Richard Kay, a long-time resident of Orange County, has been a Woodwinds instructor at Irvine Art & Music since the store's opening. Having completed his Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Irvine, he proceeded to earn a Master's of Music at Boston University and then his Doctorate of Music at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida. He holds a D.M.A. in clarinet performance and a second M.A in woodwind doubling, along with real professional playing experience as a union member.

He has also continued to increase his knowledge of music and teaching Woodwinds by getting another Master's Degree from the University of Las Vegas in Woodwind Doubling. Along the way, he has been a professional clarinetist in such orchestras as Pacific Symphony, Redlands Philharmonic, South Florida Philharmonic, Naples Symphony, Palm Beach Symphony, and Treasure Cove Opera Orchestra, also in Palm Beach, Florida. With over thirty years of private teaching, he has helped many of his students win first chair positions in school bands and orchestras, along with obtaining entrance into many of the local honor groups.

Now semi-retired, he's happy to assist students in becoming the best they can be, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills to be competitive and gain access to those more prestigious and enjoyable music ensembles. His extensive experience as a union member and professional clarinetist brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his teaching approach.

Dive into the world of a sax sensation: Nickolas Ortiz! Graduating from the illustrious California State University, Dominguez Hills with a gleaming degree in Music Education, Nick's story is nothing short of legendary.

Imagine this - a young Nick playing his heart out during his high school days and catching the keen ear of the phenomenal Keisha Potter, a shining gem from the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. Entranced by Nick’s electrifying performance, she personally invited him to join the ranks of the prestigious Fernando Pullum’s Senior Jazz Orchestra. Here, Nick jammed and jived with the crème de la crème of the music realm.

Never one to rest on his laurels, Nick decided to embark on a dual adventure at CSUDH. With the pulse of Classical music led by the virtuoso, Dr. Chika Inoue, and the thrilling beats of Jazz under the maestro, Dr. Teodross Avery, Nick mastered the two worlds. Ultimately, the infectious rhythms of Jazz captured his soul, leading him under the exclusive mentorship of Dr. Avery.

But, Nickolas Ortiz isn’t just about notes and scales. He’s a beacon of leadership. With a heart set on sculpting the future Mozart's and Coltrane's, Nick is dedicated to mentoring aspiring musicians. Let him guide, inspire, and ignite your passion. Because with Nickolas, it's not just about music, it's about a journey towards musical greatness! 🎶🌟

🌟 Meet the Virtuoso from San Diego! 🌟

Direct from the sun-soaked coasts of San Diego, let's introduce you to Hannah Stevens! Not just a musician, but a maestro in the realm of woodwind wonders. With the flute being her first love and boasting over a decade of serenading, Hannah is a force of nature in the musical world.

🚀 Zooming towards the finish line at CSU Long Beach, she's about to clinch that coveted Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education by 2024. But that's not all! Beyond the mesmerizing notes of the flute, Hannah's fingers dance seamlessly over the clarinet, saxophone, french horn, and even the cello! But, it's the illustrious trio - flute, saxophone, and clarinet - that truly echoes the heart of her musical prowess.

With a fire for fostering talent, Hannah’s teaching is nothing short of legendary. From wide-eyed beginners soaking in their first notes to seasoned pros prepping for their next big performance, she crafts bespoke learning experiences that resonate.

And if you think she stops there, think again! Hannah's sights are set on the grand stage of molding future maestros as a middle school band director. Her own spotlight moments? Oh, just tiny venues like Carnegie Hall and Copley Hall, and a dazzling act at the 2023 National Flute Association Convention.🌟

Dive in, and let Hannah be the wind beneath your musical wings! 🎶🌬️🎵

My goal as your teacher is to present music in a way that is fun and engaging. I have an innovative approach to understanding music and I enjoy tailoring this approach to each individual student. I do this by utilizing popular method books, by using examples from your school music, and by creating worksheets customized just for you. I can take a beginning student through intermediate and advanced levels, or take an advanced student into the world of professional musicianship. I believe the key to success in music lies in forming proper habits. Whether your goal is to become a pro musician or to just have fun playing music, I offer a supportive and enlightening environment to encourage your personal development.
Biography

Multi-woodwindist Gary Gould developed his passion for performing and teaching over a long and successful career in music. He holds a masters degree in Music and has performed throughout the United States, Western Europe and Japan, as well as aboard cruise ships to Mexico, Alaska, and the Caribbean Islands. As an instructor, he has won top awards conducting bands at the high school, college, and community level. Currently, Gould writes and performs educational presentations to audiences of all ages on a variety of subjects including: Folk Music from Around the World, Beginning Your Career in the Arts, Improvisation for Jazz and Classical Music, and Practicing for Success.

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan & Scottsdale, Arizona

Musical Background: I began as a drummer in a Michigan elementary school and began taking private lessons right away. In middle school I heard my band director play the saxophone and loved the sound so much that I decided to take it up, with him as my private sax teacher. In high school I took private lessons that taught me to improvise jazz on saxophone, clarinet and flute, and I received the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award... twice. I attended college on a music scholarship and in my final year was awarded Most Outstanding Jazz Musician. After college graduation, a saxophone contest was held by a radio station in Los Angeles and, out of hundreds of participants, I won first place. This opened the door to a career in music and I have performed ever since booked by some of the largest entertainment agencies in Los Angeles. My music career is all due to the guidance of fine teachers and I am now honored to guide my students on their own musical journeys.

School: California State University, Fullerton

Years Teaching: I've been teaching for 15-plus years, including speaking at educational conferences, music festivals and clinics, and leading bands at the Orange County School of the Arts, Irvine Valley College, Cal State Fullerton, and as Concert Master for the Laguna Concert Band.

Hobbies: I play several instruments and styles from around the world. The instruments include: soprano, alto, C Melody, tenor, and baritone saxophones; soprano, alto, and bass clarinet; silver flute, bansuri, ocarina, and penny whistles; and the world's first electronic instrument, the theremin. The musical styles include: classical, jazz, pop, rock, klezmer, Celtic, Brazilian choro, Hindustani, Dixieland, the Great American Songbook, and early American folksongs. I draw upon all of this when I teach, and I am always searching for interesting new ways to explore and perceive music.

Meet Daniel Torrez, a dedicated musician and educator with a deep-seated passion for music that sparked in middle school. Over the past 7 years, Daniel has honed his skills on the saxophone, enriched by 3 years of valuable teaching experience and a diverse array of performance opportunities.

Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music education, Daniel is committed to positively influencing his students' musical journeys. He supports students with varying aspirations, from those aiming for virtuosity to those exploring their musical talents, guiding them towards achieving their individual goals.

As an educator, Daniel values thorough explanations and ensures that every question is addressed. He takes time to understand each student's unique learning style, tailoring his teaching methods to meet their specific needs, and creating an environment where progress is a constant.

Pursuing a degree in music education at CSUDH, Daniel has received exceptional guidance from esteemed musicians. His studies include classical music under Dr. Chika Inoue and contemporary jazz with Dr. Teodross Avery. Besides his proficiency in saxophone, Daniel is skilled in clarinet, flute, and piano. His musical influences encompass jazz, soul, R&B, and reggae, adding a vibrant diversity to his teaching approach. Outside the realm of music, Daniel enjoys cooking and baking, embracing these activities in his leisure time.