Middle School

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.

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.

www.PepinProductions.com

“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.”

Kevin Robinson provides high quality instruction and personalizes his teaching for every student. Hailing from Philadelphia area, he grew up in a family of professional musicians. His diverse musical life has brought him to a number of stages: solo recitals, jazz big band, and electro-rock to name a few. Kevin completed his bachelor’s degree at GWU, studying with Berta Rojas. He completed his graduate studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Marc Teicholz.

Tenor MARK NARINS, can currently be heard as Luigi in Verismo opera's Il Tabarro (Puccini). Also with Verismo Opera he has sung Pinkerton (Madama Butterfly) Turridu (Cavalleria Rusticana), Don Jose (Carmen), Duke of Mantua (Rigoletto), Riccardo (Ballo in Maschera), as Cassio (Otello) and Froh (Das Rheingold). Mr. Narins has also sung Canio with Robert Ashens, Prince Golitsin (Khovanschina) with Kent Nagano and Azael in Debussy's L'Enfant Prodigue with Geoffrey Gallegos. Mr. Narins is also a very active composer.

Chad Goodman maintains an active career as a trumpeter, conductor, and music educator. He has performed with esteemed music groups that include the Monterey Symphony, Symphony Napa Valley, Berkeley Symphony, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Chad holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music and a Master of Music degree from San Francisco State University. While at Eastman, he was a recipient of the prestigious Howard Hanson Scholarship and, upon graduation, was awarded the Sidney Mear Trumpet Prize.