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.
My teaching methods are tailored to each individual student, and are focused on building strong fundamentals and encouraging independent musical thought. Throughout the school year, I work with my students on youth orchestra and all-state audition preparation, school band/orchestra repertoire, youth orchestra audition and concert repertoire, and reed making. My students have passed successful auditions for the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra, El Camino Youth Orchestra, and California All-State Orchestra and Band.
Autumn Allee, soprano, has been praised for her uniquely honest performances that are engaging and emotionally effective for audiences. A favorite in the Bay Area, her 2017-18 season has included portrayals as Elisetta (The Secret Marriage), Leila (Iolanthe), Second Woman (Dido and Aeneas), La Cercatrice (Suor Angelica), and Leona (La Belle Helene), with organizations including Lamplighters, Phènix Opera, and Pocket Opera. Favorite roles performed include Helena (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Musetta (La Bohème), Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni), and the title role in Suor Angelica.
Full time teacher of The Alexander Technique for over 30 years and teacher trainer for over 20 years. Specializing in work with performing artists, John was a professional actor in England for 10 years and also studied Voice with some of Europe's finest teachers. He taught Alexander Technique in Rome, Italy for several years working primarily with musicians. John currently works in-house with the SF Ballet Orchestra and the SF Opera Orchestra.
Akiko has been combining her teaching and performing career for more than 10 years.
Since obtaining her Masters of Music and Professional Studies Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Akiko has won positions with the Marin Symphony, California Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Fresno Philharmonic, and Santa Cruz Symphony.
“If a conga could talk and sing, it would certainly be in the voice of Christian Pepin, for he speaks through his instrument. Equally fluent in Jazz, Salsa and other Latin and World idioms, his fluid versatility sets him apart. Christian's total command of his instrument allows him a freedom of expression that is at once captivating and liberating, powerful and genuine.”
Kyle is a dedicated teacher of singing and maintains a private studio year-round. Kyle's certified music degrees come from three of the most highly-respected music schools in the country (University of Missouri, University of Michigan, Yale University). His teaching is based on a fundamental approach to efficient singing; appropriate and active connectivity to one's breath support, conscious body alignment and purposeful tension monitoring.