Search Results

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 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 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 Dennis Baraw Cello or Bass Marina (860) 794-6004 dennisbaraw@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 Stephanie Janowsky Harp Santa Cruz (408) 366-8810 Judy Roberts Cello Soquel (831) 462-5420 judyrobertscello@gmail.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) 375-7290 rmdunsford@sbcglobal.net Rafael Vazquez Guevara Violin Monterey (831) 324-2703 rafaelviolin7@gmail.com Aleksey Klyushnik Cello, Bass Monterey (916) 223-6989 akpycb@gmail.com Nick Williams All Woodwinds, Double Bass Monterey (831) 594-5404 nwmusic70@yahoo.com Woodwinds Debbie Busch Oboe East Garrison (650) 269-0652 debbusch21@sbcglobal.net Jennifer Kennedy (Candiotti) Flute Lessons in Monterey and Salinas (818) 859-2643 jenniferkennedyflute@gmail.com jenniferkennedyflute.com Nick Williams All Woodwinds, Double Bass Monterey (831) 594-5404 nwmusic70@yahoo.com Erica Horn Clarinet Laureles Grade (619) 665-1209 ericahornphoto@aol.com Peter Lemberg Oboe, English Horn Monterey (408) 691-0114 plemberg59@gmail.com Erin Irvine Bassoon Santa Cruz, Pacific Grove (323) 422-1325 erin-irvine@hotmail.com Stu Reynolds Saxophone, Clarinet Seaside, Santa Cruz (831) 899-7901 trading4s@att.net 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 .

Chamber Players The 2019-2020 Chamber Players. The Chamber Players program was designed to enhance the orchestras' program and seeks to provide a professional level of training and performance for students. The Chamber Players' experience includes mentorship through multiple annual master classes with world-class artists. Past artists have included the Juilliard String Quartet and Van Cliburn Gold Medalist and international piano soloist Jon Nakamatsu. Through multiple annual performances throughout the season, in retirement communities, schools, South County Strings programs, and in an annual concert benefiting all YMMC programs, the Chamber Players act as ambassadors for youth and music in our community. Members are selected by audition. The program is open to any instrumentalist within our orchestra program, including pianists; as with all the YMMC small ensembles, there is no additional tuition to participate. Please visit our Auditions page to learn more about joining this program! Auditions

Junior and Honors Orchestra Info Welcome JYO & HO Students and Families! Use the quick links below or browse further down for access to season information, calendars, competitions, and more. Audition Pay Tuition Register Calendar 2025-2026 Season Details Rehearsals & Concert Dates YMMC rehearsals take place on Wednesdays. The Junior Youth Orchestra (JYO) meets from 4:30 - 6 PM, and the Honors Orchestra (HO) meets from 6:30-8:30 PM. Rehearsals are at Hidden Valley Music Seminars, 104 W. Carmel Valley Rd., in Carmel Valley. HO Placement Auditions will take place on August 20th, 2025 at the YMM Office at 546 Hartnell St., Suite B in Monterey. JYO Placement Auditions will take place in September 2025, official date TBD. Rehearsals will start on August 27th, 2025 and run every Wednesday. See the full JYO/HO Season Calendar here . Google Calendar Click the link for your student's ensemble to add the ensemble-specific calendar to your personal calendar app. JYO Calendar: http://tiny.cc/JYOcalendar HO Calendar: http://tiny.cc/HOcalendar JYO&HO Combined Calendar: http://tiny.cc/JYOHOcalendar Our concerts take place at Sunset Center in Carmel. They're on Sundays starting at 3 pm with dress rehearsal call times starting around 12 noon. More specific information will be sent out prior to each concert date. This year, the dates are: Concert #1 Sunday November 16, 2025 Concert #2 Sunday March 1, 2026 Concert #3 Sunday May 10, 2026 2025-2026 Concerto Competitions Every concert season, members of the Honors and Junior Youth Orchestras may choose to prepare a solo concerto to be performed with the orchestra he/she is in. Students perform their solo work before a panel of judges. The Honors Concerto Competition will be an open competition with a panel of judges and open to audience members to listen. The competition winner typically plays their concerto in the next concert (Concert #2 for Honors, Concert #3 for JYO), however this concert order is not a guarantee. If you are interested in taking part in a concerto competition, we encourage you or your private music teacher to contact our music director first to verify that the concerto is suitable to play in our ensembles before you begin preparing it. Forms and extra information about requirements are available on the website prior to the competition date, but please feel free to reach out to us with any questions now. Honors Concerto Competition Auditions: Saturday October 18th, 2025 1-4 PM Application due by 5:00 p.m. September 30, 2025 Junior Youth Concerto Competition Auditions: Saturday, February 14th, 2026 1-4 PM Application due by 5:00 p.m. January 20, 2026 Both Concerto Competitions will take place at Carmel Presbyterian Church (Junipero St & Ocean Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea) Retreats During the rehearsal cycles for each concert, YMM orchestras each year take part in 2-day retreats at Hidden Valley Music Seminars or another location. It's an opportunity to bond with their fellow musicians, take part in rehearsal and sectional intensives, and learn from fascinating guest musicians who come and present their work. Retreat Dates Saturday October 4th, 2025 Sunday October 5th, 2025 *Ensemble & Rehearsal Schedule TBD FAQ's Where can I request tuition and lesson assistance? You can request financial assistance when you register or go here to see our tuition assistance or lesson assistance forms. When are auditions? Live, in-person auditions are generally held each May and August. Exact dates and locations are posted here on the Audition page. Auditions at other times are allowed at the discretion of YMMC's Music Director. Please inquire by email to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Other q ue stions? Send an email to office@youthmusicmonterey.org . Tuition Pay Tuition Tuition and Financial Aid Tuition Assistance Private Lesson Assistance Instrument Rental Forms Audition (For new students and current students changing ensembles) Audition Requirements Registration (Required yearly) Absence Form Program Information JYO&HO Calendar 2025-2026 Student and Parent Handbook 2025-26 Private Teacher List Honors Open Concerto Competition Audition will be held: Saturday October 18, 2025 1-4 PM Carmel Presbyterian Church Junior Youth Concerto Competition Audition will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026 1-4 PM Carmel Presbyterian Church JYO Concerto Competition Rules & Application 2025-2026 Honors Orchestra Concerto Competition Rules & Application 2025-2026

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

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

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

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 Upcoming Events Fri, Aug 29 10th Annual Jazz & Desserts / Carmel-by-the-Sea Details Aug 29, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Carmel-by-the-Sea, Junipero St &, Ocean Ave, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921, USA Free Jazz & Desserts event with headliner, Tony Bolivar, generously donates donations to YMMC! 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 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

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.

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

Virtual Concert Junior Youth Orchestra Pirates of the Caribbean -- Klaus Badelt arr. Larry Moore Concerto in D Major for Piano and Orchestra, Allegro -- Joseph Haydn Bryan Kim, piano Honors Orchestra Hoe Down, from "Rodeo" -- Aaron Copland The Star Wars Epic -- John Williams arr. Robert W. Smith Support Youth Music Monterey's mission to inspire and build the next generation through music! Keep the music playing in the minds and hearts of our young people. You can make a difference in their lives and in their future.

Contact Us Youth Music Monterey County 546 Hartnell Street, Suite B Monterey, CA 93940 office@youthmusicmonterey.org (831) 375-1992 This is a... Submit Thanks for submitting! We'll be in touch.