Our Teachers
Risa
Piano
Exams: ABRSM, CM, AP Theory
Languages: English, Japanese, German.
Styles: Adults/Older Beginners, Classical, Jazz
Risa is a jazz pianist and accordionist with a lifelong passion for music. Her musical journey began early, starting piano lessons at the age of 2. She studied classical piano, theory, and improvisation, shifting her attention to jazz in high school.
She has explored a diverse range of musical genres from swing, zydeco, and jazz fusion to klezmer, Latin, and J-pop, and is a versatile musician with experience performing solo piano, chamber music, in jazz bands, as well as singing in choral groups.
Ms. Risa holds a BA in music from UC Berkeley and is active in the Bay Area as a musician and educator. At Berkeley, she performed in the UC Jazz Ensembles, served as the program’s Vice President, and mentored students in performance and theory. Ms. Risa also loves singing; she sang as a tenor and served as music director for an a cappella group for three years, and is a prolific arranger and composer.
In her teaching, Ms. Risa focuses on developing students’ skills in healthy classical technique, ear training, jazz fundamentals, improvisation, and arranging, to empower musicians of all ages to be imaginative and to create their own unique music. She believes in fostering an encouraging learning environment to nurture each student’s individual interests.
Katherine
Piano
Exams: ABRSM, CM
Languages: English
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical
Katherine has been studying piano since the age of six and is currently pursuing her studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under the guidance of Corey McVicar. She previously studied with Olya Katsman.
Katherine is passionate about both solo and collaborative performance. She has performed with vocalists, saxophonists, flutists, and string musicians, presenting a diverse repertoire spanning classical works and musical theater.
In addition to performing, Katherine has extensive experience teaching private piano lessons to students of all ages and skill levels. She combines her classical training with a warm, encouraging teaching approach that helps students build confidence while developing strong technical and musical foundations. Her lessons emphasize proper technique, healthy practice habits, music theory, and expressive musicianship.
Kaori
Piano, Violin, Flue
Exams: ABRSM, CM
Languages: English, Japanese
Styles: Young Beginner, Classical
Kaori began playing piano at the age of 5, inspired by her two older sisters and a home filled with music. She also started learning violin around the same age she began piano, eventually playing in an orchestra in Japan, which shaped her early musicianship and ensemble awareness. By age 10, she added flute, further expanding her musical foundation.
After moving to the US, Ms. Kaori continued her piano studies with Betty Woo at Holy Names University and Roger Woodward at San Francisco State University. During this time, she was introduced to Hispanic music, which sparked a deep interest and ultimately led her to win the 2016 Michael Segrove Avalos Award.
She later studied child development at City College of San Francisco and earned a school-age care certificate. This training allows her to tailor her teaching approach to each student’s individual personality, strengths, and learning needs.
Thomas
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Composition, Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet, Euphonium
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical, Jazz
Thomas is a multi-instrumentalist originally from the Pacific Northwest. He holds a Music Performance degree from Western Washington University after studying jazz improvisation and arranging with Chuck Israels, and the tuba with Dr. Carla Rutschman. He has performed music in the majority of the United States and also enjoys working as a freelance audio engineer. Thomas has been teaching music professionally since 2011 in Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In that time, he has helped thousands of students learn guitar, bass, ukulele, piano, drums, and brass instruments.
In particular, Thomas has extensive experience teaching piano to students of all ages, from young beginners through advanced teens and adults. His piano students benefit from his strong foundation in classical technique, ear training, and jazz theory, and many have successfully prepared for performance exams such as ABRSM and Certificate of Merit. He tailors his instruction to match each student's goals, whether they’re working toward formal milestones or exploring piano for fun, and emphasizes healthy technique, musical expression, and well-rounded musicianship.
Colin
Piano
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English
Styles: Classical, Serious Students Only
Colin began playing the piano at age nine, taking lessons from Frances Wojnar and subsequently from James Arthur Gardner. He later studied with Bruce Cook and Dale Tsang at Diablo Valley College, and later with Roger Woodward and Victoria Neve at San Francisco State University where he earned his Bachelor of Music from San Francisco State University with an emphasis in classical piano performance.
In 2000, Colin was the winner of the Itala Gambino Memorial Award for High School Piano as well as a blue ribbon recipient in the Music Teachers Association of California’s Baroque Festival. In 2005, he was one of three pianists chosen to perform in the annual concerto performance with the Diablo Valley College Philharmonic Orchestra, playing the Piano Concerto No.3 by Beethoven. In 2010, he placed as an alternate performer in the San Francisco State University Concerto Competition, playing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No.3.
In 2013, he performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.23 with the Forest Hill Chamber Orchestra in San Francisco and was a final-round runner-up in the Forest Hill Young Artists Competition. In 2015, Colin Brady was honored to deliver a solo recital at the historical landmark, Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. In 2017, he received the Music Teachers Association of California Membership Award and was the winner of the Michael Seagrove Avalos Award for piano performance.
A self-proclaimed “tough teacher”, he is very encouraging and sees the magic that occurs when one of his students achieves what they thought they once couldn’t. He looks forward to guiding the next student to their goal.
Jonathan
Guitar, Ukulele, Piano, Improvisation
Languages: English, Spanish
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical
Jonathan is a classical guitarist and pianist based in San Francisco, originally hailing from the East Coast. He began playing guitar at age 11, studying jazz with Sandy Renda in Belleville, NJ.
He discovered classical guitar at 17 and pursued his passion at Bloomsburg University under Dr. Matthew Slotkin, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual concentrations in Music Education and Guitar Performance. As part of his music education training, Jonathan developed a strong foundation in teaching multiple instruments, including violin.
Jonathan completed his Master’s Degree in Guitar Studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music under Dr. David Tanenbaum. Throughout his academic and professional journey, he has also participated in lessons and master classes with world-renowned musicians such as Sergio Assad, Thomas Viloteau, and Jason Vieaux.
Jonathan has been teaching for over five years, working with students of various ages and skill levels in guitar, piano, and violin. His lessons are engaging, structured, and tailored to each student’s learning style and goals.
His mission is to nurture a love of music and personal growth in every student. Jonathan draws inspiration from what excites his students to create lesson plans that spark curiosity, develop discipline, and build expressive confidence.
Nhi
Piano
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical
Nhi is a versatile classical pianist, singer-songwriter, and dedicated educator from Vietnam.
She is currently based in San Francisco. She is pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studies under the mentorship of Professor Corey McVicar.
Nhi's teaching career began in 2014 after pursuing the ABRSM Diploma in Piano Performance. With over 11 years of experience, she has taught classical piano to students of all ages at leading music schools in Vietnam, tailoring her approach to inspire and nurture each student’s musical growth. She is also experienced in preparing students for ABRSM exams and takes pride in guiding them through the process with both structure and encouragement.
In addition to her musical journey, Nhi is also an enthusiastic jazz vocalist. In 2024, she and her jazz trio released their debut album, That’s All, which marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. This project represents Nhi’s unique fusion of classical training with her exploration of jazz and contemporary music, marking a pivotal step in her journey of self-discovery and attempt to bridge her two musical worlds: classical and jazz.
Joe
Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Double Bass, Composition, Improvisation
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English, Korean, French
Styles: Adult/Older Beginners, Classical, Jazz, Pop, Contemporary
Joe is a talented musician, educator, and composer originally from the Bay Area. He began his musical journey early, earning recognition and awards at jazz festivals, and received early mentorship from Brian Switzer, a respected jazz trumpet player and educator.
He earned his BA in Jazz Performance from UCLA, where he further developed his skills and deepened his passion for jazz. His subsequent decade in Los Angeles involved studying with renowned artists such as Justo Almario, Hitomi Oba, James Newton, Josh Johnson, and Daniel Rotem. During this time, Joe was actively involved in performance and recording while maintaining a strong commitment to education. He has been instrumental in helping students gain admission to prestigious music programs and secure scholarships.
Mr. Joe’s teaching philosophy focuses on fostering creativity and individuality, guiding students to achieve their musical goals while building a solid foundation in the fundamentals.
Now back in the Bay Area, he is eager to contribute to the local music community that inspired him, aiming to inspire and support students in reaching their full potential.
Tri
Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English, Vietnamese
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical, Jazz
Tri is a guitarist, pianist, composer, and educator originally from Saigon, Vietnam, now based in San Francisco, California.
He began playing guitar at age 12 and draws inspiration from jazz greats like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, as well as contemporary guitarists such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jonathan Kreisberg, and Julian Lage. Currently, he is focused on exploring deeper jazz traditions while developing his own distinct sound and style.
Tri is pursuing his Bachelor’s degree in Roots, Jazz, and American Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studies with Randy Vincent and Anthony Wilson. He has also had the privilege of learning from esteemed educators, including Mimi Fox, David Becker, and David Valdez.
Throughout his career, Tri has been fortunate to perform with world-class musicians such as Jeff Denson, Gerald Cleaver, David Sánchez, Matt Brewer, Warren Wolf, Will Lyle, Vince Lateano, and David Schroeder.
He has appeared at prominent festivals like the San Francisco Jazz Festival (2025) and the International Jazz Day Festival (2024) in Cambodia, as well as at notable venues in the San Francisco Bay Area—including SFJAZZ, Bird & Beckett, and the Dawn Club—and in Saigon, Vietnam, at clubs like Binh Minh Jazz Club and COI Saigon.
In addition to his guitar background, Tri is also a trained pianist with a strong foundation in classical technique and music theory. He has extensive experience teaching piano to young beginners and intermediate students, and he is familiar with the ABRSM curriculum and exam system. His approach is nurturing, patient, and structured, tailored to help each student build confidence, discipline, and a love for music.
Taylor
Viola, Violin, Piano, Cello, Guitar, Ukulele, Composition, Improvisation
Exams: ABRSM
Languages: English
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical, Jazz, Special Needs Students
Taylor began studying violin at the age of fourteen and viola at age seventeen with Dr. Georgette Popa in Irvine, California. While under Dr. Popa, Taylor participated in the Seraphim Symphony Youth Orchestra in Southern California, where she held positions as a soloist, concertmaster, and principal violist throughout her four years in the ensemble. With the symphony, Taylor had the opportunity to perform the Czardas violin solo with the orchestra at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and the Hoffmeister viola concerto at the Chambord Castle and La Madeleine Cathedral in France in 2014. Other notable performances that Taylor has been a part of include touring Germany and Prague with the BCCM Orchestra in 2017, and performing in concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Performing Arts Hall, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Viola Performance with a minor in psychology from California State University, Long Beach, where she studied with Dr. Josephine Moerschel and Dr. Jason Bonham. During her time at Long Beach, Taylor joined the American Youth Symphony Orchestra and had the privilege to perform in various studios to record viola tracks for the short film “Bruised” and for the band Tribal Seeds.
She graduated in May of 2021 with a Master’s Degree in Viola Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studies with Jonathan Vinocour. At SFCM, Taylor has been given the opportunity to perform in masterclasses led by Teng Li (principal violist of the LA Philharmonic) and Jessica Bodner (violist for the Grammy-winning Parker Quartet). She has also been a regular member of the school’s baroque ensemble as their principal violist, playing on a period instrument.
Amanda
Piano
Exams: CM
Languages: English, Mandarin
Styles: Young Beginner, Adult/Older Beginners, Classical, Christian Rock
Co-founder of Da Capo Music School.
Ms. Amanda began studying piano at the age of five in Taiwan, where she won numerous competitions and passed the Yamaha Grade 3 Examination, training under the rigorous “Asian Sparta Style” approach. However, after moving to the U.S. in 2007 to pursue her music studies, she experienced a transformational shift. Inspired by her teachers’ warmth and love for music, Amanda came to believe that true musical growth comes not through pressure but through encouragement, positivity, and the sheer joy of making music.
She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance and developed a special interest in world music, winning the Michael Segrove Avalos Award for her interpretation of Hispanic repertoire. Following her graduate studies, she expanded her teaching toolkit by incorporating the Suzuki Method, further enriching her student-centered philosophy.
In 2017, Amanda joined the faculty at San Francisco State University as a lecturer, teaching group piano classes for adults—an experience that deepened her love for community learning and inclusive music education.
A long-time member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), Amanda has been actively involved in the local music education community since 2012. She served as Chair of the San Francisco Branch from 2019 to 2020 and is currently the President of the San Mateo Branch. She is well-versed in standardized exams such as Certificate of Merit and ABRSM, and takes pride in guiding her students with clarity, warmth, and structure.
Crystal
Piano, Cello
Exams: ABRSM, CM
Languages: English, Mandarin
Styles: Serious Students Only, Classical
Co-founder of Da Capo Music School.
Born in Taiwan, Crystal started her musical journey at the age of 3 with piano and cello at the age of 8. Her K-12 education experience in Music Schools has motivated her to achieve both degrees in Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in piano performance at San Francisco State University.
Her teachers included Candy Chen from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Mei-Jun Chou, who graduated from Kunst-Universität fuer Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Graz with honors, Victoria Neve, Machiklo Kobialka, and Alexander String Quartet in chamber music. She has also studied masterclasses with Alfred Brandel, Roberta Rusk, Richard Angeletti, Lydia Brown, William Wellborn, and Joseph Kalichstein.
As an active performing artist, Crystal has been performing on both piano and cello as a soloist, orchestrator, chamber musician, and piano accompanist in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Canada, Vienna, and Taiwan. As a music instructor, she has over ten years of piano teaching experience in the United States and Taiwan.
Crystal is a member of the Music Teacher’s Association of California (MTAC) as well as the Music Teacher National Association (MTNA). She prepares her students of all levels to excel in the CM test and the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. (ABRSM)
In addition to her experience in examinations, her teaching style has driven her students to become constant winners of competitions every year. Crystal offers private piano and cello lessons for beginners to advanced-level students. She specializes in details of finger touch, musical phrasing, aural practice, theory, history, and technical skills. The piano repertoires assigned to students are selected to suit their interests and abilities.