Music Together® Teachers At MusicalMe

photo Lizz

Introducing Lizz, the powerhouse behind MusicalMe, Inc. As the Director and a passionate early childhood music teacher, Lizz brings a symphony of experience to the table. Not just a talented opera singer and musical theater performer with a repertoire spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, New York City, and beyond, Lizz is also a dedicated student of Early Childhood Education, having honed her skills at Cabrillo College.

Armed with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater, with an emphasis on acting from UCSC, Lizz's journey in the world of performing arts is truly impressive. Her vocal prowess has been finely tuned under the guidance of exceptional teachers, including the likes of Adrienne Angel, Blanche Thebom, and, notably, her greatest teacher – her Mom.

But there's more to Lizz than her impressive musical and theatrical background. She's also the heartwarming force behind Daniel, bringing a personal touch to her role as a music teacher – she's Daniel's Mom! With Lizz at the helm, MusicalMe, Inc. isn't just a program; it's a musical adventure led by a seasoned professional who understands the importance of nurturing ALL young minds through the magic of music.



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Amy

Meet Amy, a passionate music educator with over 20 years of experience teaching Music Together®. She brings a wealth of musical expertise to her classes, often playing her ukulele, accordion, or clarinet to engage students. Amy’s musical journey began at age five, singing and dancing, and continued with piano at age 7 and clarinet at 10. She completed the Music Teachers Association theory program as a teenager, even giving a solo recital at her high school.

Amy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design, and her love for music and performance has taken her on a diverse path. Before becoming a teacher, she toured Europe and the US with a professional rock band and spent over 15 years performing in community theater. She also has extensive experience in music, theater, and dance education, having studied at Foothill College, Pomona College, and various private studios.

Amy's entry into Music Together began as a parent when she joined a class with her 2-year-old. The center director recognized her potential as a teacher, and she quickly began her training to teach Music Together while pregnant with her second child. Over the years, she has enjoyed teaching and directing various musical projects, from directing school musicals and talent shows to set designing.

Outside of teaching, Amy currently sings in two choirs and serves as the music director for the Keys School spring musicals. After retiring from a 30-year career in city planning in 2024, Amy returned to the stage, performing in the Los Altos Follies. She continues to expand her musical and artistic skills, taking college dance and academic classes while also training to become a dance fitness instructor and a Music Together Rhythm Kids® instructor.

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photo Carla

Carla's journey with Music Together began with her enchantment with the joyful, fun, and non-instructional yet educational philosophy during a class with her nephew. Once she had her own child, there was no hesitation in embracing Music Together as a parent. The experience of creating music in a playful and developmental setting not only motivated Carla to become a music lead in her daughter's kindergarten class but also inspired her to become a Music Together teacher, eager to share the joy with more families.

Armed with a Master's degree in early childhood education, Carla applied her knowledge in preschool settings before her own child came into the picture. Beyond her professional background, Carla has a passion for baking, cooking, and singing. Immersed in the vibrant and playful music environment of Music Together, Carla found joy in playing instruments. She now skillfully plays the piano and ukulele, and she's currently learning to play the violin alongside her daughter.

Carla's musical journey reflects not only her personal joy but also her commitment to spreading the magic of music to others, creating a harmonious and enriching experience for families through the Music Together philosophy.

     
Courtney

Courtney's enchantment with Music Together began in her very first class with her daughter Shannon. Captivated by its fun, playful, and effective approach to early childhood music education, Courtney was inspired to embark on the exciting journey of becoming a Music Together teacher herself. "The joy of making music with families always, always uplifts me!" exclaims Courtney with infectious enthusiasm.

The excitement only grew as Courtney welcomed her second daughter, Savannah, into the world. Taking the plunge into the Music Together babies class reinforced Courtney's belief that it's never too early to gift a child the magic of music making. With a background in teaching Spanish and English to children, teens, and adults in diverse settings both in the U.S. and abroad, Courtney thrives on the richness of culture, communication, and creativity.

In her teaching endeavors, Courtney would often infuse her love of music, playing guitar and singing original songs to her students. Her journey led her to teach ESL at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, where she had the pleasure of jamming and improvising with world-class musicians.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Teacher Courtney expanded her expertise by completing the Canta y Baila Conmigo® training. With hopes of bringing this fantastic Spanish Immersion music program to others, she eagerly anticipates sharing the joy and healing power of music with families. Courtney's passion for creating musical connections is a testament to her belief that music is a universal language that transcends boundaries, bringing people together in harmony.

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photo Devin

Meet Devin, whose musical journey started amidst the constant piano playing of her mom and two older sisters. From a tender age, she developed a keen ear, effortlessly sounding out the tunes that filled her surroundings. Early piano lessons were met with some resistance, as Devin found her ear-guided improvisations more captivating than the written notes before her. Undeterred, she mastered the art of reading notes while preserving her passion for playing by ear.

The musical odyssey continued in 4th grade when Devin took up the violin, unlocking the world of ensemble and orchestral music. The experience was nothing short of love at first bow. In 6th grade, she effortlessly picked up the guitar, finding it surprisingly easy to play. This newfound skill paved the way for Devin to join church bands, a musical endeavor she remains deeply involved in.

In 1986, Devin proudly graduated with a BA in Music from SFSU, marking a significant milestone in her musical education. Fast forward to the year 2000, Devin ventured into the world of Music Together, where she not only discovered the joy of creating verses but also gained valuable insights for implementing creative ideas. The experience was not just educational but immensely fun and interactive.

Devin's musical repertoire expanded further as she obtained licenses in the Simply Music Piano Method and Level 1 Kodaly Approach K-5th. What brings her the most joy is witnessing the emotional depth that music evokes in babies, toddlers, and elementary-aged school children. As a dedicated Music Together enthusiast, Devin takes great pleasure in introducing families to the sheer delight of making music together, weaving a harmonious tapestry of joy and connection through the universal language of music.

     
Elizabeth

Meet Elizabeth, the musical maestro with over 20 years of enchanting Music Together experience that has become an inseparable part of her life. Beyond her role as a beloved Music Together teacher, Elizabeth is a professional saxophonist and accomplished composer. Her dedication to musical education is underscored by her prestigious Certification Level Two training, a distinction achieved by just over 100 teachers nationwide. Elizabeth's musical journey involved intensive study under the guidance of Music Together founders Ken Guilmartin and Lili Levinowitz.

Armed with a B.A. in Music from UCSC, Elizabeth has shared her passion for music in various settings, teaching both privately and in elementary schools to children ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Her commitment to fostering musical connections extends beyond the classroom, as she believes in empowering parents to make music a natural and integral part of their interactions with their children.

When not immersed in the world of music, Elizabeth finds solace in hiking the mountains surrounding Santa Cruz and diving into the refreshing waters with the Cruzers swim team. Summer days see her unwinding on her favorite beaches, engrossed in a good book or people-watching on Westcliff. During the pandemic, she indulged in her second passion:  baking.  She makes the most delicious bread and croutons!  Adding to her musical repertoire, Elizabeth is also an integral part of Aza, a 6-piece Moroccan/North African band that takes its captivating tunes on international tours.

Teacher Elizabeth's vision encapsulates her mission as a Music Together educator – to empower parents in embracing music with their children as seamlessly as speaking to them. Her influence extends far beyond the classroom, creating a harmonious blend of musical education and community connection that has left an indelible mark on countless families.

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  Kate

Coming Soon!

     
Keeva

Keeva is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with over 20 years of musical experience. They began their musical journey as a teenager, learning bass guitar to play in a band with friends, later expanding to acoustic guitar to accompany their voice while exploring songwriting. Over the years, Keeva has developed a wide range of instrumental skills, including piano, drums, percussion, harmonica, ukulele, flute, synthesizer, fiddle, and even accordion!

A graduate of Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in Audio Engineering and Sound Design, Keeva thrived in a rich musical community where they contributed to jazz big bands, symphonies, and operatic performances, providing sound reinforcement and recording. While they gained formal training, Keeva’s musical roots are largely self-taught, teaching themselves to read music and play piano during quarantine. Their creative process is driven by a love for experimentation and improvisation, with a solid foundation in music theory and instrumental performance.

Keeva’s passion for performance was sparked in high school, where they participated in musical theater productions like Beauty and the Beast, The Sound of Music, and Les Miserables. Since 2021, they’ve written and produced annual stage musicals with the 418 Project’s Muse of Fire Theatre Company, involving local amateur actors and singers in a unique, volunteer-driven artistic experience. In addition to this, Keeva performs as a solo songwriter under the moniker Genet Sais Pas, collaborates in the experimental looping duo Pirate Doctor Lazer Monkey, and takes part in local song circles. They’re excited to bring their experience in musical connection and collaboration to the families involved in Music Together starting in Spring 2025!

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photo Shannon

Shannon is a seasoned professional in the realms of acting, singing, and choreography, with a rich background rooted in the picturesque Santa Cruz Mountains. Her journey in the world of performing arts began at an early age, igniting a passion for dance at 2 and delving into musical theatre at 7 under the guidance of LPRT.

Shannon's enthusiasm for both performing and teaching blossomed as she took on leadership roles at a young age. At 12, she found herself choreographing for the LPRT program, orchestrating movements for a hundred children. By 14, Shannon was already assisting with shows at MCT, showcasing her early aptitude for leadership in the arts.

Shannon's artistic pursuits led her to the bustling streets of New York City in the early 2000s, where she swiftly earned Sag/Aftra Union status. During this period, she honed her craft and imbibed the values of kindness and precision from influential mentors such as Kathie Kratochvil, Kulani Kamaha'o, and MMI mentor Teacher Jessica.

In 2014, Shannon's path intersected with Lizz and MusicalMe, marking the beginning of her teaching journey. Her dedication to the craft was further underscored when she achieved Cert 1, a higher teacher certification, in 2017. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shannon experienced her most joyous performance on October 17th, 2018, when she and her husband Ian welcomed their son, Finn, into the world. True to her commitment to MusicalMe, Finn embarked on his baby class journey at just 2 months old.

Now, Shannon revels in the happiness of motherhood and the sense of family cultivated within the MusicalMe community. Grateful for the opportunity to work with wonderful families, she takes pride in being part of this exceptional woman-run company.

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