AMUSE Music - Education Programs

FALL 2010

AMUSE provides private and group instruction for all ages, infants through adults. More than 1,800 students are enrolled at all levels of instruction, beginning to advanced. Private lessons are taught in piano and keyboard, violin, viola, cello, string bass, recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone horn, tuba, percussion, voice, and both acoustic and electric guitar.

Teachers at AMUSE are graduates of major universities, conservatories and schools of music. They are experienced in teaching music at the pre-school, elementary, high school and university levels. They play with orchestras, bands and ensembles in the greater Los Angeles area and record and concertize throughout the world. Articles about AMUSE teachers have appeared in Peninsula People and the Palos Verdes Peninsula News. See AMUSE Teacher Biographies to learn more.

Classes are offered in infant and early childhood music, piano, guitar, percussion, folk harp, strings , winds and voice. Woodwind, brass, string, chamber, rock and jazz ensembles are available. Workshops are scheduled throughout the year for studio teachers, classroom teachers and music specialists. Join the fun! See Tuition and Policies for Private Instruction, Group Instruction .

If you already know of a class you would like to enroll in, click here to enroll. For private instruction, call us at 310-377-7838 to check availability and set up your lessons.

Early Childhood

AMUSE's music education programs are based on the philosophy that we must have music in order to be truly human and that all humans are, indeed, born musical beings. The mission of our early childhood music education program is to nurture and develop those musical skills that all children are born with, thus enabling them to continue making and enjoying music throughout life. The goals of our program are: to develop a sense of rhythm; to develop the young child's singing voice; to develop perceptive listening skills; to enable the young child to move creatively and expressively; to empower parents to use music to foster their child's emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and aesthetic growth; and to build the foundation for all subsequent musical learning and participation.

This highly recognized early childhood music education program develops a young child's musical skills through singing and chanting, instrument play, creative and rhythmic movement and listening. Developmentally appropriate and fun-filled activities enrich a child's life and enable parents to use music as a valuable everyday experience. Classes are 12 wks. $189.

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	9:00-9:45 a.m.	Birth-Walking
*Thursday	9/23-12/16	9:00-9:45 a.m.	Birth-Walking
*Friday	9/24-12/17	9:00-9:45 a.m.	Birth-Walking
*Saturday	9/25-12/18	9:00-9:45 a.m.	Birth-Walking

(Parent participation required)

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	10:00-10:45 a.m.	Walking-2 yrs.
*Thursday	9/23-12/16	10:00-10:45 a.m.	Walking-2 yrs.
*Friday	9/24-12/17	10:00-10:45 a.m.	Walking-2 yrs.
*Saturday	9/25-12/18	10:00-10:45 a.m.	Walking-2 yrs.

(Parent participation required)

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	11:00-11:45 a.m.	2-3 yrs.
*Thursday	9/23-12/16	11:00-11:45 a.m.	2-3 yrs.
*Friday	9/24-12/17	11:00-11:45 a.m.	2-3 yrs.
*Saturday	9/25-12/18	11:00-11:45 a.m.	2-3 yrs.

(Parent participation required)

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	1:00-1:45 p.m.	3-4 yrs.
*Thursday	9/23-12/16	1:00-1:45 p.m.	3-4 yrs.
*Friday	9/24-12/17	1:00-1:45 p.m.	3-4 yrs.
*Saturday	9/25-12/18	1:00-1:45 p.m.	3-4 yrs.

(Parent participation welcomed, but not required)

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	2:00-2:45 p.m.	4-5 yrs.
*Thursday	9/23-12/16	2:00-2:45 p.m.	4-5 yrs.
*Friday	9/24-12/17	1:45-2:30 p.m.	4-5 yrs.
*Saturday	9/25-12/18	2:00-2:45 p.m.	4-5 yrs.

(Parent participation welcomed, but not required)

* No class 11/25, 26, 27

Voice

Basics of Singing

A vocal program that develops basic singing techniques and develops poise and confidence. Explores repertoire, styling, and performance. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Tuesday	9/21-12/7	4:30-5:20 p.m.	Ages 8-12
Tuesday	9/21-12/7	7:00-7:50 p.m.	Teens & Adults

Winds

Beginning Woodwinds

A small group program that builds and reinforces the foundations of playing flute, clarinet and saxophone. Students will develop playing and technical skills, learn to read music, and experience the joy of playing as a woodwind ensemble. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

*Friday

9/24-12/17

5:00-5:50 p.m.

Ages 8-up

Beginning Brass

A small group program that builds and reinforces the foundations of playing trumpet, trombone and French horn. Students will develop playing and technical skills, learn to read music, and experience the joy of playing as a brass ensemble. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

*Friday

9/24-12/17

4:00-4:50 p.m.

Ages 8-up

*No Class 11/28

Guitar and Ukulele

Preparatory Guitar (Level I)

An introductory guitar class that develops basic skills of music through playing, singing, listening, moving, and creating. Guitar rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Monday

9/20-12/6

3:00-3:45 p.m.

5-7 yrs.

Guitar (Level I) Children

An exploratory program which introduces the basic concepts of music while developing fundamental skills of playing the guitar. Guitar rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Monday	9/20-12/6	4:00-4:50 p.m.	8-12 yrs.
Tuesday	9/21-12/7	4:00-4:50 p.m.	8-12 yrs.

Guitar (Level II) Children

A program that continues skill and concept development of beginning class. Guitar rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Monday	9/20-12/6	5:00-5:50 p.m.	8-12 yrs.
Tuesday	9/21-12/7	5:00-5:50 p.m.	8-12 yrs.

Guitar (Level I) Adults

A comprehensive approach to guitar fundamentals. Includes both finger style and pick style skill development. Guitar rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Monday	9/20-12/6	6:00-6:50 p.m.	Teens & Adults
Tuesday	9/21-12/7	6:00-6:50 p.m.	Teens & Adults

Guitar (Level II) Adults

A program that continues skill and concept development of beginning class.12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Monday	9/20-12/6	7:00-7:50 p.m.	Teens & Adults
Tuesday	9/21-12/7	7:00-7:50 p.m.	Teens & Adults

Guitar for Grandparents

Wow your grandchildren and friends by learning to strum and sing their, and your, favorite songs. Learn basic chords, strumming techniques and repertoire. Beginners welcome, non-grandparents, too! 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Tuesday

9/21-12/7

10:30-11:20 A.M.

Adults

Ukulele

A perfect opportunity to get together to strum and sing your favorite songs. Learn basic chords, strumming techniques and lots of songs to share with your family and friends. This is a fun-filled class for beginners! 12 wks. $189 plus materials

Monday

9/20-12/6

10:30-11:20 A.M.

Adults

Strings

Preparatory Violin (Level I)

An introductory Suzuki-based program that builds the foundations of violin playing through creative activities and games. Basic concepts of posture, rhythm, and listening skills are explored. Parent participation required. Violin rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

*Thursday

9/23-12/16

3:30-4:15 p.m.

4-6 yrs.

Preparatory Violin (Level II)

A program that continues concept and skill development of the Level I class while building skills in group playing. Parent participation required. Open to children who have completed the Preparatory Level I class. Violin rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials

*Thursday

9/23-12/16

4:30-5:15 p.m.

4-6 yrs.

Violin (Level I)

A Suzuki based program that builds the foundations of violin playing through creative activities and games. Basic concepts of posture, rhythm, and listening skills are explored. Parent participation required. Violin rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials

*Thursday

9/23-12/16

5:30-6:15 p.m.

7-12 yrs.

Violin (Level II)

A program that continues concept and skill development of the Level I class while building skills in group playing. Parent participation strongly encouraged. Open to students who have completed Violin Level I. Violin rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

*Thursday

9/23-12/16

6:30-7:15 p.m.

7-12 yrs.

Beginning Harp (Level I)

If you dream of playing the harp, this class is for you. You will learn the basics of harp from tuning to scales and arpeggios and will play beginning level pieces. At the conclusion of the class, you will be prepared to take level one of the ABRSM exams. 12 wks. $480 plus materials

*Sunday

9/19-12/12

1:00-3:00 p.m.

8-up

Beginning Harp (Level II)

A continuation of the Level I curriculum. You will learn most of the major and minor keys in scales and arpeggios as well as play level II pieces. At the end of the class, students should be able to take level two of the ABRSM exams. 12 wks. $480 plus materials

*Sunday

9/19-12/12

1:00-3:00 p.m.

8-up

*No classes 11/25, 26, 27

Piano

AMUSE’s piano program for the very young child teaches the basic fundamentals of playing piano in the ways in which young children learn, through singing and moving. Students develop listening and reading skills, as well as those of improvisation, technique, ensemble playing and composition. Repertoire includes contemporary and classical music, familiar childhood songs and popular soundtracks. Performances and ensemble parties are planned at the end of each session. Our program for the very young child is based on Music for Little Mozarts, an award winning series by Alfred Publishing Company and supplementary ensemble and repertoire materials. If you are a current group piano student, please feel to contact your teacher to determine your class level for fall 2010. Teacher voice mail extensions are as follows: Katheryn Klein, ext. 245; Cindy Tseng, ext. 221 and Marisa Solomon, ext. 244. Piano rental available. 12 weeks. $189 plus materials.

Young Children Ages 4-7

Level 1, Ages 4 - 5 1/2	Tuesday	9/21-12/7	3:30-4:15 p.m.
Level 1, Ages 5 1/2 - 7	Tuesday	9/21-12/7	4:20-5:05 p.m.
Level 2, Ages 5-7	Tuesday	9/21-12/7	5:10-5:55 p.m.
Level 1, Ages 5 1/2 - 7	*Thursday	9/23-12/16	3:30-4:15 p.m.
Level 2, Ages 5-7	*Thursday	9/23-12/16	4:20-5:05 p.m.
Level 3, Ages 5-7	*Thursday	9/23-12/16	5:10-5:55 p.m.
Level 1, Ages 5 1/2 - 7	*Saturday	9/25-12/18	10:00-10:45 a.m.
Level 2, Ages 5-7	*Saturday	9/25-12/18	9:00-9:45 a.m.

Elementary Aged Children 8-12

AMUSE’s piano program for elementary aged children is designed to develop the basic skills of playing piano, including those of listening, improvising, and composing. Students learn to read music through solo and ensemble repertoire consisting of contemporary, classical, familure childhood songs and popular soundtracks. Technical skills include correct posture, hand position and articulation concepts. This program utilizes the acclaimed series Faber Piano Adventures and Alfred's premier series, as well as supplementary ensemble, theory, and repertoire materials. If you are a current group student please feel free to contact your teacher to determine your class level for Fall 2010. Teacher voice mail extensions are: Katheryn Klein, ext. 245; Cindy Tseng, ext. 221 and Marisa Solomon, ext. 244. Piano rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Level 1, Ages 8-12	Monday	9/20-12/6	3:30-4:20 p.m.
Level 2, Ages 8-12	Monday	9/20-12/6	4:30-5:20 p.m.
Level 3, Ages 8-12	Monday	9/20-12/6	5:30-6:20 p.m.
Level 1, Ages 8-12	Wednesday	9/22-12/8	3:30-4:20 p.m.
Level 2, Ages 8-12	Wednesday	9/22-12/8	4:30-5:20 p.m.
Level 3, Ages 8-12	Wednesday	9/22-12/8	5:30-6:20 p.m.
Level 1, Ages 8-12	*Saturday	9/25-12/18	11:00-11:50 a.m.
Level 2, Ages 8-12	*Saturday	9/25-12/18	12:00-12:50 a.m.

Teens and Adults

AMUSE's piano program for Teens and Adults gets students quickly playing their favorite melodies and songs while developing basic music concepts and fundamental skills. Major and minor five-finger patterns and primary chord progressions are introduced to enable adults to play popular and folk standards. Background soundtracks inspire musicality. Piano rental available. 12 wks. $189 plus materials.

Level 1, Teens and Adults	Tuesday	9/21-12/7	6:00-6:50 p.m.
Level 2, Teens and Adults	Tuesday	9/21-12/7	7:00-7:50 p.m.
Level 1, Teens and Adults	*Saturday	9/25-12/18	1:00-1:50 p.m.

*No classes 11/25, 26, 27

Ensembles

Advanced Mixed Ensemble

This exciting highly motivating ensemble will perform classical, jazz, pop and movie music. Full arrangements will challenge even the most advanced students. Open to string, brass and woodwind students. Class will culminate in a public performance. Teacher recommendation required. 12 wks. $198 plus materials.

Wednesday

9/22-12/8

4:00-5:00 p.m.

5th grade-up

Intermediate Mixed Ensemble

This special ensemble for intermediate level string, brass and woodwind players will incorporate fun, yet challenging, arrangements of different genres of music. Class will culminate in a public performance. Teacher recommendation required. 12 wks. $198 plus materials.

Wednesday

9/22-12/8

6:00-7:00 p.m.

5th Grade-up

Clarinet Ensemble

This ensemble will play both original works for clarinet ensemble as well as arrangements of classical and popular pieces. Class will culminate in a public performance. Open to students with at least one year of playing experience. 12 wks. $198 plus materials.

Wednesday

9/22-12/8

5:00-6:00 p.m.

5th grade-up

Teens

Saxophone Ensemble

This class for advanced saxophone students will introduce the fundamentals of ensemble playing in an exciting setting for alto, tenor and baritone saxophonists. Different genres of music will be explored including classical, jass, pop and movie music. Class will culminate in a public performance. Teacher recommendation required. 12 wks. $198 plus materials.

*Sunday

9/19-12/12

1:00-2:00 p.m.

5th grade-up

Teens

Teen Rock Band

A great opportunity for guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, drummers and vocalists to experience the thrill of playing in a full rock band coached by professional musicians/teachers. Class includes ensemble and solo playing of contemporary and classic rock songs. Minimum six months instruction in respective instrument, music reading skills, and basic chord knowledge required. 12 wks. $198 plus materials.

*Sunday

9/19-12/12

3:00-4:00 p.m.

Teens

*No class 11/28

Camps and Workshops

Tuition and Policies

Private Instruction

Registration Fee:	$15
1/2 hour lesson:	$30
One hour lesson:	$60

Group Instruction

Tuition is shown in class descriptions above. To review each class, go back to the top.

Tuition for private instruction is payable monthly in advance. Registration and tuition for private lessons are not refundable. Missed lessons are charged at the regular tuition rate. Individual arrangements may be made for private lessons missed depending on teacher's schedule and studio availability.

Tuition for group instruction is payable in full at the time of enrollment. Coupons for discounts on group instruction may be used for beginning classes only and are valid on a space available basis. Coupons must be presented at the time of enrollment. Tuition for group instruction is refundable only if class is cancelled. Tuition may not be prorated for late enrollment or abbreviated attendance. There are no provisions for making up missed group lessons.

Teacher Biographies

Armentano, Ben (Piano, Composition) Bachelor of Music, Composition, University of Bridgeport, CT; certificate, Berklee School of Music, Boston, for outstanding jazz piano performance; studio and live performances throughout the world.

Avineri, Eitan (Trumpet, Trombone) Bachelor of Art, Environmental Design, minor/Music, University of California, Irvine; Phi Beta Kappa; jazz studies with James Newton and Ron Stout; elementary and middle school instrumental music specialist. Eitan has recorded for television commercials, radio jingles, and numerous internationally distributed albums. He has performed live and recorded on Chris Botti's 2006 DVD put out by Sony and PBS featuring Burt Bacharach, Billy Childs, Sting, Jill Scott, Renee Olstead, and Gladys Knight. Eitan recorded on Skye Sweetnam's 2007 album on Capitol records, and performed with Rancid's Tim Armstrong at the 2007 KROQ's Weenie Roast.

Brinjak, Timothy John (Guitar, Tuba) Berklee College of Music, Boston MA Guitar Principal, tuba secondary. 13 years teaching experience in San Diego and Los Angeles in private and classroom setting. Over 20 years of professional guitar performance including audio engineering, entertainment management and stage management.

Catalano, Steve (Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute) Berklee School of Music, Boston; international tour (1984-85) with Gloria Gaynor; European tour (1988) with Wilson Pickett; Sonny Rose Orchestra (1999); Celebrity Cruise Lines; Palos Verdes Symphonic Band.

Clay, Sandra (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Master of Arts, Music Education, University of Illinois; national consultant/program specialist, Follett Educational Publishing Company; music educator, South Carolina Educational Television; elementary music specialist, Jefferson County Schools, Denver, CO and DeKalb County Schools, Atlanta, GA; assistant professor of music, Marymount College; owner/President of AMUSE Music, Inc.

Cook, Jack (Percussion) Diploma in Professional Music, Berklee College of Music; drummer on numerous movie soundtracks and national television/radio commercial spots; live performances with Long Beach Civic Light Opera, Ice Capades and with top pop artists.

Cox, Katherine Leigh (Flute) Katherine Cox obtained her BM in music performance at Concordia College Moorhead, MN. She is continuing her studies at Cal State Long Beach and will be receiving her MM in Music performance in May 2008. She has played in several workshops and festivals including the William Bennett International Summer Flute School (2005), the Jeanne Baxtresser International Flute Master class (2005) and the Fairbanks Summer Fine Arts Festival (2002-2006). She has been teaching privately since 2006.

Erickson, Sanford Sandy (Guitar) Bachelor of Music, Guitar, San Jose State University; extensive recording experience for major motion pictures, television studios, and record companies; live performances in the United States and Europe.

Gerstein, Will (Guitar) Guitar Institute of Technology; Ecole Francaise Guittare, Paris, France; major freelance guitarist in greater Los Angeles area; recording artist for major record labels; leader of Common Ground, original jazz group.

Golbin, Benny (Woodwinds) Masters Degree in Jazz Studies, New England Conservatory of Music; Saxophonist, composer, and arranger; Has experience playing and recording various styles including Jazz, Blues, R&B, Pop, Fusion, Rock, Disco, Salsa, Afro Cuban, and much more. Benny has done composing, arranging, and transcribing for groups ranging from small to large ensembles in Jazz, Rock or Orchestral styles, along with several arrangements for the California State University, Northridge jazz ensembles. He has done several transcriptions for various groups and companies such as Golden Performing Arts, Pretzel Logic (A Steely Dan Review), and Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band DVD's. Benny's music has taken him to Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Wales, China, and Prague.

Gonzales, Rebecca (Violin) Bachelor of Music, California State University, San Jose; certified member of the Suzuki Association of California; freelance violinist in orchestras, chamber ensembles; studio musician; member of mariachi band.

Hoffmann, Mike (Guitar) Bachelor of Arts, Music, San Francisco State University; arranger, composer, producer, and guitarist for Bad Haggis; numerous professional credits in television and film, recording, and tours.

Klein, Katheryn (Early Childhood Music Education, Piano) Bachelor of Music, Piano Performance, University of Southern California, Master of Music, Piano Performance, with emphasis on piano pedagogy, University of Southern California; performance studies with John Perry and Joanna Hodges; founding teacher at Pacific School of Music and the Arts, Costa Mesa; licensed educator, Kindermusik International.

Levenson, Barry (Guitar, Bass) Bachelor of Arts, English literature, Kent State University, Bachelor of Art, Performance and Arranging, Berklee School of Music; featured artist on "Blues Guitar Heaven," a compilation of legendary blues artists; author of "Exciting Concepts for Blues Guitar"; composer and arranger for television and motion pictures.

Miller, Eric (Trumpet) Bachelor of Music, Trumpet Performance, University of Michigan; appeared with Herb Alpert, Rita Coolidge and Steve Allen; played at Hollywood Bowl and La Scala Opera House, and with Philadelphia Orchestra; performed for Pope John Paul II, former President Gerald Ford, and First Lady Hillary Clinton; member of Peninsula Symphony.

Solomon, Marisa (Voice, Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Music and German, California State University, Fullerton, Master of Art, German, California State University, Fullerton, Master of Music, Vocal Performance, University of California, Los Angeles, Doctor of Philosophy, Musicology, University of California, Los Angeles; instructor of voice, Pepperdine and California Lutheran Universities.

Sullivan, John (Guitar, Songwriting) Bachelor of Arts, Music Education, Whittier College; elementary music specialist in parochial schools; vocal coach and choir director; director of music ministries, published songwriter.

Terzian, Garik (Cello) Bachelor of Arts, Cello Performance, Babajanian Music College, Armenia, Master of Music, Cello Performance, Komitas State Conservatory, Armenia; pursuing Master of Music, Cello Performance, University of Southern California; soloist with Chihuahua Symphony Orchestra.

Van Buren, Lisa Lynn (Piano) Bachelor of Arts, Music, California State University, Dominguez Hills; member of Mu Phi Epsilon, specialist in beginning and intermediate piano.

Verga, Jack (Percussion) Bachelor of Arts, California State University, Long Beach; private studies with Murray Spivak, Richard Wilson and Louis Bellson; professional drummer in rock, jazz, blues, soul, reggae, Brazilian, top-40 and country music genres.

Von Kleist, Hugh (Woodwinds) Pursuing Bachelor of Arts, Jazz, California State University, Long Beach; saxophonist/leader of swing quartet that performs at the Sky Room; elementary instrumental music specialist.

Wang, Qiang John (Violin, Viola) Bachelor of Arts, Music, Shanghai Conservatory, Master of Music, Violin Performance, Roosevelt University, Chicago, advanced studies at University of Southern California; winner of Starling/Gee International Scholarship Audition; performed with Chicago, Shanghai Symphony and Hollywood Bowl Orchestras.

Wurmbrand, Alex (Violin) University of California, Santa Cruz, Bachelor of Music with Honors, Violin Performance, New England Conservatory of Music, Master of Music, Violin Performance; Arts Bridge Scholar, 1999; winner, UCSC Student Concerto Competition, 1998; American Youth Symphony; experienced Suzuki violin teacher.

Yamamoto, Shirley (Flute) Bachelor of Music, Flute Performance, University of Southern California; studied with Julius Baker, Anne Diener Zentner, and David Shostac; three-time grant recipient from City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department; soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician and recording artist.

AMUSE Teachers Are Hits in Music World

by Dan Sheehy
Special to the News

This month, guitarist Barry Levenson is playing with a blues band at the Starboard Attitude in Redondo Beach. Classical flutist Shirley Yamamoto is performing with a koto orchestra at El Camino College and pianist Ben Armentano is playing in a jazz quartet on the Queen Mary. Different instruments. Different genres. Different venues. So what do these three musicians have in common? Theyre all long-time teachers at AMUSE, the Palos Verdes Music Center, where 1,800 students, from infants to seniors, are enrolled in music education.

Levenson, Yamamoto and Armentano are just three of the 45 teachers at AMUSE, and all 45 are seasoned professional musicians. They play with bands, ensembles and orchestras in the Los Angeles area and record and tour around the world. All are graduates of major universities, conservatories and schools of music.

In contrast to what you see in many schools and retail stores, everybody here has bachelor degrees, most have masters and some have doctorates, said Sandra Clay, who owns and runs AMUSE. Our teachers are well qualified. But not only do they have the academic background, theyre also professional musicians. They have that passion for performing.

Ive always liked writing and arranging music, but I couldnt live without playing, said guitarist/producer Levinson, a professional musician for 22 years. Ive played at clubs all over the Los Angeles area and at major music festivals here in the U.S. and in Europe.

Levenson does a lot of studio work, such as playing cue music for ESPN. He also has composed theme music for network television shows, such as the 1980s hit comedy, Alf.

Levenson has recorded a number of CDs and worked with many well-known blues artists, such as legendary singer Big Mama Thorton. Currently, hes working on his third CD for European label Storyville Records.

But Levensons just as passionate about teaching as he is about playing. I know it sounds kind of corny, but I get energized teaching guitar, said Levenson, who has a degree in performance and arranging from the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Hes been teaching music for more than 20 years, including eight at AMUSE, where he has 25 students, ranging in age from seven to 55.

Youve got 25 students and 25 different personalities, he said. I enjoy that because its always challenging. Someone comes in with something Ive never heard and they say, show me this. Occasionally theres a parent whos making their child take lessons, but the challenge is to catch him on fire so that he falls in love with music and continues. Teaching is a noble profession. Im really rewarded every time I teach.

AMUSE teacher Yamamoto began teaching classical flute when she was in high school 31 years ago. I taught my friends in high school, then in college, and Ive been teaching ever since.

While in high school, she concertized at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and in European concert halls. Her career as a professional flutist began with the Japanese Philharmonic Orchestra of Los Angeles when she was earning her music degree at the University of Southern California. Over the years she has performed as a soloist, orchestral player, chamber musician and recording artist for major television studios.

Yamamoto has taught for 11 years at AMUSE, where she has 23 students. The youngest is nine and the oldest is 69, but most are teenage girls who have been with her for several years. At one time, Yamamoto had as many as 60 students at AMUSE, but she cut back following the adoption of a child.

Yamamoto thinks her students have stayed with her for a long time because she tries to make learning music fun as well as rewarding. We give performances at Disneyland as a group, she explained. We do group things. I think that makes it fun. But I think the main thing that has kept them going is the certificate of merit program sponsored by the Music Teachers Association of California. Each year they have to pass an exam. They have to learn a certain amount of music theory, technique and solo repertoire.

After many years of teaching, Yamamoto believes students, especially younger ones, learn many things about life through learning an instrument. To play an instrument, especially a difficult one like flute, theres a certain amount of discipline involved. Its also good for their self-confidence. I think that at some point each of my students has wanted to give up, but I tell them that if they try, they can do it. And they find that they can.

Ive found that learning music helps them in other things as well, such as their school work or just how they act socially. Many parents have said to me, Thank you for teaching my child flute because their personality has changed for the better. That is so gratifying to me.

Like Levenson and Yamamoto, teaching music is gratifying for writer/performer Armentano, who has been a professional pianist for 30 years.

Passing knowledge on to other people is rewarding, says the 10-year veteran at AMUSE. You can see people grow.

Armentano teaches piano to 40 students a week at AMUSE. They range in age from eight to 80 and in ability from beginner to advanced.

Everybodys different, he sad, so I dont teach the same way to everyone. Some students you can drive a little bit harder because they have more of a will to succeed. With others you have to back off a little bit because they dont have that desire.

A graduate in music composition from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, Armentano has recorded and performed live with artists from major groups such as the Doobie Brothers, Chicago and Tower of Power. He regularly performs at weddings, dances, benefits, and in Los Angeles-area nightclubs. I dont think theres a club I havent played in.

With a variety of engagements outside of teaching, some days can get hectic for Armentano. During the day youre teaching the basics to kids, he explained, then youve got to run out and do a nighttime job to entertain people. You have to quickly shift gears and relate to musicians who are playing at the top of their game.

We have a higher caliber of teachers than many of the other music schools because thats what the public deserves. Im very proud of our teachers, said Clay.

AMUSE is a full-service music center that offers a large selection of instruments, music books and sheet music. Teachers are experienced in teaching blues, pop, rock, jazz and classical music, as well as infant and early childhood music. AMUSE is located at 43C Peninsula Center in Rolling Hills Estates. For more information, call 377-7838.

(This article was originally published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on March 14, 2002.)