Ms. Flemming is whole-heartedly dedicated to the art of music teaching, working with students of all ages, discovering their unique talents, and having fun with them at the piano!
Born in Los Angeles, CA, Kathleen Flemming began her formal piano study at age seven, and in a short time was notating by ear the music she heard on the radio and TV.
I love to teach the cello! Over the past 20 years, I have learned from my teachers all the ins and outs of playing cello - this includes how to specifically use the arms, fingers, hands, elbows; when to use the different parts of the bow (the lower half, middle and upper half); when to use different bow strokes (using the hand at the frog, the forearm in the middle to upper half); and also things such as relaxing the shoulders, keeping the elbow higher than the wrist in the upper half, angling the bow on the different strings, not leaning too much in the left hand.
I love students, music and teaching. Each lesson is personalized to the needs of each individual student. Ear training, theory, music history and music appreciation is taught in tandem with piano. I am a member of Music Teachers Association of California, on the editorial board of the California Music Teachers' Magazine, and am an adjuditor for the Certificate of Merit program. In addition to teaching, I am also available to evaluate festivals and competitions.
I have a broad teaching repertoire and extensive teaching and coaching experience at all levels, both children and adults. I encourage students in the development of a healthy technique and challenge them to their personal best in a creative, respectful, and nurturing environment. Many of my students have become established in successful musical careers, but I am also an enthusiastic supporter of the serious avocational pianist.
Evamarie Raboca Barlaan is a music educator, violin soloist, active orchestral member, and chamber musician. She made her orchestral debut with the El Camino Youth Symphony in Palo Alto, California, performing Edouard Lalos Symphonie Espagnole at the age of 17. Her principal teachers have been Vitaly Leykin and Joan Mulfinger of the Eastman School. She holds a B.M. in Violin Performance from The Boston Conservatory where she studied with Ronan Lefkowitz of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Rachel Xu is an active musician and teacher in the Bay Area. The major roles on her are cellist, teacher, and conductor. She holds a master’s of Music Performance. She won the rating of “Excellent Performer” at the 1st Session in the National Cello Competition (China).
In over 20 years teaching experience, Rachel has taught students from all ages and all levels including college students. She has been a professor of cello since 2000, Judge of Cello of the Music Grading Committee. She is founder of the Star-Success Music School.
Katherine Valdez is a professional musician and educator with a studio in Fremont where she teaches voice, piano and music theory to children and adults.
She is a highly energetic, enthusiastic, and accomplished educator with over 17 years of teaching experience. Possess exceptional aptitude/ability to teach at multi-level musical performance skills. Develop student interest in and appreciation of music through teaching theory, history and practical skills. Work effectively with parents, faculty, and administration to plan and orchestrate school activities and stage performances.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii I started playing ukulele then moved to violin in Elementary School. I performed in small and large classical and non-classical groups whenever possible receiving awards and performed as soloist with the Honolulu Symphony at 15 years old. Performing for dancers and vocalists came after studying dance and voice at U of Hawaii, U of Illinois, and NC School of the Arts. After studying violin with Paul Rolland, I taught at N Carolina School of the Arts using his method successfully.