Piano CELESTE
CAPALDO-SMITH: Celeste's primary purpose for teaching is to develop the
musical talents of each student to the fullest potential by providing a
unique program of music study where learning is fun but challenging.
Celeste received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at the Metropolitan
State College of Denver. While pursuing her degree, Celeste taught
several piano students of all ages and levels. She continues her study
by attending piano performance and piano teaching seminars. Her main
goal as a piano teacher is to develop students' love for music making. Guitar/Banjo Trumpet/Cornet/Trombone/French Horn HANNA
KONDO: Originally from Japan, Hanna comes from a diverse music
background starting in theatre, leading to rock, pop, country and other
genres. Graduate of Berklee College of Music as a voice principal, her
approach towards lessons are focused on feeling the joy of singing and
expressing themselves. Positive and upbeat, her skills and techniques
used are friendly to anyone who wants to try something new, or pursue
advanced lessons. In other musical fields, Hanna participated in
singing/songwriting/lyric writing for major video games and movies
released worldwide.
PAT BOFIRD: Pat
has been performing and teaching music for more than 40 years. Pat
teaches classical, pop, country and jazz to students of all ages. She
has a wonderful way with young students, utilizing the Alfred's Music
for Mozarts Method. In addition, Pat is skilled in teaching with the
Thompson, Alfred, Bastein, Shaum, and Hal Leonard methods. Her
experience spans from private instruction in piano and organ, teaching
music at Aliamanu Elementary and professional performance.
GARY
NESTERUK: Gary earned both his BS in Music Education and his MA in
Music Performance from Indiana University. Gary has been teaching with
us since 1982 combining his wide range of professional experience with
his deep interest in the development of young artists and a wish to
encourage their study and creativity in music. Gary's studio work spans
over 100 films, television shows and soundtracks including: The
Wonderboys, Sweet November, and the Twilight Zone.
JANET
POTTER: Janet has been teaching private piano lessons for 25 years in
Hawaii, Colorado and California. Janet began teaching at SMMC in 1998
and uses the Bastien method for teaching both children and adults.
Janet brings enthusiasm to her teaching and is especially good with
young beginners. Janet teaches all ages and specializes in classical
music. She loves teaching because the experience of helping her
students to progress musically is so rewarding.
GLENN
NAFTCHI: Glenn received his degree from the NYU Jazz Studies Program.
He has played professionally as a studio musician and in venues all
over the U.S. He was the head of the Piano and Composition Departments
at the Austin School of Music and has won many awards and competitions
for music performance and composition.
JANICE
YING: A graduate from Pepperdine University with a degree in Music
Education with focus in piano performance. Janice was the winner of the
Pepperdine University concerto competition and continues to perform
throughout Southern California and the Midwest. She has been playing
the piano for over 20 years and specializes in classical performance
and technique. Janice also has extensive experience in teaching music
theory, composition, as well as performance of all music genres such as
jazz and pop. She has been teaching at SMMC since 2005 and enjoys
students of all ages and levels.
LUIZA CLOUD:
Masters in musicology and piano from the National University of Music,
Bucharest. Teaching certificate in Pedagogical Piano Training also from
N.U.M., Bucharest. Luiza has performed, taught and lectured in Romania
and the U.S. Specializing in classical music. Luiza has an extensive
knowledge of music theory, technique, composition and performance.
MARY
HARPER: After getting a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of
Music, Mary played professionally and taught private lessons. Over the
years she has developed a unique and creative method for the very young
students and an excellent rapport with adult students. Mary has been
teaching at the Music Center for almost a decade now and she keeps a
full schedule with loyal students.
Piano/ProTools/Logic Audio
DAVID
SHEPHARD: David received a BA in Music from Wesleyan University,
Connecticut and pursued additional studies at the Grove School of Music
in CA. While in New York City, his unique abilities as a musician
earned him posts as piano accompanist for the prestigious Alvin Ailey
and Martha Graham Centers for Dance. Now in LA, he is active as a
composer, producer, and session pianist. His fresh approach garnered
him scoring work with Warner Bros., ABC Television, HBO and FOX.
Guitar
JAY
GREEN: Jay specializes in teaching rock, punk, alternative, country and
blues to students of all ages. In a comfortable, at-your-own-pace
environment, Jay will help you learn the basics such as chords, scales,
reading, theory and soloing. At the same time jam on your favorite
tunes, riffs and solos, meticulously transcribed for your playing
level. Jay can also help with song writing and how to create chord
progressions to get your own ideas down. Jay has been teaching guitar
at SMMC since 1996.
KIRK
MARGO: Kirk studied Music at the California State University,
Northridge. In addition, Kirk's education in various guitar techniques
include, Jazz and Theory with Ted Greene, Jazz and finger picking
styles with Jimmy Wyble, Rock with Steve Vai and Studio styles with
Jamie Glazer. Kirk specializes in a variety of music genres, chart
reading, ear training and composition. Kirk has been teaching at SMMC
since 1999.
STEVE
MAXWELL: Steve is experienced in teaching a variety of popular styles
and techniques. Steve works closely with each student to assure there
is a solid understanding of music, as well as, to meet the individual's
goals and satisfy their interests. Graduating from the Guitar Institute
at Musician's Institute, Steve teaches classic rock, jazz, blues, and
various other styles including slide techniques and open tunings. He
has extensive experience with both private and classroom instruction.
GARY
VALENTINE: Gary customizes his classes to fit the unique and individual
needs of each student. He says, "By learning the fundamentals, you can
play anything." Gary has appeared on national T.V., ABC and Fox
Networks and has performed for Oprah Winfrey, MTV and Disney. He has a
music degree from U.C.L.A. In addition to American music styles, Gary
studied for 2 years in Madrid in classical and Flamenco guitar at the
Royal Conservatory and with Maravilla and Segovia.
JONATHAN
WEED: Summa Cum Laude Graduate from Berklee College of Music. Jonathan
has studied with some big names in the film industry such as Jack
Smalley (Charlie’s Angels) Ronald Feldman and Jay Chattaway (Star Trek)
etc. Jonathan has taught private guitar to young and older students of
all levels and genres with a positive and fun attitude.
TIMOTHY
HALL: Attending the College Conservatory of Music at the University of
Cincinnati, Tim earned his Bachelor of Music with Magna Cum Laude
honors. Tim concentrated on jazz guitar in college, but is an excellent
teacher for many styles including classic rock, blues, pop, and folk.
Tim's patient demeanor and approach to teaching has made him a popular
teacher for students of all ages and levels.
BRIAN STURGES: Brian received his Bachelor of Music in 2001 from Berklee College of Music and has been an intructor with us since 2006. Brian specializes in
American Roots Music with genre focus in bluegrass, blues, country,
folk and ragtime and instrumental focus on piedmont fingerstyle guitar,
bass and harmonica. In addition to American Roots Music, Brian also teaches funk, rock and r & b. Music theory is an important aspect of his lessons and is taught within an instrumental lesson or available on its own.
Guitar/Bass
MICHAEL
CRAWFORD: BA, Arts Management from Shenandoah University. Michael is an
experienced studio musician and songwriter. He has over 300 live
performances under his belt as well as music video performance. Michael
loves to teach and has full schedule with loyal students.
Bass
PAUL
MORIN: A Los Angeles native, Paul began playing upright and electric
bass at the age of 12 and has enjoyed a long career playing all styles
of music. Paul has worked with many artists on a variety of projects
including movies, television, theatre and studio work. Some of his
credits include: Sideways, Life Aquatic and Legally Blonde 2. He has
worked on shows at the Pantages and Shubert theatres as well as NBC and
PBS.
Drums/Percussion
PHILIPPE
MATHYS: Born in Switzerland, Philippe started playing drums at an early
age. After moving to the US, he received a Bachelor of Music in
Professional Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has
toured extensively in New England and California with different pop,
rock, and funk bands. Philippe is currently a working session player
and teacher, involved in several projects in the LA area.
TODD
TATUM: A graduate of the Grove School of Music, Todd has been teaching
with us since 1983. In addition to instructing drums and percussion at
SMMC, Todd currently freelances in the LA area. Some of his latest
projects include playing with Rhino Records Artists, Big Daddy and
recording with Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees), Warner Bros. Act the
Foreman, a variety of children’s albums for Rhino Records and various
studio and live performance work.
MARC
VAN AKEN: Marc studied music at the University of Music and Acting
Arts, Hamburg, Germany. Marc engaged in additional studies at the
Percussion Institute of Technology in Hollywood. His private
instruction has included study with Casey Scheurell, Ralph Humphrey,
Gary Hess and more. Marc plays drums and percussion and has toured
Europe and the U.S. Touring with such artists as Deacon Jones, Peter
Tork, Finis Tasby, The Drifters and more. Marc has been a music
educator with us since 1999.
RONNIE
VILLANUEVA: With over 12 years experience with group and private
lessons Ronnie teaches all levels and ages. He focuses on technique,
time, notation and sound concepts applied to all styles of music and
drumming. Ronnie has a Major in Music Education and a Minor in Music
Performance from the University of Hawaii.
GUNTER
“DICKI” FLISZA: A professional drummer for more that 20 years, Dicki
has worked with some well known artists such as Iron Maiden, John
Shanks and Keith Olsen. He has been signed with Warner Bros.,
Parlophone Records and Atlantic Records and has toured all over the
world (US, Europe and Japan) with a #1 album as well as a top-ten rock
album in the UK. Dicki has taught privately in the Los Angeles and
Orange County areas for many years.
Reeds
STEVE
MARSH: Steve received his Bachelors in Music from Arizona State
University and has been teaching with us since 1995. Aside from
teaching, Steve has toured and worked with many famous artists
including, Lyle Lovett, Mel Torme, Bonnie Raitt, Tony Bennett, Doc
Severinson, and George Strait. In addition, his film work includes, The
Firm, and Major League Soundtracks.
CHARLES
ORENA: Charles attended UCSB studying clarinet with Mitchell Lurie.
Since moving to L.A. in 1976 Charles has toured with the "Temptations,"
the "Lettermen," Mel Torme and Bob Hope, to name a few. His sound track
credits include such films as the "Mambo Kings" with Tito Puente and
"My Fellow Americans." Charles has been teaching reeds at SMMC since
1986 with students of all ages. Charles is very familiar with the
structure and requirements of the local school districts band
and orchestra program
VINCE
SUZUKI: Vince has been teaching with us since 1999 and has become well
known for his enthusiastic approach in teaching the reed instruments.
Vince has worked with various artists including, the "Temptations,"
"Franki Valli and the Four Seasons," and "Brian Setzer Orchestra."
Having played with the Burbank Symphony and working closely with many
band and orchestra students, Vince is well versed in the demands and
expectations of the local school district band and orchestra program.
Trumpet
BOB
COMDEN: Formerly split lead trumpet with the Buddy Rich Ochestra, some
of Bob's credits include having played with Stan Kenton, Tito Puente,
Glen Campbell, Temptations and Gladys Knight. In addition, Bob had
worked with Cat Anderson and the Jimmy Dorsey Band. Bob has toured with
artists such as the Beach Boys and Buffalo Springfield. His experiences
include playing in shows at the Schubert and various theaters. Bob has
also been involved in local symphonic work and is extensively involved
in teaching.
KENNETH
WAREHAM (SKIP WARING): Skip earned his B.S. in Music Education from
Penn State University and has taught for over 25 years and since
2002 with SMMC . Skip teaches trumpet to students of all ages,
beginning to advanced. Aside from his career as a music educator, Skip
has a great professional career as a studio and live performance
trumpet player and can be seen in various bands including his own Dixie
Land band, The Dixie Dandies.
Trombone/Tuba/Violin/Viola
DAN
WEINSTEIN: An exceptionally talented, accomplished musician and
composer, Dan has had an extensive career since the early 1970’s
performing with hundreds of artists in all styles. Credits include Ray
Charles, the Jacksons, Teddy Edwardo, Ernie Andrews, Gerald Wilson, Roy
Gaines, George Segal and Jerry Lee Lewis. Dan is active in movie
soundtracks, musical shows and sideline work as well. He has his own
salsa/latin jazz band, Viva, and two swing/blues combos, The Groove
Merchants of Venice and The Hot Club Trio. Dan has also been active as
a music journalist, writing for L.A. Jazz Scene newspaper and other
local L.A. Publications. Dan has been teaching at SMMC since 2001.
Violin/Viola
YIN
JIANG: Before coming to the US in 1988, Yin was a member of the China
National Philharmonic and Central Opera Theatre. Yin earned her degree
in music from Pepperdine University where she studied with Yokiko Kamai
and Margaret Baijer. Yin continued to pursue her musical education with
advanced studies at USC with professor Alice Shoenfeld. In addition to
her teaching, Yin is a member of the New West Symphony as well as other
orchestras and has various works in the studio recording industry.
NAN
YING: Before coming to Los Angeles, Nan studied and played
professionally overseas and was a member of the Conservatory of Beijing
Central Philharmonic Society. Upon moving to Southern California, Nan
attended USC for advanced graduate studies. Nan has been a member of
the USC Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the Santa Barbara Symphony,
and the New West Symphony Orchestra. Nan has been teaching with our
program since 1995.
Cello
APRIL
GUTHRIE: April holds a Master's Degree in multi-focus cello performance
from the California Institute of the Arts and a BA in cello performance
and environmental studies from Illinois Wesleyan University. She
recently completed an artist's residency at The Armand Hammer Museum of
Art with her duet Guthrie & Streb. April consistently performs with
ensembles with musical styles that range from classical and
contemporary to experimental, rock, improvisational, Javanese gamelan,
and performance art.
DIANA
PARMETER: A graduate of Rice University with a master in cello
performance, Diana has an extensive teaching and performance career.
She has toured internationally with the Nidom String Quartet and the
Mantovani Orchestra. Diana has taught cello privately and in the
public/private school setting and enjoys students of all ages and
levels.
Voice
RAYA
YARBROUGH: Raya specializes in vocal jazz technique. Her students range
from children to adults at all levels. Raya’s approach is personal and
anecdotal, yet technically and professionally informed by degree and
more than 10 years as a professional singer. In addition to jazz, Raya
has 10 years of theatrical experience, musical theatre, pop and
R&B. She has performed at The Playboy Jazz Festival at The
Hollywood Bowl and countless venues around the So Cal area. A USC grad
with Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies, Vocal Department.
LINDA
MITCHELL: Linda brings to her students a vast background of experience,
both in performing arts and teaching. After studying with Rose Edwards
at the age of 16 she went on to perform much solo work, winning the
Southern California John Child Walker vocal contest, and continued her
studies into graduate school at WSU. Linda teaches the Bel Canto method
of singing; The Italian method of singing stresses proper breathing,
correct vowel placement and consonant articulation. With over 20 years
of teaching experience Linda has a working knowledge of what each
individual needs to succeed.