ALYSSA KEENE: TRUMPET

Alyssa Keene graduated from UCLA in 2014 with her degree in Trumpet Performance and as a 4 year student of international soloist, Jens Lindemann. She has extensive experience in the classical, jazz, pop, rock, and modern classical genres, having performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, BB King, Portugal. The Man, Pat Sheridan, and many others. She was a finalist in the 2012 National Trumpet Competition: Ensemble Division, and has also had the opportunity to perform abroad in Europe and at multiple national/international music festivals. She is passionate about young players embracing their full potential, and also about teaching them how to enjoy and embrace this unique musical learning process through mental exercises and further self-understanding/awareness.

DAVID MONTOYA ZARATE: WOODWIND

David Montoya has been involved in the music community for the past 8 years. He specializes in teaching flute, clarinet, and saxophone to students of all ages. He has coached for various different schools including: Mission Hills High, La Costa Meadows Elementary, Aviara Oaks Middle, and Pacific Ridge School and is currently a group and private lesson instructor for San Diego Music Studio.

David performs regularly as a multi-woodwind player for different types of settings like musical theater, symphony orchestras, wind ensembles, and various solo instrument and choir events.

He has been apprenticing to become an instrument repair technician for the past 5 years and has experience repairing various different woodwind and brass instruments.

MIGUEL ZAPATA: FLUTE

Miguel was introduced to the flute when he was in sixth grade, and has stood by it ever since. After studying on his own for the first four years of his playing, he began to work under a private tutor during his sophomore year of high school, during which he realized the importance of having a guide and support for his music playing.

It was around that time that he began to explore other instruments, not only to further his understanding of musicianship in general but also to understand the relationship of the flute to various styles of music. His experience as a percussionist and pianist in several group and solo contexts has sharpened and widened his musical capabilities.

Now Miguel continues to study the flute in various different styles and settings, and seeks most importantly to constantly improve and share his knowledge and passion with growing musicians. He believes that a passion for music is intrinsic to the soul, and that everyone is capable of reaching new heights in music with the right guidance and support.