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    Yamaha Music Academy
           Fullerton Branch

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  • Carlton Liu

    Carlton Liu was born in Hong Kong and came to the U.S. at a young age. After completing his Master of Fine Arts degree in piano performance from the University of California, Mr. Carlton has worked as a music specialist for Yamaha Corporation of America with his expertise in Electone and composition. In 1994, he represented America in the International Electone Concour in Tokyo, Japan, and was awarded 2nd place for his performance of Stravinsky's Petrushka and Ravel's La Valse at the Yamaha ELX Electone.

    Recently Mr. Carlton has been working with many international artists including Patti Austin from the U.S., Tsai Chin from Taiwan, and Frances Yip and Elisa Chan from Hong Kong. Active in commercial music compositions, he has written, performed and produced soundtracks for many Hong Kong movies including Nancy Sit Ka-Yin’s recent works. Mr. Carlton's performances cover a broad range of styles from classical to pop and jazz. He believes that a good musician must experience all types of music to fully enrich one's musical knowledge.

    A zealous educator in music, Mr. Carlton has cultivated many talented students in his teaching studio Yamaha Music Academy in Fullerton, California. He is respected for his tenure of over 20 years working with the Yamaha Junior Original Concert being the mentor of many award-winning young composers.

    Carlton Liu was born in Hong Kong and came to the U.S. at a young age. After completing his Master of Fine Arts degree in piano performance from the University of California, Mr. Carlton has worked as a music specialist for Yamaha Corporation of America with his expertise in Electone and composition. In 1994, he represented America in the International Electone Concour in Tokyo, Japan, and was awarded 2nd place for his performance of Stravinsky's Petrushka and Ravel's La Valse at the Yamaha ELX Electone.

    Recently Mr. Carlton has been working with many international artists including Patti Austin from the U.S., Tsai Chin from Taiwan, and Frances Yip and Elisa Chan from Hong Kong. Active in commercial music compositions, he has written, performed and produced soundtracks for many Hong Kong movies including Nancy Sit Ka-Yin’s recent works. Mr. Carlton's performances cover a broad range of styles from classical to pop and jazz. He believes that a good musician must experience all types of music to fully enrich one's musical knowledge.

    A zealous educator in music, Mr. Carlton has cultivated many talented students in his teaching studio Yamaha Music Academy in Fullerton, California. He is respected for his tenure of over 20 years working with the Yamaha Junior Original Concert being the mentor of many award-winning young composers.

  • Mark Newberry

    With a Music Degree from California State University Fullerton, Mr. Mark Newberry has become enriched with musical expertise. He studied piano, voice, saxophone, and guitar and played in the top wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. Mitchell Fennell. Mark currently is the music director at St. Linus, St. Brunos and The Nativity Church. Appeared in many different groups as a saxophonist, vocalist and pianist, Mr. Mark is also featured as an orchestral classical saxophonist with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra.

    In addition to his busy performance schedule, Mr. Mark is a very experienced and well-rounded music instructor. Whether it is teaching one-on-one private instruction or in group settings, his musical knowledge goes beyond three instruments. Mr. Mark understands that knowing each student's needs is very important for his/her development in order to become an accomplished musician. Although studying music is very hard work, students will discover their hidden musical abilities when the teacher can properly guide them with positive motivation.

    With a Music Degree from California State University Fullerton, Mr. Mark Newberry has become enriched with musical expertise. He studied piano, voice, saxophone, and guitar and played in the top wind ensemble under the direction of Dr. Mitchell Fennell. Mark currently is the music director at St. Linus, St. Brunos and The Nativity Church. Appeared in many different groups as a saxophonist, vocalist and pianist, Mr. Mark is also featured as an orchestral classical saxophonist with the La Mirada Symphony Orchestra.

    In addition to his busy performance schedule, Mr. Mark is a very experienced and well-rounded music instructor. Whether it is teaching one-on-one private instruction or in group settings, his musical knowledge goes beyond three instruments. Mr. Mark understands that knowing each student's needs is very important for his/her development in order to become an accomplished musician. Although studying music is very hard work, students will discover their hidden musical abilities when the teacher can properly guide them with positive motivation.

  • Dr. Edward Zeliff

    Dr. Zeliff is an accomplished pianist, accompanist, composer, and conductor of wide experience, from insightful interpretation of other composers' works as well as his own, to producing and editing recording sessions of solo pianists, accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from Claremont Graduate University.

    In conjunction with teaching at the Fullerton Yamaha Music Academy, Dr. Zeliff is an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University and World Mission University. He also directs the music program at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont, California, where he produces a concert series featuring talented students of all ages from Claremont Graduate University and elsewhere. He is also partnered with Colombian soprano Maria Del Pilar in OPUS 2, a duo dedicated to the creation, discovery, and performance of original and exotic repertoire from a variety of genres and styles.

    Dr. Zeliff spent many years composing and conducting original film scores in the religious media film community, leading studio orchestras in London and Los Angeles. As a composer, Dr. Zeliff's catalogue features an extensive collection of choral, piano, instrumental, and orchestral works that have been performed nationally and internationally by many distinguished soloists and conductors. A generous sampling of his compositions is included on his website www.edwardzeliff.com.

    Dr. Zeliff is an accomplished pianist, accompanist, composer, and conductor of wide experience, from insightful interpretation of other composers' works as well as his own, to producing and editing recording sessions of solo pianists, accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists, chamber ensembles, and orchestras. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition from Claremont Graduate University.

    In conjunction with teaching at the Fullerton Yamaha Music Academy, Dr. Zeliff is an adjunct professor at Claremont Graduate University and World Mission University. He also directs the music program at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Claremont, California, where he produces a concert series featuring talented students of all ages from Claremont Graduate University and elsewhere. He is also partnered with Colombian soprano Maria Del Pilar in OPUS 2, a duo dedicated to the creation, discovery, and performance of original and exotic repertoire from a variety of genres and styles.

    Dr. Zeliff spent many years composing and conducting original film scores in the religious media film community, leading studio orchestras in London and Los Angeles. As a composer, Dr. Zeliff's catalogue features an extensive collection of choral, piano, instrumental, and orchestral works that have been performed nationally and internationally by many distinguished soloists and conductors. A generous sampling of his compositions is included on his website www.edwardzeliff.com.

  • Eddie Ejiri

    A seasoned performer, Mr. Eddie is the concertmaster of the Rio Hondo Symphony Orchestra and Fullerton Symphony Orchestra. He is also an associate member of Japan Philharmonic Orchestra under the directions of Maestro Seiji Ozawa. Well respected in his field, Mr. Eddie appears and tours frequently playing music from all eras.

    Graduated from Knitachi Music Conservatory in Tokyo, Mr. Eddie earned prestige diplomas from both Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland as well as La Sierra University in the US. His expertise in Suzuki, Carl Flesch and Galamian methods allows him to adopt the perfect system for different student's need. Nurturing student's love with violin and music is Mr. Eddie's promise to all his students.

    A seasoned performer, Mr. Eddie is the concertmaster of the Rio Hondo Symphony Orchestra and Fullerton Symphony Orchestra. He is also an associate member of Japan Philharmonic Orchestra under the directions of Maestro Seiji Ozawa. Well respected in his field, Mr. Eddie appears and tours frequently playing music from all eras.

    Graduated from Knitachi Music Conservatory in Tokyo, Mr. Eddie earned prestige diplomas from both Geneva Conservatory in Switzerland as well as La Sierra University in the US. His expertise in Suzuki, Carl Flesch and Galamian methods allows him to adopt the perfect system for different student's need. Nurturing student's love with violin and music is Mr. Eddie's promise to all his students.

  • Ikuko Fagan

    Miss Ikuko began working with the Yamaha Music Education System more than 20 years ago. While in Japan, Miss Ikuko graduated from the Ferris Women's Junior College majoring in music and was actively involved in vocal training and workshops with Vienna Music Academy and the Julliard School of Music.

    An ABRSM LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) Diploma in Vocal Performance and Yamaha Grade 3 Piano Performance examination certification holder, Miss Ikuko currently is the music director of our Ode-To-Joy Children's Chorus while working with students in piano and vocal studies at Yamaha Music Academy. With her decades of music teaching experience, Miss Ikuko is beloved by all her students.

    Miss Ikuko began working with the Yamaha Music Education System more than 20 years ago. While in Japan, Miss Ikuko graduated from the Ferris Women's Junior College majoring in music and was actively involved in vocal training and workshops with Vienna Music Academy and the Julliard School of Music.

    An ABRSM LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) Diploma in Vocal Performance and Yamaha Grade 3 Piano Performance examination certification holder, Miss Ikuko currently is the music director of our Ode-To-Joy Children's Chorus while working with students in piano and vocal studies at Yamaha Music Academy. With her decades of music teaching experience, Miss Ikuko is beloved by all her students.

  • Dr. Miwha Choi

    Dr. Miwha, a highly accomplished musician, is the Music Director, organist, and pianist at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Claremont, California. Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Miwha began her musical journey at the age of five. She holds a Bachelor's Degree (2001) and a Master's Degree (2004) in music from Chong Sin University, followed by a Master's Degree in Organ (2013) from the University of Houston. In 2021, Dr. Miwha was conferred the Doctorate degree in church music with focus in orchestral conducting.

    With a passion for the Lutheran tradition, she has performed globally and conducted at various churches. Dr. Miwha's extensive academic achievements are complemented by her passion in teaching to nurture the next generation of musicians through proper guidance and positive encouragement. Her students learn to not only enjoy music but also appreciate how music can enrich their lives.

    Dr. Miwha, a highly accomplished musician, is the Music Director, organist, and pianist at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Claremont, California. Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, Dr. Miwha began her musical journey at the age of five. She holds a Bachelor's Degree (2001) and a Master's Degree (2004) in music from Chong Sin University, followed by a Master's Degree in Organ (2013) from the University of Houston. In 2021, Dr. Miwha was conferred the Doctorate degree in church music with focus in orchestral conducting.

    With a passion for the Lutheran tradition, she has performed globally and conducted at various churches. Dr. Miwha's extensive academic achievements are complemented by her passion in teaching to nurture the next generation of musicians through proper guidance and positive encouragement. Her students learn to not only enjoy music but also appreciate how music can enrich their lives.

  • Nikki Delgado

    Miss Nikki received her degree in Pedagogy in Music from the Conservatory of Music in Mexico. A graduate from the Yamaha Music Education System, Miss Nikki has been a dedicated instructor for the Yamaha system working extensively with children for their piano and Electone studies since 1987.

    An education specialist certified by Yamaha Music Foundation, Miss Nikki conducts new teachers seminar, judges in examinations and contests, and is a course coordinator for Yamaha Mexico.

    Miss Nikki received her degree in Pedagogy in Music from the Conservatory of Music in Mexico. A graduate from the Yamaha Music Education System, Miss Nikki has been a dedicated instructor for the Yamaha system working extensively with children for their piano and Electone studies since 1987.

    An education specialist certified by Yamaha Music Foundation, Miss Nikki conducts new teachers seminar, judges in examinations and contests, and is a course coordinator for Yamaha Mexico.

  • Jeff Segal

    Mr. Jeff is a veteran Fountain Valley school district educator certified by the State of California Commission of Teacher Credentialing with extensive knowledge in Music and multiple subjects. His decades long teaching career with K-12 students focuses on flexible personalized learning built on a comprehensive all-in-one curriculum. Mr. Jeff is also a dedicated instructor for charter school learners helping homeschoolers study music at their own pace. A lifetime devotee to music and education, Mr. Jeff is a versatile musicians who specializes in drums, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, recorder, piano, guitar as well as electric bass.

    Mr. Jeff is a veteran Fountain Valley school district educator certified by the State of California Commission of Teacher Credentialing with extensive knowledge in Music and multiple subjects. His decades long teaching career with K-12 students focuses on flexible personalized learning built on a comprehensive all-in-one curriculum. Mr. Jeff is also a dedicated instructor for charter school learners helping homeschoolers study music at their own pace. A lifetime devotee to music and education, Mr. Jeff is a versatile musicians who specializes in drums, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, recorder, piano, guitar as well as electric bass.

  • Kegn Venegas

  • James Grover

    Mr. James is an avid guitar instructor and performer. Not only did he earn his degree in music but Mr. James is also an expert luthier. He specializes in both electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, mandolin and ukulele. Knowing the ins and outs of all the instruments he plays allows Mr. James to work alongside many renowned artists like Kevin Eubanks from the Tonights Show, Timothy Schmidt of the Eagles and jazz guitarist George Benson. Mr. James brings his multi-faceted experience into the classroom for students of all ages with his dedication as a teacher to inspire them.

    Mr. James is an avid guitar instructor and performer. Not only did he earn his degree in music but Mr. James is also an expert luthier. He specializes in both electric and acoustic guitar, bass guitar, mandolin and ukulele. Knowing the ins and outs of all the instruments he plays allows Mr. James to work alongside many renowned artists like Kevin Eubanks from the Tonights Show, Timothy Schmidt of the Eagles and jazz guitarist George Benson. Mr. James brings his multi-faceted experience into the classroom for students of all ages with his dedication as a teacher to inspire them.

  • Magdalena Chairunas

    With over 20 years of teaching experience, Miss Magdalena began her musical career from a young age competing and awarded in numerous Yamaha® Piano and Electone® competitions. A scholarship recipient, she studied piano performance at the Music Department of Biola University and was conferred a Bachelor degree from Cal State University Long Beach along with ABRSM certification. Miss Magdalena also studied Piano Pedagogy with Dr. Monica Lee and advanced music with Dr. Jeremy Siskind in Fullerton College.

    With her creativity and passion in music education, Miss Magdalena continuously support local community schools and churches activities. She plays keyboard with her church’s worship team and teaches Children Sunday school. She enjoys all kinds of music: classical, gospel, jazz, pop, ethnic and traditional. She believes studying music is a journey but not a destination. Anyone can learn music at any time of age at one's own pace.

    With over 20 years of teaching experience, Miss Magdalena began her musical career from a young age competing and awarded in numerous Yamaha® Piano and Electone® competitions. A scholarship recipient, she studied piano performance at the Music Department of Biola University and was conferred a Bachelor degree from Cal State University Long Beach along with ABRSM certification. Miss Magdalena also studied Piano Pedagogy with Dr. Monica Lee and advanced music with Dr. Jeremy Siskind in Fullerton College.

    With her creativity and passion in music education, Miss Magdalena continuously support local community schools and churches activities. She plays keyboard with her church’s worship team and teaches Children Sunday school. She enjoys all kinds of music: classical, gospel, jazz, pop, ethnic and traditional. She believes studying music is a journey but not a destination. Anyone can learn music at any time of age at one's own pace.

  • Teresita Delgado

    Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Miss Teresita is a pedagogical specialist with her experience with Yamaha Music Education System since the 1970s. Active in conducting pedagogy seminars in South America, Europe and Japan, Miss Teresita is also an accomplished concert pianist appearing with many important symphony orchestras, chamber music groups in Europe and Latin America. She has taught at the Superior School of Music of the National Institute of Fine Arts in Mexico and has been a key instructor of many Yamaha System Courses as well as the Junior Original Concerts.

    Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Miss Teresita is a pedagogical specialist with her experience with Yamaha Music Education System since the 1970s. Active in conducting pedagogy seminars in South America, Europe and Japan, Miss Teresita is also an accomplished concert pianist appearing with many important symphony orchestras, chamber music groups in Europe and Latin America. She has taught at the Superior School of Music of the National Institute of Fine Arts in Mexico and has been a key instructor of many Yamaha System Courses as well as the Junior Original Concerts.

  • Carlton Liu
    Carlton Liu
  • Mark Newberry
    Mark Newberry
  • Dr. Edward Zeliff
    Dr. Edward Zeliff
  • Eddie Ejiri
    Eddie Ejiri
  • Ikuko Fagan
    Ikuko Fagan
  • Dr. Miwha Choi
    Dr. Miwha Choi
  • Nikki Delgado
    Nikki Delgado
  • Jeff Segal
    Jeff Segal
  • Kegn Venegas
    Kegn Venegas
  • James Grover
    James Grover
  • Magdalena Chairunas
    Magdalena Chairunas
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