Adult

Eli Willis

Hi All! My name is Eli Willis, and I am a classically-trained violinist with extensive experience as a performer and educator. I received a Masters of Music in Violin Performance from Boston University, studying under Peter Zazofsky. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelors of Music in Violin Performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where I studied under Kevork Mardirossian. 

Tess Luhmann

I am a professional pianist, offering services in piano instruction and performance. My personal repertoire has a primary focus on Classical music, but I have maintained a vast repertoire of classical, jazz, pop, and contemporary pieces through my work as a professional accompanist. As a private instructor, I provide piano lessons to students of all ages and skill levels.  To learn more, you can view my Student Handbook here.

Jerry Gerber

Gifted composer and teacher accepting a few talented students.

I have a Bachelor of Music degree from SF State University and my students include professional musicians, tech-oriented professionals, high school students and retired people.

I can help you with composition and music production, including harmony, counterpoint, structure and form, digital orchestration, MIDI sequencing, mixing and audio production.

Barbara Schaefer

Born and raised in Texas, Barbara began Suzuki violin lessons at the age of five at her local elementary school and decided soon after that music would be her life’s passion. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a Master of Music degree and Professional Studies Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. As a professional orchestral musician, she performs actively with many Bay Area ensembles and is a member of the Fresno Philharmonic and the Santa Rosa Symphony.

Matthew Xie-Lutenist

Hello,

My name is Matthew, I specialize in art song text expression on the theorbo, lute, and baroque guitar with a decade of performance and teaching experience across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia.

My musical education began at 5 years old where I studied piano for 10 years in private instruction. I am also familiar with Certificate of Merit

Chase Waterbury

Chase Waterbury is the second trombonist of the Monterey Symphony. He was previously a fellow with the New World Symphony from 2021-2024. Mr. Waterbury has worked with conductors such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas, Stéphane Denève, Marin Alsop, and others; and has appeared with numerous orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Seattle Symphony. In 2021, Mr. Waterbury was named a finalist in the International Trombone Association’s Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize. 

Alex Hill

Visit my website for my detailed background and ensemble discography: https://www.amhmusic.net/

Alex is an active member of the Bay Area professional musician community, performing tuba with a wide variety of ensembles. He is a proud member of the AFM Local 6 Musicians Union
Before moving to the SF Bay Area, Alex performed and taught brass throughout Tennessee, Virginia, and D.C.