MEET THE NEWSONGS TEAM

Mr. Jareth Culwell

Department Leader

I first practiced martial arts before expanding my love of piano and ventured into a piano-teaching career. My favorite music is usually loud and dramatic!

Mr. Josh Drazil

I have been playing the piano for 30 years and it is my passion to help others along their journey to discovering their own unique, individual love for the piano.

Mr. Jake Rottier

I want all of my students more than anything to learn the joys that music can bring, as well as always feel like they are learning and improving. To summarize my teaching style is explorative, student-led, and fast-paced. I hope to see you in lesson, and no matter what always listen!

Mr. Maxwell Zarzuela

I would describe my teaching style to be encouraging,
creative, and full of thought.
I hope you I can show you how to play Disney songs on the piano using a violin bow and drum sticks! You will be surprised how awesome it sounds.

Mr. Maxwell Pease

With a BM in Jazz boice and the worship leader at First Christian Church in East Sacramento, Maxwell is proficient in both the piano and the guitar and has had excellent training in musicianship, arranging, and music theory.

Ms. Grace Clark

I have been playing piano since I was six years old and currently continue to study as I pursue my bachelor’s degree in music. My passion is writing original songs with lyrics and piano- or guitar-based accompaniment.  I look forward to starting a musical journey with you.

Ms. Susi Owens

Working with students brings me true joy as I watch them progress. My step-by-step approach builds good technique but also encourages students to listen as they play, making sure we perfect each step and prepare for the next.

Ms. Lara Johannson

I love to teach fundamental tools in unique ways and make sure that students can apply those tools to what they want to play, which can include teaching students how to play their favorite song or composing a piece of their own.

Ms. Moriah Spencer

BIO COMING SOON

Mr. Ryan Antillon

I currently study Music Education with a specialty in voice at Sacramento State University. I participate in and am the president of the University Chorale, Sacramento State’s auditioned mixed choir, and I am the assistant music director of Trinity Church Folsom.

Ms. Valeria Nunez

Hi I’m Ms. Valeria! I play and teach piano, oboe, and clarinet. Music brings me so much joy and I want others to feel the same joy I feel when I play it.

Mr. Marco Guerro

I have been performing music for over 20 years. I
I received my BA in Music Performance from New Mexico State University, performing in the marching band, symphonic band, concert band, jazz bands, chamber ensembles, brass ensembles and trombone choirs.

Ms. Heidi Vo

Teaching piano has always been a big passion of mine! At Newsongs, I continue to help young kids play well and further explore the music world.

Ms. Marileigh Ramp

I like to mix a little bit of fun into learning so that students want to learn music, so I encourage them to bring in one of their favorite songs to learn. Because who doesn’t want to play along to their favorite song!

Ms. Madison Barrett

One of my favorite pieces of piano music I aim to play one day is "Winter Wind" by Chopin, my favorite traditional composer. Having a creative outlet is essential in every child's life.

Ms. Hosna Alacozy

I would describe my teaching style as the following: supportive, open to communication, and adaptive to the student. As a teacher, I am always growing and learning new things with every student I teach.

Mr. Reuben Rampen

BIO COMING SOON

Ms. Selena Delgadillo

I am currently studying for my BM at Sacramento State for both Classical and Jazz Piano Performance. I welcome students who are at any level and encourages them to work at a faster pace. My lessons are fun and deep-diving into musical technique and performance. 

Ms. Melonie Zarzuela

BIO COMING SOON

Ms. Karenna Pullen

I have had the privilege to train across disciplines, providing a holistic approach to teaching. I studied at Sonoma State University in the B.F.A. Program in Opera Performance and gained a large variety of musical competencies including pedagogy, language skills, ethnomusicology, and aural training.

Mr. Joseph Cerna

Hi, I have my bachelors degree in Music from UC Davis, and I am classically trained vocalist. I aspire to help others reach their goals, and improve upon the skills they already possess. Hablo español :).

Mr. Charles Levier IV

Studying for my piano performance degree, I have worked rigorously for the past two years playing. Also having 15 years of drumming experience, music is my whole life. My teaching method is tuned to the idea: "Teach the kids so they can teach themselves." With this in mind, I ensures technique and basic understanding of the instrument is crucial for ‘singing’ through the piano.

Ms. Amber Moore

Department Leader

BIO COMING SOON

Mr. Ryan Antillon

I currently study Music Education with a specialty in voice at Sacramento State University. I participate in and am the president of the University Chorale, Sacramento State’s auditioned mixed choir, and I am the assistant music director of Trinity Church Folsom.

Ms. Moriah Spencer

BIO COMING SOON

Mr. Joseph Cerna

Hi, I have my bachelors degree in Music from UC Davis, and I am classically trained vocalist. I aspire to help others reach their goals, and improve upon the skills they already possess. Hablo español :).

Ms. Karenna Pullen

I have had the privilege to train across disciplines, providing a holistic approach to teaching. I studied at Sonoma State University in the B.F.A. Program in Opera Performance and gained a large variety of musical competencies including pedagogy, language skills, ethnomusicology, and aural training.

Mr. Dustin Goodrich

Department Leader

My philosophy is to encourage students to build the skills to learn on their own. I seek a balanced curriculum that incorporates instant gratification through short and simple accomplishments along with more difficult, long term challenges

Mr. Logan Vicars

I have been immersed in music, acting, street performing, and tutoring since high school. I am passionate about promoting artistic values in the community.

Mr. Zac Gosser

My teaching style:
1. Adaptive (I’m flexible to all levels and styles of learning)
2. Passionate (I’ll focus on what brings out your passion for music)
3. Fun (The ultimate goal of learning music is to have fun while learning and playing)

Mr. Noel Gallard

I'm certified in Audio Engineering from SAE Institute in Atlanta, GA and have been playing guitar for over a decade. I've been a part of the music world for years, having been in Jazz Band, Orchestra, Chorus, as well as working as a stagehand and audio engineer for professional productions.

Mr. Nate Furgas

I earned my BA in Music from CSU Chico and my MA in Jazz Studies from New York University.  I have a special love of Jazz and all things improvisational.

Mr. Erin Wall

BIO COMING SOON

Mr. Luis Lugo

My teaching philosophy is to make sure the student is confident in using the instrument before reading music and playing at the same time.

Ms. Donelle Snell

My music experience is extensive, playing the violin for 45 years. I have played in many symphonies and held the principal second violin position and Concert Mistress position. I have been a private music teacher since 1987.

Mr. Jake Wilson

I’ve been playing drum set for about 10 years now and also have experience with marching percussion!  My music philosophy is to teach music in a way that is fun and engaging while also learning correct technique.

Mr. Ryland Strange

Hey there, folks! I pride myself on teaching my students how to learn the things they’re interested in for themselves. Having a good foundation of technique, music reading, and a good listening ear to pick out drum parts in songs are just a few of the things I like to teach.

Mr. Christian McLaurin

We learn through creativity, we grow through creativity. Music is a great way to expand one’s thinking, and a great way to hone in on specific skills. My teaching style could be described as patient, flexible, and concept based. Einstein said to explain things in the simplest terms possible, but no simpler! I look forward to working with any new students, let’s learn about music and have fun while we do it!

Ms. Hannah Minge

My teaching style can be described as student-centered, classical, and fun! I understand that everyone learns differently and embrace that fully; I am adaptable so that you can just be you! I hold three AA’s from Cosumnes River College in music and liberal arts and am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Music and teaching credential at Sacramento State University.

Ms. Angela Flanery

I play piano and woodwinds (saxophone, clarinet, flute and more!). Learning one instrument just ignited my passion to learn more, and allows me to play with others in a variety of different styles of ensembles.

Mr. Glenn Lewis

I create music independently and with others to affect attitudes and perceptions in positive ways. My primary instruments are Tenor Trombone, Bass Trombone and Euphonium.

Mr. Marco Guerrero

I have been performing music for over 20 years. I received my BA in Music Performance from New Mexico State University, performing in the marching band, symphonic band, concert band, jazz bands, chamber ensembles, brass ensembles and trombone choirs.

Mr. Cesar Zarate

I currently perform regularly with the CSU Wind Ensemble and Orchestra and have been a lead camp counselor at La Honda Music Camp since 2016. I teach private lessons in horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba, and piano.

Ms. Valeria Nunez

Hi I’m Ms. Valeria! I play and teach piano, oboe, and clarinet. Music brings me so much joy and I want others to feel the same joy I feel when I play it.

Mr. Joshua  Elmore

BIO COMING SOON

Mr. Reuben Rampen

BIO COMING SOON