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.
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.
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.
ABE CURAMMENG: Receiving his Bachelors of Arts from Pepperdine University and his Masters in Music from USC, Abe has traveled and performed in a variety of locations, including Europe and Argentina. Abe has an extensive keyboard repertoire and performance resume, which also include violin, composition and collaborating in all types of musical genres.
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.
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.
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.
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/Ukulele
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.
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.
Guitar
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.
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.
Guitar/Banjo
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.
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.
Guitar/Bass/Harmonica/Music Theory/Rock Band Workshop
BRIAN STURGES: Brian received his Bachelor of Music in 2001 from Berklee
College of Music and has been an instructor 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.
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
GUNTER “DICKI” FLISZAR: 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.
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.
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/Cornet/Trombone/French Horn
TIM BATTIG: Upon completing his education at SDSU, SMC and CSUN, Tim has
performed with various symphonies and orchestras throughout the West L.A. area
and with various artists, such as, the Barry White, Bugle Boy Jeans, Ray
Charles, Morcheeba and Juan Gabriel. Though the French Horn is his main
instrument, he has had much experience within the last 15 years or so in
instructing students for all brass instruments, guitar, music theory and
composistion.
Trombone/Trumpet/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.
Cello/Violin/Viola
KEVAN TORFEH: Starting out as a substitute for violin and viola at SMMC and CCMC, we soon found out that cello is his main instrument. With some key previous performance experience with being the principal and solo cellist in the L.A. Mozart Orchestra from 1978-1992 to playing with the New West Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and California Philharmonic, he has also taught general and instrumental music for over 35 years. Kevan’s studies were completed at USC, L’Accademia Chigiana in Siena, with William Pleeth in England and at the Hochschule Mozarteum in Salzburg.
Voice
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.
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.