” can be traced back to Beethoven through Miss Endres! Accepted to Oberlin College Conservatory when she was 16, Jenny majored in Piano Performance with Sedmara Zakarian Rutstein, a former professor of the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Conservatory. She taught Sight-Singing and Ear-Training to fellow conservatory students at Oberlin and was a member of the Oberlin College Choir as a freshman. Jenny was also a MacPhail Performance Scholar in Minneapolis, studying piano with Yakov Gelfand, also originally of the Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Conservatory. Jenny has been teaching piano in San Diego County since 1991 and has been living and teaching in Ramona since January 2007. She also coached vocal students, specializing in ”getting them to sing in tune.” In addition to teaching, Jenny served as Service Keyboardist and Choral Rehearsal Accompanist at St. Mary’s in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Ramona. Here, she became Choir Director and Music Director until 2017. With a desire to focus on choral singing, Jenny joined the La Jolla Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and the Point Loma Nazarene University Choral Union. She also accompanies the White Sands Retirement Community Sandpiper Singers choir in La Jolla.

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Jenny P.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Music Theory.

Matt E.

Matt has been playing guitar for twenty years, specializing in fingerstyle guitar. He enjoys playing in a variety of musical genres, such as folk, jazz, classical, world, ragtime, and Celtic. He especially likes to play the music of Pierre Bensusan, his favorite guitarist and musical role model. Matt's approach to teaching guitar is to identify the music that most inspires the student and then work toward playing it as the ultimate goal. Outside of music, he also teaches philosophy at a local university and dabbles in language learning. He grew up in Sacramento and now lives in the Linda Vista/Mission Valley area with his wife and cat.

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Matt E.

San Diego County

  • Guitar.
  • Online Lessons.
  • Music Theory.

JiHye K.

Ji Hye Kim began her musical studies on the piano, voice, and violin, starting at the age of 10. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at the Eastman School of Music with the Howard Hanson Scholarship and her Master’s degree at the Indiana University Bloomington. Before moving to San Diego, Ji Hye served as a music director at several churches. She also directed a children’s choir of New Song Church where she had been responsible for taking care of the students, communicating with the parents, rehearsing and conducting works, and planning concerts. The experience helped her develop skills in coordinating a large group of young people and directing their energies to the common goal. Ji Hye has been teaching students aging from preschool to adult. Through teaching various young and adult students, she has learned how to design age-appropriate lesson plans tailored to the state’s standard course of study, implement behavior modification plans, and differentiate lessons based on various ability levels. The main goal of Ji Hye’s teaching is to inspire students to have an excitement and interest in learning music and instill a fundamental knowledge of music and guide young singers to sing in a safe and productive way.

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JiHye K.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Music Theory.

Aaron M.

Aaron is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he developed and taught weekend music and art appreciation program through the Thornton School of Music for children in the surrounding community. He has performed at the New York Musical Theater Festival, the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the Roxy on Sunset, and Rockwell Table & Stage, among others. He received two L.A. Weekly Theatre Awards for Best Original Score and Best Musical Direction for his original musical “Invasion!” at the Hudson Theater in Hollywood. He is delighted to count himself among the members of the musical sketch comedy group “Stupid Songs,” and can currently be found touring the country as Bernie Sanders in the new musical satire "Biden My Time" from the Capitol Steps. Aaron played piano in his middle school jazz band and was constantly embarrassed about it because he had to wear a dorky purple bow tie, but he’s mostly over it now.

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Aaron M.

Riverside County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Songwriting.
  • Online Lessons.
  • Music Theory.

Michele S.

Michele is a native of Philadelphia where she served on staff at the prestigious Academy of Vocal Arts. She moved to California as a Lecturer in Opera at UCLA and is now settled in the paradise known as San Diego. She started out as a singer and worked as a union chorister with Washington Opera. She also taught Piano- voice at the high school level at Georgetown Day School and also privately in the Washington DC area. She loves all levels of singers, from the most nervous beginner to those who need help to sing at school or church or just feel the thrill of getting up in front of family and friends to share their musical joy. She is also comfortable working at very high levels helping singers to prepare for important auditions at a professional level. Michele is happy working in any genre of music – a good technique works everywhere. As a pianist, she has played for multiple opera companies, auditions, recitals, and recordings and has had a successful career as a sought-after coach/accompanist. She is especially interested in beginner piano students, because of the excitement that comes with not only learning how to play the piano but also how to read music, the most beautiful language there is. Beginner piano students have a whole new world beckoning to them, so come on in – the water’s warm!!

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Michele S.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Music Theory.

Miguel Z.

"Miguel is a flute and keyboard player based in the Tri City Area around Vista, CA, where they coach at Aviara Oaks Middle School, and are currently pursuing an associates degree in flute performance at Mira Costa College, under the teaching of Dr. Elena Yarritu. They began their musical journey at age 12, picking up flute in the Aviara Oaks Middle School band, they accomplished what they could by practicing hard until high school, when they began to study under their first teacher, and around the same time, began to rediscover their love for piano under a new piano teacher as well. Since then, Miguel has pushed hard to become proficient in their two main instruments, also stopping along the way to tidy up their skills in mallet percussion, drums, and voice, from their past experience in percussion and vocal ensembles. They have had many opportunities to play with and perform in masterclasses for renowned artists such as Steve Kujala, Ian Clarke, Brian Pezzone, Julien Beaudiment, and more. Miguel thoroughly enjoys teaching and coaching people of all ages, helping anyone to discover where their musical interests lie, and helping uncover the hidden talents of their students. They incorporate elements of music theory, concepts from other instrumental disciplines, a healthily diverse selection of music and musical concepts, and their students' personal interests into their flute and piano lessons. Miguel is looking to help in any way they can, and broaden the understanding and appreciation of music for all of their students."

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Miguel Z.

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Flute.
  • Music Theory.

Gabriel A.

Gabriel started out by playing piano and clarinet at the age of seven. Born and raised in San Diego, he participated in several local competitions and knows what it is like to dedicate yourself to music as well as all the practice that comes with it. Prior to and during college, he began volunteering his time to help teach kids in elementary, middle, and high school ensembles, giving him plenty of experience with children of all ages. While attending the University of San Diego, Gabriel was the principal clarinet of the USD Wind Ensemble and simultaneously continued his piano studies under the direction of Dr. Kay Etheridge. He graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Music. Gabriel truly loves music and hopes to share the joys of playing instruments with anyone who has the dedication and desire to learn.

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Gabriel A.

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Clarinet.
  • Music Theory.

Virginia C.

Virginia appeared in concert halls throughout the United States, Canada, Brazil and Taiwan. As a winner of the Eleazar de Carvalho Festival concerto competition, she made her Carnegie Hall debut as a soloist at the International Music Festival. Ms. Chang Chien enjoys a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and piano educator. She has performed numerous concerts in significant venues, such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the United States Capitol. Among Ms.Chang Chien’s career highlights, she was a guest soloist and presented the “Marcello Oboe Concerto” in Eleazar de Carvalho Festival, Brazil. During her residency in Banff Centre for the Performing Arts, she gave a lecture about “Performance in the Romantic Period” and a recital. After her Carnegie Hall debut, she was commissioned by New York Composer Circle to premiere contemporary works. In 2017, she released an EP featuring contemporary solo work for oboe and my first album “Oboist: Virginia ChangChien” featuring works of Marcello, Schumann and Ravel, published by MEII Enterprise INC, NYC. In 2019, she joined as principal oboe at Bear Valley Music Festival under conductor Michael Morgan, performing concert series with renowned pianist Olgan Kern. In 2021, she founded a chamber ensemble called “Phantasy Trio”, composed of oboe, cello and piano. The debut concert received favorable reviews. As a seasoned oboe player, her appearances include with the United Nations Symphony Orchestra, Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra, and UN woodwind quintet, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, the Ureuk Symphony and New York Composer Circles. Recent solo appearances include a performance of Bach Concerto For Violin and Oboe, Marcello Oboe Concerto with Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra, Schumann Fantasy Op.73 arranged for oboe and piano, Peri Mauer’s “Journey for solo oboe”, Eugene Marlow’s “Agitation du Coeur” and Moshe Knoll’s "Introduction and Allegro" for oboe, cello and piano. Contemporary works were premiered at New York Composer Circles and Weiwuying National Concert Hall, Taiwan. Her solo performance earned my reviews, including from music critic sites, "The Glass" and “Soundwordsight”. As an oboe and piano educator, she conducted Oboe Master Class in Taiwan. In addition to her private studio , She's been teaching oboe and piano lessons for more than 10 years in the Greater New York area such as faculty of Piano School of NYC, Beekman International School and Léman Manhattan Preparatory School, NYC. In fall of 2022 , she began working with Musikey Company, which is the largest music school in Southern California. Originally from Taiwan, Virginia received a master’s degree under Professor Humbert Lucarelli at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College (City University of New York). She also participated in a master class under Gordon Hunt, Washington Barella, and Sarah Skuster.

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Virginia C.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Oboe.
  • Music Theory.

Laura C.

My name is Laura and I’m from Romania. I come from a family of musicians. My father is a conductor, and my mother was a concert pianist. I'm a professional singer & violinist with more than 12 years of teaching experience! I was the founder, manager, lead vocalist and violinist for Duo Strings Cafe, an established Café Concert band in Bucharest. I performed in various Mariachi and pop / rock bands in Romania. I'm also an actress and played various opera and theater roles like the soprano Caterina Cavalieri in the "Amadeus " play. I offer singing & violin classes to students of all ages. I'm a vocal coach versed in various styles (pop, rock, Latino, jazz, etc.) I have been playing the violin since I was 5 years old. I've graduated with a Bachelor of Art in classical canto. It was always my dream to manage and teach in a music school, this is why I opened my own in Bucharest. It had 2 branches and a separate recording studio location. I love my job because of the satisfaction I get from witnessing my students' passion grow as they improve. During my singing classes the students learn how to breathe correctly. I will also teach them about proper posture, rhythm, articulation and train their ears. We will be able to differentiate and properly switch between voice registers, from chest voice, to head, mix, falsetto. I will also show them different voice "effects" like vocal fry, adding distortion, using twang, belting... During violin classes, i will start with some exercises focusing on technique, scales, rhythm and bow control. We'll brush up on our previous lessons, then we'll go through the homework till we finally get to the best part of our lesson: playing a song. The violin aids in keeping a straight posture and improves our hands dexterity. I look forward to seeing you in class!

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Laura C.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Violin.
  • Music Theory.

Patrick R.

Patrick began playing piano at the age of 5. In his teenage years, he found a love for music composition and music production. With this new avenue in music, he attended San Diego State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music, emphasis on Music Recording Technology and Audio Design. Since graduating, Patrick has been teaching piano, songwriting and music production. He also works as a recording technician/studio musician for a band in LA and has performed at such venues as El Rey Theatre, Troubadour, and House of Blues. As a private teacher, Patrick instructs students of all ages and skill levels. Patrick’s philosophy is to infuse the fundamentals of piano playing (finger technique, music theory, sight reading and ear training) with creative lesson plans and projects. He believes that learning the piano should be a fun experience enjoyed by all!

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Patrick R.

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Songwriting.
  • Production.
  • Music Theory.

Bachir R

I began playing the piano at the age of 5, and have continued lessons for the past 16 years. Moving to England at the age of 12, I was able to learn from another culture and excel further in the piano, where I earned my ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and Flute degree, as well as the ARSM Performance Diploma degree. During my time there, I collaborated with many choirs pit, session and jazz bands and won Young Musician of the Year 2017 at the Winston Churchill School. I came back to California in the year 2019, where I am currently finishing my undergraduate degree in Piano Performance. My goal is to implement my skills and knowledge to create a unique musical experience for all audiences, while teaching others and learning from my lessons experience.

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Bachir R

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Music Theory.

Ryan K.

Ryan grew up among a family of professional brass musicians and educators in Cape Town, South Africa. He began learning the violin at age 6 and subsequently changed over to the trumpet at 7 for which he took lessons alongside a host of other instruments including the piano, guitar and double bass. It was at age 11 that he decided to leave the trumpet and take up the tenor trombone. This decision changed the trajectory of his musical career as he would audition for and receive a scholarship to attend Diocesan College Boys’ School in Cape Town for the duration of his high school years. It was here that he studied with British trombonist extraordinaire and brass teacher Stuart Scott. He attended the South African National Youth Orchestra course for multiple years throughout high school, travelling in 2006 to Germany as part of the South African National Youth Orchestra where he performed Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in the Beethoven Hall in the city of Bonn. After high school Ryan pursued his tertiary studies at the University of Cape Town where completed both a Performance Diploma and Post-Graduate Diploma in Western Classical music specializing in trombone performance. In this duration, he studied with trombonist and UCT head of brass William Haubrich, San Diego native and USC alumnus. Throughout and after his university career Ryan freelanced with the Cape Philharmonic, the Johannesburg Philharmonic and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras on Bass, Tenor and Alto Trombones. He also performed and won category prizes for local music competitions, taught music at various schools and freelanced in many jazz ensembles. Ryan moved to the US in 2019 to become a Marine Musician, eventually being stationed at MCAS Miramar. He performed in many parades and ceremonies in the duration of his service, including the illustrious Tournament of Roses Parade.

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Ryan K.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Guitar.
  • Drums.
  • Songwriting.
  • Bass guitar.
  • Bass.
  • Saxophone.
  • Trumpet.
  • Ukulele.
  • Music Theory.

Noriah M.

Noriah is a Board Certified Music Therapist who specializes in voice with a background in classical training, holding a Bachelors of Music from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has been working in San Diego and giving voice lessons for the past 4 years and adapting music for people from all ages and walks of life. Having studied the voice, she has an understanding of vocal production and how to maintain a healthy singing voice. Additionally, Noriah has worked extensively with people with special needs of all ages to make music accessible through building confidence, working on social skills, and addressing sensory needs. She believes that music is a tool that can help all areas of our lives and that everyone can learn to sing or play an instrument. In her lessons she will focus on building a foundational understanding of the voice, proper breath support, healthy vocal production, and emotional expression through song. Noriah hopes to instill a love for making music and trains from a holistic perspective. Genres include: pop, classical, and musical theater.

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Noriah M.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Online Lessons.
  • Music Theory.

Elvera M.

Elvera’s love for music began in her early childhood. She found love in guitar playing at the age of 11 and took any opportunity to sing and play guitar at open mics, school concerts, or family gatherings. She sang in choir throughout elementary, middle, and high school and began voice lessons at 16 years old. She gained an interest in musical theatre and performed in multiple productions throughout her adolescence. She is currently studying music at San Diego State University and hopes to be a certified music therapist. Music is a very important part of her life and she loves seeing her students blossom into driven and hopeful musicians.

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Elvera M.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Guitar.
  • Music Theory.

Ladan N.

Music has been a constant passion in my life ever since I started learning the piano at the age of 10. By the time I was 14, I had my first piano student and teaching has been a fulfilling part of my life ever since. Classical piano is my forte, and I love immersing myself in the various musical time periods, exploring their unique styles and harmonies. However, my greatest joy comes from teaching children. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they learn a new piece is the most rewarding feeling in the world.

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Ladan N.

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Music Theory.