*Jesse Berent- Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Applied Music Theory, Improvisation Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Popular Styles
Jesse graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music (1999-2003), and has been teaching music since 1998. He served as the Music Director for the International House of Blues Foundation (2002-2008), has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Craig Ferguson, Rachael Ray Show, The View, Live With Regis and Kelly, various MTV shows, and was featured on the cover of Musician’s Friend catalog (2007). As a guitarist he has toured internationally with various bands and artists including, “Aly and Aj “ (2007-2008 Hollywood Records), Katharine McPhee (2008 Verve Records), V.V. Brown (2010 Capitol Records), and Steven Roth (Independent 2011-present). Jesse is also producer and founding member of Rathole. Jesse
is a very supportive teacher who enjoys teaching students of all levels.
*John Michael Bradford- Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Cornet, Trombone, Sousaphone, Tuba, Jazz, Funk, Pop, Classical
John Michael’s passion for music is sculpted by the spirit, sounds, and fate of his hometown, New Orleans, poising him to become a leading light in today’s music scene. Just before his 10th birthday, John Michael’s grandfather gave him his old high school trumpet. By the age of eleven he was able to purchase his first professional trumpet, using money he earned from playing trumpet and singing on the streets and at local events. In 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced the evacuation of John Michael and his family. During this period John Michael was inspired to become a professional musician by trombonist Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation . Upon returning to New Orleans he spent years studying with and being mentored by saxophonist Donald Harrison at the Tipitina’s Interns Program. John Michael’s immense talent coupled with his experiences in the Tipitina’s Interns College Aptitude program resulted in his receiving a full scholarship at the Berklee College of Music.
As a bandleader, John Michael has headlined at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and the Ascona Jazz Fest in Ascona, Switzerland. He has opened for Terence Blanchard at the Detroit Jazz Festival, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Marians Jazz Room in Bern, Switzerland (performing with the New Legacy Jazz Band) and also toured Japan with Donald Harrison and the Tipitina Interns. His list of performance venues includes has performed in Cuba at the Horns for Havana in Cuba, sold out shows at Carnegie Hall (performing with the Preservation Hall Brass Band), the New Orleans Superdome (performing the National Anthem), and the New Orleans House of Blues (performing with Rebelution) and the Hollywood Palladium. He has performed at the New Orleans French Quarter Fest, Satchmo Fest, International Jazz Day in New Orleans (with Herbie Hancock), The Thelonious Monk Trumpet Competition (with the National Thelonius Monk Ensemble) and The Grammy Awards. John Michael has recorded with esteemed artists such as Donald Harrison; Sam Williams of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Rickie Monie of Preservation Hall, Leo Nocentelli of the Funky Meters, Joe Jackson, Khris Royal and Dark Matter, Trumpet Mafia, Jesse McBride, The Grammy Band, The National Jazz and Heritage Park, The Ellis Marsalis Center Jazz Orchestra, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Ralph Peterson’s Gen Next Big Band, Icons Among Us, the list goes on…
John Michael’s passion for teaching stems from inspiration received from the musicians he has studied. He states, “I’ve been taught by so many amazing musicians over the years and I want to give back to the community by sharing my joy and love for music.”
* Sue Bray- Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Applied Music Theory, Improvisation Rock, Blues, Jazz, Classical, Fingerstyle, Country, Bluegrass, Hawaiian, Americana
After graduating from the Musician’s Institute in Hollywood, Sue also became credentialed for the Charter School District. She started teaching when she was in high school and has been teaching and performing in the LA area for more than 25 years. She has performed in rock, blues, jazz, country, bluegrass and classical combos. Recognizing that much can be neglected in the world of music lessons, Sue bases her teaching style around filling the gaps that are so often present and unknown to the student and/or the student’s parents. In addition to her music degree, Sue holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders and has worked in therapeutic situations with children and adults (often involving learning issues). She is a licensed and practicing Doctor of Audiology.
*Lynn Fanelli- Voice Rock, Blues, Jazz, Popular, Classical
Lynn began her singing career at the tender age of 5 years old when she performed with her father on his record release. She has recorded and toured with Delaney Bramlett, who taught George Harrison to play slide guitar and Eric Clapton to sing and produced Clapton’s first album. She was on staff with record producer Ray Ruff at Oak Records, recording and arranging vocals for all of their country artists. While with this label, she sang background vocals and created vocal arrangements for Pat Boone’s CD Ready to Rock, among others. Lynn toured with movie actress Connie Stevens, sang with The National In Choir on the Oasis CD Dig Out Your Soul in 2008. She has toured, recorded and/or performed with Hal David, Jon Bon Jovi, Wild Cherry, Terry Ilous, Spencer Davis, Percy Sledge, Deniece Williams, Billy Paul and Taste of Honey, among many others. She has recorded with many renowned producers, among them Jim Steinman (Meatloaf) and Giorgio Moroder (Blondie) and David Briggs (Neil Young). Her voice has been heard on national jingles and television and movie soundtracks such as Nickelodeon, Melrose Place, Days of Our Lives, among others. Lynn performed with Jackie DeShannon on the heels of DeShannon’s 2010 induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. She was on board in the vocal section for DeShannon’s recorded performance for the Grammy archives in 2012. Lynn enjoys sharing her versatile singing techniques with her students to help them develop as singers and achieve their singing goals.
*Sergio Gonzalez- Drums, Latin Percussion
Both a pro musician and an excellent teacher, Sergio has played with numerous bands throughout his musical career providing the backdrop beat so important to today’s modern sound. He has performed privately for the Queen of England and the Sultan of Brunei. He has been on the Grammys and countless TV shows and movies. His most recent credits in this area is for his work on “Bringin Down the House” with Queen Latifah and Steve Martin. and Saturday Nite Live with Jennifer Lopez.
Sergio continues to make his mark in the music industry. He had the honor of working with John Powell on the Oscar award winning movie “Happy Feet”,and recording on “Keb Mo’s” new release “Suitcase”. Additionally, Sergio has worked with “Jessie” (Price Tag), Gavin Degraw and is currently recording for “Phineas and Ferb”.
*Richard T. Harris- Upright Bass, Double Bass, Electric Bass Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, Country, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Hillbilly
A skilled and diverse player, Richard studied classical bass with LA Philharmonic 1st chair bassist Tom Pedrini. Richard has contributed his talent to Pasadena Community Orchestra, Glendale Collegre Orchestra and the Occidental College Jazz Band. He teaches the Simanadi method for orchestral bass, with emphasis on proper arco technique. Perfecting slap style bass, Richard skillfully executes a large repetoire of slap bass techniques for Rockabilly and Hillbilly. He has performed with the Rainwater Bluegrass Band and plays regularly with the western swing band the Backbeat Rhythm Boys. Richartd has performed with well known LA blues performers such as Lightnin’ Willy and the Poorboys, Jac Tanna, Blue like Jazz and The Ray Bandini Revue. Richard welcomes students of all levels to share his wealth of knowledge.
*John James- Drum Set, Congas, Timbales, Snare Drum, Marimba, Timpani, Classical Percussion All styles, ages and ability levels
John received his Bachelor of Music Performance in Percussion from West Virginia University. While in college, he started teaching at Fawley Music Company and quickly became one of the most sought after instructors in Morgantown, WV. An experienced teacher, John has placed students in various all-state bands and college percussion programs throughout the country. He has performed in many rock, pop, soul and jazz bands over the course of his career and enjoys an active performance schedule in the Los Angeles area. John enjoys helping his students develop musicianship and confidence through percussion. His love of teaching inspires him to continue to develop the next generation of musicians.
*Hope Kikuchi- Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Saxophone Classical, Jazz
Hope received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Cal State University in Los Angeles, where she also continued her post graduate performance studies. She studied teaching, performance and application techniques with master woodwind professor, Dr. Vito Susca. Hope has over 25 years of private teaching experience and over 23 years of teaching experience in public schools. She performs regularly in the Los Angeles area. Hope welcomes students of all levels and ages, emphasizing fundamentals in her lessons.
*Mark Mekailian- Songwriting, Voice, Guitar, Piano, Bass, Didjeridoo, Drum Set, Mandolin, Banjo, Music Theory, Improvisation Jazz, Popular, Funk, Rock, Blues, Reggae, Country, Bluegrass, Classical
Mark Mekailian, is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and music arranger. He is an alumnus of the Popular Music program at the University of Southern California, and the Jazz program at L.A. County High School for the Arts.
Mark has studied under Grammy winning songwriter-keyboardists Patrice Rushen and Michael Boddicker, as well as widely-acclaimed vocal coach Jeffrey Allen. Mark’s TV debut was a duet with Josh Groban for CBS’s special feature, “Teachers rock”. He has worked as a writer, vocalist, guitarist, pianist, bassist, drummer, producer, arranger, and teaches all said crafts. Mark has closed out the Troubadour, has released a debut EP with his band Kinglii, and is about to release a live album from his latest project, “Mark Mekailian in Concert” for 23 musicians.
Mark is a 2012 & 2013 National Grammy Choir alum, a 2013 Music Center Spotlight Awards grand finalist for non-classical voice, and a 2013 & 2014 National Young Arts Foundation Honorable Mention winner for Jazz Voice.
*Timothy Maloof- Violin, Fiddle, Cello, Oud Classical, Arabic, Bluegrass
An experienced musician, Timothy has been teaching, performing, and recording for many years. He currently teaches violin and coaches the youth orchestra string section at Los Angeles Music and Art School (LAMusArt). In addition, he teaches violin and cello as part of their Music Outreach Partnership Program (MOPP.)When he is not teaching he is performing, rehearsing or writing for one of several ensembles in which he is a member of leads; The Saffron Parade Arabesque Band, Kan Zaman Arabic Orchestra, Bedouin X, and his newest Jazz/Arabic project.His diverse musical experience includes performance in classical, jazz, rock, Arabic, and other world music. He has toured and recorded with national acts as well as numerous local bands and ensembles.Timothy holds Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Fine Art from Thomas Edison State College. Additionally, Timothy studied violin at the Colburn School of Performing Arts. Notable awards include the Elizabeth R. Mayer Memorial Scholarship (2001) for chamber music instrument as well as commendation from the City of Los Angeles and Bernard Parks for his work with The Rainbow Music Academy in 2004.Timothy is currently pursuing a diverse Masters Degree in Music (MM) which encompasses composition, arranging, performance, recording/technology, and conducting.
*Pat O’Brien- Guitar, Harmonica, Lap Steel, Mandolin, Ukulele, Banjo, Balalaika, Autoharp, Mountain Dulcimer, Recorder All Styles
A truly versatile musician, Pat began performing in Pittsburgh clubs when he was seventeen years old. He has been working as a session/casual player in the L.A. area since the late 1970s. In addition to literally thousand of performances in the United States, Pat has toured Japan, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Spain and the Czech Republic. He has recorded with dozens of artisists ranging from Englebert Humperdink to fusion guitarist, Scott Henderson. His band is an icon in Arcadia, playing classics by Django Reinhart, Charlie Christian, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson and The Rolling Stones. Pat is an experienced and patient teacher. He accepts students of all ages and levels.
*Tsuzumi Okai- Piano, Bass Guitar, Ukulele Classical, Rock, Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, Popular, Applied Music Theory, Improvisation Languages Spoken- English and Japanese
Born and raised in Tokyo Japan, Tsuzumi started playing piano at the age of 4. Two years later she began her study of classical music at Kunitachi Elementary School of Music Conservatory in Tokyo, continuing at the conservatory for 15 years. She is an outstanding classical pianist. At the age of 16, she also began studying bass guitar. Tsuzumi moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She has toured in the US and in Europe, and has recorded with numerous musicians whom she has admired for years. She has performed with musicians such as Dizzy Reed (Guns and Roses), Ray Luzier (Korn, David Lee Roth Band), Johnny Kelly (Danzig and Type O Negative), Eric Dover (Slash’s Snake Pit, Alice Cooper, and Jelly Fish) Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), Jimmy Coup (Andrew W.K.), Michael Bland (Prince), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, Niacin, and The Winery Dogs), Vinny Appice (DIO, Heaven & Hell), Steven Adler (Guns N Roses), Matt Sorum (Velvet Revolver, The Cult, Guns N Roses)) and more. Her original band The Binges, had their single ‘Motorcycle Song’ played on the television show HOUSE M.D. ‘Upside Down’ was played on the soundtrack for the movie The Last Call, starring Christpher Lloyd. Her self-titled album was recorded by John Fields (Producer of Jonas Brothers, Switchfoot, Pink, Andrew W.K., Miley Cyrus) She is very passionate and dedicated to music. Her goal is to share her knowledge of music with her students so that they may experience the joy and value of having music in their lives.
*Brianna Rancour-Ibarra – Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting Classical, Jazz, Rock, Popular
Briana graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music, emphasis in Composing and Arranging. She began teaching voice, guitar, piano and songwriting at the age of 15, while also performing in vocal jazz ensembles at LA County High School for the Arts and continuing on at Azusa Pacific. After graduating from APU, Brianna toured France and Germany during two international choral competitions.
Brianna has toured with the Next Generation Jazz orchestra at the Montreal Jazz festival and Monterey Jazz festival. An experienced choral singer, she has sung under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel and John Williams for the opening gala at Walt Disney Concert Hall, John Sutton (Angeles Chorale), Zanaida Robles (LA Master Chorale and SGV chorus), and Michelle Jensen (APU Chamber Singers). She performs in Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley as “Brianna Ibarra” singing and playing her original songs, which are in the soul/jazz and folk genre. Brianna currently works in Los Angeles as a freelance arranger, composer, bassist, keyboardist and singer.
Sharon A. Ray graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music with a Performance Diploma in Viola. Before Curtis, she studied violin, viola and timpani at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. In Philadelphia,she performed with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Opera Ebony, the Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, the New Jersey Symphony, Donna Summer, Teddy Pendergrass, Kool and the Gang, Stevie Wonder, and the Delaware Symphony. Since moving to Los Angeles, she is currently affiliated with the Southeast Symphony, New Valley Symphony, Riverside Symphony, Center Stage Opera Company, San Bernardino Symphony, and the Santa Monica Symphony. In 2014, she performed on the American Music Awards Show with Rhianna and Ricky Minor, and has appeared with Four Play; Bob James, Nathan East, and Harvey Mason. As a bassist, she performed with Keb Mo, Bill Frissell, John Pettucci, Duke Robillard, to name a few. She is the author of three bass guitar method books for Alfred Publishing, and served on the faculty of the National Guitar Workshop for 16 years. Most recently she was on the faculty of YOLA at LACHSA, and the Renaissance Arts Academy, where she taught violin, viola, theory and the double bass.
*Mark Ross- Piano, Keyboard, Theory, Composition Jazz, Classical, Country, Blues, Rock
Mark received his BA for studies in Piano Performance and Composition from The Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Ca. He studied film scoring at UCLA. Mark’s musical credits are abundent: 2005 Emmy Awards nomination for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for a Dramatic Series, 2007 and 2008 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Music Direction and Composition for Dramatic Series (Guiding Light- Composer). His credits for television scores and additional music include: Guiding Light, Extra, Entertainment Tonight, TMZ, Celebrity Justice, Bedtime Stories with Shelly Duvall, Spin City, Boston Public, Six Feet Under, The Bachelor, Felicity, The Young And The Restless, Days of our Lives, One Life to Live, The Bold And The Beautiful, The Jamie Foxx Show, The Tyra Banks Show, Judging Amy, The Chris Isaak Show, 20/20, Dateline, Candid Camera, Roswell, 3rd Rock From The Sun, Home Improvements, Dr. Phil and the film, Stir of Echoes. His recording credits as composer / producer include Dream Patrol/ Phoning The Czar, CBS-Pash Records /An American Tail, A Musical Adventure with Fievel And Friends, Dare to Fall in Love, MCA Records-Brent Bourgeois/ Dare to Fall In Love, Charisma Records/ Hello I’m Shelly Duvall, Sweet Dreams, Merry Christmas, Kid Rhino Records-Mark Almond Band/Best of Live, Pacific Arts Records/The Animal Express, MCA Records-Keyboards (performance and/or recording) Linda Ronstadt, Carole King, Brian Wilson, Brenda Russell, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Delbert McClinton, Ronnie Laws, Mark Almond Band, Stephen Bishop, Rick Springfield and Roger McGuinn. Last year, Mark released a CD entitled “Petals and Thorns” with singer/songwriter Ann Kelly. The CD features songs written by Mark and Ann and was produced and arranged by Mark. It has been receiving airplay on radio stations across the United States. A second CD with their combined efforts will be released in April. Mark welcomes students of all ages and playing abilities.
*Larry Scanniello- Guitar, Violin, Fiddle, Bass, Piano, Improvisation, Production, Arranging, Rock (classic to modern indie), Classical, Jazz, Blues, Folk, Metal, Pop
Larry Scanniello received his Bachelors of Music from the University of Southern California in 2018. His field of study was Popular Music, with a concentration in guitar performance. He studied under luminaries such as Patrice Rushen, Vince Mendoza, and Andy Abad. He had the opportunity to immerse himself in a wide range of genres and disciplines, and is comfortable playing and teaching the nuances of these styles.
*Anja Wade- Guitar Ukulele, Piano, Voice Jazz, Rock, Blues, Soul, Pop, Latin, Classical, Popular
Based in Los Angeles, California, Anja Wade is a professional guitarist with a dynamic sound. Anja began studying classical piano at the age of 7. She first picked up the electric guitar as a teenager and immediately fell in love. Anja studied guitar in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with Mark Koch (Pat Martino) and R.J. Zimmerman (Aaron Shearer).
Subject areas may be combined given the student’s interests and needs. In addition to years of instrumental study, Anja has studied different methodologies and pedagogical approaches to music education. These include but are not limited to: the Kodály Method, the Orff-Schulwerk approach, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, and Gordon Music Learning Theory. Anja strives to foster student-centered learning and creative freedom.
*Jim Youngstrom-Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Brass, Improvisation Classical, Jazz, Rock, Country, Blues
Jim Graduated cum laude with a Bachelor in Music from CSU Northridge. He studied with David Howard
and Charles Bay. He studied flute with Bill Calkins and sax and improv with Don Raffell. Jim tours internationally with the Brien Setzer Orchestra. He has recorded with Steely Dan and LeAnne Rimes. He has appeared on many television shows including Conan O’Brien, Jay Leno and David Letterman. He has accompanied Jerry Lewis on two U. S. tours. Jim is an excellent and experienced teacher who works with all ages and levels of students.