Adult

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii I started playing ukulele then moved to violin in Elementary School. I performed in small and large classical and non-classical groups whenever possible receiving awards and performed as soloist with the Honolulu Symphony at 15 years old. Performing for dancers and vocalists came after studying dance and voice at U of Hawaii, U of Illinois, and NC School of the Arts. After studying violin with Paul Rolland, I taught at N Carolina School of the Arts using his method successfully.

I have played professionally for over 30 years in Europe, Mexico and now back in my native Bay Area. I enjoy teaching every level including (brave!) adult beginners.
Pre-pandemic I taught privately in San Francisco and the Peninsula but now through the magic of Zoom or FaceTime I can accept students from pretty much anywhere!

Professional Operatic Soprano, Melissa Mallory has a passion for
imparting a love of music to aspiring musicians. She has been singing as
long as she can remember and employs a comprehensive approach to
developing the entire singer. This includes learning to read music,
vocal technique, performance technique, stage presence, dressing the
part and how to audition successfully. To learn more about her stage

www.lamonicaensemble.com

Charles Sepos offers inspired, expert, individual instruction in piano, composition, and music theory, specializing in conservatory preparation.

I love to sing, and I love to teach singing! My extensive performance and directing experience in musical theater, operetta, and opera has given me a real understanding of vocal technique as well as the art of creating a character through music. I specialize in audition preparation - not only choosing the right song for each singer but also bringing that song to life. Studio recitals, held three times per year, provide a great venue to hone your craft, get performing experience in a supportive environment and try out your piece before bringing it to an audition.

Ms. Tupper has her Masters Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from
Westminster Choir College of Rider University. She has studied voice
under the Late Ms. Norma Newton-NYC, and Charles Peterson-Seattle, and
has had coachings with Dr. Dalton Baldwin, Dr. J.J. Penna, and has been
mentored in Vocal Pedagogy by Dr. Scott McCoy and Dr. Christopher
Arneson.
Her performance experience is vast and diverse: recitals,
dramatic theater, musical theater, cabaret, choral, etc. (see website
for more details).

As a former elementary school teacher I bring knowledge of individual learning styles into my teaching. I think learning anything should be fun. I use board games, whole body movements, and music composition (at the computer) to enhance the direct learning at the piano. I'm a firm believer in teaching a wide range of knowledge about music, not just how to play the piano.