Chad Jackson
Cello, Viola, & Violin

Chad Jackson

  • Orchestra
  • Chamber
  • Session work

Born and raised in Southern California, Chad discovered his passion for the viola at an early age. At 8, he picked up the viola and it became an inseparable part of his life. Chad held a seat in the LA Philharmonic High School Honor Orchestra and toured Australia with the Pasadena Youth Symphony, performing at the Sydney Opera House. He also performed at Carnegie Hall with the American Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Chad earned a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance from the Colburn School of Performing Arts in 2003, studying under Jan Karlin. At Colburn, he served as principal violist for The Orchestra de Camera. He continues to be a sought-after musician in Southern California and has contributed to Hollywood session work, including major award shows and the Super Bowl.

Chad has performed alongside Beyoncé, Common, Mariah Carey, and Kamasi Washington—bringing world-class experience and inspiration to every student he teaches.

Debra Innis
Piano & Violin

Debra Innis

  • 35+ years teaching
  • Music Theory
  • Recital prep

Debra Innis is an accomplished music teacher with a rich background in both education and performance. She began her teaching career at two music studios before the COVID-19 pandemic and returned to teaching at Irvine Art and Music in September 2021.

Debra studied music at Trinity College and the University of Illinois and has over 35 years of teaching experience, working with students from beginner to upper-intermediate. She is particularly noted for Music Theory and performs primarily with the violin in orchestras and small groups.

Debra also performs at private events and enjoys customizing repertoire to match each student’s needs and goals.

Jennifer Lopez
Viola & Violin

Jennifer Lopez

  • Mariachi
  • Chamber
  • Community arts

Jennifer Lopez is a talented musician celebrated for her proficiency on both violin and viola. With over seven years as a Mariachi performer, she has delighted audiences at numerous events. Jennifer is also passionate about music education and has volunteered at Santa Ana High School’s summer music camp.

She has collaborated with symphonies and played in chamber ensembles at Santa Ana College and in the community. Jennifer also served as Vice President and President of the Music Club at Santa Ana College.

Effy Huang
Piano, Cello, Viola, & Violin

Effy Huang

  • Co-Principal Cellist
  • String Quartet
  • Adjunct instructor

Effy Huang is an Irvine native and UC Irvine graduate with degrees in music, web design & development, and literature. After a career in tech, she returned to her first passion: music.

Effy has served as an adjunct cello instructor at St. Margaret’s and as Assistant Music Director at the Waldorf School in Costa Mesa. She is currently Co-Principal Cellist of the Orchestra Collective of Orange County and performs with “For Four” String Quartet and the OCofOC Cello Quartet.

In 2023, Effy earned the Gold Prize at the VanBach International Music Competition and continues to pursue chamber music performance and teaching.

Crystal Palencia
Cello, Viola, & Violin

Crystal Palencia

  • Multi-instrumentalist
  • International
  • All ages

Crystal 狂咲 Palencia is one of the top junior division music award winners in various countries, winning consecutive gold awards at Music Heritage Festivals in orchestra performance and recognition awards in California and Kyoto, Japan.

Crystal began playing multiple instruments at age three and a half, with violin as her primary instrument, and has trained in woodwinds, piano, strings, voice, and instruments such as Koto, Taiko, and accordion.

She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Japanese and teaches in Japan, Mexico, and the United States for students of various ages, including those with disabilities.

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