Teachers

Our store includes a number of studios that are used for private lessons by a large team of independent music teachers. Here are the teachers we recommend.


Flute

Yaocheng (Jillian) Yu
(626) 226 - 9203
jillianlovesyu@gmail.com

Elise Blatchford
(415) 971-6562
elise.blatchford@gmail.com

Gail Edwards
(650) 359-5668
flutege@sbcglobal.net
http://www.gailedwards-flute.com

Flutist Gail Edwards has both an active life as a performer and teacher. She is currently on the music faculty at San Francisco State University, the University of San Francisco and the (High) School of the Arts in San Francisco. Her home studio, GEMS, is also very active. All Ms. Edwards' students have many performance opportunities throughout the year including at SF City Hall, the national anthem for the SF Giants and a variety of other venues.

In both 2007 and 2003, flute choirs under the direction of Ms. Edwards were selected to perform at the National Flute Association's annual convention. This year her group from SF State will be performing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Since receiving her Masters degree from the San Francisco Conservatory, Ms. Edwards has performed with many of the Bay Area's premier ensembles including the San Francisco Opera and Ballet. She is currently a member of the Sacramento Philharmonic, Opera and Ballet orchestras, as well as the Napa and Modesto symphonies.

Amanda Hahn
(415) 846 - 4710
amandajhahn@hotmail.com

Flutist Amanda Hahn currently teaches woodwinds at the French American International School, as well as privately. She is in her 10th year on the faculty of the San Francisco Community Music Center, teaching flute and recorder. Having lived and taught in the Bay Area for 12 years now, her previous experience and training was in Boston. She is also a certified teacher in the Orff Schulwerk approach. She holds a Flute Performance degree from Boston University, and her Masters degree from the SF Conservatory of Music. Amanda freelances in the area as an orchestral player and recitalist.

Jake Blackshear
(415) 827 - 0008
jacobblackshear@hotmail.com>
www.jakeblackshear.netfirms.com

Jake Blackshear, jazz saxophonist doubling on flute and clarinet. Master of Music in Jazz Studies. 10+ years performing, 5+ years teaching. Private instruction for sax, flute, clarinet, improvisation, composition/arranging, theory.

Abigail McKee
(415) 759 - 5425
abby.mckee@gmail.com
www.abbymckee.com

Stacey Brubaker
(415) 652 - 3001

John Stafford
(415) 388 - 5247

Amelia Lukas
(415) 516 - 4851

Sarah Holzman
(415) 505 - 2062

David Peterson
(415) 271 - 4674 cell
(415) 752 - 8498 home

Kyoko Kimura
(559) 269 - 7502 cell (SF)

Carmen Lemoine
(415) 710 – 2011
www.carmenlemoine.com

Clarinet

Ricki R. Nelson
(916) 342-1142
RickiRNelson@aol.com

Clarinetist Ricki Nelson is currently finishing up his final year at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a candidate for the Masters of Music Degree. In 2006, he earned his Bachelors in Music Performance at California State University, Sacramento. Born and raised in Sacramento, Ricki's first steps as a musician were with the alto saxophone; he later took up the clarinet starting in ninth grade. Having a diverse background in musical training, his main mentors have included Capitol Jazz Project's Mike McMullen, former Sacramento Symphony clarinetist Deborah Pittman, and is studying currently with Luis Baez of the San Francisco Symphony. He has also taken lessons with Laurie Friedman, Jonathan Cohler, Diane Maltester, Michael Norsworthy, and has participated in Masterclasses with Frank Cohen, Scott Anderson, E. Michael Richards, and most recently, Karl Leister of the Berlin Philharmonic. Ricki has six years of teaching experience that includes private lessons, ensemble directing, large class presentations, and has worked with a variety of ability and age levels ranging from middle school to early collegiate. Ricki now resides in San Francisco.

David Peterson
(415) 271 - 4674 cell
(415) 752 - 8498 home

Jerome (Jerry) Simas
(415) 409 - 6638 home
(510) 703 - 6882 cell
jcsimas@pacbell.net

Marcus Stephens
(510) 290 - 1526

Peter Sparacino
(812) 679-9020 cell
peter.sparacino@gmail.com

Jake Blackshear
(415) 827 - 0008
jacobblackshear@hotmail.com>
www.jakeblackshear.netfirms.com

Jake Blackshear, jazz saxophonist doubling on flute and clarinet. Master of Music in Jazz Studies. 10+ years performing, 5+ years teaching. Private instruction for sax, flute, clarinet, improvisation, composition/arranging, theory.

Karla Avila
(415) 378 - 1466

John Stafford
(415) 388 - 5247

Mark G. Sowlakis
(415) 564 - 4936
markos@cruzio.com
www.markosmusic.com

Saxophone

Totter Tod
(303) 818-6313

Rodrigo Santic
510-926-5009
(se habla espanol)
rsantic@gmail.com

Michael Hirsch
(650) 814 - 8016
MikeRHirsch@gmail.com

"I have been teaching saxophone lessons to students of all ages and skill levels for over ten years. In the past I have toured throughout Europe and performed with such notable musicians as Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis and Jerry Bergonzi. I have most recently taught students at Stanford University."

Peter Sparacino
(812) 679-9020 cell
peter.sparacino@gmail.com

Jake Blackshear
(415) 827 - 0008
jacobblackshear@hotmail.com
www.jakeblackshear.netfirms.com

Jake Blackshear, jazz saxophonist doubling on flute and clarinet. Master of Music in Jazz Studies. 10+ years performing, 5+ years teaching. Private instruction for sax, flute, clarinet, improvisation, composition/arranging, theory.

Nick Rous
(415) 902 - 8149
velvel9@hotmail.com

Nick Rous was born 1977 in San Francisco and began studying clarinet at age 10 and saxophone at age 13. His first professional gig was in 1993, and he has been working ever since, perfroming Jazz, Salsa, Funk, Calypso, Bossa Nova, Samba, Pagogde and Reggae. In 2001 Nick graduated from Sonoma State University, Cum Laude and with distinction (the Jazz Department's award), with a BA in Jazz Studies. He has been teaching since 1999, guest taught at Lick Wilmerding High School in 2003 and is currently on faculty at the Blue Bear School of Music in Fort Mason.

The groups and individual artist Nick played with include T. Carson (piano for the Count Basie "Ghost" Band), Ben Miller (lead tenor sax for the Duke Ellington Orchestra), Doug Beavers (trombonist and arranger for Eddie Palmieri), Orchesta Kalichin, Rumba Cafe, The Acme Swing Co., Steve Lucky and the Rumba Bums, Tin Cup Serenade, Downtown Uproar, Manicato, Kapakahi, and Loco Bloco. The venues he has performed at include The Hi-Ball Lounge, The Fillmore Auditorium, Cafe Du Nord, Cafe Claude, Bimbo's 365, The Derby in L.A., Candlestick Park (pregame show), The Reno Hilton, The Catalyst, The Luther Burbank Center and The Temple Bar in L.A..

Marcus Stephens
(510) 290 - 1526

David Peterson
(415) 271 - 4674 cell
(415) 752 - 8498 home

Eric Crystal
(415) 377-2397 cell

Matt Renzi
(347) 277 - 1137
renzmac@yahoo.com
www.mattrenzi.com

Melecio Magdalayo
(415) 824 - 3775

Scott Peterson
(415) 902 - 5493
espeeddog@comcast.net

Harvey Robb
(415) 826 - 2679

Mark G. Sowlakis
(415) 564 - 4936
markos@cruzio.com
www.markosmusic.com

John Stafford
(415) 388 - 5247

Matt Nelson
(650) 380 - 1909
mattnelson22@gmail.com

Oboe/English Horn

Krisjana Thorsteinson
(916) 502 - 5101
gibson_july@sbcglobal.net

David Peterson
(415) 271 - 4674 cell
(415) 752 - 8498 home

Bassoon

Paul Hansen
(510) 526 – 3543

Erin Irvine
(323) 422-1325
erin-irvine@hotmail.com

Trumpet

Danny Cao
(415) 425-4982
caodanny@hotmail.com

Danny Cao has been teaching private trumpet lessons here at Union Music since the summer of 2006. He can be found playing locally and nationally with groups such as Vinyl, Manicato, Du Uy Quintet, and others. He is also a busy composer and arranger.

Scott Weigum
(248) 943-3953
weigumsc@gmail.com

Jason Park
(415) 596-8560
jtpark75@hotmail.com

Trumpeter Jason Park has over 14 years experience in teaching trumpeters of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on good fundamentals, students can expect to learn a fun mix of musical styles and exercises based on their individual needs. Jason performs and records regularly with Paradigm Brass, Brass Act Quintet, Collaborata, and various orchestras across the Bay area. He has appeared with groups such as the Honolulu Symphony, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Santa Cruz County Symphony, and numerous symphonies and chamber ensembles in San Francisco and Hawaii.

Aaron Priskorn
(415) 722 - 2009
sftrpt@gmail.com
www.aaronpriskorn.com

French Horn

Loren Tayerle
(415) 710-8116

Zach Maupin
(510) 533-8323 (Community Music Center)

Susan Vollmer
(650) 575 - 1586
svollmer2001@yahoo.com

Trombone

Hall Goff
(415) 664 - 4490
goffball@sbcglobal.net

Alex Bedner
(415) 756 – 6863

Jennifer Baker
(510) 847 – 1219 (Oakland)
baker7jenz@yahoo.com

Andrew Strain
(415) 621 - 7830
(510) 207 - 9351 cell

Violin

Thomas Yee
(415) 203-4534
tm_yee@hotmail.com

Thomas Yee, violinist from Santa Barbara, is a California bay area professional "Freeway Philharmonic" musician performing with the Santa Rosa, Napa Valley, & Monterey symphonies, as well as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, and Berkeley Opera. His teaching duties include maintaining a private studio and working with the El Camino and San Jose Youth Symphonies. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2005, and a Master's of Music degree in 2007 at the conservatory where he serves as a rotating concertmaster with the conservatory orchestra, where he studies with Alexander Barantschik, concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony. Past teachers include Nina Bodnar, Camilla Wicks, and Axel Strauss.

As a frequent performer, Thomas has soloed with the SB Symphony, Youth Symphony, Music and Arts Conservatory, and has been a winner of several Santa Barbara area scholarships and competitions, which include the Alice Nelson Music Competition, Performing Arts Scholarship Competition, SB Foundation Scholarship, SB Music Club, Profant Foundation, and Leni FeBland Scholarship.

Thomas' interests include playing chamber music, concert-going of all sorts, competitive basketball, running, collecting air jordans, and keeping a busy lifestyle. His passion is in performing and teaching future generations of musicians. This winter he completed to great acclaim a Spanish/tango music tour of California and south of the border (Tijuana) with Guitarist Jose Rodriguez, and completed the tour with a concert in San Francisco in March.

Erica Wong
(415) 823 - 0650

Tatiana Ganenko
(415) 242 – 9057 (Sunset Youth Orchestra)
www.sunsetyouthorchestra.com

Karlyn Desteno
(415) 690 - 0438

Cello

Heather Vorwerck
(415) 794 - 1746
www.hkvorwerck.com

Stephanie Blanding
(415) 235 - 8514

Bass

Gabe Davis
(804) 307 - 8382

Gabe Davis has been teaching the upright and electric bass in the bay area since 2005. He has played the bass for over 10 years and has a BA in music from Stanford University. Currently Gabe plays in several bands spanning the genres of jazz, rock, funk, and world music.

Ken Miller
(415) 566 – 4454
kenbasso@aol.com
Studio in the Inner Sunset, SF

Classical Bassist, and Jazz musician. B.M. SFCM

"I have extensive orchestral playing experience, having worked with the SF Symphony, SF Opera, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestras, and The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra. In addition I am active on the Jazz scene in SF, having performed with many top level players including Branford Marsalis, Bruce Forman, Mark Levine, and Mimi Fox.

"Technique, theory, music interpretation, improvisation. My experience with Feldenkrais, Alexander, and Pilates techniques, allows me to emphasize ease with the bass through good body usage. Beginners through professionals are welcome!"

Matt Small
(415) 386 - 7720
www.mattsmall.org

Jayson Cornish
(415) 431-0540

Michael DiPirro (electric bass)
(415) 310 - 0974
mdipirro@hotmail.com

"My name is Michael DiPirro. I have been a professional musician for nearly 20 years. I started my training with private lessons on piano from age 7 to 17. At age fifteen, i began private lessons on bass guitar. Six years ago, I began studying the acoustic bass, both privately and on my own. I am currently involved in numerous local music projects covering the full range of styles and genres. My simple objective for teaching is to bring out the voice in each student. It is imperative to empower them with their own individual style and sound."

Guitar

Alex Walsh
(415) 437-0671
alex@alexwalsh.com
www.alexwalsh.com

Alex Walsh: performing singer/songwriter, solo & band, since 1989. Guitar, harmonica, and songwriting. 5+ years teaching experience. Rock, blues, folk.

Justin Riberio Classical Guitar 415-235-0073 (se habla espanol) justin.riberio@gmail.com

Bryan Olson
(415) 205 - 2925

Daniel Owens
(619) 993 - 0595
danielowens82@gmail.com

Lenny Carlson
(415) 282 – 3628

Greg Studley
(415) 238 - 6689
musicman@gregstudley.com
www.gregstudley.com

Piano

Devin Farney
(831) 245 - 5601
devinmusicman@yahoo.com
www.devinfarney.com

Devin Farney is a composer/pianist based out of California. In May 2006 Devin obtained his Bachelors of Music Composition from the University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music. His primary instructors were Dr. Francois Rose and Dr. Robert Coburn for composition and Prof. Frank Wiens for piano.

Both a student and a teacher, Devin has given private piano and guitar lessons to individuals of all ages, background, and musical expertise for years. He has performed and taught a wide variety of musical stylings (classical, rock, jazz, reagee, etc.), and frequently encourages musical creativity from his students. For more information, please visit www.devinfarney.com.

Sue Jhang
(415) 200 - 7181

Renée Marie Hart
(415) 846 - 3882
oyaya.music@gmail.com

Renée Marie Hart is a newly arrived addition to the San Francisco music community. She has just moved from Seattle, WA where she has happily been living and teaching and creating music following her graduation from the New School for Social Research, in New York City. She has formal training in classical and jazz piano, composition, theory, music history and ear training, from Simon's Rock College of Bard, the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, and Mannes College of Music. She has many years of private music teaching experience, as well as several years of experience teaching music on the elementary school and high school levels. Renee's teaching style stems from an inherent need for music lessons to be fun!

She has been in love with music from the beginning and it is from this love that she bases her teaching. To what end her students take their music is in their hands; her aim as a teacher is to create an entrance into music that is enjoyable, engaging, and inspiring. If her students aren't having fun learning, she isn't having fun teaching. She creatively tailors her lessons to her student's needs and goals, and she thoroughly enjoys watching her student's musicality develop and blossom. Lessons are held at her home studio in the Bernal Heights neighborhood. Be sure to contact her soon before her schedule fills up!

Elizabeth Ingber
(415) 469 - 5397
ea_ingber@juno.com

Robin Krop
(415) 202 – 0174
sfrobink@aol.com

Victor J. Cervantes
(415) 812 - 5807

Fiddle

Kerry Parker
(415) 282 – 5868

Mandolin

Tom Ethridge
(415) 342 - 1371

Kerry Parker
(415) 282 – 5868

Banjo

Kerry Parker
(415) 282 – 5868

Harmonica

Alex Walsh
(415) 437-0671
alex@alexwalsh.com
www.alexwalsh.com

Alex Walsh: performing singer/songwriter, solo & band, since 1989. Guitar, harmonica, and songwriting. 5+ years teaching experience. Rock, blues, folk.

Accordion

Peter Dibono
(415) 753 - 1502
www.peterdibono.com

Bagpipes

Michael A. LeBoeuf
(415) 724 - 0613
MikeLeBoeuf@hotmail.com

Voice

Casey Ellis
(707) 246-8896
cellis2288@yahoo.com

Casey is currently a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is a soprano. Casey has been in numerous musical productions and has many years of voice training. Casey loves to teach and has taught numerous voice classes including a vocal ensemble class at Buckingham High School while she was a student at Buckingham.

Destani Wolf
(510) 734 – 1099

Victor J. Cervantes
(415) 812 - 5807

Brett Teresa
(415) 986 – 2061

Composing / Arranging

Jake Blackshear
(415) 827 - 0008
jacobblackshear@hotmail.com>
www.jakeblackshear.netfirms.com

Jake Blackshear, jazz saxophonist doubling on flute and clarinet. Master of Music in Jazz Studies. 10+ years performing, 5+ years teaching. Private instruction for sax, flute, clarinet, improvisation, composition/arranging, theory.

Alex Walsh -- song writing
(415) 437-0671
alex@alexwalsh.com
www.alexwalsh.com

Alex Walsh: performing singer/songwriter, solo & band, since 1989. Guitar, harmonica, and songwriting. 5+ years teaching experience. Rock, blues, folk.

Noel Jewkes
(415) 945 – 9016
(415) 786-6894 cell

Robin Krop
(415) 202 – 0174
sfrobink@aol.com

Drums and Percussion

John-Paul (jp) O'Keefe
(415) 407-1534
(415) 775-6043 (se habla espanol)
jpok11@yahoo.com