(818) 343-7744
knauerpianos@gmail.com
(818) 343-7744
knauerpianos@gmail.com
The quality of our teaching staff is second to none, from classically trained teachers with doctorate degrees to accomplished jazz and hip hop teachers, each one is warm, patient, and cares deeply about helping each student learn to play the music they desire. All of our teachers have college training and many have professional performance experience both nationally and internationally as well as being recording artists. Our teachers support the goals of each student with encouragement and appropriate pacing of instruction, while providing a broad and deep foundation in all styles of music, as well as sight reading, technique, music theory, improvisation, and composition. They know the perfect balance of having their students progress well while making each lesson interesting and exciting. Our teachers love what they do and dedicate themselves to guiding you to reach your musical goals.
Some of the prestigious institutions our teachers are graduates of are, Berklee College of Music, California State University at Northridge, Manhattan School of Music, Indiana University, Charles University in Prague, and Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Adrian Marcelo Garza Aburto, known professionally as Adrian Narro, is a cellist, multi-instrumentalist, media composer, post production editor, and recording engineer from Monterrey, Mexico. Adrian presently performs throughout the Los Angeles county, and operates his independent studio brand, Mythos Post Production. He is driven by a fervent passion for soundtracks, fiction and imaginative storytelling. Adrian's musical roots stem from classical, soundtrack and heavy music genres. As both performer and technician, Adrian aspires to further digital entertainment and live performing arts - both on stage and behind the scenes.
Adrian teaches string instruments, rock guitar, piano, marimba, vibraphone, composition and theory. He works with students age 3 - adult. He is an inutitive instructor who has a wonderful balanced style of working with his students of all ages -from preschool to adults.
Adam Schrubbe is a keyboardist and music producer from the Gulf Coast whose music is a unique blend of jazz, neo-soul, electronic, and classical.
He began his musical journey studying classical piano at age 10 and soon began exploring other styles, learning to improvise and write his own songs. He graduated from Loyola University New Orleans with a degree in Popular and Commercial Music, and during his time in New Orleans he often performed his own original music in addition to working professionally in a variety of groups including praise bands and wedding bands.
Living in Los Angeles now, Adam seeks to inspire other musicians as both a creator and a teacher by passing on the knowledge he has acquired through experience.
Elayna is a vocalist, songwriter, and musician with a background in pop and musical theatre.
After performing throughout her life in theatres, churches, coffee shops, a variety of other venues, she has focused her passion for music into teaching. Elayna has spent 4+ years working with choirs, individuals, and small groups enhancing vocal intonation, performance, and musicality.
Having fun, exploring ideas, and staying passionate about music remains the driving force in every lesson with Elayna.
Luc Charlier is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, audio engineer, and producer originally from San Diego, California. He studied at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington and earned a Bachelor of Science in Audio Engineering & Sound Production with a minor in Jazz Studies, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2024. He teaches piano, guitar, bass, voice, songwriting, and music production across all genres and styles from classical, jazz, pop, R&B, hip hop, rock, indie, alternative, and beyond.
He began playing classical piano at age 9 and studied with Dr. Brendan Nguyen in San Diego, CA. Throughout his childhood and teens, he regularly performed at recitals and juries on piano. He attended St. Augustine High School and was very active as a musician, playing clarinet in the Symphonic Band and Pep Band, piano in the 32nd Street Jazz Band and Saints Jazz Combo, and was the pianist and bandleader for the school’s Mass Band & Choir, for all of which he was awarded the John Philip Sousa Band Award his senior year.
After graduating high school in 2018, he took a gap year and worked as a Music Teaching Assistant at his alma mater as well as volunteering his time as a Music Instructor at Mid-City Community Music, an organization focused around providing access to music education in San Diego’s most ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
During his gap year, he discovered a love for music production and dove straight into writing and recording his own music. With his strong background in music theory and performing, he taught himself to play the guitar and bass and was accepted into the audio engineering program at the Jacobs School of Music, often ranked the best music school in the world.
While at IU, he collaborated on over 50 commercial releases as a performer, engineer, producer, and songwriter. He founded and managed his own student-run live event production company Audio Student Productions to support the local Bloomington music scene. He also worked at IU Theatre for 3 seasons in the Sound Department as Assistant Engineer, RF Tech, Mix Engineer, and was the Sound Designer for Cabaret his senior year. On the arts management side, he was a member of HHart for 3 years, a student organization under the Office of Diversity that promoted the arts on campus through shows displaying student artwork and featuring student performances. He served various roles from Performing Arts Chair, to Vice President, and Co-President and was awarded the Office of Diversity’s “Unsung Hero Award” for his years of work and dedication behind the scenes.
After graduating from IU in 2024, he moved back to the west coast and currently lives and works in Los Angeles, CA as a music instructor, songwriter, and freelance audio engineer.
Luc’s teaching philosophy focuses on strong technique, music theory and underlying principles of musical harmony, creativity, and most importantly, personal and emotional expression. Book a lesson with Luc today at either of Knauer’s locations and for in-home lessons!
I began playing drums at age five and immediately fell in love with the music making process. I studied mainly classical percussion up until college, where I began studying jazz drumset with Tina Raymond and afro cuban drumset with Thomas Kelley. When teaching, my biggest focus will always be having fun, since that's most likely why we all started in the first place!
Rose Kreider is a Los Angeles based mezzo-soprano pursuing a career in operatic performance. Miss Kreider has performed roles including the Turnspit (Rusalka), Dorabella (Così fan tutte), and Jennie Hildebrand (Street Scene), as well as singing as a soloist in oratorio repertoire such as Mozart’s Requiem in D minor. She sings in the choir at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, CA, where she is the alto section leader. She is currently a student of Diane Ketchie at CalState Northridge, where she is a Bachelor of Music degree candidate in Vocal Performance. She previously earned an Associate of Arts degree in Music from El Camino College, where she studied with soprano Erin Wood.
Rose's classical training also translates well to those pursuing contemportary and pop styles of singing. She can help provide the fundamentals of good vocal health and training and translate this into a variety of singing styles, following the pursuits and goals of the student.
Taylor enjoys teaching all ages and multiple instruments. He loves cultivating a love and passion for music in all of his students, ages 2 - 80 years old. He has a warm spirit and inspiring teaching style.
Taylor Bailey is a jazz saxophonist, pianist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer from Los Angeles, California. Bailey is a graduate of California State University of Northridge, under the study of the prolific performing and studio musician, Shai Golan. Bailey was a member of the California State University of Northridge Jazz A Big Band under the instruction of Tina Raymond, giving him the opportunity to have played with renowned performers such as Gordon Goodwin, Jon Hatamiya, Orinn Evans, Wayne Bergeron, Bill Holman, John Clayton, John Daversa and many more.
Mark Trejo found his musical footing In Los Angeles California, where he was
born and raised. Mark is a jazz Trumpeter and piano player that has experience playing in a
wide variety of music genres. From Pop and Salsa to Cumbias and Funk,
Mark has performed with many local groups around town like Roots and the
Barrio, LA Orchestra Nueva Revolución, Yari Moré, The AY Big Band, and Full
Clip. H
Having a foundation in Jazz and improvised music, Mark has also been a
part of various recording projects both student based and independent. Not
only has Mark performed in more public intimate settings, but has had the
opportunity to play at larger private events like the Tequila and Taco Festival
in Oxnard, the Play Boy Jazz Festival, and the The Autry Museum.
These wonderful opportunities have come to Mark through the hard work he
has put in to being apart of many larger ensembles like The Claremont
Young Musician’s Orchestra where he performed with guest conductor
Gustavo Dudamel, the LAUSD All-City Jazz Band where he played at the
Hollywood Bowl for the Playboy Jazz Festival and would later be called back
to assist again, as well as playing with the CSUN Jazz A Band where he
would play with artists like Wayne Bergeron, Orin Evans, Gordon Goodwin,
and John Daversa.
Mark graduated from CSUN Spring 2023 with a Bachelors of Music in
Trumpet performance in Jazz Studies. Mark currently is a freelance
musician, music educator, and Co-leads an Afro-Latin band of his own,
Dominguero. He loves teaching both piano and trumpet and is currently getting his teaching credential to share his love of music with students in the school system.
Alto & Tenor Saxophone / Clarinet / Piano / Acoustic Guitar / Early Childhood Music / Composition / Music Appreciation
Raquel Dominguez is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and music educator based in Los Angeles, California. She began playing alto saxophone, her first and primary instrument, at 12 years old in her middle school’s band program. Throughout high school and college, she remained active in various musical ensembles including wind ensemble, marching band, pep band, jazz/rock combo, and concert choir. Currently, most of her time is dedicated to teaching, composing, and practicing while she prepares for grad school.
In 2021, Raquel completed her AA in Music from Victor Valley College where she studied alto saxophone with Shane Sherrodd, music theory, musicianship, and voice. In 2023, she earned her BM in Composition from California State University Los Angeles under the mentorship of Dr. John M. Kennedy. During her senior year at Cal State LA, she became the first recipient of the James Newton Scholarship Award for Composition.
Professionally, Raquel has performed on alto saxophone with various music groups in the United States and Armenia, with her resume including playing orchestral hip-hop classics with Harmony Project’s Youth Orchestra to soloing blues and folk rock with the Cal State LA Classical Guitar Ensemble.
Ms. Raquel’s teaching principles stem from the core belief that anyone can become a great musician with the right tools; these tools are found through the development of a strong foundation in musicianship. Lessons are tailored to each student based on their understanding of musical ideas and their creative interests, initially with an emphasis on ear training, rhythm, pulse, and composition/improvisation. Once these skills are established, students will work with Ms. Raquel to explore sheet music and music theory on their instrument through a variety of activities and games, with the goal of building a repertoire. Music is a second language, and the goal is not simply to be able to read and “speak” it, but to understand it, deeply and confidently. Ms. Raquel provides students with tools that are transferable to any musical endeavor by fostering a solid understanding of the underlying concepts that constitute music.
Will Feinberg is a new arrival to Los Angeles, and while he may be new in town, he's not at all new to the piano nor the classroom.
Sade Frame is a singer/songwriter, classically trained pianist who also writes and plays pop music... as well as being a trained vocalist & guitarist. Even though she is new to Los Angeles, she is not new to the music business as she has been awarded many songwriter's awards including the John Lenon Songwriting Contest.
She loves working with all ages and stages from beginner to advanced, and helping students grow and build their musical skills while keeping it interesting.
https://americansongwriter.com/a-qa-with-the-heart-toppers-song-contest-promotion-winner-sade-frame/
Starting violin at the age of 5, Finn Moore has had a performing career spanning over
20 orchestras, multiple solo performances, and 5 countries. He toured with top youth
orchestras in high school and has led many different performing ensembles such as the
Berklee Contemporary Symphony and Berklee World Strings as concertmaster. He has
studied with violin pedagogues Stephan Tieszen, Anton Miller and Asya Meshberg, the
pupils of Mischa Mischakoff, Guila Bustabo and Dorothy Delay. He has performed with
artists such Usher, Alan Silvestri, Joe Lovano, Kenny Barron, Andrés Cepeda, Daymé
Arocena, and the 8-Bit Big Band. He graduated with a B.M., Summa Cum Laude from a
full-tuition scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in 2023, where his own
composition was the processional. His music has already gained attention from Hans
Zimmer’s Bleeding Fingers Music and Disney Television Music.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOiWw_wAGC7iB2rki9RKdIA
Christopher "Chris" Kneisel "Mr. K" began cello studies in a public school instrumental music program at age 9. He studied for ten years with June Smith Parra (formerly the cellist in the Immaculate Heart College String Quartet). During this time, Chris played in the San Fernando Valley Youth Symphony, under the direction of the late, great Dr. Thomas Osborne. Mr. K. earned his AA degree in music from Los Angeles Valley College in 1976. Chris/Mr. K. then continued his cello studies for another six years with Nino Rosso (at that time, the Associate Principal cellist of the LA Philharmonic). Concurrently, Mr. K. earned his BA in Instrumental Music Education--along with a Ryan Single Subject Life Teaching Credential in Instrumental Music from the State of California. Mr. K. taught public school instrumental music, grades 3 through 9 for five years. From age 18 to the current time, Mr. K. has participated in the old Burbank Symphony and in the Burbank Philharmonic (which supplanted the older orchestra), both as a cellist and board member. Other orchestras have, at various times, include the Pasadena Community Orchestra and the Santa Maria Philharmonic. Currently, Mr. K. is involved with the Moorpark Symphony Orchestra, the Westlake Village Symphony, and the Burbank Philharmonic. He performs almost weekly in his local church.
Megan Shoaf is a lyric coloratura soprano based in the San Fernando Valley. She recently completed her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Arts Performance at California State University, Northridge. In addition to operatic performance, Megan also has a wide variety of experience in musical theatre, having performed roles such as Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Vivienne in Legally Blonde, and Roxie Hart in Chicago. She has recently been involved with Guild Opera Company’s production of Alice in Wonderland, in which she regularly performs the roles of the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, and Mock Turtle in outreach showings at local elementary schools. At CSUN, Megan took part in numerous ensembles, including the elite Northridge Singers choral ensemble, Studio Ensemble, and Guitar Chamber Ensemble. Professionally, Megan is actively pursuing a career in both operatic and theatrical performance, while also exploring a wide variety of other opportunities as they arise. She specializes in coaching musical theatre and audition preparation, and is especially interested in the intersection between musical and dramatic expression. Through her teaching, she hopes to expand her students’ artistic capabilities through text sensitivity and by increasing mental and physical awareness.
Music is, and will forever be at the center of my life. Music is what drives me forward. Music has given me an identity which has shown me how to express emotions and communicate to the world in ways I never could.
I have been playing music for the last 14 years. Having learned to play everything from the violin to the guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, drums as well as vocals, shows my love and dedication to many different styles of music. I have many years experience playing live shows as well as becoming an Audio engineer.
More importantly, what I get the most out of music is being able to share the joy and fulfillment music brings me to others and give them the tools to start their musical journey and give them the most of what music can bring to us all.
Musician, performer, composer, musical arranger, Producer Pop-Rock-Electronica Music, computer musician, Song Writer. Has performed and taught in both the New York and Los Angeles areas.
As a performer she has played keyboards and guitar in rock, jazz, and broadway pit bands. She is also a recoding studio musician. As a composer she has written full scale musical shows with both the script and the music. As an arranger and a Producer directed school, community, and regional theatre for over 30 years. She has directed musicals at the Emelin Theatre and stages reading at the West Side Arts Theatre in NYC. She has also directed and musically directed well over 65 musicals.
Some of Marie’s Students have gone on into the field of entertainment. Natalie Toro, the original Eponine on Broadway as well as National tours and the original Madame DeFarge in Tale of Two Cities and presently Lauryn Chiardullo, role of Jasmine in Broadway’s Production of Aladdin. She musically directed the Off Broadway production of "The Wonderful Story Of the Babes In The Wood", and 3 songs she composed were featured in it. Marie has also composed the music for "My Poppa", "Rosalita", "Revelations", "Dick Whittington", "Princess", "Velveteen Rabbit" all original shows
Marie has directed Summer Theatre Intensive Camps in NY and in Sedona Arizona. She continues to teaches piano, guitar, voice and computer music and Song Writing. At present she is arranging Pop and Pop Rock songs
Along with composing Pop Music, and movie themed music. Marie is Thrilled to be part of the staff at The Knauer School of Music in Tarzana and Agoura Hills CA.
Mahsa Ghassemi started playing cello at the age of 12 and pursued a music degree, obtaining a diploma from the only official music school in Tehran, at the age of 18. During the same time she was performing with Bahman Symphony orchestra, The Iranian-Austrian Chamber Orchestra and also won the "Youngest Instrumentalist" competition in Iran at the age of 16. She also played with Tehran Symphony and the national Television & Radio orchestra. She has also recorded in several of Tehran well known studios for many movies and TV series all before the age of 18.
She decided to further enhance her musical technique and knowledge and got acceptance to the Komitas State Conservatory Masters program in Armenia and trained with internationally recognized cellist Maestro Zareh Sarkisian.
While studying she played in various symphonies and chamber ensembles including The Yerevan Philharmonic orchestra as her reward from the University for graduating with honours. She was one of a chosen few to play for world renowned cellist, Maestro Mstislav Rostropovich. she also played with Demis Roussos’s band while in Yerevan, Armenia.
After Completing her Master’s Degree in Yerevan, She moved back to Iran and became the Youngest teacher at The University of Art, faculty of music in Tehran at the age of 22. She was also a soloist with Tehran Symphony, Armenian Virtuosi string orhestra conducted by Loris Tcheknavorian and made many recordings before moving to Canada with well known iranian composers. While In Canada, she received her 2nd Masters degree in Cello Performance, Played with Toronto Philharmonia, Sudbury Symphony, Toronto sinfonietta and has been the Principal Cellist for the Koffler Chamber orchestra and the Helliconian Orchestra. She has also Played non-classical groups such as playing for an audience of 15000 with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Air Canada Centre. She has worked with many well known contemporary Iranian composers and performers such as Loris Tcheknavorian, Ahmad Pejman, Karen Homayunfar, Saeed Shanbezadeh, Habib Meftah Booshehri, Khachik Babayan, Iman Vaziri, and Babak Amini.
In 2013, she co-founded The Collide Project with composer and guitarist, Behnam Jahanbeiglou. The Collide Project has already produced and released their debut album and is on to second. she has also Manuscript and arranged Behnam Jahanbegolou’s cello parts in their first Catalogue for The Collide Project.
Since 2013, Mahsa has been active with margaritas string quartet, trio moonshine, The Sudbury symphony and The Guelph symphony performing many concerts and recitals as well as teaching in her private studio.
In March 2016, she was the guest performer with the Adaawe and singer Mamak Khadem in Long Beach, CA.
Chris began his piano studies at the age of nine, receiving guidance from his grandmother, Rosemary Carswell, a respected figure in the Southern California music teaching community. He firmly believes that the foundational skills and principles instilled by her continue to influence his approach to music and teaching today. Chris strives to pass on the same solid foundation he received to his own students. As he puts it, “I’ve made it a point to absorb as much as possible from every musical experience, and I find great joy and fulfillment in sharing my knowledge with others.”
His musical background encompasses a diverse range of performance and composition experiences. Chris has participated in numerous events, including the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) State Conventions, MTAC San Fernando West Valley Branch recitals, festivals, and competitions. Additionally, he was featured as a piano soloist in school performances annually from the 4th grade through his senior year of high school. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “...getting to be a featured soloist was what opened the door to me being the classical-music-kid that got to play in the jazz bands, which was great because that’s what opened the door for me to start working as an accompanist for singers and solo instrumentalists from highschool and all throughout college, and all of it was a blast.”
In his downtime, Chris actively nurtures his musical abilities and passion by exploring a wide range of genres on the piano. He frequently arranges his favorite pop, rock, and jazz songs, studies jazz standards and piano techniques independently, maintains his technical proficiency, and continually seeks out new musical challenges to pursue.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Chris has accumulated a diverse range of professional experiences. Over the past ten years, he has taught piano, while also collaborating with various churches as a pianist, guitarist, music director, and arranger. Additionally, Chris has had the privilege of performing with the Jaman Laws Group at UCLA and working in Japan as an accompanist and lyricist with Teichiku Records, becoming their first non-Japanese hire.
Reflecting on his career, Chris shares, “My musical knowledge has opened many doors and provided me with invaluable experiences. I feel truly fortunate to have these opportunities and take great joy in sharing the knowledge I've gained throughout my musical journey. I hope to inspire and support others in pursuing their own musical endeavors.”
Rosana has over a decade of private piano instruction experience where she nurtures a love of music and fosters independence in her students. She is a firm believer that students can gain confidence and discover more about themselves through music.
As a collaborative pianist and soloist, Rosana is well known for her deep connection to music. Her collaborative partners know they are supported and never alone on stage, something Rosana tries to carry into every other collaboration in her life - whether teaching, performing, or working administratively.
Rosana is especially interested in discovering and bringing to the forefront music of lesser known composers, specifically from Mexico and other Latin American countries. Understanding that the world is ever-evolving and making room for voices outside of the “traditional Western canon,” Rosana strives to bring this awareness into her musical practice.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Pedagogy from California State University, Northridge and a Master of Music in Piano Performance with an emphasis in Collaborative Piano from Portland State University. Rosana’s former teachers include Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov, Dr. Ming Tsu, and Dr. Chuck Dillard. She worked closely with Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk while completing her B.M. in Piano Pedagogy at CSUN.
Vanessa Klaus began her classical piano studies at the age of five under the guidance of her grandmother, Rosemary Carswell, a distinguished member of the Music Teachers Association of California and former president of its branch. Through Mrs. Carswell’s studio, Vanessa participated in a variety of competitions and recitals, including the Certificate of Merit program, biannual studio recitals, contemporary festivals, sight-reading competitions, and the Guild program, among others. In addition to performance, she also pursued extensive studies in classical and jazz music theory.
Beyond her time with Mrs. Carswell, Vanessa expanded her musical horizons during her middle and high school years by engaging in a range of musical activities. She played oboe in the concert band, and contributed her skills to the jazz band as both a pianist and xylophonist. During this period, she also tutored her classmates in music theory and, as she grew older, began coaching her siblings’ students. Through countless hours of observing her siblings’ lessons, she gained invaluable insights into various teaching practices, techniques, and the nuances of classical piano instruction.
Currently, Vanessa's primary focus is on helping students discover their unique musical strengths and achieve their musical aspirations through individualized lessons. She draws upon her extensive experience from Mrs. Carswell’s studio, her siblings’ teaching environments, and her involvement in school-sponsored music programs. Her greatest fulfillment comes from actively contributing to the musical development and growth of her students. Vanessa believes that a great student becomes a great teacher, both inside and outside the classroom. She fosters an environment of encouragement, consistently recognizing and celebrating her students' individual talents and abilities. Ultimately, Vanessa aims to provide her students with the technical skills and repertoire they need to fully explore and enjoy their musical journey.
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
Jeremy Matticks is an avid performer and professional vocalist, with a passion for teaching. Originally from Springfield, Illinois, Jeremy started learning piano at the age of six, encouraged by his very musical family! He quickly showed an interest in performing, singing, and composing, and began writing his own music at a very young age!
He attended Berklee College of Music in 2010 as a Voice Principal, and earned a degree in Contemporary Writing and Music Production with an emphasis in Video Game Scoring. While there, he performed with several incredible vocal groups, including world-renowned a cappella group, Pitch Slapped, with whom he won Grand Prize in the 2010 International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella.
After graduating from Berklee in 2014, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue music full-time, and has been enjoying his musical life ever since! He started working in a couple music studios as a production assistant and then went to work on a few video games and films as a composer and sound designer.
As a professional vocalist, Jeremy currently performs with several incredible vocal ensembles, including Top Shelf Vocal, Jingle 5, Vox Harmonix, The Other Reindeer Carolers, and his own group Intermission, which he also directs. Jeremy also loves songwriting, arranging, and producing; working with several musicians and performers to record, mix, and collaborate.
As a teacher, Jeremy focuses on using a personalized lesson approach for each student. For vocal students, he pulls in elements of Complete Vocal Technique, Speech Level Singing, Alexander, Bel Canto, and Berklee Vocal Methods, and even teaches more advanced techniques such as sight-singing. For piano students, his favorite book series include Alfred and John Thompson’s, having grown up learning the Alfred Method. He also loves to incorporate music theory, chord theory, production, and songwriting for students with those interests.
Jeremy believes that at the heart of a musician is the soul of a story-teller, and making great music should be the foundation of any great music class. To all the new musicians out there, your voice is unique, your creations are valid, and your music is beautiful!
Larissa grew up in Russia and graduated from Ulyanovsk Music College with a degree in Piano Education and Accompaniment. She has worked as a piano instructor for almost thirty year and throughout those years, she has also worked and volunteered as an accompanist for instrumentalists, vocalists, choirs, church functions and ballet classes.
Larissa enjoys teaching a variety of styles and can work wonderfully with beginners and students who want to enjoy playing a range of genres, yet can also teach up to the highest levels of classical piano performance.
For almost two decades her family resided in Alaska, enjoying its beauty, fresh air, wildreness and yes, salmon. After getting their Master's degrees, her daughters decided to pursue their careers in Log Angeles; therefore, encouraging Larissa to relocate to Los Angeles herself. Her hobbies include reading, hiking, watching films and attending cultural events.
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Anna Digenio, dramatic mezzo-soprano, is an award-winning vocal artist recognized for her arresting vocal timbre and bold stage presence. Her exceptional technical ability is hard-won and infused with the resolve, joy, and authenticity of her own heroic healing journey. In addition to her life-long dedication to classical and operatic performance, Ms. Digenio work as a commercial voice over artist is nationally recognized. Ms. Digenio is an alumnus of Pepperdine University and NYU Tisch. She currently prepares roles under the guidance of Claudine Carlson and Maestro William Vendice. Digenio has also coached with world-class opera educators including Mirella Freni, Carol Neblett, Karen Cargill, Christine Goerke, Robert Tweten, Olga Toporkova, Marilyn Zschau, Kristof Van Grysperre, Kosta Popovic, Timothy León, Richard Zeller, Vladimir Chernov, Shigemi Matsumoto, Elizabeth Howard, and Kathleen Roland. Ms. Digenio's most recent engagements include: 2023 Wagner Society of Southern California Soloist, 2022 Beethoven Symphony No. 9 with LAKMA Symphony (Alto Soloist) Walt Disney Concert Hall, 2022 Title role debut as Carmen with Pacific Lyric Opera Association, 2022 Mozart Requiem with LAKMA Symphony (Alto Soloist), 2022 Pergolesi Stabat Mater (Alto Soloist), 2021 Opera West! debut as The Mother in Puccini's Madama Butterfly (Suzuki Cover), 2020 VOPA debut as Marthe in Gounoud’s Faust, 2020 Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 with California State University Northridge (Alto Soloist), 2019 Landmark Opera Company debut as Flora in Verdi’s La Traviata. She is also a member of The Los Angeles Master Chorale professional chorus. Ms. Digenio's recent honors include: Semi-finalist for the 2021 Palm Springs Opera Guild Vocal Competition, finalist and encouragement award recipient for the 2020 Mentoris Voice Vocal Competition, Western Region semi-finalist and encouragement award recipient for the 2019 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, finalist in 2019 Burbank Philharmonic Hennings-Fischer Young Artist Competition, 2019, a six-time recipient of The Opera Buffs Inc., Grant Award, and recipient of the 2019 Bell T. Ritchie Award. Digenio's past roles include Cornelia in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and Third Lady in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte. Ms. Digenio's roles in preparation are Santuzza (Cavalleria Rusticana), Azucena (Il Trovatore), Amneris (Aida), and Princess Eboli (Don Carlo). Verdi’s Requiem and Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde. She particularly enjoys singing the works of Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, and Wagner and looks forward to embracing this repertoire for years to come. Ms. Digenio is committed to sharing her love of vocal technique and classical music with her community. Ms. Digenio is a consultant for Leyerle Publications and the Nico Castel Libretti. She is thrilled to announce her 2023 Codirection of Artists Coalition of Los Angeles, empowering classical artists through musical and humanitarian collaborations via community engagement, educational outreach and accessible historic programming that preserves the integrity of professional artistic traditions. Anna Digenio is based in Los Angeles and is available for engagements worldwide.
Preferred Pronouns: He/Him
The son and grandson of professional musicians and music teachers, Brian Rupp has been teaching guitar for over 20 years and playing for over 30 years. Initial music studies commenced with piano lessons at age 8, but Brian was subsequently "bitten by the rock bug" and began teaching himself guitar at age 11. After performing in the high school jazz band and with the heavy metal band Abraxas, Brian studied music at California State University, Northridge and graduated in 1996 with a Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance. Honors included winning the Randy Rhoads Memorial Scholarship Competition.
After graduation, Brian went on to perform solo classical guitar and classical guitar with ensemble in a wide variety of settings such as weddings, receptions, civic events and private engagements. Additional musical activities included gigging on electric and bass guitar in various original, cover and tribute bands in clubs, fairs, festivals and concert halls. He has appeared on Chinese television with Regina Cheng and The Diamond Band and Brazilian television as a performer at the memorial concert for the legendary Brazilian guitarist and composer Laurindo Almeida.
Currently, Brian has been performing solo classical guitar twice a month at The Californian, a convalescent home and rehab facility in Pasadena since 2011 under the auspices of Respect & Understanding, a non profit organization whose mission is healing through music.
In the realm of music education, Brian has taught thousands of private lessons on guitar, bass guitar and drums to a wide range of ages and levels and in a wide range of styles. He has also taught in the public domain as a volunteer assistant music teacher for the LAUSD and guest instructor at the elementary and middle school levels. Brian's objectives in lessons are for beginners to have a solid foundation in basic technique, rhythm, chords and melody playing, for intermediate level students to progress in the direction of music they want play and to supplement the advanced student's knowledge of technique, theory and expression. Brian's mission for his students and in his own musical endeavors is to play music one loves the best he/she can.
Background
My family has always been musically inclined. Back in Iran, my parents played in an orchestra recreationally, and when I was six years old, they invited me to learn music with them: my dad signed me up for piano lessons. I’ve performed at several recitals and competitions over my early musical education. When I was 9, I performed at my first recital, playing Golden Dreams by Javad Maroufi and Ode of Joy by Beethoven. At 15, I was the youngest performer at the National Federation Music Festival Competition at LAVC, playing Haydn’s Pastoral. I continued taking lessons and performing until I was 18, when I began studying CSUN, where I graduated from in 2016 with a double bachelor’s degree in Communicative Disorders and Sciences and Music Education/Liberal Arts.
Since I graduated, I have taught piano for five years as a private music teacher. However, my musical education did not end at graduation. I continue to further my own skills through study, practice, and training. After all, a good teacher is also a good student. Currently, I'm a Doctoral student at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. I also keep my teaching skills up to date as well, by researching the best and latest teaching methods, and follow several resources to create well-structured and up-to-date lesson plans. My personal tastes in music include contemporary classical French pianist Richard Clayderman, Australian/British classical string quartet Bond, and Maksim Mrvica. I enjoy improvising songs, and entertaining friends and guests with my music.
Teaching Method
I specialize in teaching piano fundamentals, giving students the foundation they need to grow into advanced levels. I first emphasize development of my students’ technical skills through finger exercises. By developing physical mastery of playing the piano, they become second nature, and students can begin focusing on the more difficult theoretical aspects such as sight reading and ear training. As with all subjects, students respond best to differently to different methods of teaching, so I continually ask for feedback during the lesson, then adjusting the way I teach accordingly. I cater to specific student needs interests and keep lessons enjoyable by creating personalized lesson plans for my students and developing an appropriate curriculum, each utilizing a variety of books and teaching methods I find they respond best to.
JonNichimyoun Taylor, AKA Jonnichi Sun Tiger 13, is a composer, pianist, teacher, music producer and creator of Sun Tiger West Coast Productions of Los Angeles, California. Throughout his professional life, he has been touched and inspired by legends from Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones to Nadia Boulanger and Leonard Bernstein, who were his teachers and mentors.
He rebirth into physical life on July, 1950. It was at the young age of 10 that he became interested in music, especially the piano where he, like so many young adults in his neighborhood, decided to take up private lessons in piano and organ.
He has always shown an admiration for the music and arts, composing in particular. After going through four years of college at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee to receive his degree(s) in music education and ethnic-musicology, Jon Nichimyoun decided to embark upon a career in composing.
His main interest here was to focus on Broadway musicals, film scoring and orchestrations. For more than two decades, (1976-1999), he lived in Europe, where he met his beloved teacher/professor Madamoiselle Nadia Boulanger in Paris, France. He re-located a few years later to the Austrian capital ,Vienna, where he made several performances for cultural affairs, ambassadors residences, private salon concerts and musical theater.
He returned to the United States in 1999 and now presently resides in Los Angeles, California with his family. Apart from his occupied time at his "SunTiger Studio", Mr.JonNichimyoun Taylor loves spending time with his family and friends as occasionally he tours around the world performing the piano on tremendous European Cruises and ships that sail the ocean seas - world renowned.
A veteran singer, TV and film actor, Kim Yarbrough captivated TV audiences the world over during her splash as a finalist on Season 2 of NBC's "THE VOICE". Adam Levine & Christina Aguilera consistently pronounced her as a “Powerhouse” and "Force to be Reckoned With."
Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Kim has enjoyed a dream career performing alongside legends and icons in music, film TV and stage in Los Angeles since the year 2000.
Kim is a classically trained vocalist and has over 20 years' professional experience singing in all styles from R&B to Pop, and from Broadway to Blues. Her post-secondary study and specialties are in the areas of voice, theater and violin performance & education. Kim has vocal coached several Disney and Nickelodeon child stars, and her students have also gone on to book leading roles in "Annie Get Your Gun", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Cats" and "Les Mis". She she has also successfully coached students as budding song writers and recording artists.
A working professional singer for more than 2 decades, Kim has performed and toured throughout the United States and France. She continues to perform and sing for all types and sizes of audiences, whether on stage or in film.
She has been vocal coaching for over 25 years and believes in a 360 degree music education with her students. She not only teaches them to have a command of their vocal instrument and be excellent singers, but her instruction also covers music theory, phrasing, ear training, reading music, and performance practice. No matter the age range, handling themselves confidently and professionally in performances and auditions is what sets Kim's students apart.
Los Angeles Pianos For Sale
19301 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, Ca. 91356
(818) 343-7744
Conejo Valley Pianos For Sale
28501 Canwood St. Ste 3E
Agoura Hills, Ca. 91301
(818) 597-9970
MENU
