Lessons & Teachers

Scherzo Music School

Piano • Voice • Strings • Woodwinds • Harp

Music Discovery Classes

A special group class designed to introduce the beginning musicians to the exciting world of music. This Music Discovery Group class is for entry students, age 3.5 – 5 years old. Topics incluide:

  • Small Group Lessons
  • Individual Lessons
  • Music Fundamentals
  • Learn How to Read Music
  • Music Games & More
  • Learning Percussion Instruments
  • Rhythmic Exercises

Piano Lessons

Scherzo Music School piano lessons are an excellent way to introduce children as young as 4 years old to the benefits of music. Lessons at Scherzo Music School does not follow a “one size fits all” approach. We design each students approach based on the cognitive and dextral development of each of our students. We design our piano lessons plan from some of the most popular approaches. Our program includes rhythmic development, ear training, reading, singing and proper piano technique. We encourage our students and parents to set goals in order to see the progress of each student. These goals can be participation in piano recitals, peer performances, or taking standardized music exams like the ABRSM.

We know how difficult it is to choose the right approach, the right teacher and schedule. At Scherzo we work as a team; so when you enroll at our school, you are in the hands of not only one but a full team of highly qualified professionals to oversee the student’s music education.

Piano Teachers

Voice Lessons

Voice Lessons at Scherzo Music School helps teach proper singing technique, teach the fundamentals of reading music, music theory, and musicianship skills. Scherzo’s Voice teachers work with each students to find the music and music style that they want to learn and together build a teaching plan to safely work up and surpass the students original goals. Private Voice lessons help develop the singers inner ear, vocal range, and overall confidence as a musician.

Voice Teachers

Strings

String Lessons at Scherzo Music School designed to teach musicians proper instrument care, correct posture to prevent injuries, and to teach the fundamentals of reading music, music theory, and musicianship skills. String lessons are very beneficial for young students that plan to or have started music classes in school. Students that take private lessons have a better grasp of music skills and often surpass their peers in the classroom. Private Lessons have also been proven to help young students develop better problem solving skills, communication skills, and improvement with self-esteem.

String Teachers

Woodwinds

Wind Lessons at Scherzo Music School designed to teach musicians proper instrument care, correct posture to prevent injuries, and to teach the fundamentals of reading music, music theory, and musicianship skills. Wind lessons are very beneficial for young students that plan to or have started music classes in school. Students that take private lessons have a better grasp of music skills and often surpass their peers in the classroom. Private Lessons have also been proven to help young students develop better problem solving skills, communication skills, and improvement with self-esteem.

Woodwind Teachers

Harp

Harp Lessons at Scherzo Music School designed to teach musicians proper instrument care, correct posture to prevent injuries, and to teach the fundamentals of reading music, music theory, and musicianship skills. Private Lessons have also been proven to help young students develop better problem solving skills, communication skills, and improvement with self-esteem.

Harp Teachers

Music Theory And Composition

Improving your music skills by learning Music Theory ” aka the grammar of music “. Join us as we hold a series of workshops for Scherzo students to learn the ins and out of Music Theory. Benefits of learning music theory include:

  • Improve Music Performanc
  • Build Stronger Connection with music
  • Learn to compose Music
  • Great preparation for AP Music Theory Classes in High in High School
  • Prepare Students for ABRSM Music Exam
  • Strengthen Jazz Improve Skills

Music Theory And Composition Teachers

Don't Miss a beat

Join our mailing list
for events, discounts, & more

Scherzo Piano

Aurelio Torres

Founder & Piano Teacher

Aurelio Torres started his music learning at the age of five with the recorder. He soon learned the melodic and mandolin on his own and started private piano lessons shortly after. At the age of 17, he was accepted in the National School of Music of the UNAM in Mexico City, where he took organ and piano, in addition to musicianship, harmony, choral practices, analysis, history and other subjects. During that time he participated in chamber ensembles and played actively in events throughout the University and around the country.

Mr. Torres started teaching music at the age of 19 at the Yamaha Music School in Mexico City, where he received music pedagogy training and his certification as musicianship and piano instructor, as well as examiner for the Yamaha Music Curriculum. During his work at the Yamaha Music School, he participated in national and international music contest in Mexico, Uruguay and Japan, both as a student and as a teacher and travel extensively throughout Mexico proctoring the Yamaha Grade Level Exam. While living in Mexico, Mr. Torres performed at different venues as a soloist and as an accompanist. Mr. Torres worked as the accompanist of the Japanese Choir “Cosmos” for couple of years before moving to Los Angeles, California.

In California, he continued his studies at the City College of San Francisco where he obtained 2 computer science certificates in UNIX systems and Network Administration, and music at the University of California, Berkeley, from where he received his degree.

Mr. Torres taught at several music schools in the Peninsula and Berkeley. In 2000 He started his own private studio in San Mateo. Mr. Torres’ studio was the base for Scherzo Music School in 2010. Currently Mr. Torres serve as the school director of the school while he continues to share his love and passion for music.

David Obregon

Cello & Piano Teacher

Melissa Walls

Voice & Piano Teacher

A passionate musician from central California, Melissa has been singing for as long as
she could remember. She began singing in school choirs in 5th grade, and continued
throughout her high school and university years. She aimed to make her passion into a
career and earned her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from California State
University Stanislaus in May 2018.
Melissa began her teaching journey a year before graduation, offering individual vocal
and piano instruction as a self-employed instructor in Turlock, California, with a total of
14 voice students and 68 piano students at the beginner level. She then went on to
serve as a voice teacher at Artis School Of Music in Belmont, providing individual vocal
instruction to 29 students at beginner and intermediate levels. Students developed
their music literacy, vocal and piano techniques, listening skills, and practice habits.
gaining performance experience through in-lesson practice performances. Many of her
students participated in monthly Open Mic events and biannual concerts.
Melissa has also taught general music lessons for Music For Minors Inc., where she
engaged with thousands of elementary students throughout the Bay Area Peninsula.
Her students learned essential skills such as music literacy, vocal technique,
instrument handling, and listening skills, culminating in performance experiences
during annual Sharing Day events.
Over the years, Melissa has had many performance opportunities with the Modesto
Symphony Orchestra and MSO Chorus, most of which occurred at the Gallo Center for
the Arts in Modesto, California. In high school (2006-2010), she sang with the
Expressions choir group in annual holiday concerts with them, including the Holiday
Candlelight concert and the Holiday Pops! concert; she was also part of a community
chorus group for the Broadway Rocks! production in 2010. Her university choir had
several collaborations with the MSO Chorus for Mendelssohn’s Elijah in 2011, Vaughn
William’s Sea Symphony in 2015, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” in
2016. In addition, she sang and played piano for her church worship team from
2011-2019. Most recently, in 2020, Melissa participated in Eric Whitacre’s 6th Virtual
Choir, Sing Gently, with over 17,000 other singers around the world.
As a music educator, Melissa has dedicated the past eight years to spreading the joy of
music and singing. With a commitment to fostering a supportive environment, she has
helped students build confidence and embrace new challenges. She is eager to
continue pursuing professional development to enhance her skills as both a teacher
and vocalist so she can continue to share her passion for music with students and help
them discover their own musical journeys.

REBECCA YAKOS

Piano & Voice

Rebecca Yakos is a soprano and teacher who is originally from Oregon. She has sung all over the world with the likes of Josh Groban, Pink Martini, and even for His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Rebecca especially finds her passion through new opera works, musical theater, and especially her teaching.

Rebecca believes that music is for everyone, and that anyone, at any stage of life, can develop the skills to sing or play the piano. Her goal as a teacher is not just to help students improve their technique, but to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music. She strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel encouraged to explore, express, and challenge themselves. Whether a student dreams of performing onstage or simply wants to experience the joy of making music, my role is to guide, inspire, and equip them with the tools they need to grow as musicians and individuals. 

Rebecca Yakos graduated with a BM in Vocal performance at Portland State University and graduated at The Peabody Institute with her Masters also in Vocal Performance. Her career thus far has taken her to Indonesia, Argentina, Italy, and Austria. Rebecca is now enjoying focusing on teaching, sharing her passion for music with students of all ages and helping them discover their own musical potential.

IAN RICTOR

Piano, Flute, Sax, Clarinet, Composition

Ian believes in an approach to teaching that allows students to explore their creative interests. He encourages the development of students’ individualized goals driven by delving into music that inspires them, and catering personalized practice methods to help them consistently achieve those goals.
 
Ian is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer based in the Bay Area. He has performed and arranged music throughout the United States and Europe, featuring as a guest soloist at the Wigan International Jazz Festival, the Bansko Jazz Festival, and the Tournai Jazz Festival. He has been fortunate to share the stage with numerous inspiring artists such as Dave Douglas, Dave Liebman, and Rufus Reid, and has performed as an opener for Steve Wozniak and Jay Leno. His editions and arrangements have been performed by the NATO Jazz Orchestra, the NATO Jazz Combo, and the Latvian Armed Forces Band. Ian holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Colorado and a Master of Music in Technology and Applied Composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Kody dunford

Cello & Piano Teacher

Kody Dunford is a passionate teacher and performer dedicated to helping students of all
ages build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. He has taught at every
level—from beginners picking up their first instrument to advanced college and graduate
students. As the graduate assistant to Professor Ayane Kozasa at the Cincinnati
College–Conservatory of Music, Kody gave lessons to undergraduate, graduate, and
doctoral students. He has also maintained a private studio for young beginners and
advancing students.

As an artist, Kody has collaborated with world-renowned performers including Alexi
Kenney, Nobuko Imai, Kristen Lee, and the Kronos Quartet. He brings this wealth of
musical knowledge into his teaching, inspiring students with stories, examples, and
practical strategies drawn from real-world experience. His students are encouraged to
set personal goals, develop strong technical foundations, and discover the role of music
in their lives. Beyond lessons, he often shares music in the community, organizing
benefit concerts, performing in retirement homes and presenting interactive programs
for preschoolers.

Kody earned his Master’s in Viola Performance from the Cincinnati
College–Conservatory of Music and his Bachelor’s from the San Francisco
Conservatory of Music, after earlier studies at the University of California, Irvine. His
principal teachers include Ayane Kozasa, Dimitri Murrath, and Jerzy Kosmala. Originally
from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, he enjoys returning home to spend time with family and enjoy
the outdoors.

Pauline Kempf

Violin Teacher

Dr. Pauline Kempf is a certified Suzuki violin teacher and has over ten years of individual and group teaching experience.
Within her music studio, Pauline creates a safe and supportive environment that helps her students learn the violin and improve their musical skills. Pauline is committed to create a unique learning plan for each of her students and to give them appropriate advice which help them achieve their goals as young musicians.
Students enrolled in her studio have been admitted to the Peninsula Youth Orchestra (PYO) and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO). She previously taught at the DePaul University Community Music Division in Chicago.

A first-prize winner in international competitions in Germany and Italy, Pauline has been a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and performed as assistant concertmaster and section violinist in various Chicago-based symphony orchestras. She has performed in numerous chamber music collaborations brought her to perform throughout Europe, the United States and in South America.

Pauline received her Doctor of Music in Violin Performance from Northwestern University. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Music University of Geneva and a Master of Music degree in both violin performance and chamber music from the Music University of Vienna.

Russ Bartoli

Cello Teacher

Elliot Mallard

Cello Teacher

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, cellist Elliot Mallard enjoys an active career as a chamber musician, soloist, and diverse recording artist. A graduate of the Juilliard School, he trained under David Soyer, Timothy Eddy, and Darrett Adkins as a Bidù Sayão scholar.

Concert appearances include performances as soloist with the UMBC orchestra, Peabody Sinfonietta, The National Music Festival Orchestra, and Ensemble Du Monde. In addition to his classical activities, he in demand as a recording artist and performer of popular music, touring with world renowned artists such as Emmy-Award winning violinist, Damian Escobar.

In 2018, Elliot Mallard received a Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance from Temple University under the tutelage of Jeffrey Solow.

Heeryoung Park

piano & Cello Teacher

Heeryoung Park is trained as a musician in South Korea from her early age and has been playing piano and Cello for more than 40 years. She has a diplome in Cello from Maastricht Conservatorium in Netherland and lived in Cologne for many years.
She spent some time in Paris as well and consequently she is richly nutured by European music and art culture.
She worked in Changwon City Orchestra for many years as a first cellist and taught in various universities in South Korea. At the same time she was a member of a chamber ensemble and traveled to France, Swiss and Japan to give concerts.
Heeryoung has been giving lessons for more than 30 years and she knows how to teach music to those who are either beginner or advanced. She can teach both piano and Cello with passion and understanding heart that students can feel at home during lessons.
Now she is living in Belmont with her family and plays music in various occasions to serve people

Michelle Hsu

Violin & Viola Teacher

Elmer carter

Cello

Elmer Carter III is a Bay Area cellist recognized for a resonant tone and an expressive, collaborative approach to music-making. He earned an Advanced Certificate from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Jennifer Culp, following a Master of Music under Jean-Michel Fonteneau. Recent engagements span orchestral and chamber settings, including section work with the San Francisco Philharmonic and leadership of the Echo Trio through the San Francisco Symphony’s Adventures in Music program. Elmer’s chamber affiliations include the Echo Trio, Gem Trio, and Lora Quartet, with appearances alongside the San Francisco Composers Chamber Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Fort Smith Symphony. He has contributed to Sony recording sessions, collaborated with the Kronos Quartet and Post:Ballet, and performed at the Hot Air Music Festival. A recipient of the Denis de Coteau Fellowship with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, Elmer is a cofounder of Mosaic Strings and an active freelance artist.

Marcus Phillips

Oboe, Clarinet, & Saxophone Teacher

Woodwind specialist Marcus Phillips is a professional freelance Oboe/English Hornist in the Greater Bay Area with an extensive background in orchestral performance, chamber music, and teaching. Learning multiple woodwind instruments at an early age, Marcus has established a solid foundation on many instruments and enjoys teaching students the joys of learning and mastering their new instrument.

Originally hailing from South Florida; Marcus received his Master of Music degree from The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (studying under Russ DeLuna of the San Francisco Symphony) and a Bachelor of Music degree in Oboe Performance from Georgia State University.

Marcus has always enjoyed teaching and sharing music with others. After finishing his studies, Marcus began working with the San Francisco Symphony’s youth outreach program, “Adventure in Music” for multiple years, where he was able to perform, teach, and inspire hundreds of young students to pick up an instrument and start their journey of making music. Marcus truly believes that you can never be too young nor too old to pick up any instrument. Learning an instrument is like gaining a key to a special language where you are able to tell stories unlike any other medium of art. Studying music has also been proven to increase your ability to focus, improve academic skills, helps boost self-esteem, and help relieve stress/anxiety.

Marcus has had the honor of performing with/held positions in many Bay Area ensembles including: the Silicon Valley Philharmonic, Napa Valley Ballet, Stockton Symphony, Modesto’s Townsend Opera house, South Bay Symphony Orchestra, New Millennium Chamber Orchestra, Merced Symphony, Bay Area Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Parnassus, Awesöme Orchestra Collective, as well as many orchestras throughout Georgia and Houston. He has also participated in master classes and music festivals with notable artist: William Bennett, Phil Ross, Eugene Izotov, Jonathan Fischer, Nancy Ambrose King, James Sullivan, Mark Ostoich, Alex Klein, Elizabeth Koch, Frank Rosenwein, and many other well established musicians.

Janice Ortega

Harp Teacher

Janice Ortega is an accomplished harpist with an extensive background in both performance and education. She holds a Master of Music in Harp Performance from Indiana University, where she studied under the renowned Susann McDonald. Janice’s studies encompassed a wide range of advanced topics, including improvisational jazz harp, advanced theory, and ear training, as well as pedagogical approaches to harp teaching. She also earned an Artist Diploma in Harp Performance from the Royal Conservatory of the Netherlands, studying with the esteemed Phia Berghout, Principal Harpist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Janice’s academic achievements were further supported by prestigious scholarships, including a partial Fulbright.

A seasoned performer, Janice has played with numerous prestigious orchestras across Europe and the United States. Her career highlights include performances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Limburg Symphony Orchestra, and the Van Karajan Festival Orchestra in Berlin. She has also performed with major U.S. orchestras such as the San Francisco Symphony and the Oakland Symphony, where she has been an alternate harpist. Throughout her career, Janice has been a featured soloist at renowned festivals such as Tanglewood and Aspen, working with celebrated conductors and musicians from around the world.

In addition to her performance career, Janice has been deeply involved in fostering the next generation of harpists. She served as co-president of the American Harp Society Bay Area Chapter, where she played a key role in organizing the National Harp Conference and Competition in San Francisco. Janice’s commitment to education extends to her work as an alumnus advisor for Mu Phi Epsilon and her creation of educational videos on advanced harp performance, which are featured on YouTube and social media platforms. Her passion for harp pedagogy and community engagement continues to inspire students and professionals alike.
small_c_popup.png

Let's have a chat

Have a question?