High School

Evamarie Raboca Barlaan is a music educator, violin soloist, active orchestral member, and chamber musician. She made her orchestral debut with the El Camino Youth Symphony in Palo Alto, California, performing Edouard Lalo­s Symphonie Espagnole at the age of 17. Her principal teachers have been Vitaly Leykin and Joan Mulfinger of the Eastman School. She holds a B.M. in Violin Performance from The Boston Conservatory where she studied with Ronan Lefkowitz of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

I am a patient teacher that likes to teach piano/flute student that who actively schedules 30 mins practice time daily into their important school work and other extra-activities outside of school and/or on weekends. Secondly, it is essential for parents' support in their childrens' music learning.

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!

Professional Operatic Soprano, Melissa Mallory has a passion for
imparting a love of music to aspiring musicians. She has been singing as
long as she can remember and employs a comprehensive approach to
developing the entire singer. This includes learning to read music,
vocal technique, performance technique, stage presence, dressing the
part and how to audition successfully. To learn more about her stage

www.lamonicaensemble.com

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