Find a Music Teacher

Caitlin Boruch (flute, BM, MM) enjoys teaching privately in throughout Ventura county, with the New West Symphony’s Harmony Project, and serves as the chamber music director at La Reina High School. She is an active Member of the National Flute Association (NFA), California Federation of Music Clubs (CFMC), and Music Teacher Association of California (MTAC). Caitlin teaches at Nick Rail Music, student homes, and her home studio in Newbury Park.

B.M. Piano Performance – San Francisco Conservatory of Music. M.A. – the University of California, Santa Barbara with an emphasis in Piano Ensemble. Member of the "Gerbert & Gregory Piano Duo." MTAC Certificate of Merit ® evaluator. Established in 1986 the Gerbert & Gregory Piano Studio, Thousand Oaks. We welcome all, from beginning to advanced students.

Diana received her BA in Music from CSU Northridge and worked on her Master’s degree with William Magers at Arizona State University. She has played in several orchestras including the Phoenix & Santa Barbara Orchestras, Santa Barbara Chamber Orchestra and the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic. Diana is a founding member of both the Channel Islands String Quartet & the Luminoso Piano Quartet which performs at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts. She is a Member and Evaluator for MTAC, a member of the music faculty at CSUCI & a Registered Teacher with the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

MaryAnne Donat, MA, accomplished Music Prof., Musician, Lecturer, engaged in Music Education and performances for over 40 years. Educated, trained, performed and taught in Europe and the U.S.A. Awarded Bachelor of Arts and Music, in Europe/Romania for Voice, Violin and Piano, followed by Bachelor and Master Of Arts, from UCLA , Performance, Music Education, Musicology. Studied with eminent Professors, including UCLA Emeritus Professor, Dr Robert Stevenson, Malcolm Cole, Richard Hudson. Former Associate Prof., Dept. of Music, UCLA. Now teaching Violin, Voice, Piano, Theory/Musicianship.

I have a Ph.D. in Music Composition from UCSB, where I co-initiated an improvisation ensemble (e.p.I.c.) and won 7 awards in composition. At UCSB, I was a teaching assistant for both Music Theory and Musicianship (Ear-Training). I have been teaching piano and composition since 1999. Many of my students have won awards for their improvisations and compositions in the PTA Reflections and MTAC programs. I enjoy approaching repertoire with theoretical insight, technical preparation, and creative application.

A versatile performer, Gulia Gurevich has performed as a soloist, chamber musician and as an orchestra member throughout the United States and abroad. Most recently Ms. Gurevich has performed in such important venues as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Benaroya Hall among many others. Past seasons Gulia appeared in more than 100 concerts with the Prima Trio, a group that in 2007 won the Grand Prix and the Gold Medal at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. This year's highlights include masterclasses and a guest recital at Oberlin Conservatory as well as a performance at the CCMS.

I have had the joy of teaching piano from the beginning level through advanced for 25 years inthe Conejo Valley. I have an individual approach as I guide award winning and non award winning students in their musical development. I have been active in the MTAC Conejo Valley and served many positions including president and also served on the state board.

National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM)
Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Piano Performance, UCLA
RCM Certified Teacher
2024 Recipient of The RCM Teacher of Distinction Award, California and Hawaii Region, USA
Professor of Music at Moorpark College
Private studio in Moorpark, all ages and levels
Offers online private piano lessons
Member of MTAC, MTNA, CAPMT, SCJBF, Southwestern Youth Music Festival
Immediate Past President of CAPMT, SCJBF Region 1 Bach Regional Chair

Degree in Music History and piano. Taught 30 years.

B.A. English UCLA 2005
B.M. Music CSUN 2014
M.M. Music CSUN 2016

"She has not only the amazing skills but also the keen musicality” by Shao-Chia Lu, the former Music Director of Niedersachsische Staatsoper Hannover in Germany.
"She is one of the best musicians whom I have worked with” by Jahja Ling, the Music Director of San Diego Symphony Orchestra.
Winner of two Golden Melody Awards (Taiwan, 2010, Best Instrumental Performance, Best Classical Album);
Performance in Carnegie Hall (2011), World University Games (2009), among others;
Performance with Midori Goto, Jose Carreras, Andrea Bocelli, Hayley Westenra, Shao-Chia Lu, Jahja Ling, among many others

Teaching piano since 2004

Eric Johnson-Tamai received his B.M. in bassoon performance from California State University Long Beach where he studied with Kenneth Meyer. He is an active freelance performer in the LA area. He is currently adjunct Professor of Bassoon at California Lutheran University, and is an active private teacher in the area. His students have performed as soloists with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, participants in the All-State and All-Southern CA Honor Bands, and as members of the Conejo Valley, Los Angeles and CSUN Youth Orchestras.

My education includes a Music Degree from CSU Northridge, as well as Suzuki teacher training.
I play with orchestras locally.

John received his Bachelors of Music in Media Composition at the California State University of Northridge. At CSUN, he received a scholarship for classical piano and the Ada Beth Lee Memorial award from the music department. He was also a member of the prestigious Northridge Singers which was named “Choir of World” during his time with the group. John is an accomplished film composer and songwriter. He enjoys teaching music and giving others the gift of music education and appreciation.

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Over 25 years of teaching experience

Ornela Ervin, received her artist's diploma from the Academy of Fine Arts in Tirane, Albania.
    She is the President of MTAC Conejo Valley, is a board member of the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic and is director of the orchestra's Appassionata program.
    Ornela is a faculty member of the Montecito Festival and an evaluator for the Certificate of Merit program, among others. In 2021, Ornela was recognized with the Community Service Award presented by the City of Thousand Oaks for her commitment to advancing the Arts
   

As a teacher, Deborah is dedicated to nurturing her students’ creativity, artistry and empowerment and passing on to each student the legacies she has cherished from her own teachers. Deborah offers her students performance opportunities throughout the year and an environment of creative community. Deborah has a degree from UCLA and was awarded first prize in UCLA’s Compinsky Violin Competition. Deborah has performed as a professional violinist/violist in an array of venues—from various classical orchestras including the California Philharmonic, to motion picture soundtracks & albums.

Sujin Song was born in Korea and started learning piano at the age of six. She received a couple of awards in the national piano competition in Korea. She came to America to continue her musical education. She participated Heidelberg’s International Music program. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Pepperdine University in 2008 and started Master’s Degree in piano performance from California State University, Northridge in 2009. She has vast performance experience including solo concerts, concerto with orchestras, and chamber music concerts. She is an active member of MTAC.

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Gloria Hilliard has a rich background in teaching music to students of all ages. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, and a Master of Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She enters students in the Certificate of Merit program, the National Piano Guild Auditions, the Contemporary Fall Festival and the Bach Festival. Many of her students have been selected to play at MTAC Conventions. Hilliard has two piano recitals a year and stresses the joy of music in her studio.

piano

Member of MTAC since 1995. Transferred from South Bay branch. Chair of Piano Department for the Certificate of Merit Examination Program (2005). SYMF judge (2000-2012). Judge for the Spotlight Competition at the Los Angeles Music Center (1988-2001). Performed live on KCAT as an accompanist for Armen Ksadjikian (1999).

I studied music in former Soviet Union in special music school and conservatory where I earned a master’s degree in piano performance. In 1974 I emigrated to USA with my family. I teach privately in my studio in Westlake Village.

B.M. in Piano Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. M.M. from the University of California in Santa Barbara with emphasis in Piano Ensemble. Bradley has performed and competed in the U.S., Italy and Japan as half of the "Gerbert and Gregory Piano Duo". In 1986, he and Tachell established the “Gerbert and Gregory Piano Studio” in Thousand Oaks. Bradley has also enjoyed accompanying middle school choirs, vocal soloists and string classes and served as an adjudicator for the MTAC "Certificate of Merit" program for nearly 20 years.

B.A. CSUN
Instruction in Piano and Music Theory
Active Member, MTAC Conejo Valley
National Guild of Piano Teachers

Cha teaches at Colburn School in LA and has a teaching studio in Thousand Oaks. Her students have received academic and music scholarships along with various accolades, winning ISCS Concerto Competition, All-State Honor Orchestras, the MTAC Convention Honors Ensemble, and Channel Islands Young Artist Series. Cha actively participates in a variety of community outreach.

- D.M.A., M.M, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
- Artist Certificate, Meadows School of the Arts, Southern Methodist University
- B.M., New England Conservatory of Music

Brenda Crawford-Friedman has led a life of music as a student, performer, and educator.
Brenda's professional career began at the age of sixteen as a violinist with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and the Arizona Opera Orchestra.
As a student at Boston University's School of Fine Arts (violin performance), Brenda studied with Russian violinist Victor Yampolsky, who emigrated to the United States at the recommendation of Zubin Mehta.
Brenda is also an accomplished pianist.

Ann Erwin holds music degrees from the University of Southern California and the University of California at San Diego. She was also awarded Annette Kade and Harriet Hale Woolley fellowships to study the flute in Paris. Currently principal flutist of the Classics Philharmonic and a member of the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, Ms. Erwin has also performed with the San Diego Symphony and Opera Orchestras, New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra, and many other organizations. She welcomes flute students of all ages and levels.

Anahit received her B.A. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Armenian State Pedagogical Institute in Yerevan. She has 27 years of teaching experience. Currently her studio located in Moorpark. Her students regularly participate in programs sponsored by the MTAC, some of them continue their music education at colleges and universities. Anahit is currently a recital chair for the Early Level CM Honors recital and choral accompanist at the church. She teaches students of all ages beginners-advance levels.

Master of Music Degree, Classical Piano; Extensive work as jazz and pop pianist in night-club venues. Twenty-years touring as Conductor/Pianist for The Smothers Brothers including Network T.V. orchestra pianist as well as Symphony and Big Band conducting. Highlights include PBS Evening with Pops and John Williams, The Hollywood Bowl with John Williams, the Kennedy Center, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The New Smothers Comedy Hour.

at fredbeersteinoboe.com
New West Symphony, Thousand Oaks Philharmonic, California Lutheran
University oboe instructor

Teacher of piano and voice for the past 35 years. Bachelor’s degree in music. Majored in Piano and Voice at Juilliard, Music Education at New York University, and Music Therapy at Cal State Northridge. Students participate in programs such as Certificate of Merit, Contemporary and Baroque festivals, and many other programs offered through MTAC. Many of my students have gone on to major in music at universities. Just recently, one of my voice students was accepted to Juilliard.

Michael’s music has been described by the LA Times as “…awash with pain and promise.” He has won numerous prizes for his works including the Mancini Prize in Film Music at UCLA where he received his MFA in Music. He studied concert music and film scoring with Paul Chihara, Ian Krouse and Roger Bourland and has been privileged enough to have attended lectures and master-classes by Charles Fox, Bruce Broughton, Michael Dana, Alf Clauson, Christophe Beck, Steven Mackey and John Adams. He received his MA in Music from UCLA and BM in Composition from Cal State University Northridge.

I am one of the few teachers in the Conejo Valley who teaches both piano and voice. For 25 years , my students have been performing in local venues, including Disneyland. If you are excited about learning piano and/or voice, I am your teacher, and am willing to come to you.

BA Psychology from California Lutheran University, Ca.
Music Teachers' Association of California, Member, 2 years
National Association of Teachers of Singing, Past Member, 25 years
Music credits in voice and piano from Beloit College, Beloit, Wisc.

Ruth Humphries is a member of the Music Teachers Association Conejo Valley, and The California Guild Association, and the MTNA. Humphries studied through the California Plan of Music, Several College music courses, and a Teaching Piano Program for 5 years, and a degree in Early Childhood Development. She has been teaching for over 40 years to all age students, including special needs children. As a hobby she plays the Accordion as well. Her students are involved in several performance events, as well as Certificate of Merit, and Guild.

Welcoming Students of all ages and Levels -
Became a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of 20. Have done studio work (first chair on “Dr. Zhivago”) Have soloed with several orchestras. . Have taught over 40 years including Pierce College, Cal State LA, and So Calif. Conservatory of Music -(30yrs.) Have many first chair players and professional musicians as former students. Founded and direct the Conejo Valley Flute Society (Fl Choir) Graduate of Drake Univ.,plus Grad work UCLA, CSUN. Wind Chair for MTAC. Member Prof Musicians Local 47, National Flute Association.

Bacholar of Music degree, 30 years of experience in piano teaching. Church pianist, and choir accompanist.

Susan Mastrolonardo completed her diploma in piano performance with the Royal Schools of Music and graduated summa cum laude with her BS and MBA from Arizona State University. She enjoys teaching piano to students of all ages and levels. Her teaching philosophy embodies a famous quote by J.S. Bach: "The final aim and reason of all music is nothing other than the glorification of God and the refreshment of the spirit."

Pianist and Organist

25+ years of teaching experience. It is Emily's passion to pass on the love of music to the next generation. Welcomes students of all ages and levels.
M.A. from University of Hong Kong.
Diploma in piano pedagogy from Royal Schools of Music, UK.
Currently active as member of MTAC, choir accompanist, and church pianist.

Over 25 years teaching experience. Multiple years of experience giving online instruction.
BM/USC’s Thornton School of Music in Performance Violin, Adjunct Professor at Cal Lutheran University, Grammy winner, studio musician for television and movie soundtracks, regular musician on American Idol and The Voice.
Specializing in teaching all ages in an environment that balances an exceptional quality of music education with positive reinforcement.

Teacher of Piano in Thousand Oaks. for 36 years. Trained in Classical and Suzuki Method. I teach beginning through advanced. Piano theory included in program. Adults welcome.
Member and Certificate of Merit Chair in the Music Teachers Assoc. of Conejo Valley.

Debbie Siemer offers piano instruction to all ages and levels. Lessons include training in theory, history, composition, ear training and preparation for Certificate of Merit. Several of her students have become successful music educators themselves.

Debbie has a BA in music from UCSB and a MA in Humanities with an emphasis on Music History from CSUDH.

She is a Certificate of Merit adjudicator and has served as assistant editor of the California Music Teachers magazine and has served on the MTAC State Board of Directors.

Master of Music from Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins university

Graduated from the Composition and Conducting Department of Shanghai Conservatory of Music (China), with more than 40 years of teaching experience in piano, clarinet, oboe and saxophone, has instructed many students to join the All-National Honor Band, All-State Honor Band, and Ventura County Honor Band, and succeeded Train students to enter the music school of university.

Katya started her music education in St. Petersburg, Russia and graduated from the Cal Plan program administered by MTAC. She teaches kids and adults of all ages, is dedicated to continuous learning through professional workshops and numerous music education programs and enjoys working with her colleagues at MTAC various events. Katya runs theory and piano performance workshops for groups at her studio, is involved with music programs at her church, tutors at a local Classical Education homeschooling community and specializes in coaching piano ensembles.

Studied piano, KyungHee University,
Graduate School(Master in Music, Master in Fine Art-Piano Major), KyungHee University
And California Institute of the Arts(CalArts)
Member, MTAC and SYMF
Accompanist, Young Angels Children's Choir
Bethany Korean community Church
Director, Ivy Music Studio

A graduate of the Juilliard School, Ms. Goodman's solo, recital and chamber music performances have taken her to venues throughout the United States and Europe including the Hollywood Bowl and Lincoln Center. Ms Goodman has been committed to teaching students from throughout the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas for more than a decade. Her students have garnered accolades from various distinguished programs including the ASTA-CAP & MTAC Evaluations, playing at Convention Recitals and Masterclasses and winning competitions including the CHICO Young Artists, VOCE and TO Phil Competitions.

BA in Music, California States University, Fullerton.
Studied Piano Pedagogy under Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan
Teaching Credential Program single subject in music at California University, Northridge
Certified Group instructor at Yahmaha music school
Group/ private classes instructor at Junior Music Academy
Music specialist/teacher at the elementary school
Children Choir director at the Church
Member of MTAC since 1995

Doctor of Musical Arts with Major in Piano Performance
University of Southern California, Los Angeles
(minor fields in Piano Pedagogy and Music Education)

Will travel to student's home if schedule/time allows

B.M. Piano Performance, California State University, Northridge.
Collaborative Pianist, California Lutheran University
Music Director, Conejo Valley Chinese Christian Church
Instructs Certificate of Merit curriculum
Private Piano Studio, Thousand Oaks

Coming soon