Middle School

Sophia Santulli is a dynamic singer whose talents have led to the operatic, recital, choral, rock, and electronica stages. Sophia has sung operatic roles locally and abroad, produces and performs her original music at venues throughout the Bay, and has been a featured singer on label recordings ranging from choral to electronica as well as a backup singer for Magik*Magik Orchestra. She teaches a wide range of students as they foray through the world of vocal music. Sophia holds a Master of Music from San Francisco Conservatory, studying voice with the esteemed Catherine Cook.

Anette Skloot began studying, performing and teaching music while still living in her native Sweden. She earned her degree in music at UC Berkeley where she studied with Janet Maestre, and has spent over 20 teaching flute and piano in her private studio, teaching in various after-school programs, including the Crowden School, and has occasionally worked as an accompanist. She has recorded on two widely released CDs and lives in El Sobrante with her classical guitar playing husband and violin playing son.

Violinist Ann Lam has performed in major concert venues across the country, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center. Dedicated to music education, Ann has over a decade’s worth of experience in outreach work as a solo, chamber, and orchestral musician. She strives to joyfully impart music fundamentals while fostering a curiosity for lifelong learning. Ann has had extensive experience and success with starting young children on violin, utilizing her Suzuki training and her own educational methods.

Solmaaz Adeli gave her European debut as Flora at the Vienna Chamber Opera.

She debuted the title role in François Pierre Descamp’s new opera "Zumurrud" as well as Subaida in Harun und Djafar by René Clemencic for the festival “11 aus 1001 Nacht” in Vienna in 2011.

She sang the American National Anthem for US Embassy of Vienna's Commemoration Ceremony of 9/11 which was recorded by ORF television.

In the 2012/13 season Solmaaz Adeli performed in concert at the Vienna State Opera's Marmorsaal as well as for the patrons of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Dane Carlson is a music educator and professional musician, having played the Oboe and English Horn professionally since 1975. Dane has a bachelor's degree from San Jose State University, studying Oboe with Lee Lincoln and conducting with Vernon Read and Higo Harada. Dane has performed with a number of local ensembles including the San Jose Symphony, Fremont Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Santa Cruz County Symphony, Pacific Philharmonic, California Pops, Opera San Jose, and West Bay Opera.

Twice Grammy nominated Omar Ledezma Jr. was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. He has a Degree in Laws and a diploma from the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston. Omar is an active Bay Area performer both as a lead singer and percussionist. He has toured with renowned artists in UK, Europe, the Caribbean and South America and now leads his own family-oriented educational group, the Ka-Hon Ensemble.
www.omarledezmajr.com

My teaching philosophy focuses on fostering good practice techniques. While a great deal can be taught in a private setting, the real process of learning to make music requires structured independent work. To this end I focus on a strong foundation of skills and techniques and how to use said technique for musical expression. I enjoy working with students of any age and level.

The first lesson is free, so that the student may decide whether they feel that they can work well with me.

Pianist Lisa Maresch grew up with an eclectic taste in music from playing the Japanese taiko drums, playing extravagant shows on the Las Vegas “Strip,” to performing classical concerts for outreach programs across the country. She has built a career as solo pianist, a collaborative pianist, and an educator.

Carolina's by Carolé's Ballet Flamenco celebrating 19 years of Dance Excellence!~ 1995-2014 was founded by award winning Artistic Director-International Artist-Choreographer & Master Teacher, Carolina Lugo. She is widely regarded as one of the most gifted Flamenco & Spanish dance artists of her generation.