Our Instructors
RANCHO MIRAGE / CATHEDRAL CITY / PALM DESERT, CA
TIM
(Piano, Voice, Acting,
Music Theory, Songwriting, & Music Composition)
Tim enjoys teaching piano and voice to all ages and skill levels. He's been blessed beyond measure with wonderful, high-level teachers, and has done his best to pass on what he learned from them, combined with what he's learned on his own from many years of teaching and performing classical, musical theater, pop, and rock.
He studied music and liberal arts at Cleveland State University, Ohio University, and Indiana University, where he did his Master's in Voice Performance at the Jacobs School of Music.
Tim's principal piano teachers were Kurtz Helber, student of George Haddad; Nancy Bachus, student of Eugene List, Ozan Marsh, and Brooks Smith; and Richard Syracuse, student of Rosina Lhévinne and Rosalyn Tureck.
Tim's principal voice teachers were Ira Zook, student of Richard Miller, and Michael Belnap, student of Luciano Pavarotti. Michael was the only voice teacher on the faculty at the Jacobs School of Music at that time who knew how to teach and perform classical/opera singing, musical theater, and pop singing styles.
Tim also did a bit of jazz piano with Russell Hoffman in Boston, Massachusetts, and gospel piano and voice with Ethel Caffie-Austin, in Charleston, West Virginia.
Many of his students have gone on to major in music in college, and work professionally in music. Three of his young sopranos won 1st prize in the Indiana State Finals of the National Federation of Music Clubs Vocal Solo Art Song Competition in Indiana.
Tim moved to California in August 2024 to promote the making of a movie/musical he's co-written called Childrenopolis. Since arriving in California, Tim has been music director for Palm Canyon Theater's production of Mary Poppins, and played piano for Cathedral City High School's Rock of Ages musical. He also played piano for the 2025 Palm Canyon Theater Musical Theater Summer Kids Camp.
He's appeared in over 60 musicals, plays, and operas, as a singer, actor, or music director. Some favorites include Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Finian in Finian's Rainbow, Ben Blenkinsop in the world premier of the musical Pollen, Woof in the European Tour of Hair, Tamino in Mozart's Magic Flute, the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Ralph Rackstraw in HMS Pinafore, and Harry Rote in Wait Until Dark.
He's also released dozens of music videos of his original songs, and some short comic films.
To Schedule a trial lesson with Tim, please CONTACT US.
INDIO / LA QUINTA / PALM DESERT, CA
BRIANNA
(Piano & Voice)
Brianna is a dedicated instructor with a heart for mentoring young musicians in a nurturing and creative environment. Having been blessed with strong mentors during her own youth and teen years, Brianna is passionate about investing in the next generation and helping students develop confidence, discipline, and a love for learning. Her experience as a lead vocalist and pianist in multiple bands with the Academy of Musical Performance of Coachella Valley has strengthened her leadership skills, musical collaboration, and ability to guide students in both individual and group settings.
Brianna is actively involved in serving in youth and high school ministries at her home church, where she volunteers as a leader and vocalist on the worship team. These roles have shaped her patient, compassionate, and dependable approach to teaching, as well as her commitment to guiding young students with integrity and care.
Brianna is committed to creating a positive and structured learning environment where students feel supported, encouraged, and challenged at their own pace. She thoughtfully tailors each lesson to meet the unique needs of every student, using creativity, patience, and faith-driven values to help young musicians grow not only in skill but also in character and confidence.
To Schedule a trial lesson with Brianna, please CONTACT US.
CATHEDRAL CITY / PALM SPRINGS / PALM DESERT, CA
ADRIAN
(Violin, Viola, Cello, & Audio Engineering/Production)
•Instructs Violin, Viola, Cello & Music Technology
•Education:
"Scoala Populara Bistrita" in Romania: Violin
•Performance Experience:
Performed at numerous live shows, events and theater plays
•Teaching Experience:
Adrian has been an active violin instructor for the past 7 years.
•Teaching Philosophy:
“I believe in self expression. Students should be allowed to discover the joy of playing their instrument. Each student is different and has different strengths and weaknesses that need to be taken into consideration with each and every student.”
To Schedule a trial lesson with Adrian, please CONTACT US.
LA QUINTA / INDIO / PALM DESERT, CA
SHARON
(Voice & Acting)
Sharon has been a professional singer since the age of sixteen. Over the next forty years, she has performed in bands, toured the country, and worked on voice-over projects. Additionally, she has coached actors and singers for stage, film, and television, and she has been directing in the Bay Area for more than 40 years. For the past twelve years, she has been working in Costa Rica to bring music and theater to the jungle. Alongside her acting career, she continues to coach singing, acting, and directing theater productions.
To Schedule a trial lesson with Sharon, please CONTACT US.
PALM DESERT / RANCHO MIRAGE / INDIO, CA
ANNA
(Piano)
Anna loves teaching young beginners, and her expertise is helping young children develop creative musical expression. Her primary focus is on building a solid foundation in young beginners’ musical journey.
Anna has been teaching piano privately for over 20 years and has formal experience as a middle school music teacher. Anna grew up in South Korea and received her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance and Master’s degree in Music Education. Anna is a member of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), which qualifies her students to participate in the annual MTAC Certificate of Merit Program. She recently relocated from Seattle, WA, and is excited to be a part of this wonderful community of music instructors, students, and parents alongside Janice.
To Schedule a trial lesson with Anna, please CONTACT US.
PALM DESERT / RANCHO MIRAGE / INDIO, CA
ANGELA
(Piano & Guitar)
Music has always been a significant part of Angela’s life. She learned piano in Germany with a classically trained teacher and later picked up the guitar.
What sets her apart as a music teacher is her ability to make learning music enjoyable and accessible. Angela loves being around children and has a genuine desire to see them thrive. She breaks down complex concepts into simple ideas that young beginners can easily understand, making learning fun. Additionally, she finds fulfillment in helping adults learn to play their favorite songs without delving into heavy theory, focusing instead on simple chords, easy rhythms, and playing along with real music.
From classical melodies to your favorite popular songs, Angela makes learning piano fun and enjoyable. When it comes to guitar, she’s great at guiding you through the basics, so you can feel confident and ready to play the music you love!
To Schedule a trial lesson with Angela, please CONTACT US.
PALM DESERT / BERMUDA DUNES / INDIAN WELLS, CA
ALONZO
(Guitar)
Alonzo has been strumming his classical guitar for 20 years now, mainly using finger-picking techniques that really bring out the beauty of the music. He’s inspired by a wide range of artists, from the classic sounds of the 70s like John Denver and Bob Seeger, to the catchy beats of 80s pop with bands like The Cure and Depeche Mode, all the way to some great current artists!
As an instructor with a B.A. in History with an emphasis on teaching, his strength as a guitar instructor is communicating concepts and practices in an easy-to-understand manner.
When he's not working or strumming his guitar, he loves spending quality time with his two small dogs and diving into a good book.
“I believe that with the knowledge of just a handful of chords, you can play most anything. I can help you interpret tablature so you can play any song you like! I will show you exercises that not only sound beautiful, but also emphasize precision and finger dexterity. These two qualities are necessary to play guitar well, electric or acoustic.”
To Schedule a trial lesson with Alonzo, please CONTACT US.
LA QUINTA / INDIO / PALM DESERT, CA
NAOMI
(Piano & Voice)
Naomi is a young musician whose passion for music has shaped her life and career from a very young age. She is currently completing her Associate’s degree in Music and plans to transfer to LPU to pursue her Bachelor’s degree. With 8 years of piano experience and 4 years of vocal training, Naomi has cultivated a strong foundation as both a performer and teacher.
Her journey as an artist began early—Naomi released her first original song at just 12 years old, marking the start of her creative path. Music has always been more than just a hobby for her; it is a lifelong calling that continues to inspire her to grow and share her talents.
As a teacher, Naomi believes that music is a powerful gift meant to inspire, connect, and bring joy. She strives to create a supportive and enjoyable learning environment where students can build confidence, skills, and a true love for music. Looking ahead, once she has completed her degrees, Naomi plans to join Circuit Riders to travel the country performing and using music to impact lives across the nation.
To Schedule a trial lesson with Naomi, please CONTACT US.
