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

Vince Hanvey
Founder, Music Director

Vince is the founder of U.S. Music Lessons and has taught, performed, written, and recorded music for 30+ years. He wanted to create a unique learning experience that would truly inspire his students and provide an awesome studio for them to learn. That was how U.S. Music Lessons was born.

Vince has had many of his students go off to music college and pursue music as a career and although he doesn't teach as much anymore, he is still very involved with developing programs and leading U.S. Music Lessons to being the first choice for families in our area.

Mona Rosoga
Voice, Guitar, Ukulele

Born and raised in Romania to a family of musicians, Mona knew from an early age that she was destined to become an accomplished musician and a San Diego music teacher herself. As a child, she took private voice lessons from age 7, and guitar lessons followed. Later, she attended the "University of Arts and Music in Craiova, her native town.

Her desire to become a rock star since age 5 started to materialize later when she began playing guitar and singing with Rock bands in Bucharest, Romania. She has won numerous International Singing Awards in Europe in countries like Lithuania, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, as well as the famous Eurovision Festival. She was also a TV celebrity in Romania, performing in numerous TV music shows and writing her own songs.

After moving to the US, she wanted to share her musical knowledge with others by teaching voice, guitar, and ukulele. In 2017, Mona became part of U.S. Music Lessons, where she is currently a San Diego music teacher, teaching voice, guitar, and ukulele.

Heather Duquiane

Piano, Voice

Hello! I'm Heather Duquaine, a dedicated San Diego music teacher with a passion for igniting musical enthusiasm in others! My piano and voice lessons prioritize fundamentals while incorporating a fun, personalized approach tailored to each student's goals. I'm eager to embark on our musical journey together!

Before joining U.S. Music Lessons, I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, teaching for 15 years in the Midwest across all grade levels and subjects. Accompanying/directing choirs and teaching piano lessons were highlights from those years. I've been a proud member of the U.S. Music Lessons family for the past 4 years, and I currently play piano/organ and direct/accompany the choir at my church. Outside of music, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two teenagers.

Joe Silva

Piano, Drums

My name is Joe Silva and I teach and play piano, drums, and percussion. I performed on Piano Ensembles, Drums Across California, Jazz Ensembles and Orchestras in college. I have a Masters Degree in Music with emphasis in Piano Pedagogy from San Diego State University. I have taught music lessons for 20 years. I am patient and motivating towards all of my students.

I enjoy seeing the student's achievements and progress in learning and playing their instrument. I focus my lessons on music theory and ear-training in order for students interested in joining programs, including Certificate of Merit. The instruments I teach are piano and drums/percussion. In piano, I teach Classical, Contemporary, Pop, Patriotic, some Jazz etc. I focus on elements including: diatonic major and minor scales, chord progressions, technique, reading music, and repertoire which can help you progress beyond the beginning stages. I teach beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, from children to adults.

Hannah Bartley

Violin, Viola

Hello, my name is Hannah Bartley. I am a passionate music instructor and performer, with 17 years of experience playing and studying the violin and I continue to improve my methods and skills.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Eastern Michigan University in 2015. Since then, I have been teaching music with an emphasis in the classical genre to build technique, an understanding of music theory, and to inspire a lifelong love and appreciation for music.

I have experience playing many genres of music (such as fiddle) and am always happy to help my students learn to play the music they love. 

Brian Stone

Guitar, Saxophone, Trombone

Brian has taught guitar and brass instruments for over 10 years. He enjoys teaching adults, adolescents, and children in 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 at various venues and 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 such as 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

Drums

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 into 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 on 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.

Jeff Kelley

Piano, Guitar

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 60's and 70's. 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 drummer for thirteen years, and his love 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

Piano, Voice

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 both Psychology and Music degrees 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, which 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, to name a few, taught Sinatra and Steve Perry. 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 TV. 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, located in Romania, and has taught professionally for many years. Currently, Angela lives in San Diego and teaches with U.S. 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

Drums

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 

Larry has taught both privately and at School of Rock. He 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

Saxophone

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.

Michael Groves

Guitar, Bass, Drums

With an electrifying passion for music and a knack for tech, Michael Groves is not your average music educator. He brings the vibrant world of music to his students, ranging from the gritty power of rock, the intricate artistry of guitar, bass, and drums, and right down to the twinkling enchantment of the keys. Michael teaches more than just how to play; he immerses his students in the real-world thrill of being part of a rock band. This approach not only bolsters their love for music, but also equips them with a valuable skill set of teamwork, active listening, and collaborative performance.

Scaling up the excitement, Michael offers recording engineering sessions, transitioning students from the practice room to the recording studio. This unique opportunity provides insight into the production process, stoking their curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the music they love. Armed with an arsenal of digital tools, including Adobe Suite, Reaper, Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, and FL Studio, he ensures his students are in sync with the digital era of music. His students get hands-on experience with the same technology used by professionals in the industry, providing a competitive edge for those pursuing music further.

In the heart of every class that Michael teaches is his mission to inspire, ignite passion, and instill a lifelong love for music in his students. His versatile and innovative approach to teaching promises not only skill development but an exciting musical journey that your child will cherish.

Malia Warden Fox

Piano

Malia started playing the piano at age 7 and has loved it! She took lessons herself for about 10 years and has taught now for over 5 years. Malia also has a background in musical theatre and attended school for Performing Arts with a minor in Music. She currently has received an Associates Degree from Utah Valley University and is working towards her Bachelors Degree.

Will Stover

Guitar, Bass, Piano, Ukulele

Will is a San Diego native who has been playing guitar for over 20 years. After growing up with a passion for music, he played guitar in various bands in high school and eventually went on to graduate from CSUSM with a Bachelor’s degree in Music.

He started seriously teaching guitar and bass in 2022. His teaching methods cater to a wide variety of musical tastes and skill levels, and he specializes in Rock, Metal, Funk and R&B/Soul. In his free time, he plays guitar in the band Ayanami, while also writing and recording music of his own. 

Jingming Xione

Piano

Carl Chung

Violin/Viola Teacher

Violinist Carl Chung completed his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he studied with David Salness and Irina Muresanu. He teaches students of all levels, and believes that improvement comes best with innovative teaching ideas. He believes that the one size fits all approach rarely works, and that the uniqueness of each student is the key to success. Lessons are an opportunity to learn and play pieces otherwise not found in orchestral repertoire—and even most solo repertoire—such as student concerti, lesser-known concert pieces or sonatas, and etudes.

Students from Carl’s studio will progress through pieces and etudes such as those by Seitz, Kreutzer, and Ševčík—then, students learn at least one of the Mozart Violin Concerti. From there, many concerto classics can be chosen, everything from Bruch to Martinů. Students are also very welcome to select pieces (anything counts!) to supplement their learning.