yuiko ohoka

Piano, Music Theory (Classical)

Yuiko Ohoka was born in Japan and moved to the U.S. in 2001. She studied piano under the direction of Daggett Jensen, Yumi Tayama, and Dr. Gwendolyn Mok. She participated in many competitions and won prizes including second prize and honorable mention at CAPMT Concerto Competition. Ohoka was a finalist at Coeur d’Alene Symphony’s National Young Artist Competition and the Eastern Music Festival Concerto Competition. Yuiko was also selected to perform on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center, and she was chosen to perform in the Young Artist Concert Series during the Amalfi Coast Music and Arts Festival. In the summer of 2013, Ohoka was invited to Japan where she performed Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major with an orchestra. She holds a MM Degree in piano performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied under Yoshikazu Nagai.

wesley Li-Hwa Cheng

Piano, Music Theory (Classical)

Ms. Wesley Cheng completed her Master of Music degree in piano performance at Notre Dame de Namur University and was a postbaccalaureate of piano performance at San Jose State University. She studied piano performance under Dr. Gwendolyn Mok and Dr. Michael Schmitz. Prior to come to United State, Ms. Wesley Cheng received many rewards from piano solo competitions in Taiwan and invited to the National City Hall in Taiwan for three consecutive years. Ms. Wesley Cheng has been a piano teacher in the Bay Area for twenty-five years. She teaches students to how to master fundamental piano skills by encouraging students to develop their own creative skills as they learn the material. Parents and students are benefit profoundly from her teaching techniques, knowledge, and experience. Many of her students received first place prizes and championships in various competitions. More important, all her students who took CM test (Preparatory level to Panel) passed the test with very high score. Some of them even received the invitation to perform at convention every year. Ms. Wesley Cheng stimulates her students desire to learn. She wants to make learning music fun and enjoyable, because she believes that is how human beings will learn to play music from their hearts. Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-47yDuReXj4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUn1RzqQ0Sg

Michiyo Nakatani

Piano (Online Only)

Ms. Michiyo graduated from Musashino Music Acadmy, in Tokyo, Japan. After teaching in Tokyo for several years, she moved to the U.S. to expose more diversity of music. Her vision of "every person must have artistic and creative sense, that I like to pull out through music" is what led to her long-time teaching. She is also a collaborative pianist at Iowa State University. Engaging with playing at colleges, with guest artists, and for competitions. She has been teaching piano in the US and Japan over 30 years and is a Member of MTNA (Music Teachers National Association). Her students have been placed top prizes at Iowa and Mid-West Regional chapters.

WILLIAM CHAO

Violin

William Chao brings over 20 years of violin experience and a uniquely non-traditional, appreciation-driven approach to music education. Having grown up in competitive musical environments himself, he understands how pressure can easily diminish a child’s joy and turn learning into something passive. His teaching focuses on nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a proactive mindset that supports long-term growth.

William believes strongly in helping students develop critical thinking through music. Rather than simply telling students what to do, he guides them to understand why certain techniques matter so they can build the ability to self-correct and practice independently. He also incorporates musical appreciation and active listening into his lessons. William has found that many young musicians rarely listen to classical music in their free time, which limits their ability to project musicality on their instrument. By introducing students to recordings, composers, and the stories behind the repertoire, he helps them form a deeper emotional connection to music.

He teaches both solo and orchestral repertoire and adapts each lesson to the goals and learning style of the student. As a performer, William has been recognized in competitions such as the Silicon Valley International Competition and American Protégé, and he has performed at Carnegie Hall. Above all, he is passionate about helping young musicians grow into independent thinkers who find genuine joy and inspiration in classical music.

Tim Burke

Drum Set, Jazz/Rock/Pop Percussion, Guitar

Tim Burke is a professional drummer and instructor who received a Bachelor’s Degree in music from San Jose State University in 2014. He has 15 years of performance experience and a large repertoire in Rock, Blues, and Jazz with shows varying from restaurants corners to weddings to the main stage. In addition to performing, Burke teaches drumming and music to students of all levels. His lessons include chart reading, technique, independence, and playing with recorded music. Burke takes great pride in his professionalism and dependability.

LANE YOUNG

Drum Set (Jazz, Rock, Pop)

Lane was born and raised just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he attended the Central Bucks School District. He explored several instruments in his early years — violin, piano, guitar, and saxophone — but it was the drum set that allowed his musical talent to truly flourish.

Soon after beginning drum lessons, Lane auditioned for his middle school competition Jazz Band and quickly excelled, earning multiple “Best Overall Soloist” awards. He continued to stand out through high school Jazz Band competitions and ultimately earned his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance on drums from Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance in Philadelphia. He later continued his musical development with a Master’s in Audio Technology from American University.

Now living in the San Jose area with his wife, Crystal, and cat, Zen, Lane continues to perform and teach with passion. His positive energy, adaptability, and real-world musical expertise help students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for drumming.