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TEACHERS LEVELS
Our Music Teachers are organized in Level I, II, III, defined according to their experience, their teaching style, and the goals and expectations of their students.
Standard Teacher (Level I) - For personal enjoyment & enrichment
Senior Teacher (Level II) - For the more serious students - Exam Preparation
Master Teacher (Level III) - For the most serious students - Intensive / Competitive
Teacher Levels are not to be confused with the Students Level. A beginner student may start right away with a Level II or III Teacher if more rapid results are expected. A beginner student could also start with a Level I teacher and move to a Level II teacher at a later stage.
Standard Teachers (Level I) are ideal for students learning for personal enjoyment & enrichment and who do not want to be pushed too hard, or do not yet intend to prepare for exams and competitions
Senior & Master Teachers (Level II and III) are best suited for more serious students (including beginners) who are more results oriented and want to take exams (CM or ABRSM) and progress faster. They have more extensive teaching experience, hold Masters or Doctorate degrees, are experienced in preparing students for CM or ABRSM exams and will provide more intensive and longer music lessons.
All our students are encouraged to perform at our 3 annual recitals.
PIANO
Standard Piano Teachers (Level I)
Teacher Tahv graduated from the Berklee College of Music with specializations in Education and Contemporary Music Theory. He has two decades of music spanning education and performances including ensembles, accompanying, and pit orchestra of musical theater shows. Teacher Tahv’s teaching style spans all genres, ages, and interests, however, he has exceptional talent and experience working with students interested in jazz music, including improvisation.
Exactly like his specializations, Teacher Tahv dual-wields two core beliefs for education. The first creates self-fulfillment and ensures that music, above all, is fun. The other dives deeper and imbues the difference between good musicians and great ones. Combining both at his core teaching philosophy ensures the development of a student’s natural talent while building critical principles of music.
B.M. in Music Education and Theory from Berklee College of Music
Teacher Tahv
Teacher Young-Rang graduated from Yonsei University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice, and then attended the famed San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she received a Master’s Degree in Voice. Teacher Young-Rang has both performing and teaching experience in voice, piano, and group classes. She was chosen for the main role of Carmen in the San Francisco Opera Guild’s production of Carmen, and received first place in the Bay Area Opera League's competition. Additionally, she studied under Jane Randolph and worked with Kathy Cathcart and Williene Gunn. She was selected for coveted positions in masterclasses with Cynthia Hoffman and Elena Obraztsova. Teacher Young-Rang has frequently performed as a soloist and alongside various musical groups upon invitation in the Bay Area. As a vocal coach teaching students and groups in the Bay Area, she continues her work as the Choir Director at the Berkeley Korean United Methodist Church and the Music Director of the JOY Concert.
M.M. in Vocal Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.M. in Vocal Performance from Yonsei University
Teacher Young-Rang
Senior Piano Teachers (Level II)
Teacher Effie is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music where she earned her Master’s degree in Music Composition with a concentration in Music-in-Education. Classically trained as a pianist and a composer with over 20 years of musical experience, she has been teaching piano and music theory to both children and adults at all levels since 2015, and she frequently collaborates with musicians and performing artists.
Teacher Effie is especially skilled at incorporating diverse approaches into every lesson - music theory, ear training, and music history. She works with students on improvisation and song arrangements in order to find joy in learning music. She values diversity and has a warm and creative teaching style.
M.M. in Music Composition and Music in Education from New England Conservatory of Music, Massachusetts
B.M. in Music Composition from Tianjin Conservatory of Music, China
Teacher Effie
Teacher Tram started learning piano at the age of 5 and graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Music and a Minor in Music Education. Teacher Tram began to teach piano in 2010 and knew how important it is for children to learn music. She encourages her students to learn and appreciate the beauty of music and believes that there is no limit for the children's abilities and imagination. Teacher Tram reinforces good techniques and a strong fundamental for her students from the very beginning. Many of her students completed Royal Conservatory of Music exams from beginner to advanced levels with Distinction. She also encourages her students to participate in recitals and competitions such as Quebec Music Competition. Teacher Tram has won in competitions (Le Muse in Italy, Bradshaw & Buono International Competition) and participated in several music festivals where she had master classes with world class musicians.
B.M. in Piano with a Minor in Music Education from McGill University, Canada
Teacher Tram
Teacher Sylvia is internationally experienced piano, violin, cello and music theory teacher. With 30+ years of experience, she has taught, led, and conducted numerous festivals and concerts. Her experience includes private and group lessons, K-12 music classrooms, and ensemble conducting. Her students have excelled in national competitions, college and orchestra auditions, and ABRSM exams with her goal being that students not only attain the highest possible score but more importantly grow their love for music and also prepares students for Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. She believes that creating opportunities for students to perform in ensembles and community performance outreach programs is important in enriching the child's growth and love for music.
M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Christian University
B.A. in Music in Violin and Piano Performance from Western Illinois University
FTCL - (Piano) Fellow of the Trinity College of London
Long Term Suzuki Teacher Training with Moshe Neumann and Barbara Barber
Teacher Sylvia
Teacher Rebecca's 15 years of teaching experience spans students of all ages and levels. She received her Master’s and Bachelors's degrees from Northern Arizona University where she spent 3 years as the president of the collegiate Music Teacher’s National Association chapter. Her teaching and learning styles are based on achieving well-rounded growth, comfort, and fostering a lifelong love for music, which has led her personal career into sustained opportunities as a recording artist, composer, collaborator and performer.
M.A. in Piano Performance from Northern Arizona University
B.A. in Piano Performance from Northern Arizona University
Teacher Rebecca
Teacher Carrie is an accomplished pianist with over 20 years of professional experience holding degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. She has garnered numerous awards in competitions including Metropolitan International Piano Competition in New York and has performed at prestigious venues such as the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, Shanghai Concert Hall, Jordan Hall in Boston, and DiMenna Center in New York.
With a diverse teaching background spanning all ages, from beginners to professional music school auditions, Teacher Carrie excels in preparing students for the challenges of music education and performance. She is known for her passion, patience, and innovative teaching methods, which cater to the individual needs of her students, making learning easier and more enjoyable. Teacher Carrie also fosters independent thinking, ignites musical imagination, and cultivates a deep understanding and love for music in her students.
M.M. in Piano Performance from Manhattan School of Music
B.M. in Piano Performance from New England Conservatory of Music
Teacher Carrie
Teacher Aaron began learning piano at age 4, later going on to win numerous world class competitions, as well as giving international performances throughout China, Europe, and the US.
As a teacher, he’s received numerous international awards and led his students to win several International competitions (Steinway Piano Competition, Shandong Piano Competition), and receive the highest scores in the National Music Examination (CMA), and Arts Grade Examination of China. Many of his students have also earned admission into prestigious college and university music programs.
Teacher Aaron has over 8 years of teaching experience with students all ages and skill levels using a warm yet demanding approach. He believes in the importance of accommodating individual learning styles, pace, and interests of his students.
M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from University of Hartford, Connecticut
B.M. in Piano Performance from College of Music of SDNU, China
Teacher Aaron
Teacher Chloe is a member of Music Teachers National Association and taught nationally for schools in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. Teacher Chloe is a trained Suzuki and ABRSM teacher. Her instruction emphasizes on developing creativity, musicianship skills, technique, and artistry while catering to the uniqueness of each student.
Teacher Chloe has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and music director. She received her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University, where she served as a graduate teaching assistant and was awarded Temple University Symphony Orchestra Soloist Award and Edwin B. Garrigues Scholarship Award. She’s performed with TU Symphony Orchestra as the winner of the 2019 Temple University Symphony Orchestra Soloist Competition.
M.M. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University
B.M. in Piano Performance from Temple University
Teacher Chloe
Teacher Andoni is a member of MTAC. He has over 10 years teaching piano to all ages and all levels in classical, jazz, and popular music. He specializes in developing a structured approach for each student to learn the foundations of musical performance. He is experienced in CM and ABRSM exam preparation.
M.M. from San Jose State University
Teacher Andoni
Teacher Theodora is a pianist and scholar who holds PhD Candidacy in Musicology at Cornell University and double bachelor’s degrees with high honors in Music and English from UC Berkeley. As an educator, Teacher Theodora has more than 7 years of experience teaching piano to beginner, advanced, and professional students in studio and university settings.
As a pianist, Teacher Theodora has performed repertoire spanning the concerti of Brahms through Prokofiev alongside renowned orchestras such as the Lublin Philharmonic and the Kostroma, Peninsula, and UC Berkeley Symphonies. She was awarded prizes such as the Liszt Piano Competition in LA, International Piano Competition in Sussex, and more.
As a teacher, Teacher Theodora loves to assist students in strengthening their technique, expanding their creativity, and thinking critically about the music they play (and its history) — and, most of all, discovering new music to love. Her students have excelled in recitals, exams, and competitions while still dedicated to having a fun learning and motivational environment at lessons.
PhD in Musicology from Cornell University
B.A. in Music (High Honors) from University of California, Berkeley
B.A. in English (High Honors) from University of California, Berkeley
Teacher Theodora
Teacher Yuri is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she earned her Master’s degree in music and from Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in music. She has won numerous awards including the International Piano Competition of Macau and Concerto competition of Xinghai Conservatory of Music. Since beginning piano at the age of six, she has performed in numerous concerts as a soloist and collaborative artist.
Teacher Yuri has more than seven years of teaching experience for both private lessons and group classes at every level. She is a member of the Chinese Music Teachers Association of Northern California and specialized at helping students prepare for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Exams. Teacher Yuri enjoys sharing her patient and encouraging approach to teaching while maintaining strong standards for lessons while creating a lifelong love of music.
M.M. in Piano Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.A. in Piano Performance from Xinghai Conservatory of Music, China
Teacher Yuri
Teacher Ying holds a master’s degree in classical piano performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at City University of New York Queens College. Additionally, she has a double major in Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and Music Education.
She holds certifications as a Music Teacher and Performance Arts Teacher in Taiwan. Her musical journey encompasses a wide range of roles, including being a soloist, chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and music educator.
Renowned for her flexible and attentive teaching style, Ying understands the importance of adaptability to suit each student’s unique needs. Her persistence, patience, and ability to create a nurturing learning environment have earned her high praise from students and parents alike.
M.M. in Piano Performance from Aaron Copland School of Music at City University of New York Queens College
B.A. in Music Performance and Music Education from Soochow University, Taiwan
Teacher Ying
Teacher Christine has been an accompanist for various musical performances such as choirs, musical, vocalists, ensembles, and instrumental performers for over 30 years. Since 1993 she has been teaching piano and music theory.
During the past few years, Teacher Christine and her family stayed in Iraq to help Iraqi and Syrian refugees. She taught Music and Music History to middle and high school students at a private school in Erbil, Iraq.
B.M. in Musicology and Music Theory at Korea National University of Arts, South Korea
Teacher Christine
Teacher Alex is an accomplished pianist with over 15 years of teaching experience, specializing in exam preparation and tailored curriculum design. His teaching style ensures that each student receives personalized attention and guidance tailored to their individual needs and musical aspirations. Teacher Alex emphasizes creating a calm and productive learning atmosphere that unifies students' abilities with the requirements of the musical text and performance style. Students engage with level-appropriate repertoire and work towards well-defined, shared musical goals.
Teacher Alex completed his Bachelor's Degree at San Jose State University under Gwendolyn Mok and Namiq Sultanov and his Master's Degree at the University of Alberta under Jacques Despres. He has also been a young artist in Chamber Music Silicon Valley and a performer in the 2021 SF International Piano Festival. Beyond piano study, Teacher Alex is an avid reader of novels and studier of foreign languages, firmly believing in their power to enrich any musical interpretation.
M.M. in Piano Performance from University of Alberta
B.M. in Piano Performance from San Jose State University
Teacher Alex
Teacher Irene, a pianist and accompanist, has extensive teaching experience. She has served as Music Director, Piano Faculty, and as Chamber Music Coach at Belvoir Terrace, where she crafted personalized lesson plans and directed chamber music concerts. At Nova Music Center, she specialized as an ABRSM Coach for piano, violin, voice, and theory, and also facilitated music education for pre-college students at the University Precollege Program. Additionally, Irene has provided collaborative piano support at prestigious festivals and taught a diverse range of students in both one-on-one and group settings.
Teacher Irene’s teaching style emphasizes a personalized approach with interactive, tailored lessons that foster creativity and technical skills, preparing students for competitions and exams in a supportive environment. Her methods are designed to engage students and develop their full potential.
An award-winning musician, Teacher Irene’s performance background includes receiving the Distinction in New Music by National Artistry Honors in 2022, which led to a contemporary music tour. She has collaborated with notable conductors at venues such as the New Ballet in San Jose and the National Music Festival Symphony Orchestra.
M.M. in Piano Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Teacher Jasmine is a dedicated piano teacher with 9 years of experience teaching students of all ages and levels. She emphasizes efficient practice, musical understanding, and performance technique while fostering a love for piano. Her students have excelled in recitals and piano exams in both China and the U.S. An accomplished performer, Teacher Jasmine has appeared at the First Chamber Music Festival in Shanghai, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in New York, and other prestigious venues. She has earned awards at the Baldwin Piano Competition and the Chopin International Youth Piano Competition. Teacher Jasmine studied under renowned pianists, including Prof. Huiqiao Bao, chairman of the China International Piano Competition, Prof. Corey McVicar, and Prof. Alexandre Moutouzkine, co-head of the piano department at the Manhattan School of Music.
M.M. from Manhattan School of Music
B.M. from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Teacher Irene
Teacher Jasmine
Master Piano Teachers (Level III)
Dr. Leah (Yerim) studied piano performance in Seoul, where she earned her bachelor’s, Cum Laude, at Seoul National University. Her love towards music led her to study further in the United States, where she earned a Master’s degree in piano performance, a Performance Diploma as well as a Master of Music. An acclaimed and world class performer, Dr Leah also has over 10 years of experience teaching piano to students of all ages and levels. Leah also prepares students for Certificate of Merit (CM) exams.
D.M.A. in Collaborative Piano Performance from The University of Texas at Austin
M.M. in Piano Performance from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
B.M. in Piano Performance from Seoul National University, South Korea
Dr. Leah (Yerim)
Dr. Lina is a highly experienced concert pianist and chamber musician who graduated with a Konzertexamen degree (equiv D.M.A.) from Hogeschool Zuyd in Maastricht, Netherlands, with the highest honors. She has won several competitions including the International Music Award Maastricht in the Netherlands and has performed at prestigious venues across Asia, Europe, and the USA.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Lina is a skilled music educator with a background in teaching piano. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at the Department of Piano at Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea, and has also taught at several other music universities and music schools in Korea. As a music educator, she is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with her students to help them reach their full potential as musicians. She is patient, encouraging, and dedicated to helping each student succeed.
Konzertexamen (equiv. D.M.A) in Piano Performance from HvM Maastricht, Netherlands
Artist Diploma in Piano Performance from Hanns Eisler Berlin, Germany
M.M. in Chamber Music from HfM Detmold, Germany
M.M. in piano performance from HfM Detmold, Germany
B.M. in Piano Performance from Hanyang University, Korea
Dr. Lina
With over 25 years of experience, Teacher Julia has taught students of all ages and all levels. Her students have excelled in multiple exams including CM as well as competitions including U.S. Open Music Competition and MTAC Solo. Her mission is to help and encourage students to develop their musical abilities and to enrich their lives through enjoyment of classical piano music.
As a professionally trained pianist, Teacher Julia has performed in many concerts and chamber music as a soloist, a collaborative pianist, and an accompanist. She won the SJSU Concerto Competition, performed with the SJSU Symphony Orchestra, and was the 1 st place award recipient in the San Jose Music Study Club Competition.
M.A. in Piano Performance from San Jose State University
B.A. in Piano Performance from Ewha Womans University, South Korea
B.A in English Education, Teaching Credential for Secondary Schools from Ewha Womans University, South Korea
Teacher Julia
Dr. Claire is a passionate pianist and dedicated educator. Since 2009, she has been teaching piano to students of all ages and levels in both the United States and Taiwan, fostering a celebration of cultural diversity within her studio. Many of her students have achieved remarkable success, earning opportunities to perform at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. As a committed piano teacher, her aim is to inspire students to cultivate a lifelong and fulfilling relationship with music.
Dr. Claire believes that the learning process extends beyond mastering music fundamentals; it involves developing the ability to perceive music as a "language", expressing nuanced human emotions uniquely achievable through the piano, and nurturing an aesthetic sensitivity. Her musical journey began at the age of four under the guidance of her mother. After completing her studies at National Taiwan Normal University, Claire pursued advanced training in the United States. She studied with Prof. Alexander Shtarkman at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and earned a Doctoral degree from the University of Maryland under the mentorship of Prof. Larissa Dedova.
In addition to her teaching, Dr. Claire was an active performer, having given solo recitals and performances in the United States, Taiwan, China, Japan, and Spain. She is also involved in outreach concerts, bringing music to local communities and schools.
D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the University of Maryland
Graduate Performance Diploma in Piano Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
M.M. in Piano Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University
B.F.A. in Piano Performance from National Taiwan Normal University
Dr. Claire
Teacher Sici is the co-founder of Opus 1 Music Studio. She teaches young beginners and Music For Young Children Group Class. She is experienced in ABRSM exam preparation for all levels.
M.A. in Music from San Jose State University
Teacher Sici - Co-founder
Teacher Marco teaches all ages and all levels. He began his musical studies at the age of six and moved to Portugal with his family at the age of twelve. There he studied in several conservatories and received two bachelors of Music - Piano Performance and Music Theory. He was Valedictorian of the school for both degrees and was rewarded twice with prize “Ensino Magazine” for his high grades.
Before coming to the United States Teacher Marco was teaching piano at Conservatorio Regional de Castelo Branco, Conservatorio Regional da Covilha and also teaching musical analysis at Castelo Branco University (ESART).
Teacher Marco received his Master in Piano Performance from Arizona State University in the class of the great pianist and Regent Professor of Piano Dr. Caio Pagano.
He has over 10 years of teaching experience and prepares students for ABRSM exam.
M.A. in Piano Performance from Arizona State University
B.A. in Music Theory
Teacher Marco
With over 20 years of teaching and performing, Teacher Eliza has guided students of all ages and levels to a consistent 95% success rate in ABRSM exams. Her music journey began at age 6, inspired daily by her elder sister's piano practice. She graduated with top honors in piano from National Tsing Hua University in 2004.
After graduation, she served as a credentialed music teacher in a public school and imparted her knowledge to over 300 students annually. In 2011, she completed her double degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance and a Master's Degree in Music with a scholarship from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, United Kingdom.
Teacher Eliza's teaching style focuses on discovering talent, preparing for exams and recitals, or simply enjoying the music. She specializes in preparing students for the ABRSM exam in piano, theory, and ear training. She ensures each student receives personalized attention and progresses at their own pace. Her music education background and related children's psychology training help her to be unique and better than just a piano teacher.
M.M. in Piano Performance from Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, United Kingdom
Postgraduate Diploma in Piano Performance, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, United Kingdom
B.M.E. in Music Education from National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan
Teacher Eliza
As a certificated university lecturer, Teacher Minghua has taught piano performance, piano pedagogy, music education, piano literature, and art at Universities for over 10 years. During these years, she helped hundreds of students get accepted in the most privileged universities and achieve their musical education dreams. Teacher Minghua is not only a piano competition judge but has also helped many students win world class piano competitions. Teacher Minghua teaches all ages and all levels, including private lessons and group piano classes.
M.M. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University
B.M. in Music Education and Piano from Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Teacher Minghua
Teacher Doris is the owner and co-founder of Opus 1 Music Studio. She teaches students at all ages and all levels. She is experienced in exam preparation in both CM and ABRSM exams. Her students won local competitions and perform at Carnegie Hall.
B.A. in Music from University of British Columbia
Teacher Doris - Founder
A pupil of Daniela Mineva and 2005 Van Cliburn gold medalist, Alexander Kobrin, Teacher Ryan has extensive performing experience. He has been featured as a soloist with the Eureka Symphony, Humboldt Symphony and the North State Symphony. He has participated as a performer in the Round Top Music Festival in Texas and the Atlantic Music Festival in Maine. Teacher Ryan has also done much collaborative work and performed in many ensembles from duos to orchestras, performing works from J.S. Bach and W.A. Mozart to John Cage and Witold Lutosławski. On top of classical music, Teacher Ryan has also created and performed many well received video game music themed piano concerts, which included music, visuals and interactive elements. TeacherRyan is also a composer and has written and premiered his own works for piano.
Teacher Ryan has experience teaching piano students from ages 4 to 80 and everything in between. Lessons incorporate piano technique, music theory, and a heavy focus on musicality, tone production, and creativity at the piano.
M.M. in Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music
B.A. in Music & Piano Performance from Cal Poly Humboldt
Teacher Ryan
Dr. Akira has 11 years of teaching experience, having notably worked on the faculty for the University of Michigan Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program, as well as the Indiana University Jacobs Academy Young Pianists Program. He specializes in helping students build awareness of how their body interacts with the keyboard, establishing a connection between physical motion and musicality. With this goal in mind, he has helped many students at all levels develop healthy practicing and playing habits, enabling them to successfully explore their natural talents.
Dr. Kaku is also an experienced performer. Throughout his career, he has competed at the international level and earned prizes throughout North America and Japan, including the Kawai Music Competition: Piano Solo S-course.
D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from University of Michigan
B.M. in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University
Dr. Akira
STRING INSTRUMENTS
Violin & VIOLA*
Standard Violin Teachers (Level I)
Teacher Kashmira began studying the violin at age four and was a member of the Hawaii Youth Symphony while growing up. She obtained her B.M. in Violin Performance from the University of Colorado–Boulder under Charles Wetherbee. At CU, Kashmira participated in a Music and Performing Arts summer program in Florence, Italy where she studied with violinist Alberto Bologni, renowned performer, teacher and co-founder of the Florentia Consort Associazione Culturale. She went on to study with Katherine McLin at Arizona State University, obtaining an M.M in Violin Performance and Pedagogy.
Teacher Kashmira is experienced in teaching violin to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginner to advanced. She approaches each lesson as a collaboration between teacher and student that is tailored to the student’s ability, learning style, and interests. Teacher Kashmira strives to incorporate music theory, music history, and ear training into playing the instrument. She is patient, encouraging, and happy to share her knowledge and love of music with others.
M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Arizona State University
B.M. in Violin Performance from The University of Colorado, Boulder
Teacher Kashmira
Senior Violin Teachers (Level II)
Teacher Emily began her musical journey at the young age of four, quickly gaining recognition as part of a Suzuki outreach program. By the time she was fifteen, she made her orchestral debut at the prestigious Troy Music Hall. Teacher Emily has since performed at esteemed festivals such as the Adriatic Chamber Music Festival and the North Carolina School of the Arts Festival, and she participated in the New York String Seminar at Carnegie Hall.
During her two years as a resident of Austria, Teacher Emily had the honor of performing for the Diplomatic Council of Vienna alongside pianist Albert Frantz. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied under Charles Castleman, and a Master’s degree in Chamber Music Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, under Camilla Wicks.
Teacher Emily's extensive experience includes being a fellow at the New World Symphony and performing with the San Francisco Ballet and Opera orchestras. Currently based in the Bay Area, she is a dedicated teacher, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
M.M. in Chamber Music Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.M. in Violin Performance from Eastman School of Music
Teacher Emily
Teacher Luis began his musical training at the Victoriano Lopez School of Music in San Pedro Sula, Honduras where he later joined the faculty as a violin professor. In addition to more than ten years of teaching experience, Teacher Luis has earned awards and honors including First Prize in the USM Chamber Music Competition, winner in the Northern Lights Music Festival concerto competition, concertmaster of the San Pedro Sula Chamber Orchestra, and assistant concert master of the Gulf Coast Symphony. He has earned both his Master’s Degree in violin performance (University of Cincinnati) and Bachelor’s Degree in violin performance (The University of Southern Mississippi).
M.M. in Violin Performance from University of Cincinnati
B.A. in Violin Performance from University of Southern Mississippi
Teacher Luis
See Luis’s Performance
Dr. Pei-Shan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from National Taiwan Normal University. As an accomplished educator, “Passion” and “Patience" not only sound just like her name (Pei-Shan) but are also the core beliefs in her teaching philosophy. She is a trained Suzuki teacher and has taught for many years for a wide range of students from beginners to college level. She helps them engage in music, find their love and talents in music, and prepare for performances, competitions, and auditions.
D.M.A. in Violin Performance from University of Illinois
M.M. in Violin Performance and Literature from Eastman School of Music
B.F.A. in Violin Performance from National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei, Taiwan
Dr. Pei-Shan*
See Pei-shan’s performance
Teacher Sylvia is internationally experienced piano, violin, cello and music theory teacher. With 30+ years of experience, she has taught, led, and conducted numerous festivals and concerts. Her experience includes private and group lessons, K-12 music classrooms, and ensemble conducting. Her students have excelled in national competitions, college and orchestra auditions, and ABRSM exams with her goal being that students not only attain the highest possible score but more importantly grow their love for music and also prepares students for Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. She believes that creating opportunities for students to perform in ensembles and community performance outreach programs is important in enriching the child's growth and love for music.
M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Christian University
B.A. in Music in Violin and Piano Performance from Western Illinois University
FTCL - (Piano) Fellow of the Trinity College of London
Long Term Suzuki Teacher Training with Moshe Neumann and Barbara Barber
Teacher Sylvia*
Teacher John’s belief in the importance of a skilled teacher began at age five when he and his parents drove two hours to his violin lessons every week just to see his own teacher. Teacher John later went on to study with Bettina Mussumeli for his bachelor’s degree and Kay Stern for his master’s degree. Mr. Maich teaches beginning through advanced violin as well as viola lessons to all age groups.
Emphasizing the development of natural body movement, including use of the Alexander Technique, Teacher John also focuses on inner musicality & expression, as well as the development of self-image & personal wellness. Teacher John caters his teaching style to suit the needs of every individual student. Throughout his years in music education, Teacher John’s students have shown significant success in auditions, performances, competitions, and exams including ABRSM, RCM and CM.
M.M. in Violin Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.M. in Violin Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Teacher John*
CELLO
Standard Cello Teachers (Level I)
Native to Los Angeles, Teacher Samuel Hernandez-Yanes has cultivated a deep passion for both performing and teaching since the early stages of his musical journey. He began his professional studies at California State University of Long Beach before transferring to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he pursued his musical career under the guidance of renowned cellist Jennifer Culp. Samuel holds both a Bachelor's degree and a Professional Studies Certificate in Cello Performance from the Conservatory. His development as a musician has also been shaped by the mentorship of distinguished artists such as Cellist Margret Edmonson, Cellist David Garrett, and Violinist Eric Chin.
Teacher Samuel has performed with several esteemed local orchestras, including the Golden Gate Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, and the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to his performances, Teacher Samuel has dedicated his summers to teaching at various music intensives across California, sharing his expertise and passion with aspiring musicians. Beyond classical music, Teacher Samuel explores and creates projects in diverse genres such as Jazz and Metal, further showcasing his versatility and love for music.
B.M. in Cello Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Teacher Sam
Senior Cello Teachers (Level II)
Teacher Sylvia is internationally experienced piano, violin, cello and music theory teacher. With 30+ years of experience, she has taught, led, and conducted numerous festivals and concerts. Her experience includes private and group lessons, K-12 music classrooms, and ensemble conducting. Her students have excelled in national competitions, college and orchestra auditions, and ABRSM exams with her goal being that students not only attain the highest possible score but more importantly grow their love for music and also prepares students for Certificate of Merit (CM) exams. She believes that creating opportunities for students to perform in ensembles and community performance outreach programs is important in enriching the child's growth and love for music.
M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Christian University
B.A. in Music in Violin and Piano Performance from Western Illinois University
FTCL - (Piano) Fellow of the Trinity College of London
Long Term Suzuki Teacher Training with Moshe Neumann and Barbara Barber
Teacher Sylvia
Master Cello Teachers (Level III)
A graduate of the Juilliard School, Teacher Elliot enjoys an active career as a chamber musician, soloist and accomplished Cello teacher. Teacher Elliot’s concert appearances include performances as soloist with the UMBC orchestra, and the National Music Festival orchestra, as well as chamber music appearances at Carnegie Hall, and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center.
Over the past 10 years, Teacher Elliot has taught at schools in both New York and Philadelphia, and has experience with students of all ages and levels. His teaching approach is built on 3 main axis: building problem solving skills and effective practice routines, developing a strong technical foundation, and fostering expression and musicality.
B.M. in Cello Performance from The Juilliard School of Music
M.M. in Cello Performance from Temple University
Teacher Elliot
GUITAR & Ukulele*
Teacher Kenta is an aspiring guitarist, composer and educator, who is a 2018 Downbeat Student Award winner and graduate of the New School of Jazz in NYC.
As a performer and composer, Teacher Kenta released his debut record “Glimpse” in 2019, which received international critical acclaim for breaking new ground in contemporary jazz and metal music. As an educator, he has been teaching since 2012, to a diverse clientele, ranging from early music education in public school programs, to college-level music theory and ear training to university students.
From his experience teaching students of all ages and levels, Teacher Kenta prioritizes helping students find music they will love to listen, play and practice. Discovering the joy of performing music is at the core of Teacher Kenta’s teaching.
B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from The New School of Jazz
Teacher Kenta*
Teacher John has extensive background in guitar instruction including 30+ years of both private and group guitar teaching for students of all ages, preschool through adulthood and in all styles including rock, blues, pop, country, folk, jazz, and classical. In addition to Teacher John’s teaching experience, he is also a well-known performer and recording artist, having won two consecutive first-place awards in the Portland Music Company Guitar Competition and released more than a dozen professionally recorded albums available across iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and other digital streaming platforms.
Teacher John believes in the importance of catering specifically to each student’s individual interests and learning goals. Within his available skills to share with students, he prides himself on the ability to offer a structured curriculum that can include reading chord charts, traditional staff, and tablature, and the opportunity to learn to play by ear. Lessons include playing both solid rhythm guitar and melodic lead guitar while exploring a discussion of the creative process such as basic songwriting with melodic and rhythmic accompaniment. Lesson material is supplemented with related articles, concert information, new releases, and recommendations and resources on equipment care and maintenance.
Teacher John’s students have acquired a lifelong love of music, whether in it for weekly fun, or a professional-track guitar career. Regardless of a student’s learning goals, John’s instruction provides a creative and fun learning environment for all students.
Teacher John*
Teacher Vincent teaches popular and contemporary music. He works with students to find the variety of music they fall in love with playing. Teacher Vincent also teaches Ukulele.
Studied at the French National Music School in Paris.
Teacher Vincent*
(Online only)
Teacher Joseph-Napoleon is a classical guitarist who has been mentored by some of the world's finest classical guitarists. His instructors include GRAMMY award-winning artist Jason Vieaux, internationally acclaimed concert artist Marcin Dylla, and the distinguished faculty at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. At the Conservatory, he studied under the guidance of David Tanenbaum, the Chair of the Classical Guitar department, from which he graduated and earned his degree. As a performer, he is the 1st prize winner of the Sierra Nevada National Classical Guitar Competition. He has performed numerous concerts as a soloist and a collaborative musician in festivals and various venues/halls.
Teacher Joseph-Napoleon is also a strong believer in music education, as he himself has been directly impacted by it and is a product of passionate music educators. With multiple years of teaching experience catering to all ages and skill levels, he ardently imparts his knowledge and expertise to students, guiding them toward unlocking their complete musical potential.
B.M. in Classical Guitar Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Teacher Joseph
See Joseph’s Performance
VOICE
Senior Voice Teachers (Level II)
Teacher Natasha has performed internationally as an Opera singer and recently performing with Lyric Studio Weimar in Germany for the past two years as Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni, Rosalinde in Johann Strauss’s Die Fledermaus in addition to solo performances with Shasta Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s Mass in B-flat Major In 2017, she was the winner of the North State Symphony Young Artist Competition and sang the following year as a featured soloist with the Symphony.
M.M. in Vocal Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Teacher Natasha
Teacher Young-Rang graduated from Yonsei University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice, and then attended the famed San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she received a Master’s Degree in Voice. Teacher Young-Rang has both performing and teaching experience in voice, piano, and group classes. She was chosen for the main role of Carmen in the San Francisco Opera Guild’s production of Carmen, and received first place in the Bay Area Opera League's competition. Additionally, she studied under Jane Randolph and worked with Kathy Cathcart and Williene Gunn. She was selected for coveted positions in masterclasses with Cynthia Hoffman and Elena Obraztsova. Teacher Young-Rang has frequently performed as a soloist and alongside various musical groups upon invitation in the Bay Area. As a vocal coach teaching students and groups in the Bay Area, she continues her work as the Choir Director at the Berkeley Korean United Methodist Church and the Music Director of the JOY Concert.
M.M. in Vocal Performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music
B.M. in Vocal Performance from Yonsei University
Teacher Sasha grew up singing and has studied voice for more than 15 years. Starting out as a singer in the Grammy Award-Winning Los Angeles Children's Chorus, they then continued on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. They have sung with notable ensembles such as the LA Philharmonic Orchestra and the LA Master Chorale, and in notable halls such as Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Symphony Hall, and Mechanics Hall.
Teacher Sasha is passionate about empowering singers to discover their own unique voice and prioritizes healthy and joyful singing. Their teaching style is fun and student-centered, focusing on building tools and techniques in order to create an easier and more enjoyable singing experience. By spending time getting to know your specific musical and vocal goals, Teacher Sasha will work with you to improve technique, musical literacy, and vocal ease. Teacher Sasha also believes in catering lessons to each student’s needs and promises to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for students of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and neurotypes.
B.M. in Vocal Performance from University of Massachusetts Amherst
Teacher Young-Rang
Teacher Sasha
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