Dykes, Ashanti (Guitar) Studied Classical Guitar at University of Redlands. A former student of John Dearman (LA Guitar Quartet) and Kenton Youngstrom (DeFalla Trio), Ashanti was selected to participate in a Master Class given by Christopher Parkening while attending University of Redlands. Performed on television’s “Ally McBeal” with noted artists Sting, Barry White, Vonda Shepard, Chubby Checker, and Mariah Carey. Toured with Flamenco/jazz/fusion artist Nadro John. Currently, Ashanti is an LA-based freelance classical guitarist.

Gerstein, Will (Guitar) Guitar Institute of Technology; Ecole Francaise Guittare, Paris, France; major freelance guitarist in greater Los Angeles area; recording artist for major record labels; leader of Common Ground, original jazz group.

Hoffmann, Mike (Guitar) Bachelor of Arts, Music, San Francisco State University; arranger, composer, producer, and guitarist for Bad Haggis; numerous professional credits in television and film, recording, and tours.

Levenson, Barry (Guitar, Bass) Bachelor of Arts, English literature, Kent State University, Bachelor of Art, Performance and Arranging, Berklee School of Music; featured artist on “Blues Guitar Heaven,” a compilation of legendary blues artists; author of “Exciting Concepts for Blues Guitar”; composer and arranger for television and motion pictures.

Avineri, Eitan (Trumpet, Trombone) Bachelor of Art, Environmental Design, minor/Music, University of California, Irvine; Phi Beta Kappa; jazz studies with James Newton and Ron Stout; elementary and middle school instrumental music specialist. Eitan has recorded for television commercials, radio jingles, and numerous internationally distributed albums. He has performed live and recorded on Chris Botti’s 2006 DVD put out by Sony and PBS featuring Burt Bacharach, Billy Childs, Sting, Jill Scott, Renee Olstead, and Gladys Knight. Eitan recorded on Skye Sweetnam’s 2007 album on Capitol records, and performed with Rancid’s Tim Armstrong at the 2007 KROQ’s Weenie Roast.

Brinjak, Timothy John (Guitar, Tuba) Berklee College of Music, Boston MA Guitar Principal, tuba secondary. 13 years teaching experience in San Diego and Los Angeles in private and classroom setting. Over 20 years of professional guitar performance including audio engineering, entertainment management and stage management.

Devitt, Ben (Trombone, Tuba) Bachelor of Music, Trombone Performance, University of Northern Colorado

Miller, Eric (Trumpet) Bachelor of Music, Trumpet Performance, University of Michigan; appeared with Herb Alpert, Rita Coolidge and Steve Allen; played at Hollywood Bowl and La Scala Opera House, and with Philadelphia Orchestra; performed for Pope John Paul II, former President Gerald Ford, and First Lady Hillary Clinton; member of Peninsula Symphony.

Souter, Ian (Trumpet) Bachelor of Arts in Music, Trumpet Performance, University of California, Los Angeles

Terzian, Garik (Cello) Bachelor of Arts, Cello Performance, Babajanian Music College, Armenia, Master of Music, Cello Performance, Komitas State Conservatory, Armenia; pursuing Master of Music, Cello Performance, University of Southern California; soloist with Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra.

Cook, Jack (Percussion) Diploma in Professional Music, Berklee College of Music; drummer on numerous movie soundtracks and national television/radio commercial spots; live performances with Long Beach Civic Light Opera, Ice Capades and with top pop artists.

Mauro, Larry (Drums) Bachelor of Arts, Theatre Arts, California State University, Chico. Larry has been actively playing drums since the age of 8. After moving to Los Angeles, Larry composed music for music libraries and expanded into freelancing as a sound f/x editor for TV and film. While playing drums in the local LA scene, Larry was picked up by GMA Dove Award nominee rock bands, “Precious Death” and “Blackball” where he recorded 3 commercially released albums. Larry taught his first drum lesson at the age of 15 and years later has found his home at Amuse Music. Larry teaches beginning and intermediate drums on Saturdays. See him at www.myspace.com/nzomusic.

Verga, Jack (Percussion) Bachelor of Arts, California State University, Long Beach; private studies with Murray Spivak, Richard Wilson and Louis Bellson; professional drummer in rock, jazz, blues, soul, reggae, Brazilian, top-40 and country music genres.

Clay, Sandra (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Master of Arts, Music Education, University of Illinois; national consultant/program specialist, Follett Educational Publishing Company; music educator, South Carolina Educational Television; elementary music specialist, Jefferson County Schools, Denver, CO and DeKalb County Schools, Atlanta, GA; assistant professor of music, Marymount College; owner/President of AMUSE Music, Inc.

Klein, Katheryn (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, University of Southern California, Master of Music, Piano Performance, with emphasis on piano pedagogy, University of Southern California; performance studies with John Perry and Joanna Hodges; founding teacher at Pacific School of Music and the Arts, Costa Mesa; licensed educator, Kindermusik International.

Brinjak, Timothy John (Guitar, Tuba) Berklee College of Music, Boston MA Guitar Principal, tuba secondary. 13 years teaching experience in San Diego and Los Angeles in private and classroom setting. Over 20 years of professional guitar performance including audio engineering, entertainment management and stage management.

Dykes, Ashanti (Guitar) Studied Classical Guitar at University of Redlands. A former student of John Dearman (LA Guitar Quartet) and Kenton Youngstrom (DeFalla Trio), Ashanti was selected to participate in a Master Class given by Christopher Parkening while attending University of Redlands. Performed on television’s “Ally McBeal” with noted artists Sting, Barry White, Vonda Shepard, Chubby Checker, and Mariah Carey. Toured with Flamenco/jazz/fusion artist Nadro John. Currently, Ashanti is an LA-based freelance classical guitarist.

Erickson, Sanford “Sandy” (Guitar) Bachelor of Music, Guitar, San Jose State University; extensive recording experience for major motion pictures, television studios, and record companies; live performances in the United States and Europe.

Gerstein, Will (Guitar) Guitar Institute of Technology; Ecole Francaise Guittare, Paris, France; major freelance guitarist in greater Los Angeles area; recording artist for major record labels; leader of Common Ground, original jazz group.

Higgins, Michael (Guitar)

Hoffmann, Mike (Guitar) Bachelor of Arts, Music, San Francisco State University; arranger, composer, producer, and guitarist for Bad Haggis; numerous professional credits in television and film, recording, and tours.

Levenson, Barry (Guitar, Bass) Bachelor of Arts, English literature, Kent State University, Bachelor of Art, Performance and Arranging, Berklee School of Music; featured artist on “Blues Guitar Heaven,” a compilation of legendary blues artists; author of “Exciting Concepts for Blues Guitar”; composer and arranger for television and motion pictures.

Sullivan, John (Guitar, Songwriting) Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Whittier College; elementary music specialist in parochial schools; vocal coach and choir director; director of music ministries, published songwriter.

Szucs, Andrew (Guitar) Bachelor of Music, College Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati; published artist, composer, producer, arranger, engineer; 12 years professional teaching experience; product endorsements with Melancon Guitars, Seymour Duncan Pickups, Budda Amplification, and Brian Moore Custom Guitars.

Kunimura, Ami (Music Therapy, Adapted Guitar and Piano Instruction) Music Therapy Board Certification, Chapman University; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Loyola Marymount University. Ami has been practicing music therapy with individuals and groups since 2006. Clinical experience includes working with clients with autism, developmental disabilities, schizophrenia, mood disorders, eating disorders, trauma recovery, and addiction using activities such as instrument instruction, singing, songwriting, improvisation, and movement.

Kupper, Rachel (Music Therapy)

Ariyuki, Tomoko (Piano) Master of Music in Piano from Toho Gakuen School of Music, Tokyo, Japan

Armentano, Ben (Piano, Composition) Bachelor of Music, Composition, University of Bridgeport, CT; certificate, Berklee School of Music, Boston, for outstanding jazz piano performance; studio and live performances throughout the world.

Dohi, Akiko (Piano, Voice, Classical and Pop) She is a versatile concert pianist, vocal coach and composer, receiving annual ASCAP Awards for 14 consecutive years since 1997. M.M. in Piano, University of Redlands, B.M. in Piano, Osaka College of Music; Recipient of PEO International Scholarship.   Featured in numerous recitals and lectures in Japan and in the U.S. Including piano concertos with many symphony orchestras, broadcasting on NHK Radio, KTV in Japan and in California on KUSC, KFAC, Radio Pacific Japan,etc.. Membership: ASCAP, CMS, MTAC (South Bay), Mu Phi Epsilon.

Pulido, Sandy (Piano) Bachelor of Arts in Music, Piano Performance, Mount Saint Mary’s College

Hemmi, Kay (Piano)Bachelor of Music, Piano and Music Education, Kunitachi College of Music, Tokyo. Member of Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), WSMTA. Over 25 years experience in teaching. Numerous students have earned performance honors at various music festivals. Instruction in Japanese available.

Klein, Katheryn (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, University of Southern California, Master of Music, Piano Performance, with emphasis on piano pedagogy, University of Southern California; performance studies with John Perry and Joanna Hodges; founding teacher at Pacific School of Music and the Arts, Costa Mesa; licensed educator, Kindermusik International.

Lee, Christine (Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Valparaiso University (2002)

Patterson, Kevin (Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Fine Arts, California Institute of the Arts (1996); Teaching Credential, Music Education, California State University, Dominguez Hills (2001); Certified Yamaha music instructor (1997); High school music director, Los Angeles Unified School District (1999-present).

Van Buren, Lisa Lynn (Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Music, California State University, Dominguez Hills; member of Mu Phi Epsilon, specialist in beginning and intermediate piano.

Weller, Susan (Piano) Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, California State University, Northridge.  Susan is a singer, pianist, and educator who earned her Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from California State University at Northridge in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance.  Early musical training was with G. Fisher, M. Hsia, and N. Bodanya in Santa Barbara; including studies at the renowned conservatory, the Music Academy of the West.  Recent studies include certification in Orff Schulwerk.  She earned her California Teaching Credential at California State University at Dominguez Hills with additional studies at USC and UCLA.  Susan has been performing in the Santa Barbara, New York, and Los Angeles areas.  She also has been teaching for 20 years both in public schools and in private studios.

Gonzales, Rebecca (Violin) Bachelor of Music, California State University, San Jose; certified member of the Suzuki Association of California; freelance violinist in orchestras, chamber ensembles; studio musician; member of Mariachi Tesoro.

Thiagarajan, Ashoka (Violin) Staatliche Hochschule fur Musik, Germany

Wang, Qiang John (Violin, Viola) Bachelor of Arts, Music, Shanghai Conservatory; Master of Music, Violin Performance, Roosevelt University, Chicago, advanced studies at University of Southern California; winner of Starling/Gee International Scholarship Audition; performed with Chicago, Shanghai Symphony and Hollywood Bowl Orchestras.

Wurmbrand, Alex (Violin) University of California, Santa Cruz, Bachelor of Music with Honors, Violin Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Master of Music, Violin Performance; Arts Bridge Scholar, 1999; winner, UCSC Student Concerto Competition, 1998; American Youth Symphony; experienced Suzuki violin teacher.

Dohi, Akiko (Piano, Voice, Classical and Pop) She is a versatile concert pianist, vocal coach and composer, receiving annual ASCAP Awards for 14 consecutive years since 1997. M.M. in Piano, University of Redlands, B.M. in Piano, Osaka College of Music; Recipient of PEO International Scholarship.   Featured in numerous recitals and lectures in Japan and in the U.S. Including piano concertos with many symphony orchestras, broadcasting on NHK Radio, KTV in Japan and in California on KUSC, KFAC, Radio Pacific Japan,etc.. Membership: ASCAP, CMS, MTAC (South Bay), Mu Phi Epsilon.

McGrath, Tara (Voice) Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Management, Hartt School of Music

LaPuma, Deborah Wicks (Vocal Ensembles)

Catalano, Steve (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute)

Cox, Katherine Leigh (Flute) obtained her BM in music performance at Concordia College Moorhead, MN. She is continuing her studies at Cal State Long Beach and will be receiving her MM in Music performance in May 2008. She has played in several workshops and festivals including the William Bennett International Summer Flute School (2005), the Jeanne Baxtresser International Flute Master class (2005) and the Fairbanks Summer Fine Arts Festival (2002-2006). She has been teaching privately since 2006.

Golbin, Benny (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute) Masters Degree in Jazz Studies, New England Conservatory of Music; Saxophonist, composer, and arranger; Has experience playing and recording various styles including Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop, Fusion, Rock, Disco, Salsa, Afro Cuban, and much more. Benny has done composing, arranging, and transcribing for groups ranging from small to large ensembles in Jazz, Rock or Orchestral styles, along with several arrangements for the California State University, Northridge jazz ensembles. He has done several transcriptions for various groups and companies such as Golden Performing Arts, Pretzel Logic (A Steely Dan Review), and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band DVD’s. Benny’s music has taken him to Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Wales, China, and Prague.

Stanton, Dave (Clarinet, Saxophone, and Flute) Bachelor of Music, University of Southern California; Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music, NYC. Member, MTAC (South Bay Chapter) Recitals at Lincoln Center, symphonic performances at Carnegie Hall, live radio broadcasts, Broadway Theaters. Performed under conductors Zubin Mehta, Edo de Waart, James Levine, Julius Rudel, and has accompanied Frederika von Stade, Kathleen Battle and Ransom Wilson. Proficient in both classical and jazz styles, Dave currently plays in several local big bands as well as the Huntington Beach Symphony and the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band. He has over 30 years teaching experience from elementary through university (Princeton).

Yamamoto, Shirley (Flute) Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance, University of Southern California; studied with Julius Baker, Anne Diener Zentner, and David Shostac; three-time grant recipient from City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department; soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician and recording artist.

The following teachers are members of the Music Teachers Association (MTA) of California and participate in the Certificate of Merit program:

Cello

Terzian, Garik (Cello) Bachelor of Arts, Cello Performance, Babajanian Music College, Armenia, Master of Music, Cello Performance, Komitas State Conservatory, Armenia; pursuing Master of Music, Cello Performance, University of Southern California; soloist with Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra.

Piano

Ariyuki, Tomoko (Piano) Master of Music in Piano from Toho Gakuen School of Music, Tokyo, Japan

Dohi, Akiko (Piano, Voice, Classical and Pop) She is a versatile concert pianist, vocal coach and composer, receiving annual ASCAP Awards for 14 consecutive years since 1997. M.M. in Piano, University of Redlands, B.M. in Piano, Osaka College of Music; Recipient of PEO International Scholarship.   Featured in numerous recitals and lectures in Japan and in the U.S. Including piano concertos with many symphony orchestras, broadcasting on NHK Radio, KTV in Japan and in California on KUSC, KFAC, Radio Pacific Japan,etc.. Membership: ASCAP, CMS, MTAC (South Bay), Mu Phi Epsilon.

Hemmi, Kay (Piano)Bachelor of Music, Piano and Music Education, Kunitachi College of Music, Tokyo. Member of Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), WSMTA. Over 25 years experience in teaching. Numerous students have earned performance honors at various music festivals. Instruction in Japanese available.

Klein, Katheryn (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, University of Southern California, Master of Music, Piano Performance, with emphasis on piano pedagogy, University of Southern California; performance studies with John Perry and Joanna Hodges; founding teacher at Pacific School of Music and the Arts, Costa Mesa; licensed educator, Kindermusik International.

Lee, Christine (Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Valparaiso University (2002)

Pulido, Sandy (Piano) Bachelor of Arts in Music, Piano Performance, Mount Saint Mary’s College

Violin

Wurmbrand, Alex (Violin)University of California, Santa Cruz, Bachelor of Music with Honors, Violin Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Master of Music, Violin Performance; Arts Bridge Scholar, 1999; winner, UCSC Student Concerto Competition, 1998; American Youth Symphony; experienced Suzuki violin teacher.

Woodwinds

Stanton, Dave (Clarinet and Woodwinds) Bachelor of Music, University of Southern California; Master of Music, Manhattan School of Music, NYC. Member, MTAC (South Bay Chapter) Recitals at Lincoln Center, symphonic performances at Carnegie Hall, live radio broadcasts, Broadway Theaters. Performed under conductors Zubin Mehta, Edo de Waart, James Levine, Julius Rudel, and has accompanied Frederika von Stade, Kathleen Battle and Ransom Wilson. Proficient in both classical and jazz styles, Dave currently plays in several local big bands as well as the Huntington Beach Symphony and the Palos Verdes Symphonic Band. He has over 30 years teaching experience from elementary through university (Princeton).

Yamamoto, Shirley (Flute) Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance, University of Southern California; studied with Julius Baker, Anne Diener Zentner, and David Shostac; three-time grant recipient from City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department; soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician and recording artist.