Meet our Staff
We pride ourselves in having talented teachers that come from versatile backgrounds.
Ashley Mikita
Piano/Vocal Instructor
Hi! My name is Ashley Mikita and I teach piano and voice lessons. I have been involved with music since childhood, playing piano, guitar, and singing in multiple choirs through my school years. I recently graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelors Degree in Jazz Studies and am planning on pursuing a teaching credential this upcoming year. As a private instructor, I tailor my lessons to accommodate my students' needs and goals while incorporating fundamental technique and musicianship. I aim to foster a learning environment where my students feel safe and excited to develop their own abilities, hoping to provide a space where I can support their love for music and their confidence.
Chris Darbyshire (Darby)
Drum Instructor
Darby was lucky to have great teachers in his 25 years of playing percussion, and hopes to inspire students to have a similar lifelong relationship with music. Originally picking up the sticks in middle school concert band and continuing with high school drum line, Darby went on to play drums in funk, rock, heavy metal and jazz groups and still plays out frequently in the Sacramento area. As a veteran of the US Army, Darby takes a teamwork approach to lessons - sharing each students’ goals as his own, welcoming each student’s unique strengths and style, and leaving room for plenty of fun along the way!
Danny deLeon
Strings/Piano Instructor
Style: Folk, Rock, Pop
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Ukulele
I enjoy all types and genres of music and am passionate for teaching and helping other people find their love for music.
Music, serves as a universal language that overcomes cultural barriers, promoting understanding and empathy among the richly diverse world we live in.
A Musical education cultivates a lifelong appreciation for the Arts and contributes to a well-rounded education that nurtures a person as a whole, fostering empathy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
Music enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and language skills, which are crucial for academic success.
Adam Schild (Dean)
String/Piano/Voice Instructor
Dean teaches Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Voice and Piano. He started his music journey in high school in a contemporary based guitar program. He later decided to continue his musical journey to be able to teach in a public school setting and went to college for music. He took courses in Piano, Voice and Guitar during his time there. He also took courses in the basics of brass and percussion courses as well as a semester of cello. By 2023 Dean obtained his bachelors in music from Cal Poly Humboldt. Dean later competed his TPA and obtained his single subject teaching credential in music in 2024. He is a contemporary based teacher teaching the basics and styles of contemporary music such as rock, ska, reggae, etc.
Danielle Perez
Piano/Voice Instructor
Danielle Perez has been involved with music for over a decade, participating in choral and instrumental ensembles from the middle school through collegiate level. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor's of music in jazz voice at Sacramento State. She currently teaches voice and piano and hopes to help students learn and be passionate about music!
Igor Stebaev
Strings Instructor
Igor studied under influence of Russian masters of classical and jazz in tradition of great achievements of Russian Music School, also played in major Symphony Orchestras including the Russia State Symphony - Conductor Eugene Svetlanov, Prague Philharmonic Orchestra - New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Conductor Kurt Masur. I graduated from Moscow Conservatory of music.
Marcus Jensen
Strings/Woodwinds/Voice/Piano
Marcus has been playing and performing music for the last 20 years, and has been teaching for the past 10. While jazz is his primary genre of choice, he has extensive experience with many styles including rock, pop, funk, and others. In addition to playing music all through junior high and high school, Marcus studied music at Columbia College and Sacramento State University. He plays a large range of instruments including Guitar, Piano, Saxophone, Bass, and more.
Steven Martin
Job title or function
Steven is an Award-Winning National Studio Drummer, Touring Drummer, & Teacher. He's performed with Grammy Winners, CMA Award Winners, Emmy Winners, Billboard Artists, several Multi-Platinum Producers, A HAPAward Winner, & a #1 Hit Pop Artist. He's opened for Marilyn Manson, The Offspring, Black Label Society, Bad Religion, Steve Aoki, Rodney Atkins, Quiet Riot, Burning Rain, Metalachi, Chuck Ragan & many others. He's been actively performing & recording for 23 years and teaching for 13 years