Our Instructors

B.M. UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Vivian Adrianna Rhett is an artist and educator from Del Mar. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Music in Classical Guitar, Adrianna relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she taught private lessons, ran after-school enrichment programs and volunteered for Piedmont High School Cheer. She returned to San Diego to start a lessons studio of her own, and has since created a community where students of all ages can learn and play music together.

Adrianna believes that music education is more than teaching someone to play an instrument— it is about creating meaningful connections and giving students the tools to build their inner confidence. Outside of teaching, Adrianna performs in a heavy metal band and releases music under the alias Shaynie Rhoads. She enjoys an active lifestyle that involves weightlifting, hiking and boxing.

M.M. CHICAGO COLLEGE OF PERFORMING ARTS
PIANO, VOICE, OBOE, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE, FLUTE & UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Austyn is an award-winning oboist with a Master’s of Music in Orchestral Studies. While studying in Chicago, Austyn performed with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and the Northeastern Illinois University Orchestra. He also worked as a mentor for the Chicago Orchestral Academy’s Protégé Philharmonic, training high school students in intonation, blending, section listening and overall orchestral etiquette.

Austyn gigs regularly with local groups like Doah’s Daydream and Sierra Marin. He has also performed at Lightning in a Bottle, Mission Bayfest, Wonderfront, Oregon Reggae Fest and Zion Reggae. He loves to surf, paint and snowboard in his free time.

B.S. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
BASS, GUITAR & UKULELE INSTRUCTOR

Ada is a bassist and guitarist from Cleveland, Ohio. She began playing cello at the age of six and grew up in a vibrant music scene, where she had the opportunity to develop her skills as both a musician and band member. She has played in a handful of groups, ranging from rock and jazz to R&B. Her current project is a bilingual indie-pop project called Alegrías, which has been recognized by KCRW and NPR Tiny Desk.

In her spare time, Ada enjoys rollerskating, crocheting, and hanging out with her friends.

B.A. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE, PIANO & DRUMS INSTRUCTOR

Jaime is a devoted musician and pedagogue whose love for teaching came out of tutoring his peers while studying classical guitar at Mesa College. Now a student of jazz at SDSU, he continues to tutor other students in guitar and theory. Jaime finds joy in playing with others and building connections through music.

Jaime loves video games, playing soccer and going to car shows. He also runs a photography business and YouTube channel.

B.M. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE, VOICE & PIANO INSTRUCTOR

Nick is a professional guitarist with a Bachelor’s of Music in Classical Guitar. While completing his studies at the University of California, Irvine, Nick played guitar for the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and gained freelance experience in many styles, including rock, metal, jazz and classical.

Nick is an avid performer and can often be seen playing live with his band, Thee Oddz, a jazz funk and fusion trio that frequents venues like The Jazzy Wishbone and Stone Brewing Company. Nick’s hobbies outside of music include reading, surfing and boxing.

B.M. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
GUITAR, UKULELE, PIANO & VOICE INSTRUCTOR

Summer is a singer-songwriter with a background in education and leadership. While completing her Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education at SDSU, Summer received specialized training in theory, aural skills, composition, music literature, Music Education Practicum and on-site lab teaching. She is also a proud alumna of Lambda Sigma Gamma, a sisterhood that prides itself on its commitment to academic achievement and cultural awareness.

When Summer is not writing music or teaching, she enjoys traveling, crafting and going to concerts.

D.M.A UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
DRUMS & PERCUSSION INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Michael Jones is a percussionist and conductor based in Southern California. His work focuses on championing new pieces of the 21st century as well as works from the 20th century avant-garde. His main interests include the time, memory, perception and lyricism of embodied performance.

Michael has performed at the LA Philharmonic’s Noon-to-Midnight Festival, The Ojai Music Festival, The Other Minds Festival, Monday Evening Concerts, The Dog Star Orchestra Festival and the Hartford New Music Festival. His favorite hobbies are running, reading and playing video games.

B.M. SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY
GUITAR, BASS, UKULELE & VOICE INSTRUCTOR

Scott is a jazz guitarist with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education. His specialties include bass, ukulele, beginning voice, ear training and theory. While studying music education at SDSU, Scott performed in the University Choir, Concert Band and Big Band. He has also performed with the Coronado Community Big Band.

Scott leads a jazz group called the Scott Lilly Trio that plays regularly in Orange County. Scott’s favorite hobbies include surfing, hiking and fishing.