I am a Marin County native currently residing in Santa Rosa. A 2002 semi-finalist of the Pacific Piano Competition for California Community College Pianists and a recipient of the Carolyn D. Witt Memorial Music Department Scholarship, I transferred to Sonoma State University where I studied general music and gave a senior piano recital in 2006.
I am a cellist and a cello teacher, performing frequently with the Oakland Symphony, the San Francisco Ballet, the New Century Chamber Orchestra, in San Francisco productions of Broadway musicals, and on tour with singer/songwriter Van Morrison.
Using a curriculum ranging from the baroque/early classical era and fiddle tunes for beginners to a more advanced and diverse repertoire for intermediate and advanced students, I aim to give each student a solid foundation on the violin or viola. This prepares my students to be able to read music and to play by ear and take the violin in whatever direction they choose later on. Using a combination of scales, exercises, rhythm games, I teach my students how to be comfortable and facile on their instruments and to be over all well rounded musicians.
I have played in professional orchestras and jazz combos for the last fifteen years. For the past six years I have been living in Germany, playing in the Bass section of the Deutsche Oper Berlin (German State Opera.) Since my return to the Bay Area I have been performing with Opera San Jose, the Modesto, Berkeley, and Pacific Symphonies, the Stockton Chorale, as well as the Sacramento Philharmonic and San Jose Chamber Orchestra, among others. I am enthusiastic about working with students of all levels and ages. The initial lesson is free to see if the chemistry is right.
I enjoy working with students of all levels and aspirations. My students range from beginners of all ages, to successful amateurs playing in local orchestras and chamber groups, to full-fledged professionals. Many of my students have gone on to major conservatories and now enjoy artistic lives in major orchestras, ensembles, or as soloists.
Felisa Simon, oboe, with more than 25 years of experience has performed in Latin America, Europe and throughout the United States. In addition to solo recitals, she worked in orchestras and wind ensembles with a particular love of chamber music and post-romantic composition. She trained at the New World School of the Arts, Brevard Music Center, Hot Springs Music Festival, Carmel Chamber Music Festival and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Felisa graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy and received her Bachelor of Music degree in Oboe Performance from Oberlin Conservatory.
Please visit www.michaelstrelosmith.com for more information.
An East Coast transplant, David Dieni has performed music from classical to jazz, rock and theater for over twenty five years.