MARCH 2023: Well...I've got some sad news that I'm pretty sure no one saw coming. I've personally messaged each one of my students, so now I can publicly announce that this year will be my last teaching private piano lessons after 21 years! This is both very scary and exciting for me, and the last week has been so heart-wrenching sharing the news with everyone. My reasons are very simple: I have many other passions and gifts that I nurture in the background, and while piano teaching has indeed been rewarding and filled with such happy and proud memories, the door has opened to me to explore and grow and challenge myself to step out by faith to pursue my art career! I believe God will carry me through the transition and unknown. I NEED to give myself this chance to reach for new dreams and also continue to share the joy of teaching and creating with others. And while I'm here announcing this, get up and go pursue YOUR dreams!
Teaching piano lessons has taught ME. Taught me about grace, working hard, excellence, discipline, business skills, event planning, organization, responsibility, being a good listener, being an encourager, humility, balance, and caring deeply for others beyond the music that we make. It was an honor to provide this time and space where you could work on your musical skills for 30 minutes a week in my little corner of the world. I wouldn't trade these 21 years for anything. The good and the bad. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all my students over the years for teaching ME about life. Wherever you are, I pray you have found fulfillment and success and every happiness that you deserve.
So what will Ms. Holly do now? Well, I'll be opening an art studio classroom this Fall of 2023! God has given me a gift, and I don't want to sit on my talents anymore. When the time comes I'll share more info here if anyone is interested in taking some classes with me. It's been bittersweet saying goodbye and also working diligently outside of the studio to build a new thing.
Gosh, I never thought I'd see the day, but here we are! Thank you again to everyone who has sent congratulations, shed a tear with me, entrusted me with their childrens' music education for any amount of time or have taken lessons themselves.
Feels like the end of an era...Onward! Upward!
I love you all immensely, and God bless.
Teaching piano lessons has taught ME. Taught me about grace, working hard, excellence, discipline, business skills, event planning, organization, responsibility, being a good listener, being an encourager, humility, balance, and caring deeply for others beyond the music that we make. It was an honor to provide this time and space where you could work on your musical skills for 30 minutes a week in my little corner of the world. I wouldn't trade these 21 years for anything. The good and the bad. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all my students over the years for teaching ME about life. Wherever you are, I pray you have found fulfillment and success and every happiness that you deserve.
So what will Ms. Holly do now? Well, I'll be opening an art studio classroom this Fall of 2023! God has given me a gift, and I don't want to sit on my talents anymore. When the time comes I'll share more info here if anyone is interested in taking some classes with me. It's been bittersweet saying goodbye and also working diligently outside of the studio to build a new thing.
Gosh, I never thought I'd see the day, but here we are! Thank you again to everyone who has sent congratulations, shed a tear with me, entrusted me with their childrens' music education for any amount of time or have taken lessons themselves.
Feels like the end of an era...Onward! Upward!
I love you all immensely, and God bless.
DECEMBER 2022: Well this is exciting! We are back in -person for our next recital, the way recitals should be experienced in my opinion. :) This winter, we want to share musical pieces to inspire HOPE. At first the kids thought this may have been too abstract to choose repertoire, but I think they did a great job! Please join us and support these young artists who worked really hard to put this program together. Enjoy selections such as: "Remember Me" from Coco, "Tomorrow" from Annie, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Amazing Grace, Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles, and so much more! I'd like all my students to know how proud I am of them and to keep it up! I'm your biggest fan!
Located at: Santa Clara First Baptist 3111 Benton Street Santa Clara, CA 95050 Time: 5:00 pm
Located at: Santa Clara First Baptist 3111 Benton Street Santa Clara, CA 95050 Time: 5:00 pm
OCTOBER 2022: I'd like to share an event that I'll be involved with. The youth group that my husband and I pastor, Emerge Youth, in collaboration with Pinnacle Young Adults, will host an awesome art exhibit on Friday, Oct 28, 2022. Our theme is "Light Over Darkness" and will feature a variety of talents from visual to performance art. It is FREE and family-friendly, so come and visit, enjoy walking through our exhibit with the message that light ALWAYS triumphs over darkness! Please email me with questions on the contact page. Located at 621 East Jackson Street San Jose, CA 95112
7:00-10:00 PM
7:00-10:00 PM
AUGUST 2022: It's great to be performing in the pit orchestra again! This summer, I've had the awesome opportunity to play keys with Palo Alto Players for the first time in School of Rock the Musical! I love the movie that is based on, so of course I had to jump at the chance to rock out! This show calls for a live "kid band" that could actually play their own instruments. You've got to see these talented kids playing live rock n roll. So amazing! Below are the dates I'll be performing: Located at the Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94301
DATES:
SAT 8/27 8 pm
SUN 8/28 2 pm
SAT 9/3 8 pm
SUN 9/4 2 pm
SAT 9/10 8 pm
SUN 9/11 2 pm
DATES:
SAT 8/27 8 pm
SUN 8/28 2 pm
SAT 9/3 8 pm
SUN 9/4 2 pm
SAT 9/10 8 pm
SUN 9/11 2 pm
MARCH 2022: Proud to announce that I'll be playing keys in the orchestra pit once again for Les Miserables with CMT! Dates are below as well as a link to purchase tickets. As usual, CMT will put on a beautiful and professional performance for you, so please don't miss this labor love! Feels great to be performing again in person with some talented musicians and creative team.
Tickets: https://www.cmtsj.org/les-miserables/
Address: 271 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113
DATES:
FRI 3/4 7 pm
SAT 3/5 2 pm
SAT 3/5 7 pm
SUN 3/6 1 pm
SUN 3/6 6 pm
THU 3/10 7 pm
FRI 3/11 7 pm
SAT 3/12 2 pm
SAT 3/12 7 pm
SAT 3/13 1 pm
Tickets: https://www.cmtsj.org/les-miserables/
Address: 271 South Market Street San Jose, CA 95113
DATES:
FRI 3/4 7 pm
SAT 3/5 2 pm
SAT 3/5 7 pm
SUN 3/6 1 pm
SUN 3/6 6 pm
THU 3/10 7 pm
FRI 3/11 7 pm
SAT 3/12 2 pm
SAT 3/12 7 pm
SAT 3/13 1 pm
NOVEMBER 2021: It's that time of year again! We'll be sharing an interesting program this December called "Play What You Want!", so make sure you LIKE and FOLLOW our studio page to catch all the excitement! Share with your friends and family, too.
As I sat thinking of the next theme for this winter, I looked back on my students' determination and success this past year, and remembered how proud I was. THEY DID THAT! They knocked out three virtual recitals in the midst of a pandemic. So I said, "This is their treat. Play what you want, guys!" So I started getting their requests right away! Let's see what's in store - both the week of Christmas, and the week of New Years. I have to say, it's been a fun theme so far!
As I sat thinking of the next theme for this winter, I looked back on my students' determination and success this past year, and remembered how proud I was. THEY DID THAT! They knocked out three virtual recitals in the midst of a pandemic. So I said, "This is their treat. Play what you want, guys!" So I started getting their requests right away! Let's see what's in store - both the week of Christmas, and the week of New Years. I have to say, it's been a fun theme so far!
MAY 2021: Ms. Holly is fully vaccinated! And I was READ-TY for that Pfizer! But thankfully I didn't need the flu medicine after all. Just regular Tylenol for some muscle aches. I did this for all the families in my studio, and all the teenagers and their families in the youth group that I pastor. Not to mention, also to just protect myself from serious sickness. It is my small effort to get us back to normal (whatever normal looks like). I'm a person of faith, and also happen to believe that God ordained doctors and medicine, too. No reason to fear when I serve a big God! Thank you Lord for all the benefits, and no side effects. Only believe.
MAY 2021: I am simultaneously coordinating a piano recital to follow our Girl Power opener. My talented pianists are working hard to perform their spring 2021 recital for you entitled, "Splish Splash"! Solo and duet piano music about all things water-related including popular titles such as: How Far I'll Go go, Under the Sea, and even The Underwater Theme from Mario Bros! We hope you'll tune in and show your love and support for these gifted young musicians.
MAY 2021: We have something super special to share with you! I've been teaching a very limited number of vocal lessons in addition to piano, and my young singers (who just happen to be all girls) have put together an awesome virtual recital for you. Please visit our page the first week of May and enjoy: GIRL POWER! Share the page link with your friends and family, and remember to empower, encourage, and lift each other up!
APRIL 2021: I hope you're all having a beautiful and blessed Holy Week! Exciting announcement & Invitation here: If you love to cook and SING, then we have a cooking show for you! Lamont and I will host a cook along hosted by Playful People Productions; sharing dishes from our cultures: Filipino Beef Kaldereta and Southern Peach Cobbler for dessert! We are also singing some numbers from Godspell the musical! 4:00-7:00 on Zoom and registration is at the link below. See you there!
www.playfulpeople.org
www.playfulpeople.org
DECEMBER 2020: My students will soon be looking back on an interesting year, even here in the studio. It was filled with new challenges but lots of laughter along the way. I'm happy to say they all handled it with such grace, patience, resilience and courage.
We have managed to pull together yet ANOTHER virtual recital we are calling "Snowed In!" We hope you will tune in the week of Christmas to enjoy some solo piano and duets.
From our hearts to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Remember we will be taking both the week of Christmas and the week of New Year's off. See you in 2021!
We have managed to pull together yet ANOTHER virtual recital we are calling "Snowed In!" We hope you will tune in the week of Christmas to enjoy some solo piano and duets.
From our hearts to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Remember we will be taking both the week of Christmas and the week of New Year's off. See you in 2021!
AUGUST 2020: Amidst the pandemic, we postponed what was supposed to be a spring recital, to a summer / fall recital! Students have worked hard on their pieces the past several months to share with their loved ones via pre-recorded video which we will also share on social media. Recording has begun as of last week and they are looking great! Students are even coming dressed up and really treating it like a live performance, so poised and ready.
We're excited to share some favorite musical selections from shows such as: West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins the Musical, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Willy Wonka, Wonderland, Cats, Fantasticks, The Music Man and much more! Isn't that a great line up? Stay tuned on our Facebook page for those performances, and get ready to "Broadway or Bust!"
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/hollysschoolofmusic
We're excited to share some favorite musical selections from shows such as: West Side Story, The Sound of Music, Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins the Musical, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Willy Wonka, Wonderland, Cats, Fantasticks, The Music Man and much more! Isn't that a great line up? Stay tuned on our Facebook page for those performances, and get ready to "Broadway or Bust!"
Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/hollysschoolofmusic
AUGUST 2020: It's been a whirlwind of a year, friends. Know that I am pressing through just like you, making the best out of every situation. I stand here today so thankful for my health, for all of YOUR health, for the millions of recoveries all over the world, for technology and resources to continue work and education, for medicine and healthcare workers, scientists working to develop a vaccine, and for my studio which is slowly coming back to life. We are going to get through this!
About a month ago, after several weeks of mostly virtual lessons, we have begun to move back to in-person lessons. While I am still continuing virtual lessons for those who prefer, I'm glad to report we've rolled with all the changes with lots of patience and grace, and have kept up with good habits and routines such as:
Signing off with much love: Miss Holly
About a month ago, after several weeks of mostly virtual lessons, we have begun to move back to in-person lessons. While I am still continuing virtual lessons for those who prefer, I'm glad to report we've rolled with all the changes with lots of patience and grace, and have kept up with good habits and routines such as:
- Hand sanitizing at the beginning and end of lessons
- Plenty of distance with my vocal students and with no consecutive lessons in a row. Also keeping a constant circulation of air
- Sanitizing every surface we can possibly touch from the entrance gate to the studio to the restroom, to all 88 keys of the piano, even to the dry erase markers we use for theory. Kids are remembering to sneeze into their armpit or elbow. (which is something I bark about EVERY year come flu season)
- I myself am still sheltering in place except for essential trips to decrease risk to those I come in contact with.
- Masks are also still encouraged at this time
Signing off with much love: Miss Holly
MARCH 2020: To students and parents: I hope everyone is doing well and being safe and healthy at home. In these unique circumstances regarding the COVID-19 shelter in place order, I have provided you with some options below.
- Continue with remote lessons via Google Hangouts, Zoom or Facetime.
- Skip the month of March and resume in April with your unused lessons as credits.
- Skip the month of March and resume in April adding those missed dates as extra or longer lessons.
- Come ONLY this week, and together your child and I can set up packets for the remainder of March.
- Come to your lessons at your usual time to a well-sanitized studio as I practice social distancing from across the room. You can even reschedule for your convenience as I’m sure everyone may be working from home at the moment.
MARCH 2020: Keeping my fingers moving right after Mamma Mia, I get to play keyboard in Shrek the Musical with CMT! If you're a fan of the movie, you HAVE to come see this! Set in a mythical “once upon a time” sort of land, Shrek the Musical is the story of a hulking green ogre who, after being mocked and feared his entire life by anything that crosses his path, retreats to an ugly green swamp to exist in happy isolation. For info and tickets, please visit: www.cmtsj.org Dates below:
Friday, February 28: 10 am School Show
Saturday, February 29: 7 pm
Sunday, March 1: 1 pm and 7 pm
Thursday, March 5: 7 pm
Friday, March 6: 10 am School Show
Saturday, March 7: 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, March 8: 1 pm
Friday, February 28: 10 am School Show
Saturday, February 29: 7 pm
Sunday, March 1: 1 pm and 7 pm
Thursday, March 5: 7 pm
Friday, March 6: 10 am School Show
Saturday, March 7: 2 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, March 8: 1 pm
FEBRUARY 2020: Starting out the year on a busy note! I'm happy to announce I'll be vocal coaching and play-conducting Mamma Mia this February with Playful People Productions! If you love Abba's hits, you'll love this show that will whisk you away to a beautiful Greek isle. Donna Sheridan, an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter's wedding with the help of two old friends. Meanwhile Sophie, the spirited bride, has a plan. She secretly invites three men from her mother's past in hope of meeting her real father and having him escort her down the aisle on her big day. For tickets, visit: www.playfulpeople.net Dates below:
Aphrodite Cast:
Friday, February 7 7 pm
Saturday, February 8 1 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, February 9 1 pm and 7 pm
Athena Cast:
Thursday, February 13 7 pm
Friday, February 14 7 pm
Saturay, February 15 1 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, February 16 1 pm
Aphrodite Cast:
Friday, February 7 7 pm
Saturday, February 8 1 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, February 9 1 pm and 7 pm
Athena Cast:
Thursday, February 13 7 pm
Friday, February 14 7 pm
Saturay, February 15 1 pm and 7 pm
Sunday, February 16 1 pm
NOVEMBER 2019: Lots of fun projects in the works! I'll be working with Lincoln High School for the first time playing Keyboard 2 in Matilda the Musical! I adore the movie, but have never seen the show yet. And now I get the wonderful opportunity to play in the Matilda orchestra pit! Get your tickets soon because Lincoln HS never disappoints! Visit http://www.lincolnperformingarts.com/box-office.html for tickets. Dates are below:
Thursday 11/7/19 7:30 pm
Friday 11/8/19 7:30 pm
Saturday 11/9/19 7:30 pm
Wednesday 11/13/19 7:30 pm
Thursday 11/14/19 6:30 pm
Friday 11/15/19 7:30 pm
Saturday 11/16/19 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
Thursday 11/7/19 7:30 pm
Friday 11/8/19 7:30 pm
Saturday 11/9/19 7:30 pm
Wednesday 11/13/19 7:30 pm
Thursday 11/14/19 6:30 pm
Friday 11/15/19 7:30 pm
Saturday 11/16/19 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm
OCTOBER 2019: I am vocal coaching two Youth casts and one Family cast with Playful People Productions as we prepare "The Wizard of Oz" for you all - a classic! Join us as we help Dorothy find her way back home down the Yellow Brick Road. We've been working really hard to bring this timeless story to life and ready for the stage. Visit us at: www.playfulpeople.net Dates are below and will be updated soon:
KIDS:
Friday 10/11/19
Saturday 10/12/19
Sunday 10/13/19
FAMILY:
Friday 10/18/19
Saturday 10/19/19
Sunday 10/20/19
KIDS:
Friday 10/11/19
Saturday 10/12/19
Sunday 10/13/19
FAMILY:
Friday 10/18/19
Saturday 10/19/19
Sunday 10/20/19
AUGUST 2019: My piano students have done it again! We've put together a fun set of film music for your enjoyment. Movie favorites that may bring back so many memories such as: Back to the Future, Beetlejuice, Sister Act, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fast and the Furious, The Greatest Showman, Forrest Gump, Jurassic Park, Superman, Into the Spiderverse, A Star is Born, even Bohemian Rhapsody! We've covered all the hits! The recital will be held at Music Exchange at 861 S. Winchester Blvd in San Jose at 3:00 pm.
AUGUST 2019: I'll be playing Keyboard 2 in the orchestra pit for CMT's production of Legally Blonde! www.cmtsj.org Dates below:
Friday 7/26/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 7/27/19 2:00 pm matinee & 7:00 pm
Sunday 7/28/19 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Thursday 8/1/19 7:00 pm
Friday 8/2/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 8/3/19 2:00 pm matinee & 7:00 pm
Sunday 8/4/19 1:00 pm closing
Friday 7/26/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 7/27/19 2:00 pm matinee & 7:00 pm
Sunday 7/28/19 1:00 pm & 6:00 pm
Thursday 8/1/19 7:00 pm
Friday 8/2/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 8/3/19 2:00 pm matinee & 7:00 pm
Sunday 8/4/19 1:00 pm closing
MAY 2019: Talk about coming around full circle...I'm honored to work with Playful People Productions for the second time now musically directing Starmites! A show that is very special to me because as a high school sophomore, I landed the role of Eleanor! A shy teenager who collects science fiction comic books. To avoid growing pains, she imagines herself as a super-heroine. In her fantasy, she becomes involved in the conflict between the evil Shak Graa and the Starmites, guardian angels of Innerspace. It's a super fun show that will feature four talented casts, and one amazing live pit band! www.playfulpeople.net Dates below:
YOUTH CASTS:
Friday 5/3/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 5/4/19 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Suday 5/5/19 11:00 am, 3:00 pm
FAMILY CASTS:
Friday 5/10/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 5/11/19 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday 512/19 1:00 pm
YOUTH CASTS:
Friday 5/3/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 5/4/19 11:00 am, 3:00 pm, 7:00 pm
Suday 5/5/19 11:00 am, 3:00 pm
FAMILY CASTS:
Friday 5/10/19 7:00 pm
Saturday 5/11/19 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Sunday 512/19 1:00 pm
DECEMBER 2018: On Sunday, December 16th, we will present a fun winter program: Musical Ménagerie! My talented students have prepared a beautiful set of solo piano and duets; each representing an animal, interpreting and mimicking their sounds and behaviors. From elephants, aardvarks and bears; to frogs, dinosaurs and even a fly!
Located at: Greene Music San Jose 861 Winchester Blvd. San Jose, CA 95128 3:30 pm
Please consider a donated admission of various GIFT CARDS. All proceeds go to the victims of the Butte County Fires.
Located at: Greene Music San Jose 861 Winchester Blvd. San Jose, CA 95128 3:30 pm
Please consider a donated admission of various GIFT CARDS. All proceeds go to the victims of the Butte County Fires.
DECEMBER 2018: I'm so jealous of myself! This December I'll be playing keyboard for CMT's production of Mamma Mia featuring the Marquee cast - emerging artists from New York to the Bay Area and beyond. A CMT premiere, this sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island as ABBA’s hits tell of a young woman’s search for her birth father. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to find her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of these timeless ABBA songs propels this high-spirited, feel-good tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show that will have you singing and dancing in your seat! Running November 30 to December 9. Tickets available at: https://www.cmtsj.org/mammamia/
NOVEMBER 2018: I am nerding out right now! This November I get to play keyboard in Elf the Musial - only one of my favorite Christmas movies ever. And now it has been adapted for the stage; even better! Catch me in the pit for CMT's Rising Stars production. It's a bright, fun, and joyful, musical with fast-paced numbers telling the story of Buddy the elf looking for his long-lost father in New York. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.cmtsj.org/
I'll be in the pit on these dates:
Sat 11/10 7 pm
Sun 11/11 1 pm matinee
Sun 11/11 6 pm
Thu 11/15 7 pm
Fri 11/16 10 am school show
Sat 11/17 2 pm matinee
Sat 11/17 7 pm
Sun 11/18 1 pm closing matinee
I'll be in the pit on these dates:
Sat 11/10 7 pm
Sun 11/11 1 pm matinee
Sun 11/11 6 pm
Thu 11/15 7 pm
Fri 11/16 10 am school show
Sat 11/17 2 pm matinee
Sat 11/17 7 pm
Sun 11/18 1 pm closing matinee
OCTOBER 2018: This year I became an approved vendor for Ocean Grove Charter Schools! Ocean Grove supports the extra curricular activities that their home-schooled students pursue that enrich their education. I am delighted and honored to supplement these students' learning in the area of performing arts. If you or someone you know is enrolled in Ocean Grove, feel free to look me up on their vendor list at: https://ogcs.org
IEM #19008 They are happy to fill you in the process of beginning lessons through their organization.
IEM #19008 They are happy to fill you in the process of beginning lessons through their organization.
OCTOBER 2018: I am involved in a really unique project with San Jose State University this semester. In celebration of the 200th Anniversary of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein; we have produced a radio play recorded before a live audience on October 26th, which will be aired on the 90.5 KSJS on Halloween at 6 pm and Midnight. The student cast is superb, and I am joined by the talented Alan Hsing playing live piano and keyboard, creating ambience and drama with period pieces throughout. The sound engineers have seamlessly blended the acting, live music, and sound effects for a spooky experience that will take you right back to the 1800's.
MAY 2018: I've had the amazing opportunity to work with San Jose State University as assistant vocal coach for Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights!" I'm amazed by this talented cast and team that has come together to tell a heartfelt, powerful and completely relevant show which we are so proud to present to you. The musical numbers and choreography will not disappoint! It is packed full of salsa, hip hop and so much more! Another thing that makes our production so special is the set. We are performing this masterpiece on the original Broadway set! Don't miss this show at The Hammer Theatre in San Jose. Dates below:
THU 4/26 Open Dress 7 pm
FRI 4/27 7 pm
SAT 4/28 7 pm
WED 5/2 Matinee 11 am
WED 5/2 7 pm
THU 5/3 7 pm
FRI 5/4 7 pm
SAT 5/5 Matinee 1 pm
SUN 5/6 Matinee 1 pm Benefit for Puerto Rico
THU 4/26 Open Dress 7 pm
FRI 4/27 7 pm
SAT 4/28 7 pm
WED 5/2 Matinee 11 am
WED 5/2 7 pm
THU 5/3 7 pm
FRI 5/4 7 pm
SAT 5/5 Matinee 1 pm
SUN 5/6 Matinee 1 pm Benefit for Puerto Rico
APRIL 2018: Are you ready for the the biggest news of 2018? Well we bought a house and moving our happy little family across town into the downtown area! I realized that this change could affect the studio in a huge way. I'm so thankful to those who decided to continue on this journey with me. While there are still so many precious & familiar faces knocking my door every week, I'm also looking forward to who comes out of the woodwork in this new neighborhood. There are growing pains, new things to learn, many responsibilities, and so much excitement as we look to our future here in downtown. East San Jose has treated me well. It's where I stepped out, knowing absolutely NOTHING, to start a tiny business out of my home, and grew as a young piano teacher. And now (still young :) ) that same studio still stands through a few generations of students, a massive house fire, and even through a relocation. I have God to thank for all these blessings in my life! Who knows what's next?
DECEMBER 2017: My students have prepared an awesome and diverse program of music to represent all climates and weather patterns. Music is all around us if we just listen! Composers have been inspired by these forces of nature, and we hope we have captured the music in the wind, the rain, and even a fierce storm. Recital is held at Freedom Worship Center in San Jose at 5:00 pm.
JULY 2017: I'm thrilled to play keyboards for "13 the Musical" at CMT San Jose. I never heard of this musical until I was invited to play in it, and I have to say, it is VERY entertaining, and the casts of CMT never cease to amaze me. Come see these talented kids perform at the Montgomery Theatre. Dates and ticket information are above.
JUNE 2017: My studio will perform it's first summer recital here in our own backyard (literally)! Our theme is "Love & Friendship," so come by and enjoy some good music and good food as my students perform pieces such as: You are My Sunshine, Stand By Me, I Want to Hold Your Hand, Lean on Me, Mia & Sebastian's Theme from Lala Land and so much more! Please email for details as our venue is my private home. Start time 5:30 pm
MAY 2017: I get the awesome opportunity to play keyboard for one of my favorite shows, Once On This Island. This musical is near and dear to my heart. It was the first musical I ever performed in as a high school student just discovering the magic of musical theatre. It is a beautiful, colorful and lively show that you will never forget. I will be playing keyboards for the dates above at Montgomery Theatre, 271 Market Street in San Jose. Please visit www.cmtsj.org for tickets and additional dates.
MAY 2017: Collaborating with Tracy Cruz vocal studio once again for a wonderful pre-Mother's Day vocal concert. I will be accompanying these extremely talented singers in a program so lovingly entitled: "A Song for Mama." Every song on the program was hand-selected by the students themselves making for a very meaningful and heartfelt performance dedicated to the special woman in their lives: Mama! Join us on Sunday, May 7th at Da Kine Island Grill on 23 North Market Street in San Jose at 6:30 pm.
APRIL 2017: It's a busy start to the year already! I am also excited to announce that I will be musically directing "Bonnie & Clyde" the musical opening this April at Stage 1 Theatre in Newark, CA. We will be performing at Newark Memorial High School: 39375 Cedar Blvd
Newark, CA 94560. If you would like to see the show, the dates are as follows:
Friday, April 14 8 pm
Saturday, April 15 8 pm
Thursday, April 20 8 pm
Friday, April 218 pm
Saturday, April 22 8 pm
Sunday, April 23 2:30 pm
Friday, April 28 8 pm
Saturday, April 29 8 pm
Sunday, April 30 2:30 pm
Newark, CA 94560. If you would like to see the show, the dates are as follows:
Friday, April 14 8 pm
Saturday, April 15 8 pm
Thursday, April 20 8 pm
Friday, April 218 pm
Saturday, April 22 8 pm
Sunday, April 23 2:30 pm
Friday, April 28 8 pm
Saturday, April 29 8 pm
Sunday, April 30 2:30 pm
APRIL 2017: My youth group in collaboration with Pinnacle Collegiates will host an awesome outreach event called "Gifted" featuring the best local talent in San Jose. They will be competing for cash prizes up to $200! If you know talented singers, rappers, dancers, natural born performers; send them our way to sign up for a slot on April 14, 2017 at 7:30 pm.
April 2017: Another wonderful opportunity has arisen! I will musically direct Leland High School's production of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!" Musical theatre will always have a special place in my heart, and it is always a treat to be involved in a production in ANY way. This will be my first time directing at Leland HS, and I'm looking forward to working with this cast and team to create something beautiful and entertaining.
Address: 6677 Camden Ave San Jose, CA 95120
Cost: $10 with student ID | $12 General
If you would like to see this hilarious show, the dates are:
Wednesday, March 29 4 pm Matinee
Thursday, March 30 7 pm
Friday, March 31 7 pm
Thursday, April 6 7 pm
Friday, April 7 7 pm
Saturday, April 8 7 pm
Address: 6677 Camden Ave San Jose, CA 95120
Cost: $10 with student ID | $12 General
If you would like to see this hilarious show, the dates are:
Wednesday, March 29 4 pm Matinee
Thursday, March 30 7 pm
Friday, March 31 7 pm
Thursday, April 6 7 pm
Friday, April 7 7 pm
Saturday, April 8 7 pm
MARCH 2017: I'm excited to announce my involvement with these master classes this March in collaboration with award winning R&B singers Tracy Cruz and Lilan Kane, and in collaboration with Iari Melchor Studios. I will be teaching music theory to young vocalists. If you are interested for your child age 5-13. Only 28 seats available. You may email me with any questions.
DECEMBER 2016: Last project for the year! My husband Lamont and I are directing an absolutely precious mini-production of the nostalgic and heart-warming "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at the local church where we serve and minister as youth pastors, Freedom Worship Center. Showing on Christmas morning 10:30 am. Our youth group Emerge, has worked very hard to put this together, so please feel free to come and bring the kids, too! Address: 621 East Jackson Street San Jose, CA 95112 (near Japantown) FREE
DECEMBER 2016: To cap off our year, we have a wonderfully curated selection of music from all over the world to perform! My students will feature melodies from countries such as: Argentina, Spain, China, Cambodia, Philippines, France, Scotland, Africa, Canada, Russia and so much more! Come and support these young pianists; and celebrate and discover music from all nations because music connects us all. Located at The Point Church in San Jose.
MAY 2016: For our next recital, we present to you: Music of the Night. You guessed it! Pieces and familiar melodies about the night, the twilight sky, stars, slumbering. What a DREAMY theme! :) We will feature titles including "1,000 Years" from the Twilight series, "Fly Me To The Moon," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "Mr. Oogie Boogie's Song" from The Nightmare Before Christmas and so much more! Feel free to attend and support these young artists take the stage. I'm very proud to feature them as their instructor having seen their tremendous growth and hard work all semester.
MAY 2016: Hey look! It's me and the fabulous cast of RENT!
I am musically directing this modern-day La Boheme running this May at San Jose State University under the direction of Professor Buddy Butler. It is a heart-wrenching rock-opera of love, loss, pain, living life for today, yet also illustrating the tragic AIDS epidemic of the late 80’s and early 90’s in “Alphabet City,” New York. If you’d like to check out our production, see details below. This show is FREE and by donation only. All proceeds from the box office will benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Note: If I had to rate this show, I’d say it would be more appropriate for ages 18 and older.
Show Times:
Wednesday, May 11th 7 pm Dress/Tech Preview open to public
Thursday, May 12th 7 pm Opening Night
Friday, May 13th 11 am Matinee
Saturday, May 14th 7 pm Closing Night
Located in Hugh Gillis Hall on the SJSU campus at the Hal Todd Studio Theatre Room 103, San Fernando Street and 4th
I am musically directing this modern-day La Boheme running this May at San Jose State University under the direction of Professor Buddy Butler. It is a heart-wrenching rock-opera of love, loss, pain, living life for today, yet also illustrating the tragic AIDS epidemic of the late 80’s and early 90’s in “Alphabet City,” New York. If you’d like to check out our production, see details below. This show is FREE and by donation only. All proceeds from the box office will benefit the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Note: If I had to rate this show, I’d say it would be more appropriate for ages 18 and older.
Show Times:
Wednesday, May 11th 7 pm Dress/Tech Preview open to public
Thursday, May 12th 7 pm Opening Night
Friday, May 13th 11 am Matinee
Saturday, May 14th 7 pm Closing Night
Located in Hugh Gillis Hall on the SJSU campus at the Hal Todd Studio Theatre Room 103, San Fernando Street and 4th
DECEMBER 2015: Music is everywhere. And never did I appreciate how sophisticated and intricate VIDEO GAME music could be until now! It is a whole world of it's own with a tune to set every scene, mood, character and plot. Video games have come a long way since I was a kid and I know it is a favorite pass time for many of my students. I thought, "Why not get into their world?" What a unique and challenging program we have prepared! Hear nostalgic video game themes from such games as: Tetris, Super Mario Brothers, Street Fighter, Animal Crossing, Minecraft, Final Fantasy and so much more.