High School

Becca Burrington graduated in trombone performance with honors at Oberlin Conservatory, where she received the Conservatory Dean's Talent Award. She also studied at Interlochen Arts Center and received the Governor's Scholar and Outstanding Brass Performance award. Her teachers include Raymond Premru, Per Brevig, and Nicholas Orovich.

My name is Ariane Cap, I am the founder of Step Up music.
I am a bassist and educator. I perform regularly with various bands and I teach bass, piano and group classes at Step Up, I teach at the Academy of Art University San Francisco, and facilitate seminars and band camps throughout the country. (Read my bio here). Busy as I am, Step Up is my heart's work and my passion. Make sure to let me know how I can make your experience here at Step Up stellar.
Step Up Music currently has 13 teachers teaching a variety of instruments and classes.

My name is Ariane Cap, I am the founder of Step Up music.
I am a bassist and educator. I perform regularly with various bands and I teach bass, piano and group classes at Step Up, I teach at the Academy of Art University San Francisco, and facilitate seminars and band camps throughout the country. (Read my bio here). Busy as I am, Step Up is my heart's work and my passion. Make sure to let me know how I can make your experience here at Step Up stellar.
Step Up Music currently has 13 teachers teaching a variety of instruments and classes.

I began teaching at the University level before moving to California where I taught choir and drama in middle school and assisted at the high school. I have directed or performed in numerous Broadway-style musicals and also worked on film crews, as well as singing in concerts and operas. I enjoy teaching voice students of all ages and abilities from the non-singer to the very talented.

I began piano and composition at age six. Each student is unique and I choose the materials specifically. I have created many of the materials I use myself. I teach music theory through composition. I find great joy when able to shine a light on the imagination of a student and help them to express themselves in the language of music. Having studied many styles of piano playing from gospel to jazz I am most familiar with classical piano repertoire. Improvisation is an important part of my own professional performing experience as well as my teaching.

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.

Melinda’s focus in teaching is to bring out the most authentic, passion filled experience for the performer, regardless of age or level of experience. Music is a creative, intrinsically human and fun endeavor.

Melinda is currently the director of the Petaluma Women’s Chorus, past director of numerous choral groups and musical theater and opera productions. She is also a church soloist and keyboardist for several congregations in the area.

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.