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Private Lessons YMMC has found private lessons to be an essential tool for our students to thrive and contribute to our orchestras. From violin to trumpet, browse our list of teachers below! We may have additional funding available to subsidize the costs of private lessons. Lesson Assistance Strings Pam Armstrong Cello Salinas (831) 917-4445 prgarmstrong@gmail.com Debbie Cirimele Cello Student’s Location (831) 624-2039 ccirimele@comcast.net Amalia Diaz Violin, Viola Pacific Grove (303) 591-8949 violinamalia@yahoo.com Wendy Geiger Violin, Cello (831) 659-2928 Janneke Hoogland Cello Carmel (831) 202-2362 jannekecello@yahoo.com Miriam Oddie Violin, Viola My home or via Zoom (303) 328-8505 Miriam.oddie@gmail.com Jill Wyckoff Violin Seaside (831) 884-6643 roonapotamus@yahoo.com Michael Blackburn Viola (831) 925-5025 m.blackburn@mbcharterschool.org Margie Dally Cello Carmel Valley (831) 917-1974 dally@sbcglobal.net Rose Marie Dunsford Violin, Viola Pacific Grove (831) 915-1478 rmdunsford@sbcglobal.net Cathy Goode Violin Carmel (617) 817-5711 cathygoode@rcn.com Stephanie Janowsky Harp Santa Cruz (408) 366-8810 Judy Roberts Cello Soquel (831) 462-5420 judyrobertscello@gmail.com Bryan Brash Viola Seaside (207) 615-6114 violamensch@gmail.com Daphne Denny Violin King City, Bradley (805) 835-9168 Michelle Galindo Bass, Piano Pebble Beach (831) 238-7217 GalindoMusic@aol.com Rafael Vazquez Guevara Violin Monterey (831) 324-2703 rafaelviolin7@gmail.com Aleksey Klyushnik Cello, Bass Monterey (916) 233-6989 akpycb@gmail.com Nick Williams Double Bass Monterey (831) 594-5404 nwmusic70@yahoo.com Woodwinds Debbie Busch Oboe East Garrison (650) 269-0652 debbusch21@sbcglobal.net Erica Horn Clarinet Laureles Grade (619) 665-1209 ericahornphoto@aol.com Stu Reynolds Saxophone, Clarinet Seaside, Santa Cruz (831) 899-7901 trading4s@att.net Isabella Grimes Flute Monterey, Seaside grimesisabella@gmail.com Erin Irvine Bassoon Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove (323) 422-1325 erin-irvine@hotmail.com Nick Williams All Woodwinds Monterey (831) 594-5404 nwmusic70@yahoo.com Ben Herod Saxophone, Clarinet Carmel, Monterey (831) 383-2550 bherodster@gmail.com Peter Lemberg Oboe, English Horn Monterey (408) 691-0114 plemberg59@gmail.com Brass Scott Hartman French Horn, All Brass San Jose (408) 781-0019 scottito@icloud.com Suzanne Mudge Trombone, Trumpet Carmel, Student’s Location, Online (831) 293-3525 trombonesue@yahoo.com Kevin Jordan Trumpet Carmel (831) 624-1695 coastbrass@gmail.com Gary Stotz Flute, Trumpet, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trombone Pacific Grove (831) 375-9718 stotzmusic@gmail.com Ruth Jordan French Horn Carmel (831) 238-3542 coastbrass@gmail.com Percussion/Piano Emma Bartlett Percussion, Piano Pacific Grove, Online (917) 676-0367 emmalbartlett@gmail.com Wendi Kirby Piano Monterey info@wendikirbymusic.com Frank Wyant Percussion/Timpani, Drums San Jose, Salinas, Carmel (408) 202-2790 fwyant@mpusd.k12.ca.us Eun Ha Chung Piano Carmel, East Garrison (845) 238-4971 Barbara Ruzicka Piano Carmel (831) 624-4905 Lucy Faridany Piano Carmel Valley (831) 659-3069 Mike Shannon Percussion Monterey (831) 214-7102 mshannondrums@gmail.com If you have questions or concerns, or would like to be listed above, please contact the office .

Donation Box Donate Today! Now is a great time to give the gift of music education with Youth Music Monterey County! Your support ensures the availability of an unparalleled music education program in our community. No gift is too small or too large. Fill out our online donation form below, or make a check payable to Youth Music Monterey County. If you intend on giving a gift of more than $500, please consider joining our Angel Network family of donors! Learn about the Angel Network More Ways to Give

Alumni Spotlight Alumni Spotlight: Michelle Maruyama Mar 15, 2021 4 min read Mariam Adam: Clarinet Masterclass Sep 5, 2020 1 min read YMMC 2018 Alumna of the Year, Mariam Adam May 5, 2018 3 min read Alexander Janko Aug 27, 2017 2 min read

Taking Notes... Terribly sorry, this page is still under construction. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the office at (831) 375-1992 or at office@youthmusicmonterey.org. In the meantime, feel free to explore the rest of the site! Back to Ways to Give

Orchestra in the Schools OITS is an afterschool instrumental music program offering musical instruction for beginenr to intermediate level students in the Monterey area. Youth Music Monterey's OITS! ORCHESTRA IN THE SCHOOLS OITS Handbook 25-26 Calendar Pay Tuition Music Tuition Assistance Absence Form The 2019-2020 Chamber Players. REGISTRATION FOR THE 2026-2027 SEASON IS NOW OPEN! *limited openings available, spots are offered on a first come, first serve basis. Register Now! YMM's OITS! is an afterschool instrumental program offering high-quality musical instruction for beginner to intermediate level students. Students receive weekly lessons from professional musicians from the Monterey area. No experience or auditions are necessary. Beginners are welcome and encouraged! Program Details Available to students grades 3-8 attending Charter, Public, Private or Home-School. Younger students may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Open to beginner and intermediate students. Beginners are welcome and encouraged! Each student receives a minimum of 27 sessions through the school year. Students perform in our Winter Concert in December and our Spring Concert in May and have additional performance opportunities throughout the year. In OITS! your child will learn how to... Build musical skills Learn to read music, develop technique, and play with confidence! Focus and grow Develop musicianship and listening skills! Find their sound Express themselves through music and playing! Perform with other students! Instruments Offered Upper Strings - Violin, Viola Lower Strings - Cello, Bass Woodwinds - Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone Brass - Trumpet, Horn, Trombone Percussion - Snare Drum, Drum Pad, Bells, Bass Drum *OITS! does not offer guitar or piano at this time. Dates, Times, & Locations Beginning Strings Mondays 4:00-5:00 pm | YMM Office (546 Hartnell St, Suite D, Monterey) Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm | Monterey Bay Charter School (1004 David St, Pacific Grove) Intermediate Strings Mondays 5:00-6:00 pm | YMM Office (546 Hartnell St, Suite D, Monterey) Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 pm | Monterey Bay Charter School (1004 David St, Pacific Grove) Band (Beginning and Intermediate) Beginning Band Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm | Monterey Bay Charter School (1004 David St, Pacific Grove) Intermediate Band Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 pm | Monterey Bay Charter School (1004 David St, Pacific Grove) Cello (Beginning and Intermediate) Beginning Cello Thursdays 4:00-5:00 pm | YMM Office (546 Hartnell St, Suite D, Monterey) Intermediate Cello Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm | YMM Office (546 Hartnell St, Suite D, Monterey) Cost The cost is $725.00 for the entire school year of instruction. Instrument loans at no cost for registered students with $50 refundable deposit. Tuition Assistance is available for qualified applicants. Fill out the form to be added to our email list to be notified when registration opens! First & Last Name* Email* Student's First & Last Name* Student Grade & Instrument* Write a message Send

Advertise Supporting Youth Music Monterey County’s concerts through advertising is a simple and wonderful way to support education and the arts. We hope you will become part of the family of students, parents, staff, and community partners who help to sustain quality youth music education in Monterey County through this mutually beneficial program. Your advertisement sustains a key program in Monterey County that provides opportunities for talented and dedicated student musicians to perform with a professional conductor at premiere venues. In return, you and your organization garner positive community exposure through outstanding performances at the Sunset Center located in Carmel-by-the-Sea. We hope you will show your support for music education and for the youth of Monterey County by advertising with us this year. Ad Due Dates: November 3, 2019 (Ad due October 5, 2019) March 1, 2020 (Ad due February 1, 2020) May 3, 2020 (Ad due April 5, 2020) Notes: Programs are printed with black ink. Artwork will be accepted in grayscale or color (color ads will be changed to grayscale) High resolution files in common formats are recommended (.pdf, .jpg, .png, .gif) Feel free to fill out the form below and email your artwork to office@youthmusicmonterey.org , or download an application to mail your advertisement directly to the office. Advertising Rates Full Page 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $300 2 inserts — $375 3 inserts — $450 Quarter Page 3"x3.5" 1 insert — $100 2 inserts — $175 3 inserts — $250 Inside Cover 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $400 2 inserts — $475 3 inserts — $525 Inside Spread 12"x7.5" 1 insert — $700 2 inserts — $825 3 inserts — $1,000 Half Page 6"x3.75" or 3"x7.5" 1 insert — $200 2 inserts — $250 3 inserts — $300 Eighth Page 3"x1.75" 1 insert — $75 2 inserts — $100 3 inserts — $125 Back Cover 6"x7.5" 1 insert — $450 2 inserts — $550 3 inserts — $625 Contact Form Ad Size Which concert(s) would you like to advertise in? * Required Concert 1 Concert 2 Concert 3 Upload your art using the applicable links below, or email it to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Upload Image Upload Document Submit Thanks for submitting! We'll be in touch.

Youth Music Monterey County supports two orchestras, a chamber music program, a brass ensemble, a woodwind ensemble, and in-school teaching and performance opportunities. Our Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras are led by conductor Maestro Danko Druško and feature approximately 100 student musicians. Give the gift of music to our young people Donate Today YMMC is proud to present our new Music Director, Daniel Brier Learn More Play With Us! Featuring talented young musicians from over 30 local schools, YMMC's Junior Youth and Honors Orchestras present three acclaimed symphonic concerts at Sunset Center each year. Three chamber music programs, including the Chamber Players , Brass Ensemble , and Woodwind Ensemble , focus on the intensive study of small-group music and give back to their communities through benefit concerts. Our South County Strings program with over 200 students each year in rural South Monterey County communities with free group string instruction and low-cost instrument rentals. Orchestra In The Schools offers Monterey County children in grades 3-8 in Monterey County an opportunity to learn an instrument, be part of an orchestra and perform with students from other schools. This can be your child’s first musical experience, no experience is necessary. About Us No events at the moment News Youth Music Monterey County Announces Alumna Blair Miller is a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 for Music HonoreeCongratulations Blair on your Incredible Success! Apr 8, 2025 Congratulations 2024 Graduates! May 23, 2024 Fresh Perspectives YMMC's Master Class and Interview Series Catalyst String Quartet Jan 23, 2021 Peter Scaturro - Video Game Music Jan 12, 2021 Interview with JoAnn Falletta Sep 19, 2020 Our Corporate Sponsors

Awards 2019-2020 Season View Awards

Junior Youth & Honors Orchestras Audition Information Register Tuition and Financial Aid The 2019-2020 Honors Orchestra, with conductor Danko Druško. Youth Music Monterey County’s Honors Orchestra & Junior Youth Orchestra provides students an exceptional opportunity to study and perform the masterpieces of symphonic literature with other young musicians from across Monterey County. This experience helps them develop knowledge of classical repertoire, as well as technical and artistic skill. Featuring talented young musicians from over 30 local schools across Monterey County, YMMC orchestras present three acclaimed symphonic concerts at Sunset Center each year. Our program includes weekly rehearsals with our conductor, sectional coachings, and masterclasses with guest artists. In addition, students enrolled in our orchestras may choose to participate in one or more of our three chamber ensembles at no additional cost. These include the Chamber Players , the Brass Ensemble , and the Woodwind Ensemble . Junior Youth Orchestra The Junior Youth Orchestra (Young Intermediate Level Repertoire) includes students age 7 and up and rehearses on Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Hidden Valley Music Seminars. A yearly Concerto Competition is also open to all students. Honors Orchestra Our Honors Orchestra (Young Advanced Level Repertoire) plays full symphonic scores and is open to students up to the age of 20. Rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Students may compete in the yearly Honors Orchestra Concerto Competition in order to perform their piece in the next concert season. Auditions It's never too late to join YMMC! Our orchestras are a great opportunity for young musicians to receive the high-caliber training they need for success in school music, college, and their future careers. Visit our Auditions page to learn more about applying! Tuition and Financial Aid Youth Music Monterey strives to keep our programs accessible to all students in our community. Scholarships are available for those who apply and qualify. Please visit our Tuition and Financial Assistance page to learn more about our financial aid programs.

Paoletti Orchestra in the Schools Fund Honoring Jim Paoletti's Legacy through Music Your gift supports Orchestra in the Schools , the program Jim Paoletti cultivated to bring the joy of musical expression to all Monterey County students by making music accessible, regardless of circumstances. Jim's Legacy Jim Paoletti championed Orchestra in the Schools (OITS) to provide opportunities for young musicians to build confidence through being part of an orchestra and producing music together. He believed that learning an instrument helped students become responsible adults who appreciate artistic beauty. Orchestra in the Schools has introduced countless students to the joy, discipline, and community of making music together. This fund ensures his legacy continues for generations to come. Make a lasting impact with a donation in Jim's honor Jim's vision carries on through the many students who have been part of Orchestra in the Schools . With your support, that legacy will continue to grow, reaching more young musicians for years to come. Help us carry Jim's legacy forward and support the next generation through music today.

Tuition Assistance Dear Parent or Guardian, In order to ensure that no child is excluded from our programs for financial reasons, YMMC offers need-based tuition and private lesson assistance each year. Please complete this online application and submit supplemental documentation to the YMMC office by September 1, 2026, for consideration. You are REQUIRED to include a copy of your most recent income tax return (federal income tax form 1040). All applications are confidential and reviewed by a board and staff committee. Student recipients of financial aid are expected to attend all rehearsals, performances, and concerts. Students must be in good standing in order to apply and qualify for assistance. The financial aid status of the student may be reviewed at any time throughout the year, at the Committee’s discretion, and is subject to the student’s compliance with policies laid out in the Orchestra Member/Parent Handbook and the continuance of private lessons. You will be notified of your award amount once all applications have been reviewed by YMMC Board and Staff, no later than September 30, 2026. Please mail a copy of your most recent Tax Return Statement (MANDATORY) to: Youth Music Monterey County 546B Hartnell Street Monterey, CA 93940 phone: 831-375-1992 fax: 831-375-0645 YOUR SCHOLARSHIP FORM WILL NOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT YOUR TAX STATEMENT. It is due in our office by September 1, 2026. If you have any questions concerning financial aid options, please contact our office. Thank you! PRIVATE LESSON ASSISTANCE: The orchestra repertoire becomes increasingly challenging throughout the year In order to meet these challenges, it is important that all students receive the guidance and support of a private music instructor throughout their membership in YMMC. In support of this, YMMC may elect to assist with the cost of private lessons through special donation drives and other fundraising activities. Please let the office know if you need this kind of assistance. Tuition Assistance Form Student Information Student Name Grade Instrument Orchestra Placement Choose an ensemble. Do you study music privately? * Yes No Other How often? Cost per lesson Name of Private Teacher How long have you studied with your teacher? Parent/Guardian Information Parent/Guardian full name Occupation Title Employer Annual Employment Income Other Income (source, amount) Parent/Guardian 2 full name Occupation Title Employer Annual Employment Income Other Income (source, amount) Marital status (optional) Any financial implications of marital status? Number of family dependents Amount of tuition assistance requested a) Please use the space below to describe the reason(s) you are applying for financial assistance. b) If you feel there are any unusual circumstances that should be considered for full financial assistance, please explain: c) List any other scholarships or financial aid that you are receiving for your child’s school/music education. Dollar amount recieved d) May we contact your child’s principal, teacher, and/or youth organization leader for a recommendation? (If yes, please include names, organization, and contact information.) e) To what extent have you volunteered in the past or you plan to volunteer this year for YMM? f) Any additional information that we should know? I understand a copy of our family’s 2025 income tax statement must be submitted to the YMM office by September 1, 2026 for consideration of this application. Parent/Guardian Signature Clear Submit Thank you for submitting! Our office will get back to you soon. Other Questions

Artistic Staff Suzanne Mudge Brass Ensemble Director Suzanne Mudge has coached the YMMC Brass Ensemble since 2015, and served as Executive Director in 2019-2020 and has been a performer at the CBF for over 30 years. In addition to playing trombone and sackbut in the festival orchestra and directing Tower Music and community outreach concerts, Sue creates and scripts the The Epic Adventures of Leonard and Rasmus, a family series of interactive and educational concerts. Sue has been an in-demand professional musician and highly regarded educator and brings both of those professions to her new role in arts administration. Prior to her move to Carmel, she taught at Central Oregon Community College, directed the band program at The Seven Peaks School in Bend, Oregon, had a private teaching studio, and performed with the Central Oregon Symphony, the Eugene Symphony, and the Bend Brass Quintet. Her trombone and trumpet students placed consistently in the top 5 at the Oregon State Solo and Ensemble Festivals. Prior to her move to Bend, Sue was an active freelance musician and music educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. She performed with the Women’s Philharmonic in San Francisco, and the symphonies in Modesto, Fremont, Marin, Berkeley, and San Jose. She recorded numerous CD’s at Skywalker Ranch Sue was also the Band Director at Lowell HS in San Francisco. Sue was raised in Laguna Beach. She has a B.M from The University of The Pacific Conservatory of Music, a M.M. from the University of Arizona, and a teaching credential from Notre Dame de Namur University. She has a passion for film music, animals, California native trees and plants, the beach, bicycling, math history, cooking, and wine. And she’s still playing the trombone! Back to Staff