Rancho Bernardo
Our Teachers
Happy Tune Music Studio in San Diego
Happy Tune Music Studio in San Diego was created by three passionate teachers who specialize in kindermusik, piano, and tai chi lessons. Below are our teacher’s credentials and teaching experinces. We hope to work with you and your children to develop their musical skills and the love for traditional martial arts. Come visit our studio and talk to our teachers to see if we are a good fit.
About Vanessa...
Vanessa Lee received her master in music education from Southen Illinois University. She is a current MTAC member, and has over 25 years of teaching experience as a piano/trumpet instructor. She also holds teaching licenses from Kodaly and Kindermusik teaching methods. She is one of the founders of Happy Tune LLC in San Diego.
Vanessa Lee
Pianist
Specializations
Piano
Trumpet
Experience
Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)
25+ Years of Teaching Experience
Solo or Quartet Member
Licenses
Kodaly and Kindermusik teaching method
Education
MA in Music Education
Southern Illinois University
About Kristine...
Kristine Chen is the founder of Sun & Seed Education, she received her master’s degree in cello performance at San Diego State University and she is an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California.
Her philosophy is for students to have a strong musicianship in musical knowledge and also enjoy the journey. She also performs in many concerts as a soloist or quartet member for years. She focuses on kindermusik for young kids, also teach cello and piano.
Kristine Chen
Cellist
Specializations
Cello
Piano
Kindermusik International Certified
Experience
Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)
15 Years of Teaching Experience
Solo or Quartet Member
Education
BA in Music
National Sun Yat-sen University 2005
MA in Cello
San Diego State University 2010
About Shahrzad...
Shahrzad was born in 1983 in Tehran, Iran. She holds a bachelor degree of music in Performing International Classical Music and International Instrument Instruction from Tehran Conservatory of Music.
As a performer, she has been a violinist in many classical orchestras such as: Tehran conservatory orchestras, Violet symphony orchestra, Sarv Quartet and Pastoral orchestra. At the present time, she’s performing at Poway Symphony Orchestra in San Diego.
Shahrzad started teaching music in 2007. She quickly became favorite among all students because of her teaching style and passion she was sharing with her students.
Shahrzad P.
Violinist
Specializations
Violin
Experience
Violinist in various orchestras:
Tehran conservatory orchestras
Violet Symphony Orchestra
Sarv Quartet and Pastoral Orchestra
Poway Symphony Orchestra (San Diego)
15+ Years of Teaching Experience
Education
BA of music in Performing International Classical Music
International Instrument Instruction from Tehran Conservatory of Music
About Lori...
Lori Hsi, our Chinese zither teacher, has been teaching for over 20 years in Taiwan, Singapore, and USA. She taught at the largest musical education center – ST Music Co. and Aletheia Unversity in Taiwan. Her teaching experience brings great cultural experience to her students as the Chinese zither is an ancient musical instrument that has a history of more than 2,500 years.
Lori Hsi
Zitherist
Specializations
Chinese Zither (古箏)
Experience
20+ years of teaching experience in Taiwan, Singapor, and USA
Teaching assistant in University of Hawaii, the Far East Art Musical of East-West Cultural Center (1985)
Education
Vienna Palace Hall
Hawaii Kennedy Theatre
Taipei National Musical Hall
The leader of Zheng-Hsin Zither Orchestra
About Bronwyn...
Bronwyn, one of our piano teachers, began teaching to neighbors and friends in high school. Most teaching experience is with piano including private and group piano lessons, college piano classes, and directing keyboard ensembles. Other than piano, Bronwyn has experience in teaching theory, composition, improvisation, and tutoring AP Music Theory.
Bronwyn’s teaching philosophy is to approach music like a language: teaching how to read music of various styles, improvise, compose, and learning music theory and history when applicable to the current concept being introduced. The curriculum is tailored to fit the needs and strengths while incoporating the interests of the student.
Bronwyn LeBlanc-Kinne
Pianist
Specializations
Piano
Music Theory
Experience
20 years of teaching experience
MTAC and MTNA member
Sang in various honor choirs
Played piano, clarinet, bass clarinet, auxilary percussion in various ensembles
Education
MA Piano Pedagogy SDSU
BM Music SDSU
BA Spanish Single Subject Teaching
About Wei...
Wei Xu
Violinist
Specializations
Violin
Experience
Shanghai Symphony Orchestra
San Diego Symphony Orchestra (sub member)
35+ years of teaching experience
Education
Violin performance degree from Shanghai Conservatory of Music
About Raul...
Raul embarked on his music journey in 2007. In 7th grade, he was introduced to the guitar through an after-school program. Learning initially from friends kept him motivated, and later, he acquired additional skills and learned songs online via YouTube and other guitar sites. Raul graduated from Chico State University in California in 2017, earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. In recent years, he has taken his guitar skills seriously, earning respect within the local music scene in San Diego. As a strategic partner for the company, his primary goal is to exemplify what a master musician and Happy Tune teacher should embody. He aims to empower every student, encouraging them to believe in themselves and face challenges with courage. Raul believes that at Happy Tunes, it’s essential to create a WIN-WIN situation for both the teacher and the student.
Raul Panchito
Guitar & Ukulele
Specializations
Guitar
Experience
Local Artist in San Diego (4+ years)
Producer
Employee Owner at Taylor Guitars (Neck Department)
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing
About Steven...
Mr. Steven Yu’s journey from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music to his current position in San Diego reflects a lifelong commitment to music education and performance. His eight years of teaching experience at the conservatory prior to pursuing further studies in the United States demonstrate his dedication to nurturing young musicians and sharing his expertise.
Winning the University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition during his studies in the United States highlights his exceptional talent and dedication to excellence in performance. His subsequent career in professional orchestras and solo performances across the country further solidifies his reputation as a versatile and accomplished musician.
As an educator, Mr. Yu’s success is evidenced by the achievements of his students in competitions and prestigious conservatory admissions. His proficiency in a diverse range of instruments, spanning both Western and Chinese traditions, reflects his comprehensive musical background and his commitment to promoting cultural diversity in music education.
Steven Yu
Clarinetist
Specializations
Clarinet
Saxophone
Bassoon
Yangqin
Experience
40 years of teaching experience
Professional orchestra and solo performer (US)
Education
Sichuan Conservatory of Music
About Linda...
Linda’s background in piano education is extensive and impressive. Graduating from the Piano Department of Sichuan Conservatory of Music and being the daughter of a piano teacher from the same institution likely immersed her in a rich musical environment from a young age. Her professional training under Professor Yang Heguo, known for his success in training winners of prestigious competitions like the Chopin International Piano Competition, undoubtedly provided her with invaluable skills and insights into piano performance.
Her approach to teaching, characterized by attention to basic skills and tailored methods for students of different ages, reflects a commitment to effective pedagogy. Linda’s encouragement of students to pursue exams, competitions, and other musical activities demonstrates her dedication to their growth and development as musicians. The fact that many of her students have gone on to attend prestigious universities like Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale speaks to the quality of her teaching and the success of her methods.
Linda’s qualities as a responsible, caring, and patient teacher, coupled with her ability to effectively communicate with students about piano performance, likely contribute significantly to her students’ achievements and success in their musical pursuits. Her decades of experience in teaching have undoubtedly honed her skills and expertise, making her a highly respected figure in the field of piano education.
Linda Qiu
Pianist
Specializations
Piano
Experience
Member of San Diego Music Teachers Association
Over 40 years teaching experience
Teaches students aged 5 to 18 and adults
Developed special expertise and skill in teaching young students
Education
Sichuan Conservatory of Music
About Anthony...
Born in L.A, studied early music education from his father Pepe Conde, a renowned Mexican tenor learning singing, guitar and piano.
Anthony went on to be accepted at age 8 into the Escuela de Bellas Artes’ (Fine Arts Conservatory) adult percussion professional Diploma program in Mexico. Soon after, he was touring with conservatory chorus, chamber ensembles and Symphony Orchestra as singer, percussionist and timpanist, as well as also becoming the lead drum set player for the conservatory’s jazz band.
At age 11 he performed as soloist with the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra. He performed 6 concerts as marimba soloist with San Diego Symphony as a Young Artist’s Concerto Competition winner. Anthony has performed with National Repertory Orchestra, Academy of the West Symphony, Bowdoin Orchestra, Juilliard Symphony, Brooklyn Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Macau Chamber Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony, Shanghai Radio Orchestra and China Philharmonic. Anthony has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Disney Hall, Broadway, Off-Broadway, as well as countless famous theatres around the globe. Has been a professor and conductor at Xinghai Conservatory, Guangzhou University, Sun Yat-sen University and Guangzhou Opera House. Performed almost every major stage musical show and has premiered 68 works varying from solo percussion, percussion ensemble, stage musical band, chamber music and orchestra.
His young students in the past 25 years have been accepted to renowned conservatories and universities like Juilliard, Curtis, Manhattan, Eastman, John Hopkins, Berklee College, NYU, Yale, Geneva, Berlin, Royal and Sydney Conservatorium. Currently conducting the AmeriCal Youth Orchestra in San Diego. He is a Juilliard School Bachelor and Masters graduate.
Anthony d'Conde
Percussionist, Drummer and Conductor
Specializations
Percussion
Drum Set
Conducting
Music theory
Ear Training
Experience
30 years of teaching, conducting and playing percussion around North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and Middle East.
Education
The Juilliard School
About Rebecca...
Rebecca Huynh is a flutist from San Diego. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree from University of California, Santa Barbara, before continuing her studies at The University of Texas at Austin, where she received her Master of Music degree. She later completed a graduate certificate at University of Southern California. Her instructors include Catherine Ransom, Sarah Jackson, Ebonee Thomas, Marianne Gedigian, Diana Morgan, and Jill Felber.
In recent years, Rebecca has received recognition in several national and regional competitions. Most notably, she won the Byron Hester Competition as well as the Orchestral Audition and Masterclass Competition and the NFA Convention 2024. In addition, she was named a quarterfinalist in the NFA Young Artist Competition and earned third prize in the Young Artist Competition of the San Diego Flute Guild.
Rebecca has also participated in several renowned summer music programs, including the National Repertory Orchestra and the Aspen Music Festival and School. Furthermore, she has performed as a substitute musician with the New World Symphony, further expanding her orchestral experience. She held the Associate Principal Flute position of the California Young Artist Symphony and is currently Second Flute of the Boise Philharmonic.
Rebecca Huynh
Flutist
Specializations
Flute
Piccolo
Piano
Experience
California Young Artist Symphony
New World Symphony (substitute)
Boise Philharmonic
Santa Monica Conservatory and Music Camp (teacher)
Education
University of California, Santa Barbara (Bachelor of Music)
University of Texas at Austin (Master of Music)
University of Southern California (Graduate Certificate)
About Grace...
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Grace ChinAn Shen began studying piano at the age of five. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Tunghai University under the guidance of Dr. Thomas Linde, and later received both her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied with world-renowned pianist Christopher Taylor. In addition to piano, she also plays cello, harpsichord, and jazz piano. Her jazz teachers include Joan Wildman and Leslie Thimmig.
An accomplished teacher and performer, Dr. Shen has won numerous competitions and scholarships and served as a Teaching Assistant at the UW–Madison School of Music. She is the founder of Shen’s Piano Studio in Tempe, Arizona, and received advanced pedagogical training through the Well-Prepared Pianist Institute with renowned pedagogues N. Jane Tan and Seymour Bernstein.
Dr. Shen has extensive collaborative performance experience with soloists, chamber ensembles, choirs, and orchestras in recitals and competitions. Now based in San Diego, Dr. Shen teaches at Christian Family School and private music studios while also performing frequently as a freelance pianist. Her teaching philosophy is to inspire the next generation of pianists through strong fundamentals, refined technique, and expressive musical artistry that creates lasting results.
Grace ChinAn Shen
Pianist
Specializations
Piano Lessons for All Ages & Levels
Piano Safari Beginner Group Piano Classes (Ages 5–7)
Homeschool Piano Learning
Music Theory Tutoring
Collaborative Pianist Services
Experience
Over 20 years of experience
Teaching Assistant in College Class Piano
University of Wisconsin–Madison (2003–2005)
Founder of Shen’s Piano Studio
Tempe, Arizona (2007)
Well Prepared Pianist Institute Teacher Training Program (2007)
Piano Accompanist
Royal Academy of Dance Ballet Examinations, Arizona State University School of Music, San Diego Suzuki School of Music, CBCSD Worship Team and Choir.
Piano Instructor (Private & Group Classes)
Christian Family Schools (2023–Present)
Performer & Collaborative Pianist
Frequent performer with local chamber ensembles and coaching pianist for student recitals and competitions.
Education
Tunghai University (Bachelor of Arts in Music)
University of Wisconsin–Madison (Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts)
About Peter...
Peter Wu, our Tai Chi and Qi-Gong master, is passionate about martial arts. He’s not only a disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiao Xing who is the direct lineage holder of the 19th generation of the Chen family. Peter went even further to train with the Shaolin monk warriors to greatly improve his hand form, weapon, Qi-Gong, and mediation skills.
Peter is passing on these valuable and treasured martial art skills to his students because he firmly believes that martial arts invigorate people with values, wisdom, discipline, and a new world view.
Peter Wu
Tai Chi Instructor
Specializations
Tai Chi, QiGong
Qualification
Gold medalist in Push hand and Chen Style Tai Chi open hand form at ICMAC (International Chinese Martial Art Championsip) in 2016
World Tai Chi Quan Federation Certified International Coach
Education
Disciple of Grandmaster Chen Xiao Xing, the direct lineage holder of the 19th generation of the Chen family
Trained Kung Fu with Shaolin monk warriors with hand forms, weapons, Qi-Gong, and meditation.