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Music Instructors ⋆ Brightstar Pianoforte Studio 
Khoi Nguyen – Principal Teacher
Khoi Nguyen was born in Vietnam where he studied the piano at age 6. Mr. Khoi is an accomplished piano teacher who has taught piano lessons professionally for over 12 years and also received a formal training of choral conducting for several years. He studied music and psychology, and graduated from San Diego State University where he studied piano performance with Dr. Karen Follingstad, conducting with Dr. Shannon Kitelinger and piano pedagogy with Dr. Toni James. With his musical and conducting experiences, he took up a position as a choir director to serve the community at the local church.
Mr. Khoi has been inspiring students of all ages to discover the amazing power that music has to cultivate a profound and beneficial source of learning to nourish hearts and minds – creatively, socially, academically, cognitively, and more – for which his students, no matter what their goals, have learned from his insights and musical passion to enrich the pianistic talents that they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. Under his instruction and teaching philosophy, he designs a unique lesson plan to meet students’ personal musical goals and interests. Mr. Khoi loves to make students feel good about themselves. His piano teaching opens the doors of opportunities for his students to express their talent and give them a desire and confidence to share it with others. Jessica H – Voice and Piano Teacher
San Diego Native, Jessica was born to be an entertainer. At the age of 6 she began singing at school and in the Church where she was never one to be the shy kid. Jessica has been practicing music since she was 11 years old, from taking singing and piano lessons, to being in multiple musical productions including Fiddler on the Roof and Bye Bye Birdie. At the age of 13 she started attending the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts where she studied dramatic theatre, choral literature, and dance.
After High School, Jessica went on to Grossmont College where she began her studies of classical music. During her time at Grossmont she was in the Gospel Choir and also the Grossmont College Master Chorale. While there she received her Associates In Music- Classical Studies as well as an Associates in University Studies – Communications and Language Arts.
Jessica went on to San Diego State University where she received her Bachelors of Music with an emphasis in Voice Pedagogy. While still going to school Jessica continued to build on her musical career as a DJ and also church singer. During her time at San Diego State she soon discovered her love of teaching and began her journey as a developing educator. Now She teaches Voice, Piano, and Youth Theatre. She is absolutely passionate about the arts and truly enjoys sharing for her love of music with her community and anyone who is willing and eager to learn. Joseph C- Piano and Composition Teacher
Joseph Cota began studying music at age seven, switching to private piano lessons with Jean Shell at nine. Shell, a pupil of Darius Milhaud at Mills College, had an approach that focused on musical and emotional sensitivity, intelligence, and attention to detail tempered with a strong grounding in technique, theory and musicianship. After high school, Cota attended the University of California at Santa Barbara, where he studied composition with Joel Feigin and Jeremy Haladyna, and piano with Natasha Kislenko. A student of Nadia Boulanger and Rosina Lhevinne, Feigin’s teaching emphasized the traditions and connections running through Western music. Kislenko shared her infectious passion for music while her incredible pianism served as an example. In addition to composition and piano, his studies included counterpoint, orchestration, music theory, music history, electronic music, and performance in world music ensembles.
Cota graduated from UCSB with honors in 2009, and moved down to San Diego shortly thereafter where he has been living ever since. In addition to composing and working as a musician, he began teaching piano in 2012. Emphasizing a patient, flexible yet thorough approach, Joe strives to use his experience and knowledge to help students make the music they’re interested in. Teaching has been an incredibly rewarding opportunity for him to encourage younger and older people alike to develop and express their potential by sharing his knowledge and love of music. Senem D – Piano Teacher
Senem is a next-generation Jazz Pianist, Composer, and music teacher living in the San Diego area. She can be found playing in various venues across California, sharing her feel good grooves with the public. Her interest in music is influenced not only by her love for Jazz and Classical music but also by the music of her Turkish ancestors. She credits her musical roots to her diverse background and her childhood in the Bay Area. Since 2012, Senem has taught individuals of all ages, and backgrounds, including those with special needs. She credits her successful teaching methods to 15 years of classical training, her Associate’s Degree in Music, and her ongoing bachelor’s Degree in Music at San Diego State University. She believes anyone can be successful playing the piano and enjoy the experience, they just need the right tools. Senem aspires to develop a Jazz Piano teaching book series for children and to create a space for the arts in her community. She continues to enjoy working with children and adults alike, finding the most effective strategies to help them succeed and excel in their musical instruments. Supanida J – Piano and Vocal Teacher
Supanida Jennings, also known as Nobby, boasts a music degree and a vibrant career spanning 18 years as a music educator, producer, and studio owner in Thailand. Her journey to San Diego embodies her quest for new musical horizons. With a gentle, goal-oriented approach, Nobby’s teaching prowess shines. She has tailored her methods to diverse learners, including children on the spectrum, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Her passion for guiding students to new discoveries fuels each lesson, creating an atmosphere where curiosity thrives. Nobby’s multifaceted expertise and entrepreneurial spirit underscore her commitment to nurturing young talents. Her legacy is one of fostering a love for music and learning in every student she touches, making her a cherished figure in the world of music education. Yako E – Piano and Vocal Teacher
Born in Iwakuni Japan, Yako started Classical piano training at 5 and continued until her graduation from Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo. She then established her own Music Teaching business called the Yako Dream Project. During this time Yako also performed at various venues as a vocalist and pianist as well as an event planner while maintaining her teaching schedule in piano, voice training, music theory etc.
In 1997 Yako created and performed at the Asia African Refugee Relief Charity Concert in Yamaguchi Japan for which she received a commendation from UNHCR Commission. In 2002 she first visited New York City.
In 2003 Yako performed with Koji Nakamoto in Japan and she promoted and performed with trumpet great Shunzo Ohno for several tours in Japan. In addition to Mr Ohno, Yako also performed with and promoted Eri Ohno, Alan Eicher, Hiro Kondo and others in Japan. Yako was living in NYC as a teacher and music promoter and hopes to continue working both in the US and in Japan. She started teaching at Bedrock school in 2013 and at Lehman college in 2015. Yako moved to San Diego in 2017 and she’s been fully dedicated to helping students in town from different ages and musical backgrounds to excel in their musical talents. Joseph P – Piano Teacher
Pianist Joseph Pascual, is currently completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Entrepreneurship & Business at San Diego State University under the tutelage of Dr. Tina Chong. Previously, he earned his Associate’s Degree in Music at Diablo Valley College, in Pleasanton, California where he played with the school’s Piano Ensemble and Symphonic Band. In 2014, he received the Hohmann Family Advanced Piano Scholarship while studying under the teachings of Dr. Bruce Cook. As a teenager, Joe took his first lessons with Michael Musumeci. Even with beginning his music training later than most, his passion for the expressiveness of music led him on a path for greater understanding and mastery of the art.
Since 2015, Joe has been sharing his joy and knowledge of the piano with avid students working with learners from age six to young adult. As a private instructor and also at the School of Rock in San Ramon, California, he has engaged students in styles of classical and contemporary pop.
Joe aims for a future full of inspiring teachings, musical events, and continues to foster a growing community of learners, creators, and leaders. Luis A – Guitar Teacher
Luis started his music career with one objective, become a classical guitar teacher. In 2011, Mr. Aguilar was able to pursue his dream by receiving his first private guitar lessons at Cuyamaca College from distinguished guitarists, Pat Setzer and Jonathan Davis. His talent, perseverance, hard work, and excellent guidance from his instructors, drove Luis to success when; in 2014, he was accepted into the recognized and acclaimed music program from San Diego State University. During his undergraduate studies at San Diego State University, Luis was able to gain knowledge from recognized guitarist, Sean Bassett. As part of his studies, Mr. Aguilar performed in multiple times with SDSU Guitar Ensemble and was also a soloist for the San Diego Guitar Festival. In 2016, he received a Bachelors degree in Professional Studies in Music from San Diego State University. Now, Luis shares his time in teaching classical guitar in a fun and enjoyable experience at Brightstar PianoForté Studio and loves helping his students in accomplishing their musical goals. Barbara M – Piano, Violin & Guitar Teacher
Ms. Barbara first began fiddling with the piano two decades ago, in the
city of L.A where she was born and raised. She then went on to become a church pianist at the age of eleven and spent some years rotating instruments as a church acoustic/electric guitarist, bassist, singer, and drummer. Ms. Barbara is now a Minister of Music. She has Associate’s Degrees in Music and Liberal Arts (Humanities), respectively, from Los Angeles City College. Currently, she is continuing her studies at San Diego State University, where she is working towards completing her Bachelor of Music in Music Education and attaining a California Single-Subject teaching credential. Besides performance studies, she also has a love for the study of theory and has supplemented her core studies through the practice of orchestration, arranging, counterpoint, classical composition, jazz theory, and commercial songwriting techniques over the span of her musical education. Now that she has run out of theory courses available to take at the undergraduate level, she is looking forward to joining a graduate level theory seminar course to further her knowledge in 2020. She believes that a positive foundation in music is a wholesome experience with unlimited life benefits. Her goal is to be able to bring that opportunity to people of all ages and backgrounds because, simply put, music makes the world a better place.
Open for a free consultation
and online lesson requests only from:Monday - Friday: 10:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Music Instructors
- At Brightstar PianoForté Studio, we carefully screen all our instructors to assure they have passed the background check, in-person interviews and teaching auditions for qualifications in order to provide you with the very best and unique music lessons. Our instructors pride themselves on their extensive training, professional experience, and commitment to providing the most supportive learning environment as well as being communicative with parents to ensure the best possible experience and consistent learning progress for your child. Our highly qualified and carefully chosen staff is dedicated to helping students of all ages and levels of ability develop their high self-confidence, independence and build the skills that enable them to express themselves through music. Being a student at our music studio means being part of a warm and supportive community and experiencing the camaraderie of sharing the joy of music with enthusiastic teachers and students as bright musical talents of the future.
Telephone: 858-255-0215
Mailing Address:P.O. Box 261531, San Diego, CA, 92196
Email: kn33@brightstar-pianoforte.com
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