High School

Beginning in New York with his group Music Without Walls and continuing in San Francisco, Jack Perla has forged a reputation for his unique cross-fertilization of jazz, improvisation and classical music. He’s been commissioned by the Los Angeles Opera, Opera Theatre St. Louis, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, The Paul Dresher Ensemble, TwoSense, MATA, and many others. Jack’s latest opera Shalimar the Clown, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie, premiered in June 2016 at Opera Theater St. Louis.

Natalie is a dedicated teacher and currently holds her own studio in San Francisco. She is currently on faculty at the SFCM Pre-College coaching chamber music. Additionally, she has coached chamber music to young groups through the Lyceum Music Festival in Utah as well as Summer Music West in San Francisco.

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English-born composer and international concert guitarist Ross Thompson (b. 1967) spent his childhood in Puerto Rico before moving with his family to the United States. Mr.

“As a teacher, I focus on students’ individual needs in order to help them realize their full potential as musicians. Technique, musicality, body posture and relaxation awareness are all integral pieces of the learning process. Helping students adhere to a productive daily practice schedule is also essential. I believe these are the keys to growth, opening infinite doors physically, mentally and musically.”

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.