piano

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Quynh Le

Piano Teacher, graduated from the prestigious music conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Dr. Daniel Shapiro. She is currently a Doctoral of Musical Arts (PHD) candidate at the Claremont Graduate University, currently studying under Dr. Grace Fong and Dr. Jenny Kim. With 15 years of piano performance experience, Quynh Le has studied with renowned teachers around the world, in countries such as France, Italy, and Costa Rica. Throughout her years of study, she has also worked as a piano teacher and teaching assistant helping young pianists progress in their piano studies and love for music. In Cleveland, she assisted Music Therapists at Music Settlement, playing piano for special needs adults and children. Ms. Le has always had a continuous passion to try to inspire everyone around her with music. Ms. Le is is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam.

Sarah Chung

Piano & Voice Teacher, received her Master’s Degree from Sungshin Women’s University in South Korea. She received her Music Education Certificate from Ewha Women’s University. Ms. Chung received her Orff-Schulwerk Certification from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. She is also a Yamaha Certified Group Music Teacher. During her studies, she was a Teaching Assistant at the University. During her college years, she participated in Music Masters’ Courses at Aida Music Academy in Italy. She was also invited to the prestigious Young Artist Music Festival from Youngsan Art Hall in South Korea. After graduating, Ms. Chung opened her own music studio in South Korea, before moving to the US. Her teaching philosophy is similar to a quote by Lang Lang, “The piano is a mirror to the soul; it captures every emotion and reflects them in melody. I believe that learning music is the refined tool of how to put out our inner thoughts.” Ms. Chung is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam.

Diana Oki

Ms. Diana Oki, Piano Teacher, has both a Bachelors & Masters Degree of Music in Piano Performance from California State University, Long Beach. She has been teaching piano for over 25 years in both private and group settings with children, youths and adults. She teaches classical, jazz piano arrangements, pop, rock, ballads, ragtime and Christian worship. Besides teaching piano, she is an accomplished piano accompanist and has performed in church worship services, weddings and funerals. As a piano teacher, Ms. Oki focuses and customizes each student’s lesson in meeting their musical needs and in accomplishing their goals. It is for the student to enjoy the process as they learn to play the piano. Her motto is that every student learns and finds the joy in practicing the piano and sharing their music with others through their own performance. Ms. Oki is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam.

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Anne McClain

Piano teacher, received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and Master’s degree of Divinity from Chicago College of Performing Arts & American Conservatory of Music. Mrs. McClain is an award-winning pianist serving Los Angeles and Orange County as a Piano Instructor, Musical Theater Director and Director of Worship. Mrs. McClain has been teaching for over 40 years, and has a passion in teaching, performing and directing a vast array of musical styles including Classical, Jazz, Blues, Christian, Adult Contemporary, Musical Theater and more.

Dr. Minhee Bae

Piano teacher, received a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Ehwa Women’s University in Korea and Master’s and Doctoral degree (Doctor of Musical Arts) from the University of Texas at Austin-Butler School of Music with a specialization in piano performance. Dr. Bae performed many recitals including a DMA Chamber Recital and DMA Solo Recitals at Bates Recital Hall inside the Butler School of Music. Dr. Bae has been teaching for more than 15 years including her faculty experience at the School of the Arts in Singapore. Dr. Bae has a passion for teaching and has been teaching a great number of students with various backgrounds – from international students to US students with various ethnicities. Dr. Bae is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam.

Kallen Meyer

Piano Teacher, graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree at California State University of Northridge, studied with Dr. Dmirty Rachmanov and Professor Mark Richman. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at Claremont Graduate University and studying with Dr. Jenny Kim. Living in Ventura, Kallen has been studying piano for 20 years. He has performed in music festivals and events in Ventura County. In 2013, Kallen has attended a Summer Music Camp in Warsaw Poland and invited again the following year. Along with Mr. Meyer’s performing accolades, he is a teaching assistant at Claremont Graduate University and teaches private lessons in the Ventura County & OC area. He is also a MTAC/CM qualified teacher, and helps prepares his students for their yearly piano exam.

Ashley Tran

Piano teacher Ashley Tran graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music with a piano performance emphasis, having studied with Mary Jane Cope; and is certified in Recording Technology from Citrus College. Theory, composition, and production are her specialties as she's composed for short films and worked for film industry composers such as Michael A. Levine and Graham Reynolds. Classically trained, Tran has since expanded to a variety of styles including folk, pop, contemporary, rock, and musical theater. Though piano is her primary instrument, Tran also has experience in clarinet, vocals, guitar, ukulele, hammered dulcimer, gamelan, and various percussion. Music with its history, mechanics, expression, and ability has been a lifelong fascination of hers that she continues to explore with teaching and studying everyday. She is determined to share this love of music with her students. Tran is an ABRSM Royal qualified teacher and helps students prepare for the yearly exam.

Wenqing Zhang

Piano Teacher, Ms. Zhang is a pianist with a rich blend of performance and teaching experience, currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (PHD) at Claremont Graduate University mentored by Dr. Jenny Soonjin Kim. Wenqing holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s from Shenyang Conservatory of Music receiving first-class scholarships at every educational institution attended. Her talent has been recognized with awards, including the Gold Prize at the Musicale Fall Music Festival in 2021. In addition to solo performances, Ms. Zhang has a strong background in accompaniment, working with ensembles like the Illinois State University's Treble Choir and Symphonic Orchestra participating in several tours, as well as collaborating with violin and voice studios at Shenyang Conservatory. Ms. Zhang stands out as a dedicated musician and educator, continually seeking to inspire and educate through her music. She currently teaches private piano lessons and prepares her students for CM & ABRSM Royal Exams.

Xi Xie

Piano Teacher, is currently working on her Doctorate of Musical Arts (PHD) in Piano Performance at Claremont Graduate University mentored by Dr. Jenny Soonjin Kim. Ms. Xi Xie comes from Wuhan, China, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance at Wuhan Conservatory of Music in 2018, and Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy at University of South Carolina in 2021. She has worked as a music teacher different Music Schools in China and South Carolina. She participated in Amalfi Coast Music Festival at Napoli, Italy in 2017, gave presentations at Music Teacher’s National Association (MTNA) Collegiate Chapters Piano Symposium at Muncie, IN in 2020, and MTNA 2021 Virtual conference in 2021. She currently teaches private piano lessons in the OC area, and helps prepares her students for CM & ABRSM/Royal exams

Jieun Kim

Piano Teacher and a native of Korea, Ms. June Kim has graduated Dongduck women’s University (BM, Piano Performance) and completed her graduate studies at New York University Steinhardt, earning a Master’s degree in Piano Performance and Advanced Certificate in Music Education, where she was an adjunct faculty member. Since studying to NYU Steinhardt in 2007, she has worked to expand her repertoire, performing as collaborative pianist and as a soloist on the Subway Series (in conjunction with Colombia University), An Evening of Chamber Music at the Black Box Theatre, The Interstudio Showcase at the Frederick Loewe Theatre. Ms. Kim is currently pursuing the Doctoral Music of Arts (PHD) in Piano Performance from Claremont Graduate University, studying with Assistant Professor of Practice Dr. Jenny Soonjin Kim. Ms. Kim is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam.

Strings

Michael Ljungh

Cellist and Teacher, from Irvine, California. Mr. Ljungh earned his Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance from NYU. He also earned a dual Master's Degree in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the world reknown, Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Richard Weiss. Mr. Ljungh is the Assitant Principal Cellist for the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles. He has peformed with many different symphonies and orchestras all across the US, including Bakersfield Symphony, Canton Symphony Orchestra and Firelands Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Ljungh has toured the world and had the honor of performing in great halls including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Severance Hall, and annually at the Walt Disney Concert Hall the past few years. He has been teaching students of all ages for over 10 years. Many of his students audition for prestigious orchestras in SoCal and music schools under his tutelage. Mr. Ljungh’s teaching philosophy is creating a fun environment, but finding the student’s voice & tone in the cello.

Wesley Mason

Violin, Viola & Cello Teacher, graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music & Music Education, at Frostburg State University in Maryland. While studying in Maryland, he also studied at NYU under award winning violinist, Stephanie Chase. After graduating, he received an opportunity to study and teach in Russia for two years from the world reknown teacher, Valentina Gonchorova. Mr. Wesley received his Suzuki Teacher Ceritification at Southeastern University (Florida) for violin, viola and cello. He has been teaching for over 13 years and has experience teaching students starting from the age of 4 to 78. Mr. Wesley’s philosophiy is to teach students regardless of age or limitations, learning is possible and they can achieve success to make an impact in their own lives and on the world.

Benjamin Her

Benjamin Her is a cellist & cello teacher based in Orange County, California, studying under cellist Bongshin Ko. Upon receiving a Performance Scholarship Award, Benjamin continued his music education at the California State University of Fullerton School of Music and has performed in Masterclasses and concerts with renowned cellists such as Michal Kanka, Alexander Suleiman, Annette Cleary, Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi, and more. He has performed large symphony works by famous composers with the CSUF Symphony Orchestra, varying from Haydn, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, John Williams and performed in prestigious concert halls such as the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. In addition to teaching cello in both private and scholastic settings, Benjamin works as a freelance musician, performing in churches, weddings, and open venues. When away from his cello, Benjamin likes to go outdoors with family and try new foods all throughout Southern California. He is also an avid percussionist and loves to learn and play different instruments.

MaCall Potter

Violinist and educator based in Southern California, Ms. Potter graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Violin performance under the direction of Lorenz Gamma and Moni Simeonov at CSULB. She continued on to study and receive a Masters Degree in Ethnomusicology at Goldsmiths, University of London. Ms. Potter loves teaching students of all ages and sharing the power of music. She is passionate about child protection and advocacy for vulnerable populations, using music as a tool for community building. She also plays guitar and writes music.

Peter Park

Acoustic/Electric Guitar & Ukulele Teacher, received his formal musical training from Rutgers University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. He later subsequently received his Master’s Degree from California Institute of the Arts. Peter has won numerous awards for his specialty in Jazz Studies and has recorded on countless CD’s and records. Peter has taught music at all levels starting from K-12, to adult classes, ensembles and private lessons. With experience with teaching students with disabilities, such as autism and blindness, that provided Peter deeper understanding and sensitivity to instructing with patience and care. Peter emphasizes the importance of instilling love for music in students, at the same time allowing them to integrate more technical aspects of it. Currently, he divides his time teaching and working as a freelance guitarist.

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Ryan Cheung

Violin, Viola, and Piano Teacher, holds Bachelor & Artist Certificate degrees in Violin Performance and Music Education at Azusa Pacific University, where he studied with Dr. Alex Russell, Miko Hori, & Min Jung Park. In 2012, Cheung received the Recital Diploma of ‘Associate Trinity College London’ (ATCL) in violin with distinction. Cheung is currently serving as a violin, viola, and piano teacher at multiple music schools and studios in Southern California. He is also a member of the Sterling Ensemble, where he records and performs as a vocalist. Ryan is currently working on his Master’s in Choral Conducting at USC.

 Woodwinds & Brass

 

Joseph Loi

Joseph Loi is an active performer and Flute teacher in the Orange County area. Mr. Loi graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music from California State University Fullerton. As a soloist, he has performed with the Pacific Chorale, Asia America Youth Symphony, and the University Orchestra of California State University Fullerton. He has also been invited to perform in masterclasses for Jean Ferrandis, Leone Buyse, Julien Beaudiment, Alice Dade, Nicolas Duchamp. Joseph has been invited to numerous festivals, including the Interlochen Summer Festival and Miami Music Festival. As a competitor, he has been a finalist in the San Diego Flute Guilds' Young Artist Competition, as well as the Grand Prize Winner of the Music Associate’s Concerto Competition of California State University Fullerton. Currently, he is in the Artist’s Diploma program at CSUF and maintains a busy schedule between teaching and performing with various small and large ensembles.


Dr. Tamara Vaughn

Dr. Tamara Vaughn is a nationally recognized trumpet performer and educator located in Orange County, California. She regularly performs with the Disneyland Band in Anaheim, California, and can also be found performing in chamber ensembles, orchestras, wind ensembles, military bands, and in musical theater productions throughout the country. Additionally, Dr. Vaughn has achieved musical success in numerous competitions, including the International Women’s Brass Conference, the International Trumpet Guild Conference, and the National Trumpet Competition. With over ten years of teaching experience, Dr. Vaughn has had the opportunity to instruct students of all ages and skill levels, most recently as Trumpet Instructor and Brass Chamber Music Instructor in Leander Independent School District in Cedar Park Texas, as well as serving as Assistant Instructor at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Vaughn is eager to bring her teaching experience to southern California and to help foster a strong work ethic along with a lifelong passion for music. Dr. Vaughn completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trumpet Performance at the University of Texas at Austin under Ray Sasaki and Marie Speziale. Previously, she completed her Masters in Trumpet Performance at Baylor University under Wiff Rudd, Mark Schubert, and Alex Parker. Prior to this, she received her Bachelors of Music in Trumpet Performance from the Florida State University under Christopher Moore.

 

Brannen Pfister

Woodwinds instructor (teaching Saxophone, Flute & Clarinet), received Bachelors in Music Education from the University of North Florida, and Master Degree in Jazz Studies from Florida State University. With over 10 years of teaching experience, and over 15 years of woodwind performance experience, Brannen Pfister has performed and recorded with renowned artists around the globe, including artists such as Sal Lozano and Wycliffe Gordon, while also recording at Capitol Records in the years 2016 and 2017. Placed Alto 1 in the 2016 All-American College Band, where auditions are held across the entire country, hand picking the best musicians from each region to be represented at the Disneyland Park. Brannen was brought back for the 2017 All-American College Band to lead the new band as its Teaching Assistant, a title only one person can earn each year. Brannen has taught music at all levels starting from K-12 to big bands, small combos, and individual private lessons at the collegiate level. As a woodwind instructor and performer, he teaches privately and tutors big band classes at Santa Fe community college, and performs at Disneyland in their main band attraction, The Disneyland Band

Voice

Katharina Haberl

Voice Teacher, graduated from the prestigious UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance. At UCLA, Katharina performed in front of 20,000 students at Commencement Ceremonies, was awarded the "Award for Outstanding Vocal Performance”, the “Mimi Alpert Feldman Award” and the “Philip Altman Award”. Further, Katharina sang in the GRAMMY-winning recording of The Passion of Yeshua by Richard Danielpour with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of JoAnn Faletta, awarded for “Best Choral Performance”, and traveled to Miami as part of the Seraphic Fire Young Artist Program. Originally from Salzburg, Austria, Katharina has performed all around Europe and the USA, including Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Greece, Los Angeles, and Miami.She is currently a Doctoral of Musical Arts (PhD) candidate at the Claremont Graduate University, where she has received the “Ahmanson Award & Fellowship” (2022) and is currently studying with Dr. Camelia Voin. Katharina also holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from the Conservatorio del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain. During her time in Spain, she had the pleasure of singing alongside acclaimed tenor José Carreras, appearing on Spanish national television. Some of the highlights of Katharina’s professional performing career include singing opera and musical theatre roles, including the role of Musetta in La Bohème with Ópera Cádiz, in Spain in 2021, and the role of “Daniela” in Mentiras – El Musica in Los Angeles, California. Katharina also holds a certificate in Acting and appeared as an actress and singer in several movies, including Harana and Beyond Methuselah. Katharina is also a songwriter and writes her original songs in several languages she is fluent in, including English, Spanish and German. She frequently performs in solo concerts in the LA area. Katharina has 12 years of experience in teaching students from the ages of 6 to 70 in a range of styles, ranging from pop to musical theatre and classical music, based on classical vocal technique. She believes in fostering her students’ individual talents and inspire them to find their own unique voices, guiding them on their artistic journeys.

Hannah Ridge

Voice Teacher, received a Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance from Chapman University in Orange, California under the instruction of Dr. Rebecca Sherburn. She is currently in the Master’s Program at University of Redlands for Vocal Pedogagy. With 11+ years of classical training, Hannah has performed vocal and choral music with many ensembles including, the Los Angeles Master Chorale Honor Choir, ACDA Honor Choir, SCVA Honor Choirs, VOX Femina Women’s Choir, Chorale Bel Canto, and Chapman University University Choir and University Singers. Hannah recently spent three weeks in South Germany taking part in a program at the Hochschule für Musik in Trossingen to study and perform Romantic Lieder. In addition to Moonlight Music Academy, Hannah also works at Whittier Area Community Church as an Administrative Assistant and Worship Leader with the Junior High Ministry where she works directly with 6–8 graders to assist them in performing and taking their musicianship to the next level. Hannah also performs solo voice music in a variety of styles at gigs throughout the SoCal area, including weddings, funerals, sports events, community events, and fundraising events. Though classically trained, Hannah also takes an interest in contemporary and musical theatre styles. Having many years of experience working with children of all ages and personalities, she believes that learning music should be fun and hopes to help students foster a love and passion for music. Ms. Ridge is a MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly voice exams & competitions.