Meet our Teachers!
Chelsea Andrade
Violin, Viola, Cello
Chelsea started playing the violin, inspired by a violinist at her old church. She began classes at her elementary school, William Burnett Elementary as well as some instruction at South Bay School of Music Arts. She has been playing the violin since the second grade. She began playing the cello in middle school, and then, viola all throughout high school.
Chelsea has performed, and still performs at both private and corporate function. She previously played for the SJSU orchestra, where she served at the principal. She has played for Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito and several musicals and operas, during her time at SJSU. One special musical she played for was Into the Woods.
Chelsea is currently a TK/K SDC paraprofessional at William Burnett Elementary, supporting students with moderate/severe autism and other disabilities. As a para, she will be sharing her expertise and knowledge with younger students that are interested in music, especially strings!
Patricia Saito
Piano
Patricia has played piano for 18 years, exploring a variety of genres and styles. She earned a minor in music from San Jose State University, where she took lessons in both solo piano & accompaniment, took a variety of music education courses, and participated in numerous ensembles and chamber groups. She has accompanied recitals, choir concerts, and various church services, and has also worked as a rehearsal pianist for SJSU’s theater and opera theater departments. Patricia has a passion for helping students young or old discover the joy of expression that music brings. Her philosophy is that teaching should be tailored for the individual, focusing on finding the way they learn best. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Solange Emsallem
Piano
Solange began playing the piano at age six in France, where she grew up and nurtured her passion for music. She studied at the Conservatory of Music and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music and Education from Lyon university. Her teaching journey began at 16, and gained valuable experience teaching piano and music theory full-time for two years at the Orsay Community Center before moving to the United States.
In the U.S., Solange has expanded her teaching to include French and Music at a bilingual elementary and middle school. Alongside teaching, she is a dedicated double bass player, performing with the Redwood Symphony for 10 years and currently with the Nova Vista Symphony. Her approach to teaching combines technical mastery, musical expression, and a deep appreciation for the joy that music can bring to life.
Bill Epps
Guitar
Bill has been teaching for over 15 years and performing for almost 30. He teaches all
levels and styles of electric and acoustic guitar, including rock, blues, jazz, R&B, and country, and specializes in “roots” music (classic rock, rockabilly, surf, etc.).
Students will learn the basics of strumming and fingerstyle, reading music notation, and music theory. Liberal sprinkling of current popular tunes are included to complement traditional material.
Shaina Hsiao
Piano
My name is Shaina, and I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Music from San Jose State University. I have been teaching piano since approximately 2011, starting with group lessons before transitioning to one on one lessons. I studied under Dorothy Su for a number of years & had the opportunity to study under Gwendolyn Mok briefly during my time at SJSU. I have completed the Advanced level of the Certificate of Merit from MTAC and now prepare willing students for exams at various levels. I discovered a passion for teaching through the profound benefits of one-on-one lessons by allowing me to tailor lessons to each student’s individual needs and skill level while simultaneously presenting them with engaging challenges.
For younger students, I employ motivational strategies such as stickers to encourage independent practice. I incorporate interactive elements like coloring and drawing games to make lessons enjoyable. Based on each student’s level and age, I utilize a variety of series and materials. However, I typically favor Alfred and Hal Leonard’s piano lesson books. For middle school and older students, I transition them to exploring different musical periods, such as Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary, as well as genres they find appealing, such as those featured in movies, television shows, and video games.
In addition to teaching piano, I work part-time at Valley Christian High School as a substitute teacher. In my personal time, I am an avid plant and pet owner and an aspiring artist.
Pansy Hui
Piano
Pansy studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada and received her Associate Diploma in Piano Performance with first class honors. She has over 15 years of experience in teaching and over 25 years as an accompanist to soloists, choirs, instrumentalists, and band ensembles. In the last 10 years, she has also devoted her time in conducting praise and worship training, as well as writing, producing and recording new original praise and worship songs. She has released 2 albums.
Rick Leder
Trumpet, Trombone
A founding member of the Altos Brass Quintet, Rick joined the Stockton Symphony & won the Principal Trumpet chair at the West Bay Opera in late 2000s, after studying trumpet at the Aspen Music Festival and School locally with the Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra (Copland's Quiet City) and with the Shasta Symphony (Puck by Michael Djupstrom), and he has performed notably with San Francisco Opera, Opera San Jose, Sarasota Opera & Des Moines Metro Opera, in addition to concerts with many regional orchestras and bands.
A regular sub with regional and freelance orchestras in northern California, Rick loves both playing and listening to a wide range of music, and his teaching reflects both this love of music and his background studying piano and music theory with his mother, who was a superb professional player and teacher.
Tammy Lo
Piano
Tammy has been playing the piano ever since she was 3-years-old. She has completed the Certificate of Merit from Music Teacher Association of California up until Advanced level in 10th grade. She studied at University of California, Los Angeles and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education to continue her passion in music.
She is currently privately teaching students of all levels in the Bay Area for over 12 years and a choir conductor at Crystal Children's Choir for 10 years. Tammy is also a member of the Music Teacher Association of California.
Aly Bennett
Voice
Aly began singing in front of audiences at the age of six. She has been a part of several singing groups for the better part of two decades including choirs, bands, and a cappella groups. She became a part of the SBSMA family in middle school where she learned how to strengthen her voice and stage presence.
Aly came back in May 2026 to teach and help others in their vocal control, technique, and overall confidence in their talent. She strives to make sure each student reaches their potential and leaves feeling more confident than they did before.
I played the trumpet in jazz and pep band, and I took ap music theory in high school (never had time for marching). I graduated college in 2022 with a bs in industrial technology and packaging and I design packaging as my day job.
Gibert dela Rosa
Guitar
Gilbert teaches guitar to all ages and all levels, beginner through advanced.
He starting playing guitar in High School and knew this was something he was going to do forever. An alum of South Bay School of Music Arts, he began taking private lessons with Tom Landry, and other great teachers. He uses his experiences and knowledge to make learning for his students quick and easy!
He has many years of performing and currently plays throughout the bay area with his band Groove Ride among other bands. Passionate about teaching and sharing the joy of music, Gilbert looks forward to share his knowledge and enthusiasm to you!
Joe Santoro
Drums, Percussion
Joe is the owner of the school, which he opened with Deborah Goldstein in 1984. In addition to his private drum and percussion lessons, Joe heads the school's studio band project South Bay Kids. Through this program, Joe has given live collaborative performance experience to hundreds of students in venues throughout the Bay Area. Joe himself has over 40 years of performance and teaching experience.
Jack Stanley
Clarinet, Flute, Sax, Oboe, English Horn
Jack has grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and has been playing music since the age of 10. He was inspired to start on clarinet when his band teacher came into his classroom and started playing this cool Dixieland music on his clarinet! He started playing sax in middle school so that he could join the jazz band. He picked up flute in high school. After finishing college and starting a family, Jack became much more active in music. He learned to play the oboe and English Horn to be more versatile. He has played in the pit orchestra for over 120 musicals and has had a lot of fun doing that. Currently, Jack plays in two concert bands, a jazz band, and do good amount pit work. He has about 40 years of playing experience and has 5 years of teaching experience.
Teaching is his chance to share the passion and love he has for music. He wants each student to enjoy the joy of making music. He will provide continual positive encouragement and adapt lessons according to each students unique learning styles and goals. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge with new students and witnessing their growth and seeing the positive effect music brings to their life!
