Pianos on State
15th Anniversary

Music Teacher Bios

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Sharlae Jenkins, a Santa Barbara native, has been involved in the community for decades as a performer, educator, accompanist, studio vocalist, songwriter, and worship leader.   For 35 years, she has taught piano and voice to children and holds memberships in the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT) and Central Coast Music Teachers Association (CCMTA).  

 

Sharlae is also a part of the “Journey through Jazz” education team with the Santa Barbara Vocal Jazz Foundation and the Lobero Theatre Foundation, bringing music education to local elementary students.  She has served on several music boards over the years and is a certified adjudicator in piano and voice in the state of California.

 

Sharlae’s goal is to encourage students, help them develop musically, learn focusing skills, and gain self-confidence. Developing poise and stage presence is a life-skill that will help students in situations well beyond learning and performing music. It’s an honor and a privilege to work with each student!

 

Leana Movillion offers private piano lessons to students of all ages. Whether it is classical music or the newest hit on the charts, students have the chance to play the music they are enthusiastic about. The classical background of Leana's teaching is the basis of her methods, but her appreciation for all other genres and areas of music is what she gets to share with her students. When it comes to giving her students the opportunity to perform, whether it be solo or in collaboration with their family or friends, Leana is passionate about giving them this chance to shine.

 

Kacey Link

This recital will feature performances by the dedicated piano students of Dr. Kacey Link, who will showcase their skills and artistic growth through a diverse array of pieces, ranging from classical masterpieces to popular favorites. Kacey has taught in Santa Barbara since 2009 and offers private lessons in person and virtually in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. 

 

Kathryn Imani

Song in My Heart Studio, in Solvang, offers private piano and classical guitar instruction, as well as Music Together and Rhythm Kids group classes. The studio is owned and operated by Kathryn and Vahid Imani, who started it in 2006. 

 

Bret Fickes works for Notes For Notes and runs their Santa Barbara West Studio location as Program Director and Music Producer. Notes For Notes provides youth with free access to music instruments, instruction and recording studio environments so that music may become a profoundly positive influence in their lives. Here are links to the Santa Barbara West SoundCloud and YouTube where you can hear music, podcasts, see music videos, playthroughs, etc. that were made in collaboration with youth.

 

Susan LansingWeller is a musician with decades of experience performing, directing, and teaching. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, and has returned after living in New York and Los Angeles. She has worked in music ministry (soloist, director) in several denominations. For many years she served as Choral Director / Music Specialist with the Palos Verdes Peninsula school district. Recently she was Music Director for Santa

Barbara Revels. Her philosophy is that learning is one of the best parts of life. Mrs. Weller’s professional affiliations include Music Teachers

Association of California and the American Choral Directors Association.