Annie Chen received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of Southern California in Piano Performance, where she studied with Nancy Bricard, Bernandene Blaha, and James Bonn. She has also been honored to participate in master classes with living legends as Nelita True, Menahem Pressler, John Perry, Cecile Ousset, and Andre Watts. Privately, she has also worked with Constance Keene, Cecile Ousset (Puycelsi, France ), and Bernardo Segall. Ms. Chen's drive for excellence has earned her many awards and honors such as winning first prize in the International Piano Competition of Washington D.C. concerto competition, International Young Artist Peninsula Music Festival, numerous Music Teachers Association of California piano solo/chamber music competitions, scholarships, and many more. Ms. Chen's students perform frequently on MTAC and MTNA recitals, competitions and festivals. They have received recognition as medalists, scholarship winners, and outstanding performers under her tutelage. Ms. Chen is an active member of the Music Teachers' Association of California, Music Teachers National Association, & the California Association of Professional Music Teachers. In addition to her busy teaching schedule, Ms. Chen continues to pursue her career as a solo artist and keyboard collaborative performer. She is a founding member of The Mural Trio. Ms. Chen is currently on the faculty of the Pasadena Conservatory of Music & the Alhambra Music Academy.

Email: annieachen168@gmail.com
At the Music Studios: (626)282-7605 (Voice Mailbox # 2)
Direct Phone: (626) 824 -3868

What students say about Annie:

Annie Chen earned her Masters Degree in Piano Performance with me at the University of Southern California, where, for 35 years, I was a Professor and former Chair of Keyboard Studies. I found her to be an extraordinary and gifted pianist and young woman. She displayed immense talent, imagination and character. In the years following graduation she became an equally gifted teacher who is able to communicate both fundamentals and musicality to her students. Her warm and engaging personality makes her an asset to all with whom she associates.

I'm one of Annie Chen's adult piano students and have been taking lessons from her for about three years. What a wonderful teacher she is!! I feel that I've learned more working with her than I learned from much longer time spent with prior teachers. She is nurturing and patient -- but challenging at the same time.

She has encouraged me to take on more difficult pieces and to work through the occasional frustration. I am tackling pieces that I never thought I would ever play. She also conveys a very strong sense of musicality that has a broad range over diverse musical styles. And she is very practical and easy to get along with. When a lesson is over, I always feel that I've learned something and had fun.

Allen Katz

Larry Evans teaches classical, popular and jazz styles.

Larry Evans teaches piano and electronic keyboard and holds a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University. He has played professionally for over 30 years and has taught the piano for 25 years, which includes 18 years at the Alhambra Music Academy. Mr. Evans has played for the former Mayor of Los Angeles, Richard Riordan, and as rehearsal pianist for Tracy Ulman on an HBO special. He performed his own show all over the Los Angeles area in the fall of 2007. He is currently recording his third CD at the Professional Musicians Union in Los Angeles. His first CD "Magnificent Movie Love Themes" was released nationally and can be found on cdbaby.com.

Email: larry.music@att.net
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605 (Voice Mailbox # 4)
Direct Phone: (626) 202-5194

What students say about Larry:

Nice collection of love songs. Nice CD. I love it!

Tim Riso –Author CD baby

He can really make that piano talk

Marge Makely –long time fan

When I study piano I always go to Larry Evans, he is the most patient and talented teacher I have ever had

Julie Marchese-Alhambra, a student for over 8 years.

John Wang has been teaching for about 25 years. Among his students, many go to elite music schools around the United States and become professional musicians. Mr. Wang started his musical education at an early age in China. He went to the music Conservatory and became a Violin/Viola teacher. He then came to the U.S. and got his Masters degree in music performance. Mr. Wang has taught at Cerritos College, Punaho School of Music in Hawaii, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and currently teaches at the Alhambra Music Academy.

Email: zhengwang8@yahoo.com
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605 (Voice Mailbox # 2)
Direct Phone: (626)354-0837

Mario Hidalgo teaches classical, popular and rock guitar styles, 5 string banjo, mandolin and ukelele. He received a B.A. in music performance from Occidental College, is a finger style specialist and has played professionally at numerous southern California amusement parks, concerts and recitals for 24 years. He has been teaching private students at this location for 23 years. Mr. Hidalgo instructs his students in the style of music they choose and emphasizes learning their instrument by developing their technical, reading, and listening skills at their own pace.

Email: m6mhidalgo@hotmail.com
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605 (Voice Mailbox #1)
Direct Phone: (323)254-3848

Suzanne Lukather completed undergraduate and post graduate studies in Voice Performance and Music Education at the University of California . Her post-baccalaureate studies continued at Juilliard School of Music in New York City . Master teachers included Adele Addison, Madame Ruth Micealis, and Marge Rivingston. As a scholarhip receipient to the Aspen Music Festival, she studied with opera directors Wesley Balk and Dame Joan Cross of Sadler Wells Opera. She went on to join the roster of “The Singers Theatre of New York” and “Baby Grand Opera of Cincinnati” when she was hired by Gower Champion for the Broadway rock opera “Rockabye Hamlet.” Her career has spanned over 30 Off-Broadway, Regional and National Tours, the Concert Stage including Symphony and Cabaret appearances worldwide. Her association with the Disney Company spans 16 years including several start-up projects such as Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Cruise Lines. Ms. Lukather is an active member of The National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Music Teachers Association of California, The American Federation of Musicians, Screen Actors' Guild, and Actors' Equity Association. Her current performing schedule includes the California Philharmonic Orchestra and the Nickelodeon Channel. She is currently on the faculty of The Alhambra Music Academy and Lori Moran Music Studios.

Email: SALukather@yahoo.com
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605 (Voice Mailbox # 4)
Direct Phone: (800) 676-5204

Our daughter, Mary, has taken voice lessons from Suzanne for two years. Through her association with the Music Studio, Mary made her professional debut in Baz Lurhman's "La Boheme" at the Ahmanson in 2004, as well as at The Disney Concert Hall with the California Philharmonic's Childrens Chorus.

An accomplished singer and performer herself, Suzanne has the ability to teach vocal technique to young people that is inspiring and highly effective. Suzanne's enthusiasm and professionalism provides a wonderful role model for her students.

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Regalado

Suzanne Lukather is one of the best kept secrets in the business. A wonderful teacher, she helped me shed some of the bad habits I acquired along the way and focus in on my own true voice. The breathing exercises are exhilirating and easily translate in performance. I'm so thankful she has decided to share her knowledge of vocal technique and love of music.

Terrie Richards Alden, Concord Recording Artist

I believe that my training with Miss Lukather is the reason I was accepted to LACHSA.

Annakate Blackford

Suzanne has been able to adapt her style of teaching to meet my specific needs. She has demystified the theory aspect of learning piano by breaking down the elements into easy-to-grasp concepts. I feel I am growing immensely under her tuteledge.

Timothy Naux, Songwriter

Since our granddaughter started taking singing lessons with Suzanne Lukather, not only has her voice developed beautifully, but she has also had the opportunity to audition and perform in a variety of circumstances. Suzanne has continued to be very involved in all her students' growth. We feel it to be a great privilege for Mia to have her as a voice teacher.

Mr. and Mrs. John Logg

I began studying with Suzanne with a goal in mind. She helped me to accomplish that goal. Because of her time and effort, I was able to prepare for the audition which led to acceptance at Idyllwild Arts Academy. Suzanne is a wonderful teacher and singer. She uses her experience as a professional singer to teach you how to use the most important parts of your instrument - your mouth, ears, posture, diaphragm - and your mind.

Danielle Demianew, 16 years old

Jay Hutson graduated from Webster College, St. Louis Missouri with a Bachelor of Music in clarinet, and graduate studies in clarinet and composition at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville Illinois . He studied privately with more than 20 world class musician/teachers in clarinet, flute, saxophone, composition, arranging, film scoring, and conducting.

"My goal for the student is good personal improvement. My teaching is twofold: private lessons and ensemble groups . I strive to give higher enjoyment of music, through a fuller music experience from private lessons and ensemble coaching. Theory, composition, music history, and improvisation are taught either separately or are integrated into the private instruction. I also feature student solo and ensemble recitals to further performance ambition. I am currently involved in writing and recording a series of ensemble books and instructional text.

"I have performed for Ray Charles, Harry James, and “The New American Orchestra”. I regularly play with local symphonies, shows and entertainers like “The Temptations”, Rita Moreno, Aretha Franklin, and Vic Damone. My recording ranges from “The New Mickey Mouse Club TV Show”, the Pointer Sisters, commercials, to “Puff Daddy”. I was musical director for “The 30 th Anniversary Of Rock an Roll”, played for Joe Harnell's ”Cole Porter's 100 th Birthday” tour, “American Song Writers PBS Special” and have played many times for “The Golden Eagle Awards Show” (the Latin Oscar/Grammy show).

Email: dawolvezz@yahoo.com
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605 (Voice Mailbox # 3)
Direct Phone: (626) 350-6166

Sharmila Guha attended the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and continued studies as a classical singer at the University of California, Santa Barbara. When invited to appear as a featured soloist with the UCSB Jazz Ensemble, she discovered her passion for jazz. After college, she was accepted into the “Jazz in July” program at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, working with the legendary jazz singer Sheila Jordan.

Sharmila began her professional career in 2003 as a featured artist in the Santa Barbara Festival of Art & Jazz. She maintained her classical ties as a cantor and soloist at the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara. In 2003, she was invited to participate in the Thelonious Monk Jazz Institute. Re-locating back to her hometown in 2004, Sharmila focused her energy on her music career. In 2005, she was sought out in the talent search for Filipino-American jazz musicians, performing at the Inaugural Filipino-American Jazz Festival in LA's premiere jazz venue, the Catalina Bar & Grill.

Sharmila now performs as a jazz artist in Southern California having appeared with established names such as guitarist Larry Koonse, saxophonist Kim Richmond, and pianist Josh Nelson. She also works as a studio singer and private voice teacher. Sharmila continues to maintain her ties with classical singing as a cantor and soloist at St. John Fisher Church, in Rancho Palos Verdes, and as a member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale. She is on the faculty of the Alhambra Music Academy and Lori Moran Music Studios.

In June 2008, Sharmila released her long-awaited and highly-anticipated debut jazz album. To hear sound clips, write a review, purchase the CD, or download the album, visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/sharmilaguha.

Email: sharmila@sharmilaguha.com
At the Music Studios: (626) 282-7605

Sharmila's vast knowledge of music and singing as well as the numerous creative techniques she employs has enabled me to sing with confidence and see definite progress in my skills. I never thought I would enjoy singing this much! It has brought a new and very welcomed aspect to my life.

Tom Pastore

I got to know Sharmila singing in the chorus of "I Pagliacci." Let me assure you that she can perform as well as teach! She invited me to a jazz gig, and after enjoying many gigs, my desire to sing jazz got stronger and stronger. But jazz is sophisticated, and has rules. How was I going to learn the ropes? I was talking to Sharmila after a gig once and she said she was teaching at Lori Moran Studio and would be happy to teach me Jazz 101. The rest is history: I'm taking classes in jazz theory and singing with Miss Sharmila, and I leave every lessons feeling like a cool million dollars! She's already "hipped" me to many little things I saw her and others do that I didn't understand, and I can see light at the end of the tunnel. What are you waiting for? Call her now.

Sherry Hutson

Sharmila is a great voice instructor. I was a beginner when I started and had no previous experience. Through Sharmila's patience, encouragement, and great communication skills, my voice improved overtime. I had better breath control, increased range, and more confidence. I'm happy with my progress and look forward to becoming better, I would recommend Sharmila to beginners wanting to start and advanced students looking to improve. Thanks Sharmila!

Danny Tang

To find sharmila was a big coincidence. I was searching for a good teacher to take jazz lessons [while on holiday in Los Angeles]. When I found a teacher, he recommended me to another, and the other recommended me to Sharmila. What an experience! Personal and professional. Patience, devotion, comprehension and sensitivity. The perfect mix to an ideal teacher.

Lidia Martinez, Spain