Instructors

Anthony Shadduck Electric Bass, Upright Bass Anthony Shadduck is a bassist currently living in Long Beach. He completed his Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Performance from California State University Long Beach in 2006. Aaive in the both standard jazz and the free improvised idiom/ he has performed and recorded with such LA based musicians as bass clarinetist and composer Lynn Johnston/ sound artist and guitarist Chris Schlarb and the Create! Collective/ Joe Biaza and the Universal Congress ot flutist and composer Emily Hay/ trumpeter Ron Stout; tenor saxophonist Chuck Manning drummer Evan Stone/ vocalist Nancy Sanchez/ drummer Ches Smith of Good for Cows/ as well as guitarist Nels Cline of Wilco. He has studied with Darek Oles (LA Jazz Quartet; Brad Mehldau)/ Larry Grenadier (Brad Mehldau/ Fly Trio)/ Glenn Richman (Bobby Hutcherson), Cecelia Coleman/ and Bruce Lett (Jack Sheldon).

Harmonica Bob Harmonica, Banjo, Guitar Born in Long Beach California and still there most of the time, Bob has been around the block. He writes songs, records, sings, plays guitar and other instruments and blows the blues harp. Bob has his own successful Independent Label called "Big Blues Dog Productions". His C.D. "Straight From the Harp" went to Number One on mp3tunes.com in July of 2005. Hissongs have been played on the Radio in the United States, Europe, South America, Australia and the World Over. They feature Blues people doing what they do best.

Carlos A Vocals, Carlos A. Carlos earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition and Jazz Studies from California State University, Long Beach. He has sung with various ensembles including the William Hall Master Chorale, The Pacific Chorale, and Opera Pacific and is currently a core member the Long Beach Camerata Singers. Carlos has performed as both Baritone and Tenor Soloist in various performances of Handel's Messiah, as well as Tenor Soloist in Mozart's Requiem, Honegger's King David, and Beethoven's 9th Symphony. As a chorus and ensemble member, Carlos has performed at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago, The Forbidden City Concert Hall in China, has toured throughout the United States and Europe and has worked under such conductors as Andrew Litton, Keith Lockhart, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and John Williams. As a composer, Carlos has had his Ave Maria performed by the CSULB Chamber Singers and regularly performers his own choral and solo work various audiences throughout Southern California. Carlos is currently working to complete his Masters of Music in Vocal Performance at CSULB.

Cale Giachello Drums, Percussion Stylistically exclusive, besides a prominent drummer (recording and performing live with Jason Mraz, DJ Greyboy, Bushwalla, Jackson Street,) Cale is also an exceptional educator dedicated to helping people reach their musical aspirations. At 18 years old Cale won the Guitar Center Drum-Off Regional Competition and went on to represent California in the Grand Finals at the House of Blues, Hollywood. After performing at prestigious venues such as the Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Cale was awarded several Scholarships to Berklee College of Music, the Los Angeles Music Academy, and the Bill Green Mentorship Program as well as signing and endorsement deal with Paiste Cymbals. Residing in Long Beach, CA, Cale has been teaching percussion for a decade delivering many accomplished students. Cale also performs locally as well as having toured extensively in Germany, Austria, Kosovo, Bosnia, in addition to performing for the D.S Army in Kuwait and Iraq.

Claire Mehm Cello Claire Mehm is currently a Master's of Music candidate in cello performance at California State University Long Beach's Cole Conservatory of Music where she is a student of David Garrett. While at CSULBshe has performed as a member of the University Orchestra and Collegium Musicum. Recently she has performed in the Los Angeles Cello Society concert series and as a participant in the California Chamber Music Institute. She has attended master classes with Anthony Elliott and Julia Lichten at the Aria International Summer Academy. Prior to her studies at CSULB,Claire attended the University of Hartford's Hartt School of Music where she received her Bachelor's of Music in cello performance. While at Hartt, she studied with Steven Thomas and Mihai Tetal. She was also a member of the Hartt Symphony Orchestra and Collegium Musicum. During her years at the University of Hartford, Claire was involved in the University's Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, serving as vice president for two years and participating in the Collegiate Challenge every year. Outside of school, Claire has been a member of the Hartford Opera Theater Orchestra, the Holberg Chamber Orchestra, the Torrington CivicSymphony, and the Cheshire Symphony Orcestra. She has also performed as part of . Hartford's River Crossings concert series. In addition to teaching at Belmont Music Studio, Claire is the cello coach at the Renaissance High School of the Arts in Long Beach.

Darin Hastings Guitar, Bass, Drums 27, A Long Beach native went to Los Alamitos High School, and studied Music, Recording, and guitar at Cypress College. Darin has been playing guitar since age 6. He started at such an early age because his dad was a guitar teacher for 30 years/ and Flamenco, Jazz, Classical Master. His dad Richard Hastings is an established guitar player who plays regularly at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach. So that was a strong advantage in Darin’s musical Journey. Since the age of thirteen he has had the experience of playing in different bands until he formed his own band The Federalies at 17 and has been playing with them ever since. He has played everywhere from the Roxy, Di Piazza’s , to the Tiki Bar (Costa Mesa). His strengths are Lead Solo’s, Music Theory, Rock/contemporary music, playing in a band setting, and writing music. He’s proficient in guitar techniques such as Hammering notes, finger picking, rhythm, speed picking, metal playing, punk style, rock n roll style, soft rock, classic rock and hot guitar riffs. Training with his dad he has learned many techniques on how to speed up the process of getting your hands coordinated and used to the guitar. He knows how to read music (sheet music and tab). He also knows how to play the drums, piano and bass. He has been with Belmont Music Studio for three years and used to teach at Music & Arts in Cypress. With his core knowledge of the fundamentals of guitar and his patience with people he is a good person to help guide anyone on their musical journey. Thanks for reading!

Jennifer Tuinenga Violin Jennifer Tuinenga is a violinist and has been playing the violin for 16 years. She currently holds a Bachelor's degree in violin performance from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and is pursuing her Master's in violin performance at the Cole Conservatory at CSULB.Some of her performances have included solo work with the Hope College Symphonette at the 2007 Michigan Music Conference, the Grand Valley State University Bach Festival, as well as various recitals. Also an active chamber musician, Jennifer was a member of the Tutti String Quartet and gave several performances with them including a private performance for the Great Lakes Colleges Association. Jennifer also enjoys Orchestral performing and has played with the Holland Symphony Orchestra, West Shore Symphony Orchestra, Hope College Orchestra and Symphonette, University Symphony at CSULBand YMF Debut Orchestra. She has also had experience playing in pit orchestras and has played for a variety of musical theater productions. Aside from performing, Jennifer has had a significant amount of experience working with students of all ages. She has maintained a private violin studio for several years, with students ranging from age 5-40, and has also provided opportunities in chamber music for her private students. In addition to her private studio, she has worked with students as manager for the area youth orchestra in her home town and was chamber music coach for the Holland Pre-College Chamber Music Program.

Jeremy Burgan Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Piano, Guitar I play all types of music, because I love all types of music. I love making music, be it rock, pop, jazz or classical. And with all my students I try to find the right balance of their own personal tastes and goals as well as using my experience to help guide them to new areas and skills so that they can put all their hard work to use! Jeremy Burgan, Upright and Electric Bass, Guitar, Piano "To play without passion is inexcusable!" Ludwig van Beethoven I love music! Always have, always will. I was born into a musical family, played violin as a child, and when the time came I decided to further my exploration of music through collegiate study. I graduated from the prestigious music program at Cal State Long Beach. I played in the University Symphony Orchestra, the Studio Orchestra, and in Jazz ensembles. I studied with some of the best teachers in Southern California, many of whom work in the Film/Commercial studios, play in the LA Phil and the LA Opera, as well as play locally in the Long Beach Symphony. In addition to teaching, I currently work in the field playing in a variety of settings including: theatre, churches, studio sessions, jazz, and pop/rock. I have played in over 30 different musicals productions, such as West Side Story, The Who's Tommy, Cabaret, and many more! Are you passionate about music? I am, and I try to instill that same passion in each student that I take on. I teach because I want to, and because I have seen over and over again the lack of balance that a modern music instructor should have. Far too often I see students who don't enjoy music because they had a teacher who didn't make lessons fun, or a student who didn't get enough deeper understanding of the language of music, leaving them unable to go out into the world and further explore music on their own. It is my goal that each of my students acquire musical knowledge they can use for life, whether they aspire play at home for family and friends or play arenas for thousands of fans!

Jessica Burgan Vocals, Piano Hi! My name is Jessica Burgan. I'm a native Southern Californian raised in a musical family. With parents who are professional musicians, music was a natural and essential part of my upbringing. I started studying piano at age 5 and continued until the age of 12 at which point private vocal lessons were added in to my study regiment. I studied up into my early 20's at which time I became the teacher and started tutoring children and adults in piano, keyboard, and vocal technique. My professional musical background spans from when I was 8 years old, recording in the background choir for various kid-friendly musical projects. This experience laid the ground work for future recording opportunities. I have been writing and recording my own music in various ventures for over 12 years. I spent 6 years as a singer for an 8 person rock band where I wrote the melodies and lyrics for our original songs. Currently I write, record, and perform in a wider variety of venues including original film songs and scoring, as a contracted singer for multiple churches and cover bands, and as lead vocalist for a popular band, formed with my brother Jeremy, another teacher here on the Belmont Music Studio staff. My experience instructing students includes three years working for the Power Chord Academy, a nation wide organization dedicated to teaching teens the different elements of being a professional musician. I teach the entire spectrum of musicianship, coaching students in writing original songs, recording them, working on stage presence and technique. I am dedicated to making the musical learning experience not only fun and exciting for those young and old, new or experienced, but I look forward to investing in each of my students as an individual, focusing on their particular goals and desires.

John Capito Banjo, Electric Bass, Piano, Guitar When I was in middle school or even younger, my passion was visual arts. My family would take road trips to Sonoma, Ca where my grandfather and uncle both live. Let me tell you, they are both talented. My grandfather Larrick plays the keys, guitar and melodica. More specifically, he plays a Hammond B-3 organ, which a lot of musicians use in the jazz, blues and rock world. My uncle Dorian plays drums and percussion. Some of my fondest memories were of them jamming on a stage in this oversized barn/garage which they built. Being that young and knowing these talented musicians were a part of my family, I was really inspired. They play jazz, blues, samba, rock, and bossa type of music. Specifically, Larrick taught me lots of songs, how to read chord charts and got me interested with music. Later, I attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California where I was surrounded by many more talented musicians such as Scott Henderson, Jamie Findlay and other musicians that came from all around the world. I performed in a couple original rock bands called the Federallys and Blew Fluid. We played at the Roxy, Whiskey, Galaxy, Di Piazzas, Vault 350, Pomona Fairplex and others. At times, my friends Dallas Howell and Mike Khalil would play the same show. I have also experienced playing out as a solo act at various dining clubs such as Cafe Piccolo, the Madison, Christy's and various private parties. In the past, I have even taken my music to Hollywood in acting parts on television shows and I am a current member of the Professional Musicians' Local 47 Union. I'm still in contact on a regular basis with a television series scout who is always looking for new musicians to work in various parts on television shows. For the last three and a half vears, I have been teaching guitar and bass. I also write my own music, which you can find at www.myspace.com/giovannicapitomusic. Presently, I continue to play music with various musicians, whether it be arranging my own songs with the guys or reading down a jazz standard. I am very happy to work with these very talented musicians at Belmont Music Studio. I've known them for a long time and they are the best!

Mandy Burke Vocals, Piano Mandy Burke holds a B.M. and M.M. from California State University, Long Beach. She enjoys performing in a wide variety of venues having sung everything from opera to southern rock. She has performed on stages in Europe and Asia with the CSULB Chamber Singers. As a member of The Sam Morrison Band, she tours all over the country. The band has recently been signed to Michael Blum's label Titan Tribute Records which features a tribute to Bob Seger. Mandy maintains an active recording career including back-up vocals for song writers and even radio jingles. She has sung with Long Beach Opera, Lyric Opera of Los Angeles, and Celestial Opera Company and is a hired soloist/cantor at various churches in southern California including Sts. Simon and Jude Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Catholic Church. In addition to serving as faculty member at Orange County High School for the Arts, Mandy continues her private studio in Long Beach where she teaches voice and piano. Mandy presently plays keys, bass, and guitar in a new band of four members which features original and cover tunes.

Matt Guy Trombone, Tuba, Guitar, Piano, Euphonium Matt Guy is a man of many talents! He is a classically trained trombonist as well as a seasoned rock guitarist. He has also developed proficiency on a multitude of other instruments including euphonium, tuba, piano, and drum set. He is an experienced song writer and composer having written and produced music for several bands. In 2007, Matt graduated Cum Laude from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelor of Music degree emphasizing Instrumental music education. Looking forward to advancing his career as a music teacher, he has since completed the requirements for a K-12 single subject teaching credential in music. Having taught private instrumental music lessons for over ten years, Matt is a very knowledgeable and skilled teacher. He is currently the low brass coach at Hughes Middle School in the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach. We're happy to have him as an instructor here at Belmont Music Studio where he teaches trombone, guitar, piano and much more! Matt has become a significant presence in the Long Beach/LA music scene. He currently plays guitar and sings for the energetic powerpop band, The Bumpers. He has made a deep footprint in the local scene, both as a guitarist and as a trombonist. Previous bands he has lent his guitar and vocal talents to include Maritime Academy, Fast Dragon and Derail. On trombone, Matt was the driving force behind the brass section of local indie rockers Forcefield ON. He has also made multiple appearances on brass instruments, both on the stage and in recordings, with Greater California, Go West Young Man, Katie the Pest, and Sendaero. Matt enjoys sharing his love of music with students and inspiring them to pursue their talents and become the best musician they can be!

Rob Covacevich Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute As a Saxophonist, Clarinetist and Flutist, Rob Covacevich' s influences range from Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Maceo Parker, Branford Marsalis, Bennie Maupin, John Coltrane, Pete Fountain, Artie Shaw, Eddie Daniels, Richard Stolzman, Sabrina Meyer, Dwayne Van Wyhe, Orlando "Maraca" Valle, and Ian Anderson to name a few. Between studying music in college at CSUFullerton to touring the entire country with his own funk band "Delta Nove" and everything in between, Rob has gained an enormous amount of experience points as a performer on the live stage and in the recording studio over the past 15 years. As a former member of the 2-tone original ska band "Mobtown" and current member of the world-beat funk band Delta Nove, Rob's roots not only stem from a "jazz" and "classical" music foundation (big bands, orchestras), but the roots have grown to include performances and memberships with choro Brazilian groups, ska and reggae bands, salsa bands, funk and jazz groups, R&B bands, rock bands, disco bands, and pop groups. He is now performing with many guest artists that include Lee Oskar (War, Lowrider), Blackbird McKnight (ParliamentIFunkadelic), Marc Ford(Black Crowes), Norwood Fisher(Fishbone), Ikey Owens(Mars Volta), Jason Hann(S.C.I.IEOTO), Greg Ginn(Black Flag/Jambang/Curragators), just to name a few. Rob has also been a professional music teacher and public school teacher in the Long Beach, Whittier, Downey and Huntington Beach Unified School Districts for the past 10 years. He also teaches privately at the Belmont Music Studio, Whitaker Music Store and various high schools, middle schools and elementary schools. Find out more about Rob Covacevich and his many talents as a musician/teacher by visiting his online business card at www.myspace.com/robbiecmusic or just Google his name!

Sharon Giarratano Piano, Vocals As a fourth generation musician, born and raised in New Orleans, Sharon Giarratano puts her heart and soul into her creative career. With fifteen years of experience as a professional vocalist in the areas of jazz, rock, pop, world, and experimental music, she has performed with notable musicians including; legendary jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell, and arranger/producerlkeyboardist Michael Bacich of Oingo Boingo fame. In the last 8 months, she has regularly appeared in the Los Angeles and Long Beach monthly ArtWafks as frontwoman vocalist/bassist/keyboardist and founding member in two eclectic original bands, Slushbox (qwirkadelic rock), and Caravan to Pollen/and (improvisational world electronica). She is currently. in pre-production of a fourth independent CD. Sharon is a visionary, with an appreciation for the role that music plays in society and its capacity to shape and elevate the human spirit. She comments: "I believe there is inherent creativity and musicality in aU people ...you can see and feel the light come through when they get to experience it." Obtaining arts scholarships' along the way, she received a B.A. in Ethnomusicology from the School of Arts, University of California, Los Angeles; and received an AA in Commercial Music Performance from Long Beach City College. She has studied with vocal master Gloria Bennett, jazz vocalist Michelle Weir, pop voice teacher Andrew Boettner and pianist Tom Rainer. She has toured between Los Angeles and New Orleans with her own original projects. As a self-taught electric bassist, she toured the country of Bulgaria withOrkestar Balkan in 2005, and 2008, with more tours TBA. Throughout her journeys, she developed a strong interest in the piano, and has always quite naturally fallen into the roll of fostering creativity, and musical expression in others. For the last four years, she has tumed these inclinations into professional career. Currently she enjoys teaching voice and piano lessons, and music education classes; and has also been known to facilitate art classes, songwriting and movie-making workshops.