Elementary

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.

I have played professionally for over 30 years in Europe, Mexico and now back in my native Bay Area. I enjoy teaching every level including (brave!) adult beginners.
Pre-pandemic I taught privately in San Francisco and the Peninsula but now through the magic of Zoom or FaceTime I can accept students from pretty much anywhere!

www.lamonicaensemble.com

Charles Sepos offers inspired, expert, individual instruction in piano, composition, and music theory, specializing in conservatory preparation.

As a former elementary school teacher I bring knowledge of individual learning styles into my teaching. I think learning anything should be fun. I use board games, whole body movements, and music composition (at the computer) to enhance the direct learning at the piano. I'm a firm believer in teaching a wide range of knowledge about music, not just how to play the piano.

Trumpeter Jason Park performs as a professional freelance musician in
classical orchestras, chamber ensembles, rock groups, musical theater,
and jazz ensembles throughout the Bay area. He is also a soloist and
works with several churches and chamber groups in the area. Jason has
been teaching trumpet for over twenty years and has many successful
students who have gone on to professional careers in music and who have
won competitions and auditions. As a teacher, Jason focuses on basic