Adult

I have been teaching in public and private schools and in private studio for the past 20 years. I worked as the woodwind coach and guest conductor with the Peninsula Youth Orchestra from 2004-2010, am a guest conductor at the Cazadero Music Camp, and have worked at many other music programs and festivals as conductor and educator. I am the Music Director of the Oakland Municipal Band and direct the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble at Aragon High School in San Mateo.

Students learn in different ways. Often an idea or technique needs to be explained in a certain way to make sense to one student, while another may need it demonstrated or described differently. My goal as a horn teacher is to meet each individual student's needs so that I can help them improve their playing. I also understand that students have a variety of interest levels. Most of my students are quite serious and many compete in solo festivals, participate in youth orchestras or audition into all-state honor groups.

I work as a full time tuba player in the Bay Area and enjoy teaching the next generation of musicians in the evenings. I also have taught several older students interested in returning to the craft or who found a new enjoyable hobby. I can help you build on the foundations your school has given you or we can start from scratch!

Besides voice, Dorothy also teaches beginning piano to adults who never had piano as children.

I am currently in my 6th year as the Music Director at Tierra Linda Middle School in San Carlos, CA. Prior to this position, I was the Assistant Band Director at La Canada High/Middle School in Southern California. At my current position I have 32 Trombonists, 28 Euphonium players and 16 Tuba players. Teaching brass is my passion!

When I was a student, I worked with many great French flutists, not only Jean-Pierre Rampal at the Paris Conservatory. I studied with Michel Debost (Principal Flute at the Orchestre de Paris), Alain Marion (P. F. at l'Orchestre national), Gaston Crunelle (P. F. at l'Opera Comique), and Marcel Moyse (P. F. of l'Opera de Paris). I teach the French School of Flute Playing as I learned it from these masters. For exercises, I use the studies by Taffanel and Gaubert.

I am a vocalist, pianist and choral director. I hold an M.A in choral conducting from California State University, Los Angeles, a B.A. in Music from California State University San Jose, and an Orff Certificate from UC Santa Cruz. Previously, I directed the elementary music program at Windrush School in El Cerrito, where I taught piano, in addition to arranging and conducting the music for two elementary choruses, and a middle school jazz choir. I have worked professionally as a jazz singer, studied classical vocal repertoire, and perform when the opportunity arises.

Ms. Neff has been teaching voice since 1995. She maintains a private voice studio for all levels and musical styles; from the student of classical to the musical theater; from beginner to professional. She taught group voice classes at UCSF from 1995-2005. She believes in a VERY methodical learning process to help the singer discover their voice while getting a complete understanding of the workings of the voice.

Please see www.MADDIVA.me Thank you!