Elementary

Rachel Patrick

Rachel Patrick began her violin studies at the age of three, studying in the pre-college String Academy program at Indiana University. Until the age of 16, she studied at IUSA with world-renowned pedagogue, Mimi Zweig, joining the program's prestigious touring group, the Violin Virtuosi, at the age of eight. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan studying with Stephen Shipps and Yehonatan Berick and completed her graduate work at Indiana University, studying with Alexander Kerr and studying string pedagogy with Mimi Zweig.

Dina Mirkskaya

Mrs. Dina Mirkskaya is the owner of the music studio. Music has been a huge part of her entire life. She has a dream ever since she was a little girl to teach others the same love of music that she experienced herself. Mrs. Dina opened her doors to the music studio in Cupertino in 1994. Her love for music and amazing teaching skills made her one of the best music studios in the Bay Area

Music Lessons by Dina is one of the most recognized boutique music studios in Cupertino. We offer an unparalleled musical learning experience to all of our students.

Beverly McChesney

Bassoonist Beverly McChesney is a San Francisco native who has performed professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 50 years. She attended San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is the founder of the Bellavente Wind Quintet which specializes in educational concerts for children. Beverly produced Bellavente’s award winning CD for children called “Frogs and Friends” and received a Parents’ Choice Approved Award.

Natalia Pressman

I'm a professional pianist and have taught and performed around the world for 25 years. I provide piano and music lessons for music lovers of all ages and levels of experience. Whether you need to prepare for exams, competitions, performances or want to play just for the love of music, I provide an encouraging and engaging experience. My lessons integrate music theory, technique, music appreciation, and improvisation with an entertaining flair tailored to each student.
I provide lessons in English or Spanish.

Private Lessons

The Alameda String Academy is a music school conveniently located in the heart of Alameda offering high quality instruction in violin, viola, cello and guitar, with a particular emphasis on chamber music.

Our goal is to provide more than “just lessons.”  Our talented faculty work hard to create a real community of musicians where students enjoy their music, play together in groups, and perform for each other in a kind, supportive and challenging environment.

Matthew Linaman

Driven by the intense desire to both express himself through music and inspire others, Matthew Linaman dedicated himself to learning the cello to express his own unique voice when he was 12. Over 10 years later, this dedication has led Matthew to perform both as soloist and collaborator in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls. Now focused on empowering young students through music, Matthew specializes in teaching young cellists the foundations of technique and self-expression while cultivating curiosity, the hunger to know, and the drive to make an impact in the world.