Middle School

Lucas Chen, cellist, received his B.A. from UC Davis. He received his M.M. and Post-graduate diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Jennifer Culp. Upon finishing his studies, Lucas has been enjoying a diverse career teaching and performing/recording both classical and mainstream music. He has served as mentor and coach for The Oakland Youth Orchestra and Summer Music West. He is principal cellist of the Bear Valley Music Festival and was a featured concerto soloist in August of 2016.

A native of Portland, Oregon, violinist Erica Ward received her B.M. from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and her M.M. from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where her principal teachers were Camilla Wicks, Wei He, and Paul Kantor. Erica is Director and Resident Teaching Artist of violin at the Alameda String Academy, which she created out of a desire to help others experience the satisfaction that comes from making music with others, to pave sustainable pathways for music and the arts in a modern community, and, most importantly, to change the world with beauty.

www.marinpianostudio.com

I believe students are unique individuals, each with their own learning style and inherent potentiality. I work with ages six and up, including seniors, and levels beginning through advanced. My approach provides structured lessons with fun, encouraging interaction, and fosters development of fundamental skills: reading, technique, rhythm, scales. I encourage students to find expression and meaning through interpretation, imagination, creativity, and history.

I believe students are unique individuals, each with their own learning style and inherent potentiality. I work with ages six and up, including seniors, and levels beginning through advanced. My approach provides structured lessons with fun, encouraging interaction, and fosters development of fundamental skills: reading, technique, rhythm, scales. I encourage students to find expression and meaning through interpretation, imagination, creativity, and history.

I believe students are unique individuals, each with their own learning style and inherent potentiality. I work with ages six and up, including seniors, and levels beginning through advanced. My approach provides structured lessons with fun, encouraging interaction, and fosters development of fundamental skills: reading, technique, rhythm, scales. I encourage students to find expression and meaning through interpretation, imagination, creativity, and history.

Winner of countless state and national awards - more specifically in music categories ranging from Early Baroque to Late Classical. Primary Instructors have included Dr. Mark Sullivan (student of Menahem Pressler), Mack McCray (silver medal Enesco), and Jon Nakamatsu (gold medal Van Cliburn). Have taught at all levels from complete beginner to a prodigy and have also maintained a 100% pass record on the ABRSM international exam at all levels. Have studied Harpsichord and Fortepiano with Dr. Corey Jamason for three+ years and orchestral/choir conducting with Dr. Desjardins.