Christopher Brown
CELLO & COMPOSITION
Christopher Brown (born March 22nd, 1992) is a cellist, composer, and music educator with a diverse musical background. He graduated from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in 2010, where he studied Cello Performance. In 2015, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University with a double major in Cello Performance and Music Composition. He furthered his education by completing a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from California State University, Long Beach in 2018.
From 2016 to 2020, Christopher served as the principal cellist for the West Coast Symphony, showcasing his talent and skill. He also held the position of principal cellist for the Santa Monica College production of Carmen in May 2017. Additionally, Christopher has contributed his cello playing to numerous rock and pop records as a session cellist, appearing on releases by artists such as Katya Grasso, Nightdrive, and Osi and the Jupiter, among others.
Mr. Brown has been teaching cello privately since 2014, initially starting while he was still an undergraduate student. His qualifications extend beyond cello instruction, as he is also proficient in teaching music theory, composition, and songwriting, drawing heavily from his background as a trained composer. Furthermore, he possesses additional experience as an English and history tutor.
Christopher firmly believes in providing his students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of their instrument and craft. He also emphasizes granting them the necessary tools for self-expression. As a result, he is open to teaching students how to create music in any genre of their choosing, while simultaneously building a solid base of classical training and repertoire.
Chad Jackson
CELLO, VIOLA, & VIOLIN
Born and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Southern California, Chad discovered his passion for the viola at an early age, thanks to the inspiring melodies resonating from the instruments of neighborhood friends. At the tender age of 8, he picked up the viola, and from that moment onward, it became an inseparable part of his life.
During his formative years as a student, Chad’s dedication and talent led him to remarkable achievements. He proudly held a seat in the prestigious LA Philharmonic High School Honor Orchestra, and his musical journey took him on tour to Australia, where he graced the iconic Sydney Opera House stage as a member of the Pasadena Youth Symphony. Chad’s commitment to excellence led him to the hallowed halls of Carnegie Hall as part of the American Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In pursuit of his lifelong musical ambitions, Chad pursued higher education at the renowned Colburn School of Performing Arts. There, under the expert guidance of Jan Karlin, he honed his craft and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Viola Performance in 2003. During his time at Colburn, Chad also held the esteemed position of principal violist for The Orchestra de Camera.
Today, Chad continues to be a prolific and sought-after musician in the Southern California music scene. He graces the stages of numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles, bringing his exceptional talent and passion for music to life. In addition to his classical pursuits, Chad’s versatility has led him to the bustling world of Hollywood session work, where his viola has lent its rich tones to countless memorable recordings. He’s left his mark on some of the most prestigious award shows and even had the privilege of performing on the grand stage of the Super Bowl.
Chad’s musical journey has been adorned with remarkable collaborations, including performances alongside celebrated artists such as Beyoncé, Common, Mariah Carey, and Kamasi Washington. With each note he plays, Chad continues to weave his passion for the viola into the rich tapestry of the music world, leaving an indelible mark on every stage he graces.
Crystal Palencia
CELLO, VIOLA, & VIOLIN
Crystal 狂咲 Palencia is a highly accomplished junior division music award winner, renowned for her consistent success in international music competitions. Her remarkable achievements include winning gold awards for four consecutive years at the Music Heritage Festivals in orchestra performance. Additionally, she has been honored with two recognition awards in California, USA, and Kyoto, Japan.
Crystal’s educational journey is focused on music education, where she is receiving classical and Baroque training. Her talents extend to conducting, with a special focus on voice and orchestra works. Demonstrating a prodigious musical talent from an early age, Crystal began playing various instruments when she was just three and a half years old, with the violin as her primary instrument. Her musical repertoire is impressively diverse, encompassing woodwind instruments such as the flute and recorder, piano, various string instruments, voice, and unique international instruments including the Koto, Taiko, and accordion.
Her training has been under the guidance of numerous esteemed instructors, including Narumi, Ramos, Kamida, Lubo, Pancho, and Teter, among others. Crystal’s global travels have not only expanded her musical horizons but also enabled her to become fluent in English, Spanish, and Japanese. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to teaching music in Japan, Mexico, and the United States, with a special focus on students of various ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.
Jennifer Lopez
VIOLA & VIOLIN
Jennifer Lopez is a talented musician celebrated for her proficiency in playing both the violin and viola. With a rich background spanning over seven years as a Mariachi performer, Jennifer has delighted audiences at numerous events with her musical prowess. Her passion for music extends beyond performance; she is a fervent advocate for music education. This dedication is evident in her volunteer work, particularly at Santa Ana High School, where she contributed her talents to a summer music camp. Jennifer’s experience is not limited to traditional settings; she has collaborated with symphonies and played a significant role in chamber ensembles at Santa Ana College and in community settings. Her leadership skills are noteworthy, having served as both Vice President and President of the Music Club at Santa Ana College, roles in which her commitment to music and community engagement have flourished.
Debra Innis
PIANO & VIOLIN
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 made a notable return to teaching at the Irvine Art and Music studio in September 2021. Over the years, Debra has been instrumental in preparing numerous students for their recitals, showcasing her dedication to their musical growth.
Her academic journey in music started with a major in music from Trinity College, followed by a minor in music from the University of Illinois. With over 35 years of teaching experience, Debra has honed her skills to proficiently teach students from beginners to upper intermediate levels. She is particularly noted for her expertise in Music Theory and her ability to perform in orchestras and small groups, primarily with the violin. Debra also excels as a private dinner party performer, where her talents provide a sophisticated backdrop for various events.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Debra is deeply engaged with her hobbies, which include playing the piano—especially on her grand piano—and the violin. She finds joy in playing Mazas violin duets and takes pride in her skill to evaluate and customize music to fit the unique needs of most students. While her main passion lies in classical music, she has a broad appreciation for various genres, with jazz being the sole exception. Debra’s extensive experience and personal dedication to music make her a valued educator and performer in the music community.
Mike Talanca
GUITAR (BASS)
Mike Talanca has been involved in music for over 20 years. He attended Musicians Institute, where he earned an AA in Music Performance and received the prestigious “Most Outstanding Student” award upon graduation. Since then, he has been recording and performing with various groups and artists in the Southern California area. Some notable collaborations include Caskey, Jessica Sanchez, Geneva Cruz, Brent Jones, Adrian Galysh, and One Globe Radio, among others. Alongside his performance career, Mike also composes and arranges music for clients. He has composed pieces for the media department of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, contributing to their ongoing projects. Recently, he collaborated with the Legacy Scoring Orchestra, working on his original music for an upcoming release.
Moreover, Mike possesses extensive experience as an audio engineer, having worked in recording studios for over 20 years. He has engineered recording sessions and excelled in mixing and mastering tracks for clients. Additionally, he has delved into sound design for cartoons.
While Mike’s primary instrument is the bass, he is also proficient in guitar and ukulele. He warmly welcomes students of all levels, ranging from beginners to advanced players seeking to refine their skills or delve into advanced harmony.
Ameer Zhowandai
GUITAR (CLASSICAL, ACOUSTIC, & ELECTRIC)
Ameer Zhowandai is a distinguished guitarist, music educator, and composer based in Los Angeles/Orange County. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Global Jazz Studies from UCLA and an Associate’s Degree in Guitar Performance from LACC, where he was awarded a full ride scholarship. Throughout his education, Ameer had the privilege of studying under acclaimed musicians including Tina Raymond, Tamir Hendelman, Terrence Blanchard, Arturo O’Farrill, and Cecil Alexander. With over five years of experience in teaching guitar, both privately and at music schools within the LA/Orange County region, Ameer has become a dedicated and passionate educator for students ranging from 5 to 45 years old.
Currently, Ameer is actively recording and performing with jazz musicians in the LA area, in addition to composing scores for feature films and creating his own music. While his primary focus is Jazz, Blues, and Rock and Roll, Ameer’s teaching repertoire extends to a variety of other musical styles including R&B, Classical, Folk, Brazilian music (Bossa Nova), Persian music, and Metal. Beyond the guitar, he also offers beginner lessons in piano, bass, and drums, showcasing his versatile talent and commitment to spreading his love for music.
Effy Huang
CELLO, VIOLA, & VIOLIN
Bio coming soon!
Felicia Chen
PIANO & GUITAR (ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC)
Bio coming soon!
Adam Oliver
GUITAR (CLASSICAL, ACOUSTIC, ELECTRIC, AND BASS)
Bio coming soon!
