Thollem McDonas is a pianist, composer, improviser and teacher. He travels perpetually internationally performing as a soloist as well as in collaboration with a wide array of artists in wildly divergent directions.
He resides in Pacifica, just south of San Francisco, during the summer months.
Concerts in 14 countries, PBS, NPR
Masterclasses at universities and conservatories
Studies with Gyorgy Sandor, John Wustman
Berkeley Symphony, Virginia symphony, SF Ballet, Royal Danish Ballet
Cellist Elaine Kreston has performed throughout the United States and Europe. Her talents are diverse: an inspired classical cellist most often featured in chamber music settings, she has also performed with such stars as Rod Stewart, Idina Menzel, and Peter Gabriel, and as a soloist on Broadway.
Blending her background of classical music with improvisation, Elaine has performed as soloist at the events of Krishna Das, Adyashanti, and Eckhart Tolle. She is co-creator of RumiCello: a collaboration that beautifully mingles the poetry of Rumi with the sounds of the cello.
Well-known in the San Francisco Bay area, Cheryl Blalock is a voice teacher, acting coach, stage director and performing soprano.
Cheryl has performed over 40 lead roles with companies such as Lamplighters, Lyric Theatre, Stanford Savoyards, and West Bay, Livermore, Oakland, Marin and Inland Opera Companies. She has toured nationally with two of Ken Malucelli’s productions, “Oh Mr. Sousa” and “SavoyExpress”. She performs both traditional and contemporary chamber music and as a professional soloist with local symphonies and churches.
For my biography, and information about my lessons, please visit:
I am a firm believer in positive thinking and positive reinforcement. I've been teaching both privately and in the classroom setting for 6 years now and I've learned that a performer can have all the talent and skill in the world, but if they don't believe in themselves they won't reach their full potential. My job is to unlock that potential by teaching my students both the skills they need to succeed and the belief that they can succeed.
Violinist Christina Knudson has been an avid teacher and performer throughout the Bay Area since moving to San Francisco in 2008. She has experience teaching students from age 3 to adult and from absolute beginner to college-level students. As a conservatory trained violinist, she teaches a solid foundation in violin technique, theory and repertoire. As a violin teacher, her goal is to create a positive learning environment while cultivating the student’s love for music.
I love to teach! It is wonderful to watch students develop musically and personally over the years. I have been an active performer and teacher for over 20 years. My priority is to develop a love of music based on a solid foundation of a healthy technique and understanding of musical principles. While several of my students have gone on to create professional careers as a harpist, most of my students learn for the joy and fun of making music. I teach students of all ages and from all walks of life. Everyone learns differently.
Extensive experience as recitalist and soloist (oratorio and extended works); voice teacher and choral director for grade 3-adult in New York, Wisconsin, Texas, India and recently in the Bay Area. I believe in training singers for life, using techniques based on vocal health. Singers will be instructed to sing freely throughout their range, to develop good breath support, as well as vowel formation and clear articulation (this training is also good for public speaking).
Musicianship and piano skills are a part of lessons. I also teach beginning piano students.