Christine
PianoVoiceMusic TheorySongwriting
About Christine
Every morning, I wake up thank God for the two mentors who inspired me to teach. One of my fondest memories growing up was my mother's love for music. Notes drifted through the house like the scent of warm cookies baking. I heard singing, classical piano, music lessons, choir practice, records playing, and it all became the soundtrack to my life. Mom helped me see the instrumental role music played to the heart, and to life itself.
Later in college, my mother passed the baton to Mrs. Perla Warren. It was here my world broadened. I soaked in jazz and was introduced to the new world of freedom and creativity improvisation brought. Working with Mrs. Warren gave me the courage to say that I had found my life's calling. Both women inspired me and taught me so much about life, music, and love. It has always been a dream to share this love of music with others. Today, I still pinch myself sometimes, when I get to pass the baton onto my students and the dedication and discipline my mentors inspired in me.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and Commercial Composing and Arranging from Cal State Long Beach and later became the first vocalist to earn a master’s degree from USC in Jazz Studies. I studied classical piano since I was 4 years old and as an adult studied pop and jazz piano. I love piano! I have loads of experience singing in choirs, a cappella groups, as a soloist and pianist at both small and large venues. I have taught privately for over 20 years, and I am a member of SAG-AFTRA and Music Teacher’s Association of California and a Steinway Educational Partner. I’m on the voice faculty at AMDA Conservatory and College of the Performing Arts.
These credentials give me knowledge to impart, but it is my heart and soul's purpose that I give my all to my students; inspired by my wonderful teachers, I want to pass on the love affair with music I've had the opportunity to experience.
I would love to make some music with you!
Q&A with Christine
Which musician would you like to play with?
I'd like to open for Norah Jones or Brandi Carlile
Which musician has influenced you the most?
Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Barbra Streisand
What can you teach me better on your instrument than any other teacher?
to find your own voice
How did you learn to play your instrument?
From my mom first and then favorite teachers
What equipment do you play on today?
Yamaha Studio Upright, Korg SV1, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
Which personal trait helped you the most while practicing?
Enjoyment of Expression and Creating
What does your instrument have that others don't?
Unique POV
How do you handle children?
I give them my full attention
What has been your greatest experience as a musician so far?
Playing my original song in a concert and concert film for "Light Up The Blues" with CSNY
What was the biggest stage you played on?
Hollywood Bowl, Nokia Theater
Which record would you take with you to the desert island?
Kinda Blue Miles Davis
Besides music, what else is important in your life?
My Family, Boyfriend and Kitty
Music style(s)
JazzSinger SongwriterAmericana
Level(s) Comfortable Teaching
Voice and Piano all levels
What languages can you teach in?
English
Videos
Bands, Projects, Notable Performances, Collaborations
The Greatest Lovers
Other Music-related work / goals
Writing Songs for Placement
Personal Interests
Film, Gardening, Hiking, Art Deco