Middle School

Born and raised in Texas, Barbara began Suzuki violin lessons at the age of five at her local elementary school and decided soon after that music would be her life’s passion. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Master of Music degree and Professional Studies Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a professional orchestral musician, she performs actively with many Bay Area ensembles and is a member of the Fresno Philharmonic and the Santa Rosa Symphony.

Kody Thiessen is a highly accomplished bassist who earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying under the guidance of Scott Pingel. Thiessen is also a fellow with the San Francisco Academy Orchestra, working directly with Charles Chandler. In 2024, he was appointed Principal Bass for the Santa Rosa Symphony after serving in the section for two seasons.

Hello,

My name is Matthew, I specialize in art song text expression on the theorbo, lute, and baroque guitar with a decade of performance and teaching experience across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia.

My musical education began at 5 years old where I studied piano for 10 years in private instruction. I am also familiar with Certificate of Merit

Chase Waterbury is the second trombonist of the Monterey Symphony. He was previously a fellow with the New World Symphony from 2021-2024. Mr. Waterbury has worked with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas, Stéphane Denève, Marin Alsop, and others; and has appeared with numerous orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Seattle Symphony. In 2021, Mr. Waterbury was named a finalist in the International Trombone Association’s Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize. 

Now accepting students for piano lessons, music composition lessons, and music theory tutoring. I have over a decade of experience teaching private music lessons and specialize in piano lessons for youth to adult beginner, intermediate, and returning students, as well as composition lessons and theory tutoring at all levels. I hold a PhD in Music Composition and enjoy incorporating music theory study into lessons. Lessons are structured around the goals of each individual student and I enjoy guiding you through learning the music you most enjoy playing.

Devon Thrumston is an active member of the Bay Area music community, with a particular emphasis in contemporary music. She has played with a variety of ensembles, ranging from classical chamber music to Argentine tango orchestras, to jazz quintets.

Private classical guitar lessons for adults and children over Zoom for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players with an experienced, patient, and qualified professional. We will start from the beginning and focus on the fundamental techniques that will equip your fingers to play virtually any style of music with ease. 

Book your free intro session today at https://stephankane.com