Meet the Maestros: Exceptional San Diego Music Teachers Ready to Inspire

David Grayeb

With over a decade of teaching experience, David Grayeb has become a popular choice for private lessons to students of any age, from beginner to advanced. He has been playing and performing music since the age of 8. Beginning with piano, he quickly started playing in various competitions and recitals under the tutelage of internationally acclaimed pianist, Patti Wiggins.

At age 11, he began playing saxophone, with which he had received several Jazz awards throughout junior high and high school.

At 14, he developed an interest in the electric guitar and has been in multiple Rock bands ever since.

David is a very popular teacher with our students and teaches piano, guitar, bass and ukulele.

Bio Coming Soon!

Kim Uecker

“I have a lifelong passion for teaching students music, voice, flute,
piano and woodwinds. I am thrilled to help them discover and cultivate
their natural talents to achieve their goals. As a musician and
singer, my focus is to make learning music fun, accessible to all,
help develop and encourage student's passions for musical expression
and drive students to develop the technical skills for success. I am
skilled at teaching and preparing students for both auditions and
performances in all genres of music with specialization in musical
theater, movement, ensembles, choirs, private bands, solo work and
recordings. I teach all my students proper song selection for their
voice, correct vocal warm up training for their voice, exercises,
stretching, and vocal care and teach musical theory. I specialize in
musical theater training; singing and movement audition techniques and
strive to build student's work ethic, stage confidence, and their
repertoire of performance songs.”

Brian Stone

Brian has taught guitar and brass instruments for over 10 years. He enjoys teaching adults, adolescents and children classical style and rock. His specialty is classical guitar with a focus on music theory and improvisation. His students are encouraged to pick music they prefer, and Brian helps them develop their skills and technique.

Brian received his A.A. degree in music from Santa Ana College, and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar from Cal State University, Fullerton under the tutelage of world-renowned guitarist Martha Masters. At university, he was educated in piano, choir, conducting, composition, music history, pedagogy, musicianship, and much more.

 As well as his formal education, Brian played in a couple bands spanning 15 years, performing various venues/festivals across the southwest including the House of Blues, SxSW, OC Punk Rock Picnic, numerous venues in Hollywood such as the Whiskey-a-Go-Go, Roxy, and Rainbow Bar, and was nominated for "Best Metal Band" at the 2013 OC Music Awards.

Amelia Kaufman
Piano

Amelia Kaufman has been playing piano for over 15 years and studied music at Cal Poly Pomona where she earned a B.A. in Music Education in 2021. She has been teaching and tutoring piano professionally for over a year. She specializes in classical piano, but also teaches pop and jazz and will tailor each student's lesson plan to fit their musical interests. Her lessons are focused on developing a strong foundation of good technique and musicianship through sight reading and ear training, and she encourages students to have fun with piano by composing and learning the songs they love! 

Michael Jay Mcgrogan

Michael Jay Mcgrogan was born in Pittsburgh, PA and started playing drums at the age of ten. Mike set about private lessons and joined his elementary school music program as soon as he could. He took private lessons at Drum World throughout high school. Upon graduation, Mike was accepted in to the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) in Pasadena, CA. Mike graduated in 2005 after completing the drum program. At LAMA he studied under Joe Porcaro, Ralph Humphrey, and Sherman Ferguson. Mike teaches all styles of drumming from jazz to heavy metal and puts a strong emphasis on instructing his students how to read drum notation. Recently, Mike has been an active studio drummer, performed live in the LA music scene, and played many shows throughout the country. Mike teaches in office bucket drumming classes and hosts outdoor drum circles. He continues his musical conquest by teaching private lessons and performing at clubs and casinos in the southern California area. Mike is a runner and completed the 2021 Los Angeles Marathon and the 2022 Pittsburgh Marathon. Mike lives in Pittsburgh and teaches online drum and guitar lessons at U.S. Music Lessons in San Diego.

Todd Rattan

Todd Rattan has been playing drums since 1980 and has been active in San Diego  bands for over 12 years. His experience includes composing, recording, and  performance in various ensembles ranging from choirs to club bands to  orchestras. Todd mostly teaches drums with US Music, but he has taught piano,  ukulele, guitar, bass, and flute; he is currently working on adding oboe and English  horn to his repertoire. Todd has an AA Degree in Music Studies.

Jeff Kelley

A Multi-instrumentalist from his youth, Mr. Jeff's early influences were the folk, pop and rock, jazz and ragtime and the guitar and keyboard stars of the 60s and 70s. He studied composition and piano pedagogy under Milan Kaderavek and Robert Shultz at Drake University graduating with a double major in Music and Business.

Mr. Jeff continues to perform for small groups and maintains a home studio, writing and producing original content for educational software, videos, slideshows, and multimedia presentations. He teaches 30 minute to one hour online and in-studio lessons for beginner and intermediate keyboardists. He also teaches beginning guitar with an emphasis on songwriting.

Elizabeth Monacelli
Violin, Viola

Ms. Monacelli received her training from the Juilliard School and New
England Conservatory of Music.

Her mentors were Roman Totenberg and Tossy Spivakovsky.

She was discovered by the world-renowned Portuguese conductor Alvaro
Cassuto at age 13 and became the youngest member of the Rhode Island Philharmonic.

In addition to working with many prestigious classical musicians such
as Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Luciano Pavarotti, Mehli Mehta, and
Placido Domingo, Ms. Monacelli has worked with a plethora of pop music celebrities including Ray Charles, Smokey Robinson, Tony Bennett,
Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Wayne Newton, Johnny Mathis, Celtic
Woman, Marvin Hamlisch, and the Moody Blues.

Ms. Monacelli has performed with the San Diego Symphony, San Diego
Chamber Orchestra, San Diego Opera, San Diego Ballet, Riverside
Philharmonic, San Bernardino Symphony, Rhode Island Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops.

Ms. Monacelli has won numerous competitions including:

Music Teachers National Association – Collegiate Artists Competition
(Grand Prize)
National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artists Competition (1st prize)
Hudson Valley International Violin Competition (Finalist)
Boston Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition (1st prize)

Jason Nierenberg
Drum Teacher

Jason Nierenberg is a drummer who is passionate about the art of drums. Jason has been a passionate drummer for thirteen years, his passion for drumming has led him to learn a versatile amount of styles. Though his main genre is rock he likes to bring in influences from jazz and world music. Jason has been teaching consistently teaching for a year, and he loves spreading the love and appreciation of drums and music to a new generation of people that will hopefully pass it on.

Salli Martin

At six years old, Salli already had a passion for music and began with classical piano lessons. She continued her music lessons in college taught by Mary Mackenzie, graduate of Julliard, and American composer and professor, David Ward-Steinman. She graduated with a Psychology degree, and a Music degree from San Diego State University with honors. This combination of study has proven to be the key in teaching aspiring musicians to develop their confidence and creativity in music. She specializes in young beginners aspiring to learn the piano. She prefers a well-rounded music education for her piano students that includes piano performance pieces, music theory and ear-training. Her musicianship and ability to help young kids feel comfortable and have fun while learning has inspired dedicated students who have continued to study with her for years. Salli studied voice at the Judy Davis Studio in Oakland, California, who taught Sinatra and Steve Perry to name a few. She also attended several Los Angeles vocal and songwriting conferences. She relishes the

chance to work with adults to bring out their full vocal range, teach them proper singing techniques and give them tools they need to go out and sing professionally or just for fun. Some of her students are performing in local bands in and around San Diego Salli has been a part of several bands throughout her career, such as a five-piece smooth jazz band for

nine years based in Encinitas. Currently she is in a duo project, performing ballads, jazz and pop music. She has taught for over 16 years at music academies, various music schools and studios.

Angela Stewart
Voice Teacher

Angela was born in Romania and first studied classical ballet.

She later began the study of voice as a second love and then

turned to it full time.She was also a leading fashion model in

Romania and has appeared in many magazines and T.V.

Angela made her debut in the vocal Symphonic Repertoire in

March of 1998 with the Black Sea Philharmonic and since then

has traveled the world singing with many leading operas.

Angela holds a Master of Arts in vocal instruction and Opera from

the Music Academy G. Dima in Romania and has taught

professionally for many years. Currently Angela lives in San Diego

and teaches with US Music Lessons. She is very dedicated to her

students success and helping them develop the proper

techniques to help them get the most out of their own unique

voice!

Larry Grano

Larry Grano is a San Diego native and has been  performing and teaching for over 40 years. Some  performance credits include work with: 

∙ Denny Laine (Moody Blues, Paul McCartney &  Wings) 

∙ Albert Lee (Eric Clapton, The Everly Bros.) ∙ Mike Keneally(Frank Zappa) 

∙ Richie Furay(Buffalo Springfield, Poco) ∙ San Diego Symphony 

He has taught both privately as well as at School of  Rock. Larry also taught in the Valley Center School  District as an assistant drumline coach. He enjoys  playing such styles as Big Band/Swing, Combo Jazz,  Bebop, Country, R & B, Rock, Soul & Funk, Afro  Cuban, as well as being a lead vocalist for local bands  like The Steely Damned 2, and the Soul Persuaders.  Larry brings a wide variety of style to every student.

Ted Belledin

Born in Memphis and raised outside of Philadelphia, saxophonist Ted Belledin earned his Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music  

in Rochester, NY. Ted was later accepted into the   Arizona State University Graduate Program and moved to Arizona to pursue a career as a philosophy professor. He earned his Master’s degree in Philosophy and taught at the college level for three years–all the while continuing to play music as a regular member of the world music group Azz Izz. 

In 2018, Ted launched his new project, NOLAZ Band, playing covers of groove and soul music of New Orleans. He also plays regularly with Obadiah Parker, Neon, AJ Odneal, and freelances across the Valley. In addition to playing saxophone, Ted doubles on piano and clarinet, composes, arranges, sequences music, and records in his home studio. He writes and produces with Paris Toon and Mother’s Favorite Child, and  

records at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. 

Ted has performed with a wide variety of bands and musicians including The Temptations, Dennis Rowland, Julie Dexter, Anthony David, Nik West, Lea Cappelli, Papa John DeFrancesco, Jesse  McGuire, Francine and Margo Reed, Bad Cactus Brass Band, Turning Point, Sherry Roberson, Morris Alan, Diana Lee, Mel Brown, Khani Cole, Bad Sneakers, Rachel Eckroth, Mario Mendivil,  World Famous Rani G, Shining Star, The Sugar Thieves, Dowell Davis, Leon Santiago, Stan  Sorenson, Phoenix Chorale, Ola Gjeilo, and many many others. 

Ted has appeared on several albums including releases by Mother’s Favorite Child, Dennis Rowland,  Paris Toon, Kinch, Stan Sorenson, The Trophy Husbands, Ray Riendeau, Joe Morris, Azz Izz, Jodi  Light, Pete Gitlin, and more. In 2002, he recorded an album with Joe Morris and Ray Riendeau  titled Arrythmia. The groove oriented project includes original compositions with influences ranging  from jazz and funk to twelve tone composition.

Recent releases include Tip Jar Vol. II with Obadiah Parker and the Hallowed Ground, multiple  writing and performance credits on Sweet Soul Records with Paris Toon, production and  performance credit on iAm Jones’ The Last Night of Billy Lyons Part 1, and a recent writing and  performance appearance on CeCe Peniston’s latest track, “Sick.” Ted also appeared on the final track  of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale’s release, Northern Lights: Choral Works by Ola Gjeilo,  which was named the “Classical Vocal Album of the Year” in iTunes Best of 2012.

Ted Belledin

Born in Memphis and raised outside of Philadelphia, saxophonist Ted Belledin earned his Bachelor’s degree at the Eastman School of Music  

in Rochester, NY. Ted was later accepted into the   Arizona State University Graduate Program and moved to Arizona to pursue a career as a philosophy professor. He earned his Master’s degree in Philosophy and taught at the college level for three years–all the while continuing to play music as a regular member of the world music group Azz Izz. 

In 2018, Ted launched his new project, NOLAZ Band, playing covers of groove and soul music of New Orleans. He also plays regularly with Obadiah Parker, Neon, AJ Odneal, and freelances across the Valley. In addition to playing saxophone, Ted doubles on piano and clarinet, composes, arranges, sequences music, and records in his home studio. He writes and produces with Paris Toon and Mother’s Favorite Child, and  

records at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. 

Ted has performed with a wide variety of bands and musicians including The Temptations, Dennis Rowland, Julie Dexter, Anthony David, Nik West, Lea Cappelli, Papa John DeFrancesco, Jesse  McGuire, Francine and Margo Reed, Bad Cactus Brass Band, Turning Point, Sherry Roberson, Morris Alan, Diana Lee, Mel Brown, Khani Cole, Bad Sneakers, Rachel Eckroth, Mario Mendivil,  World Famous Rani G, Shining Star, The Sugar Thieves, Dowell Davis, Leon Santiago, Stan  Sorenson, Phoenix Chorale, Ola Gjeilo, and many many others. 

Ted has appeared on several albums including releases by Mother’s Favorite Child, Dennis Rowland,  Paris Toon, Kinch, Stan Sorenson, The Trophy Husbands, Ray Riendeau, Joe Morris, Azz Izz, Jodi  Light, Pete Gitlin, and more. In 2002, he recorded an album with Joe Morris and Ray Riendeau  titled Arrythmia. The groove oriented project includes original compositions with influences ranging  from jazz and funk to twelve tone composition.

Recent releases include Tip Jar Vol. II with Obadiah Parker and the Hallowed Ground, multiple  writing and performance credits on Sweet Soul Records with Paris Toon, production and  performance credit on iAm Jones’ The Last Night of Billy Lyons Part 1, and a recent writing and  performance appearance on CeCe Peniston’s latest track, “Sick.” Ted also appeared on the final track  of the Grammy-winning Phoenix Chorale’s release, Northern Lights: Choral Works by Ola Gjeilo,  which was named the “Classical Vocal Album of the Year” in iTunes Best of 2012.