High School

Beverly McChesney

Bassoonist Beverly McChesney is a San Francisco native who has performed professionally in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 50 years. She attended San Francisco State University and earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is the founder of the Bellavente Wind Quintet which specializes in educational concerts for children. Beverly produced Bellavente’s award winning CD for children called “Frogs and Friends” and received a Parents’ Choice Approved Award.

Bay Area Vocal Academy

Bay Area Vocal Academy (BAVA) provides comprehensive vocal training for talented young singers, preparing them for college and a career in classical music. BAVA partners with world class solo artists and Bay Area arts organizations to offer professional performance experience and mentorships in all areas of the singing field. BAVA focuses on opera, oratorio, art song, contemporary and chamber music, and some musical theater.

BAVA Summer Workshop

The Bay Area Vocal Academy (BAVA) Summer Workshop is for young (advanced middle-schoolers and high schoolers) performers looking to immerse themselves in the art of singing. Artists will learn vocal technique, movement and stagecraft, score preparation/study, vocal repertoire, and some foreign language diction. Our classically based singing training covers Art Song, Opera, and Musical Theater. Our expert faculty will lead voice lessons, piano coachings, and seminars on all aspects of preparing a song or scene.

Natalia Pressman

I'm a professional pianist and have taught and performed around the world for 25 years. I provide piano and music lessons for music lovers of all ages and levels of experience. Whether you need to prepare for exams, competitions, performances or want to play just for the love of music, I provide an encouraging and engaging experience. My lessons integrate music theory, technique, music appreciation, and improvisation with an entertaining flair tailored to each student.
I provide lessons in English or Spanish.

Private Lessons

The Alameda String Academy is a music school conveniently located in the heart of Alameda offering high quality instruction in violin, viola, cello and guitar, with a particular emphasis on chamber music.

Our goal is to provide more than “just lessons.”  Our talented faculty work hard to create a real community of musicians where students enjoy their music, play together in groups, and perform for each other in a kind, supportive and challenging environment.

Matthew Linaman

San Francisco based cellist Matthew Linaman has performed and taught in over 15 countries across Europe and Asia. He has been recently engaged in recordings at Skywalker Ranch, performances with the San Francisco Symphony, the SF Ballet and has given a solo recital at Herbst Theater as part of SF Music Day. Concerto appearances include the premier of Richard Marriott's Ghostship Requiem Concerto with the Oakland Symphony under the baton of the late Maestro Michael Morgan. Matthew has spoken on the TEDx stage and served as a Music Ambassador for the U.S.

Emily Thebaut

Lyric Soprano, Emily Thebaut is currently living in the San Francisco Bay Area. Emily runs her own private voice and piano studio, is an avid performer in the Bay Area and is the artistic director of a pop-up opera troupe, Opera on the Spot. Emily's most recent performance engagements have included performing the role of Laetitia from Menotti's The Old Maid and the Thief, Bianca, from Puccini's La Rondine at Oberlin in Italy, and the Governess from Britten's The Turn of the Screw at Bay Area Opera Theater.