Elementary

Ava Soifer

Since 1985 I have performed in vocal, solo, and chamber music recitals throughout the Bay area with ensembles: Trio della Rosa, Montage, and with members of the Kronos Quartet, S.F. Symphony, S.F. Ballet and the S.F. Opera Orchestra. Worked as staff accompanist and vocal coach at Notre Dame (Belmont); as accompanist for the San Francisco Lyric Choir; and accompanist for "Bass Bash" summer music programs with Barry Green. I was on the faculty at the Marin Music Conservatory teaching private piano from 1995-2008.

Seth Affoumado

Seth Affoumado Musician

Seth Affoumado's teaching methods are fun & non conventional.

Private drum lessons are 1/2 an hour for children 6-10 years old, 45-60 minutes for older students. Students are encouraged to listen to beats they want to learn and are tutored on how to achieve positive results.

Using the book "Stick Control" as a learning tool, students learn counting, basic rhythms, and hand coordination.

I encourage students to use a pad and full drum kit.

Hadley McCarroll

Ms. McCarroll made her orchestral debut under renowned American composer Gunther Schuller. She has worked throughout the US and internationally: Royal Danish Opera, Utah Festival Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opera San Jose, Festival Opera, and West Bay Opera. Member of the 2010 coaching staff of RESONANZ festival-Albany, New York. Also has accompanied famed sopranos Jane Eaglen, Nucia Focile, and Linda Watson; she was musical preparer under Kent Nagano for works by Elliott Carter ("What next?") and Unsuk Chin.

Sandra Soderlund

I am primarily an organist although I also perform on harpsichord, clavichord, and both early and modern piano. I am an eclectic player, performing music from earliest times to the present. I have also been a church musician, so understand the specific demands of that profession.

My main interest has been in the history of keyboard technique on which I have written a book, "How Did They Play? How Did They Teach?" I use and teach a variety of techniques to suit the music being studied. All of my ideas are based upon primary source material in keyboard playing.

Katherine Triest

My piano lessons from from 6 yrs. old through high school were my favorite activity-- so I kept practicing piano while switching my major to flute, because I was also in love with the orchestra!

I have performed a lot of solo and chamber music on the flute, and now participate in a "piano group" to keep up the excitement of performing on piano. My teaching style is relaxed, but I hear from students that I am also demanding-- mostly it depends on how the student learns, and how much time they can practice (surprise, surprise!)

Lynne Funkhouser

Lynne Funkhouser has been playing the clarinet since she was eight years old. She began teaching after graduating from the Peabody Conservatory of Music/Johns Hopkins University in 1983. Since moving to San Francisco in 1987, Ms. Funkhouser has played clarinet professionally throughout the Bay Area. She is proficient in teaching beginning, advanced, and professional clarinet and saxophone students. She teaches both jazz and classical styles.

Sally Munro

I enjoy helping people who have a strong desire to sing. Previous experience is not necessary. With my knowledge of the body and Alexander Technique I can help undo previous bad habits that may have led to vocal damage and help students discover what is blocking their progress.