Group Piano & Private Piano Lessons

Pam has taught piano in her home for over 25 years. Over time, she became extremely interested in the research being conducted indicating a beneficial relationship between musical instruction in young children, and increased or enhanced brain development.  This eventually led her to open Modesto Academy of Music & Design, enabling instruction for small children in beginning music and piano. Pam is excited and proud that several of her students have excelled and received scholarships to pursue music studies at the university level. Pam has a BA in Music, and a teaching credential in Music Education and General Education. She is currently completing research for an Interdisciplinary Masters in Child Development Education & Music from California State University, Stanislaus. Pam is a member of the Music Teacher's Association of California (MTAC) and the National Guild of Musicians.  She has been a piano adjudicator for both organizations.  Pam has served on the board for the MTAC, Stanislaus Branch and is currently the Chair for the Certificate of Merit program. Pam enjoys spending time with her family, and singing in the Celebration Choir at church. She hopes to someday be able to ring handbells again with the church handbell choir. 

LEGO™ & Robotics

Larry has taught numerous science courses at the high school level for 30 years. In addition to Life Science, Chemistry, and Biology classes (including Pre-IB & AP), he has added robotics to his teaching interests and was instrumental in bringing the Space & Engineering Academy to his campus. Larry enjoys spending time with his family and dog, gardening, watching sports, working with Christian Service Brigade (similar to Boy Scout program) and teaching Sunday School at his church.

LEGO™ & Robotics 

Greg just retired after twenty-two years as a public school teacher; twenty of those years at the middle school level. Prior to teaching he spent fifteen years in emergency medicine as an Emergency Medical Technician and a Paramedic. Greg has traveled extensively, living and working in nearly sixty countries. Some of his adventures included driving from Alaska to Panama. As a member of a four-wheel drive trans-African expedition he also traveled from England through North, West, Central, and East Africa over a five month journey.

LEGO™ & Robotics

Ethan Richison or Mr. Ethan is 20 years old and is a current student at Stanislaus State University studying history. Ethan began working for the Modesto Academy of Music and Design in 2016 and began taking classes in 2011. Since then Ethan has been taught the techniques for pre-engineering, robotics engineering, and robotic programming. Along with what he makes for the class Ethan tries to make other designs that coincide with the activities and curriculum for the lessons.

Voice Lessons 

Joey Coray is a skilled vocalist, songwriter, and performer who studied choral arts and voice at San Jose State University, where he also earned his B.A. in music education and vocal performance. For many years he was seen performing and leading worship in the south bay, San Jose area. He spent 10 years singing with the Big Band, A Touch of Brass. They would perform for events like the San Jose Jazz Festival and large scale corporate events. For 7-8 years, Joey served as the primary voice coach at the Bethel School of Music, where he worked with young and mature voices to develop sound technique and vocal style. He is able to develop all types of singers in the music style they desire. Some of his specialties include pop, opera, gospel, jazz, contemporary Christian and show tunes. In 2014, Joey came to Modesto to join the staff at Modesto Covenant Church as the worship pastor. There, he is thrilled to be at MCC leading the worship band, choir and orchestra during weekly rehearsals and Sunday services. Joey enjoys spending time with his wife Kelsie and playing with their two dogs at the dog park.

 

Group Piano & Private Piano Lessons

Danelle has been with us for quite some time and we have enjoyed her enthusiastic spirit. She is a teacher that is committed to creating an atmosphere that is encouraging and supportive for all students. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State University and also an Associate of Arts from San Joaquin Delta College, you can find Danelle teaching here at the Academy throughout the week. She is also a member of the Music Teachers Association of California and the National Guild for Piano Teachers. 

 

Beginning Orchestral Instruments
Intermediate and Advanced Clarinet and Saxophone

Christopher is currently employed as a teacher for Lincoln Unified School District in Stockton, California, where he teaches classroom music and band.  He received his B.M. degree from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Pacific. His previous positions included the Diocese of Stockton, Linden Unified, and Salida Union School Districts.  Mr. Steffanic has been a clinician for California Music Educators, National Pastoral Musicians, and the UOP Conservatory Clarinet Festival, as well as serving as a mentor teacher for future music teachers studying at the UOP School of Education.  He is a member of National Association of Music Educators, California Music Educators Association, Music Teachers Association of California, and the American Federation of Musicians Local #189. As a professional musician, he has performed with the Stockton Symphony, Townsend Opera Players, Stockton Choral, Stockton Civic Theater, Merced Pops Orchestra, Modesto Performing Arts, Gold Country Orchestra, and special musical events for the Diocese of Stockton. Chamber Music is also a favorite source of music making.  Chris is a member of the Pacific Avenue Clarinets. He currently plays clarinet for the Central Valley’s premier concert band- The Valley Concert Band. Chris also enjoys playing woodwind parts in musical theater! A few of his favorites are Fiddler on the Roof and Will Rodgers Follies.

Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Flute

Cheryl is currently employed as a music teacher at Great Valley Academy in Modesto where she teaches classroom music, ukulele, and drums classes.  She received her BA in flute performance at California State University Chico, and an MA in Music Therapy from University of the Pacific.  She is currently a member of the Stanislaus Branch of the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), an evaluator for Certificate of Merit (CM) program, and prepares some of her flute students to perform in CM.  Her previous music teaching positions include elementary band and choir director at Plumfield Christian Academy, as well as private flute instruction.  She has worked with beginning and intermediate flute groups through Gottschalk’s music programs.  As a professional musician, Cheryl has performed with the Stockton Symphony, Townsend Opera Players, Merced Symphony, Lodi Symphony, Stockton Opera, Stockton Chorale, and Zion Chamber Orchestra.  She is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, local #189.  Cheryl enjoys performing flute in her church orchestra at Big Valley Grace Community Church.

Drama

Amy Maris brings the experience and passion of several decades of stage experience and individual music instruction to her classes at MAMD. Performing with a traveling multi-media group and onstage with Modesto Performing Arts for many years, along with the experience of seeing Shakespeare performed at The Globe in London have fueled the fire for the drama classes and reader’s theater she teaches.

Art

Jacqueline attended the Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, NH, and the Russian Academy of Art in Florence, Italy. After studying drawing and painting in Italy, she apprenticed with professional painter, James Gillick, in Lincolnshire, England. She believes in an individualized approach to teaching art based on a child’s particular interests and technical level. She teaches students to draw and paint from life, their imagination, and from masterworks in order to attain the skills necessary to carry on the figurative, fine art tradition.

 

Computer Graphics & Animation, Art

Paul graduated from the Art Institute of Los Angeles with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and Animation. He currently works as a Freelance Graphic Artist. He has worked on mobile applications such as Liquidmetal Games, GRIP (iphone) and U4RYK’s Heroes of Tomorrow (android). He has also done work for Collision Studios as a Concept Artist and UI Designer. He currently does work for Diamond Game Enterprise (online gaming) and Joli Digital Studios.
Art has always been Paul’s passion since childhood. This passion veered him into Computer Graphics and Animation. Later in life Paul developed an interest in teaching and pursued an opportunity to share his knowledge and pass it on to the next generation. He is grateful that Modesto Academy of Music and Design has afforded him that opportunity.
*Paul has a comic book! Check it out HERE

 

Science, Programming, Technology, Mathematics and More!

Tai has mentored, taught, tutored numerous subjects for grades K-12 and beyond to youth, college age, and seniors in his role as founder of Covenant Heritage Academy Tutoring Services along with his wife, Kathy. After years in Information Technology software, operating systems, applications, and natural and computer languages, he continues to explore technology to make it more fun and approachable for students. Tai says, "Education should be a joyful life-long journey from mystery to steps of knowing facts, walking from discovery to understanding, flying onward from practice to forms of proficiency." His goal is to come alongside students and enable them to supercahrge their learning styles, gain insights, and collaborate with one another make better tools and methods utilitzing beyond the box thinking. Currently, he continues to privately tutor and is excited to bring a new variety of classes to MAMD. 

 

Accounts Receivable

Veronica has been a great addition to our office staff team. With her background in accounting and office administration she has jumped in with both feet! Her dream is to get her Bachelors Degree is Accounting. You'll find her working on billing and other odd jobs around the office. While born and raised in Modesto, CA, Veronica has also lived in Utah. In her spare time she loves to play video games, attend various conventions, travel, work as an Avon Representative and hang out with her best friend.

LEGO™ & Robotics

Spencer is a College student studying advanced microbiology. He has been building with LEGO^TM for 18 years and enjoys it as a hobby as well as reading, gaming, and spending time with family.  Spencer has also taken Lego & Robotics classes here at Modesto Academy for many years before he began teaching.

Group Piano & Private Piano Lessons

Mr. Jay earned his Bachelor's Degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music education at the University of Nevada. His major instrument was piano and taught high school band and chorus for 10 years and has taught private piano lessons in student's homes for over 50 years. Mr. Jay has also worked as a manager for AT&T, BART, and Wind River Systems for 35 years. He and his wife have been married for 58 years and have 7 children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom which he is very proud of. Mr. Jay enjoys religious activities and has served in many capacities in his church. He played trumpet and French horn in orchestras and various bands. On his free time, Mr. Jay enjoys playing tennis and occasionally golf. We are very pleased to have Mr. Jay join our team here at Modesto Academy; he brings a happy attitude and upbeat spirit to our facility. 
 

Private Voice Lessons & Group Vocal Classes

Rachel Grider is from Modesto, California.  She graduated from California State University Stanislaus in June of 2011 with a BM degree in vocal performance and composition, and from Peabody Conservatory in 2013 with MM degrees in Voice Performance and Music Theory Pedagogy.  She is currently teaching voice lessons in Modesto and performing free-lance.  She is working on expanding her career as a performer of oratorio and song.

LEGO™ & Robotics

Hamilton is a college student who is hoping to one day become a high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) teacher. Before teaching robotics, he studied Computer Science for 3 years including robotics and game development. Hamilton enjoys playing music, singing, swimming, calisthenics, and playing with his sister and dogs. 

Group Piano & Private Piano Lessons

Chazz was born in California and has taken piano lessons from Pam Tallman for 14 years in Modesto until he graduated from Joseph Gregori High School in 2016. He now attends BYUI as a major in piano performance. During his high school career he played the cello in orchestra, French horn in band, piano in Jazz band, and synth/keyboard in winter drum line. At age15 Chazz began to teach piano lessons. In 2015 Chazz was recruited into the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets drum corps playing Synth. That season of touring, they won the DCI open class world championships. Chazz has also received the Certificate of Merit level 7 for piano, and was first place in the division 5 Music Teachers Association of California 2016 composers today state contest, where he wrote the score for a short film. While graduating high school, he received the John Phillips Sousa award, and wrote multiple pieces for his high school's band and chamber groups to perform. Since graduating Chazz has written music for the Idaho Falls High School drum line, San Diego Sirens all women acapella group, another acapella group named Soundwave, various ensembles and solos for performers at college, and aspires to become a film score composer.

Group Piano & Private Piano Lessons
 

Marie and her family moved to Modesto, California in September 2014 from Northern Utah. She started music in the 7th grade with clarinet, then viola in 9th grade practicing 4 hours every evening! Two weeks after picking up a viola, she auditioned for the West Walley Symphony of Utah. They didn't hold auditions, but the director was intrigued with her interest of being a symphony member. They were impressed enough that she was invited to stay for rehearsal. After a few years, she was appointed to the position of Principal Viola, and a few years later, she was appointed head of Public Relations on their board of directors. Marie had a twenty year career with the symphony. She was also a featured soloist as a vocalist and playing a violin concerto and a viola concerto. 

Since moving to California, Marie has kept plenty busy performing with the following groups: Modesto Junior College Orchestra (Principal Viola), Modesto Junior College Band (Bass Clarinet/Alto Clarinet), Stanislaus Community Band (Eb & Bb Clarinet/Flute/Guest Conductor), Awesome Orchestra Collective (Viola), Dirty Symphony (Viola), Modesto Performing Arts (Music Director/Pit Musician), MoBand (Bass Clarinet/Trumpet/Horn), Hilmar Community Band (Music Director), Gottschalk Music Center Concert Band (Bass Clarinet), Modesto Christian High School (Pit Musician/Viola/Cello), Playhouse Merced (Pit Musician/Lead Violin) and Modesto Unplugged (Orchestral Director) . She is also the Band Director for Hart Ransom for grades 4th-12th. She teaches beginning, intermediate, advanced and Jazz band. 

Before moving to California, Marie was the Founder and Music director for the Davis County Symphony; adjudicator for for orchestra festivals, solo and ensembles, and Suzuki Festivals; community band director; assistant and guest conductor; band and orchestra teacher; traveling clinician; string specialist for community and youth orchestras; concertmaster of two symphonies; Music Director for several community musicals; board member for several community symphonies and enjoyed traveling all over Northern Utah performing in various music groups with her husband, Evan, who is a professional trumpet player.

Literature Instructor & Tutoring 

I love books, all books (OK, don’t tell anyone, I like some better than others…) Always an avid reader, I made sure to stay close to books throughout my life– studying English literature in undergraduate and graduate school and working in various publishing jobs since graduation.Born in The Netherlands, I have lived in many different places around the world. I now live in Modesto, California and work as an Adjunct Instructor for the Language & Literature Department at Modesto Junior College as well as a community education instructor and a private tutor of writing and language skills, literary appreciation and analysis, and creative writing. I’m also proud to be an accredited instructor for the Institute for Excellence in Writing, a powerful writing program for students of all ages.. In another lifetime, I was a literary agent for children’s books.With a Master’s degree in English Literature and years of reading and writing experience, I am passionate about the written word and look forward to inspiring others to be equally passionate about reading and writing.

Group and Private Ukulele & Guitar

Allison is a local musician who performs and tours all around California. When she is not
performing, she is passionate about spreading her love and knowledge of music to students of
all ages from their beginning through advanced stages of playing. She has studied music
production at the Los Angeles Film School, as well as guitar performance and music theory at
Modesto Junior College. She is currently completing her education and is excited to earn her BA
in music to continue her teaching career. In 2018 she was nominated for a Modesto Area Music
Award for her involvement in the local music scene. In addition to her musical experience, she
has gained experience working with children of all ages and abilities in her previous work as a
Behavior Therapist.

LEGO™ & Robotics 

Noah has been a robotics and engineering enthusiast since a very young age, inspired originally by the Spirit and Opportunity rovers sent to Mars. At the age of 12 he studied LEGO Mindstorms for 12 weeks at San Joaquin County’s robotics lab and shortly thereafter started experimenting with making his own robots. In 2016, he was a student at the Academy on the VEX EDR robotics team. After that competition, he began assisting in LEGO and VEX robotics classes and has gone on to lead LEGO pre-engineering and LEGO Mindstorms. He has also assisted in teaching scratch programming and is always looking to share his enthusiasm for robotics and engineering with others.