Middle School

Norman Ortiz

Norman Ortiz is an accomplished musician who has worked as a freelance pianist and teacher in the Bay Area since 1984. Mr. Ortiz received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of California at Santa Barbara, a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, London, specializing in vocal accompaniment. As an accompanist, Mr. Ortiz has appeared with numerous singers on stages in London, Moscow (Tchaikowsky Competition), Zürich and San Francisco.

Carly Nacmanie

While I come from a mainly classical background, if a student wants to play or sing a rock, jazz, pop, Broadway (or any other genre you can think of!) tune, I am more than happy to oblige. This not only allows students to grow as diverse musicians, but also allows the students to decide which styles they find most rewarding and enjoyable. For this reason, I strive to be flexible in my teaching, striking a precise balance of structure and freedom that each individual student responds to best.

SFArts Ed Broadway Bound

Full-day performing artists participate in our Broadway Bound program, which challenges young people with strong interest in theater. Classes will train the “triple threat” performer in singing, dancing and acting.

Each Broadway Bound session culminates with showcase performances on the last day. Workshops and classes are conducted by a faculty of mid-career theater Artists. Families and friends are always amazed at the number of songs, theatrical scenes and dances performed at the end of these exciting two-week sessions.

SFArts Ed Players

SFArtsED Players is a dynamic musical troupe founded in 2001 — public school 9-15 year olds meet after class and Saturdays — with professional theater Artists. Training in song, dance and acting through original/classic Broadway musicals is their focus.

These talented kids exhibit enormous discipline and enthusiasm, devoting at least 9 hours a week (more when show dates near) to classes and rehearsals. It pays off in fully staged performances that are deeply investigated and thoroughly polished: The Pajama Game, Fiorello! and Carousel since 2009 alone!

Berkeley Playhouse Summer Camps

Berkeley Playhouse camps immerse students in the magical world of music theatre, with training in acting, singing and dancing. Students will engage in a multitude of art disciplines throughout camp, and will learn about many aspects of theatre-making (like prop construction, costume and set design). Students will learnchoreography and vocal performance techniques, in addition to acting instruction and direction by a seasoned Bay Area teaching artist/director. Our camps culminate in a final performance of work to share with friends and family.

Berkeley Playhouse Youth Company, Conservatory Programs

Berkeley Playhouse believes that kids and teens have the ability to command their own audiences. The Youth Company allows students from the Conservatory program the opportunity to participate in full-scale productions of the highest-quality with some of the best directors, choreographers, and designers in the region. Cast members of Youth Company productions receive ongoing training in Conservatory classes during the rehearsal period. Currently, the Youth Company is divided into two levels – Teen and Junior.

Letitia Berlin

I am a professional recorder player, teaching both private and group classes. I travel around the US and Europe to teach recorder workshops. I perform with the Farallon Recorder Quartet, the Tibia Recorder Duo, and Bertamo, a baroque chamber ensemble. I teach recorder at all levels and piano for beginners.

Summer Music Academy

For intermediate and advanced students with at least four years ensemble experience, or the equivalent. Students will learn conducting technique, develop their musianship skills and begin to learn the process of score analysis.