Middle School

Youth Orchestras of the Diablo Valley

A suite of successively more advanced orchestral experiences now culminates with the teen level Diablo Regional Youth Orchestra They will perform challenging music and accompany renown guest artists. By invitation only, Orchestra Leadership Ensembles of select advanced DRYO members will participate in a minimum of one rehearsal a month and assist with sectionals and performances.

Dyan McBride

I am the Education Director at MoonSchool, the educational arm of 42nd Street Moon Theatre Company. We have a range of classes available for both private students and ensembles. I teach private voice lessons along with Moon's resident MD, Dave Dobrusky. The emphasis of our lessons tend to be focused on audition material, singing for pleasure/practice and preparation for events.

Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith performs solo recitals and collaborates with pianists, singers, instrumentalists, theater groups, and opera companies throughout the Bay Area. Her teaching practice emphasizes fostering "musical imagination" and strives to bring out the inner musician in each child at every lesson. Her studio has grown through word-of-mouth from fewer than ten in 1995 to over thirty devoted students today. Smith teaches students on their own instruments in the familiar surroundings of their own homes, which fosters enhanced progress at the piano in each student.

Jane Lenoir

I believe that a solid classical foundation on any instrument in essential to learning to play your instrument well. I have studied with the greatest flutists in the world: Julius Baker, Jean Pierre Rampal, Bob Willoughby, Tom Nyfenger and others, and played in many different idioms: Symphony Orchestra, Contemporary Ensembles performing new music, Jazz and Improvised styles, Brazilian Choro, Samba, Bossa Nova, and Latin Jazz. I have regular workshops for my students, divided into beginners/intermediates and advanced.

Kathleen Flemming

Ms. Flemming is whole-heartedly dedicated to the art of music teaching, working with students of all ages, discovering their unique talents, and having fun with them at the piano!

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Kathleen Flemming began her formal piano study at age seven, and in a short time was notating by ear the music she heard on the radio and TV.

Rebecca Burrington

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.

Huei-Ping Lin

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.

Step Up Music (Ariane Cap)

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.

Melva Wheelwright

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.