piano

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Dr. Quynh Le

Piano Teacher, graduated from the prestigious music conservatory, Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Dr. Daniel Shapiro. She also received her M.M. & Doctoral of Musical Arts (DMA) at the Claremont Graduate University studying under Dr. Grace Fong and Dr. Jenny Kim. With 20 years of piano performance experience, Dr. 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. Dr. Le has always had a continuous passion to try to inspire everyone around her with music. Dr. Le is a MTNA/MTAC/CM/ABRSM Royal qualified teacher, and helps prepares her students for their yearly piano exam as well as competitions.

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 and competitions.

Dr. 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 received his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at Claremont Graduate University and studying with Dr. Jenny Kim. Living in Ventura, Dr. Kallen Meyer 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 Dr. Meyer’s performing accolades, he was 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 & competitions.

Caelin Eager

Ms. Caelin Eager is a classically trained pianist with extensive performance, accompanying, and teaching experience. Born and raised in San Diego, she completed her Masters degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado, Boulder studying with Dr. Jennifer Hayghe and Dr. Alejandro Cremaschi. With an emphasis on classical music tradition, her teaching style lays a solid foundation of technique and theory, while focusing on the fun of music making. Ms. Eager has also had additional experience in musical theater, jazz, and popular styles, and she encourages students to explore many aspects of music. Special interests include video game and film scores, using technology and games in music education, and techniques to manage performance anxiety. Her passion is to create well-rounded musicians and human beings through learning music, working with students of all ages and levels. Lessons are individually designed for each unique student to help them build new skills, confidence, and develop a lifetime love of learning.

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.

Strings

Min Lee

Cellist, and Native to Korea, Ms. Min Lee started playing the Cello at the age of 12. At the age of 14, she was accepted to Sunhwa School of Arts where she continued her studies in music concentrating on cello performance until the age of 19. During her years at Sunhwa, she also participated in various competitions and orchestras in Korea.  Ms. Lee competed in the Young Vision Artists competition receiving 2nd place, Hanil University competition receiving Grand prize, Seoul-Incheon Times competition receiving 1st place, Seoul University competition receiving 1st place, and Sun Hwa Ensemble competition receiving 1st place. She performed as a soloist with the Seoul Symphony Orchestra when she was 19.  In 2005, she moved to the US and participated in The Brentwood-Westwood competition receiving 1st place and she performed with the Brentwood-Westwood Symphony Orchestra, and later that year also performed with the Amici Orchestra. Ms. Lee obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance at CalArts (California Institute of the Arts). She focused on studying baroque and contemporary music during the period of time and studied under Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick and Allan Vogel. Ms. Lee also works with various artists like Mary J. Blige, Judith Hill, Korean Popera singer Tae Kyung Im, and Judy Collins etc. She was the director/instructor of Los Angeles Amatuer Cello Ensemble, a guest member of Los Angeles Doctors' Symphony Orchestra, and a member of Jopa string quartet. Ms. Lee is currently a section cellist of Santa Maria Symphony Orchestra, Opera San Luis Obispo, Lompoc Pops Orchestra, and San Luis Obispo Symphony Orchestra. She has been teaching students in cello/ensemble performance for over 20 years. 

Megan Pollon

Megan Pollon is a multifaceted violinist, educator, and performer in the Southern California area. She has played with ensembles across the U.S. and internationally including Civic Orchestra of Chicago, South bend Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic, National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Roundtop Festival Institute, American Youth Symphony, San Luis Obispo Symphony and has served as concertmaster for Roosevelt University’s Symphony Orchestra. Megan has performed with the 2025 Zodiac Music Festival including a solo performance at University of the Mediterranean in Nice. In 2023, she had the opportunity to play for a Violins of Hope event on an instrument that survived the Holocaust. In 2017, she placed 2nd in the Monday Club Fine Arts Competition and was invited to perform the 1st mvt. of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto with the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra. Aside from performing, Megan is passionate about teaching and developing students. She is Suzuki Certified and has maintained a studio of up to 30 students with many accepted into Chicago Youth Symphony Ensembles and youth orchestras throughout California. Her approach with students is to allow them freedom to express themselves in the lesson, giving them a strong technical foundation, emphasizing listening, developing beautiful sound, and setting achievable goals for improvement. She believes that with consistent practice, good instruction and parental support each child can learn to play the violin. Megan’s education includes Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Violin Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy studying under Almita Vamos, Minghuan Xu, Henry Gronnier, and Moni Simeonov. Megan is also currently pursuing an Artist Diploma on full scholarship from CSUF studying under Ernest Salem.

Cristian Contreras

Violin, Viola Teacher Mr. Cristian Contreras is a young and accomplished violist from Glendora, CA. His main goal is to improve the lives of others through means of performing and teaching. He recently graduated with a Masters in Viola Performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and also holds a Bachelors in Viola Performance from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at CSU Long Beach. His studio professors include violists Choong-Jin Chang and Jason Bonham. While studying at Peabody, Cristian won a two year fellowship with the Fairfax Symphony, a professional orchestra in the greater Washington DC area. He has also received positions and opportunities to perform with Symphony in C, National Orchestral Institute, The Colburn Orchestra, Miami Music Festival, and American Youth Symphony. Cristian was also one of the founding members of HEXTET, a premier chamber ensemble at the Peabody institute dedicated to performing works for string sextet for communities in Baltimore. Additionally, Cristian holds over seven years of private teaching experience, having previously taught violin and viola at Irvine Art and Music as well as Mike’s Music in Ellicott City, Maryland. Cristian’s teaching style is very technique oriented but also places an importance on learning solo repertoire to showcase technique. He aims to plant a seed of conviction into each of his students to practice thoroughly and to improve their art.

Benjamin Her

Benjamin Her is a performing cellist based in Southern California, currently studying under cellist Bongshin Ko. Mr. Her holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from the California State University, Fullerton. Upon receiving the Dr. Harry Norman and Family Scholarship and Cello Performance Award, Mr. Her continues to pursue a Master of Music degree in Cello Performance at the university. He has performed large symphony works by famous composers, varying from Haydn, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Stravinsky, Brahms, and John Williams, while performing in some of the most prestigious concert halls such as the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Concert Hall, and Carnegie Hall. As a frequent performer, Mr. Her has also performed in solo recitals and chamber settings and travelled internationally in South Korea and Germany, where he led the California State University, Fullerton Cello Choir in multiple concerts. He has performed in Masterclasses with renowned cellists such as Alexander Suleiman, Annette Cleary, Yue Tang, Yi-Bing Chu, and Wendy Warner. In collaboration, he has also performed alongside distinguished artists, notably with the Talich String Quartet, Rob Kapilow (conductor), Michal Kanka, Dr. Christoph Wagner, Jan Ickert, and Tsutsumi Tsuyoshi.

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.

Kay Kim

Violin & Viola teacher, Ms. Kay Kim received a Bachelor of Music degree with emphasis in violin performance from Kangnam University and came to the United States while studying for the Music Business Master Degree in Korea. She has been teaching for more than 15 years include her directing experience the music part at Zion Presbyterian Church Youth Academy in San Jose. Ms. Kay has years of performance experience with the SF Korean Symphony Orchestra and La Mirada Symphony orchestra. She teaches violin privately, and helps her students audition for SCSBOA Honors Orchestra and prepares her students for ASTA & CM exams. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and likes to workout.

 Woodwinds & Brass

 

Dr. Melody Wan

Flute Teacher, Dr. Yuh-Jiun Melody Wan is an accomplished soloist, chamber musician and educator. Most recently, she served as the Visiting Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette (2022–2024) and previously held the position of Flute Lecturer at Southeastern Louisiana University. An award-winning musician, Dr. Wan has earned first place in Taiwan Music Competition, the Louisiana Flute Society Young Artist Competition, the NOLA Chamber Music Festival, and the CSU Summer Arts Festival. She is the founder and flutist of the Vermillion Duet, a clarinet and flute duo that held the Digital Artist Residency with Chamber Music America. As an orchestral musician, Dr. Wan performs regularly with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and Opera Louisiane. Dr. Wan has performed extensively across Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. She is also a sought-after speaker, having given lectures and performances at numerous conferences, including the National Flute Association Convention. Dr. Wan holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Louisiana State University, as well as a Performance Diploma (Diplôme Supérieur d'Enseignement de Flûte Traversière) from the École Normale de Musique de Paris Alfred Cortot. She also earned her Master of Music degree from the Bob Cole Conservatory at California State University, Long Beach, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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

Steven Brogan

Voice & Musical Theater Teacher, Steven Brogan is a graduate of California State University Northridge. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an emphasis in Voice and a Minor in Musical Theatre, Steven has a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with his students. He has honed his skills as a classical vocalist while also delving into the world of musical theatre and has had the opportunity to apply these skills in various settings, including private voice instruction, musical directing and choreography, and on-stage performances. Steven’s versatility as a performer is reflected in the range of roles he has played, from The Emcee in Cabaret to Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. With over ten years of experience teaching voice, Steven has helped countless students develop their vocal abilities. He has also vocal directed shows with Buena Park Youth Theatre and founded a musical theatre workshop with Encore, further showcasing his dedication to nurturing young performers. Steven’s teaching style is centered around the belief that anyone can sing, and he uses classical music as a foundation for building a student’s vocal skills. He also draws from his background in musical theatre and pop/rock to provide a well-rounded vocal education. Above all, Steven is dedicated to creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students of all levels can feel confident in exploring their voice. With the motto “You are enough to try,” Steven is excited to help students reach their full potential as singers.


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.