Faculty
The Santa Monica Academy of Music faculty is diverse and able to meet the needs of every level of student-beginner through advanced, children through adults. Our youngest student enrolled in private lessons is 5 years old and our oldest is 75 years old. Most importantly, our instructors possess a passionate dedication to music education and are university/conservatory trained. Many are also active performers on their instruments.
Buzz Gravelle: Academy director, guitar, piano, mandolin, music theory, and composition
Buzz has over twenty years experience as a music instructor. He is the founder, co-owner, and director for the Santa Monica Academy of Music, where he is the head guitar instructor. Additionally, he is an adjunct Professor of Music at California Polytechnic University at Pomona where he teaches music theory and coordinates the guitar studies program.
As a member of the Modern Arts Guitar Quartet (1990-1995) he performed regularly in California, in addition to Germany, Austria, Italy, Mexico (16th Annual Festival of New Music, Mexico City, 1995), and the Pacific Northwest. He stays active performing and recording on classical guitar and classical mandolin, both as a soloist and as a member of EnsembleFRET. He is also a prominent fretless classical guitarist.
Buzz holds both a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) and Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree from UCLA. His primary classical guitar instructors were Professors Peter Yates and the late Theodore Norman. He has also studied jazz guitar with Warren Nunes, composition with Manuel Enriquez, and lute and theorbo with Michael Egan.
See buzzgravelle.com for more information about his professional activities.
Buzz has over twenty years experience as a music instructor. He is the founder, co-owner, and director for the Santa Monica Academy of Music, where he is the head guitar instructor. Additionally, he is an adjunct Professor of Music at California Polytechnic University at Pomona where he teaches music theory and coordinates the guitar studies program.
As a member of the Modern Arts Guitar Quartet (1990-1995) he performed regularly in California, in addition to Germany, Austria, Italy, Mexico (16th Annual Festival of New Music, Mexico City, 1995), and the Pacific Northwest. He stays active performing and recording on classical guitar and classical mandolin, both as a soloist and as a member of EnsembleFRET. He is also a prominent fretless classical guitarist.
Buzz holds both a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) and Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree from UCLA. His primary classical guitar instructors were Professors Peter Yates and the late Theodore Norman. He has also studied jazz guitar with Warren Nunes, composition with Manuel Enriquez, and lute and theorbo with Michael Egan.
See buzzgravelle.com for more information about his professional activities.
Jessi Spike: piano, voice, and flute
Jessi began her music studies at the age of four, in Chesaning, Michigan. Her many years of private study, various competitions and performance experience gained her admittance to Michigan State University's piano pedagogy and performance departments, where she studied with Ms. Yong Hi Moon. After transferring to UCLA as a music major in 1990 to study with Dr. Ick Choo Moon, Jessi continued her work in piano pedagogy by opening her own private teaching studio in Santa Monica. As her studio continued to grow, Jessi also earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in English from California State University, Northridge in 1996. She is employed by the Santa Monica Malibu School District (SMMUSD) as an elementary instrumental and choral music teacher.
Jessi began her music studies at the age of four, in Chesaning, Michigan. Her many years of private study, various competitions and performance experience gained her admittance to Michigan State University's piano pedagogy and performance departments, where she studied with Ms. Yong Hi Moon. After transferring to UCLA as a music major in 1990 to study with Dr. Ick Choo Moon, Jessi continued her work in piano pedagogy by opening her own private teaching studio in Santa Monica. As her studio continued to grow, Jessi also earned her Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in English from California State University, Northridge in 1996. She is employed by the Santa Monica Malibu School District (SMMUSD) as an elementary instrumental and choral music teacher.
Michelle Stuart: piano, voice, guitar, cello
As a professional musician, educator, and researcher Michelle holds degrees from the Royal College of Music in London, UK, the University of Oregon, and Cal State Fresno. She has performed in many prestigious symphony and chamber groups up and down the West Coast and in London, England. Originally from the Bay Area, CA Michelle devoted much of her early musical journey to piano performance, but over time developed equal skill sets in both vocal and wind instrumental performance. She has additionally specialized in educational instruction for both public and private sectors, mainly in orchestral ensembles, private piano and voice. In Oregon, she also spent her time teaching and coordinating a Musical Theater Academy for school aged students. She believes in pursuing joy as a core principle of learning and engagement (Flow: the Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Csikszentmihalyi) and much of her research in London and Oregon was based on this principle. Her teaching approach combines student-centered goal outcomes and the teaching of solid foundational technique,
As a professional musician, educator, and researcher Michelle holds degrees from the Royal College of Music in London, UK, the University of Oregon, and Cal State Fresno. She has performed in many prestigious symphony and chamber groups up and down the West Coast and in London, England. Originally from the Bay Area, CA Michelle devoted much of her early musical journey to piano performance, but over time developed equal skill sets in both vocal and wind instrumental performance. She has additionally specialized in educational instruction for both public and private sectors, mainly in orchestral ensembles, private piano and voice. In Oregon, she also spent her time teaching and coordinating a Musical Theater Academy for school aged students. She believes in pursuing joy as a core principle of learning and engagement (Flow: the Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Csikszentmihalyi) and much of her research in London and Oregon was based on this principle. Her teaching approach combines student-centered goal outcomes and the teaching of solid foundational technique,
Marco Chiovato-Rambaldo: piano
15 years teaching at the Santa Monica Academy of Music
Marco began his music career in Italy where he studied piano, cello, and theory at Padua Conservatory of Music. During his early musical exploration, he developed an interest in a variety of different styles, among them jazz, music of the Baroque period, and rock. He has played and performed in a Baroque ensemble, in addition to blues, jazz, and rock bands. Under the influence of his former piano teacher, Maestro Basso, he began composing, improvising, and teaching.
Since moving to Los Angeles, Marco has been active teaching and playing solo piano. Currently, he is the musical director and choir conductor at the Sepulveda Unitarian Church, "The Onion", in Northridge. In addition, he is currently working on recording his first album and composing a musical.
15 years teaching at the Santa Monica Academy of Music
Marco began his music career in Italy where he studied piano, cello, and theory at Padua Conservatory of Music. During his early musical exploration, he developed an interest in a variety of different styles, among them jazz, music of the Baroque period, and rock. He has played and performed in a Baroque ensemble, in addition to blues, jazz, and rock bands. Under the influence of his former piano teacher, Maestro Basso, he began composing, improvising, and teaching.
Since moving to Los Angeles, Marco has been active teaching and playing solo piano. Currently, he is the musical director and choir conductor at the Sepulveda Unitarian Church, "The Onion", in Northridge. In addition, he is currently working on recording his first album and composing a musical.
Manoela Wunder: violin, viola, cello, piano, and voice
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, violinist Manoela Wunder has established herself in Los Angeles as a versatile and eclectic artist. Classically trained, she has a strong passion for improvisation in jazz, blues, and rock genres and is an active composer and arranger for string ensembles and jazz bands. She founded an electric rock string quartet, the Electric Angels, and has a jazz group “The Wunder Trio”, she performs as well as a guest violinist with local act “New Sensations” and the international world music band “Esperanto”. Manoela has been featured in films and TV shows such as Suburgatory (ABC), Qwerty, Spaghetti Storm, The Composer, and The Monstrosity. Manoela has performed with a wide range of orchestras and chamber groups in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles as well as Europe. Her music has been heard in the Alice Tully Hall (NY), Symphony Center Chicago and Walt Disney Concert Hall (LA). She is a multiple prizewinner of competitions in the United States and Europe and has been a guest at many prominent festivals throughout her career. Manoela holds a Bachelor of Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College (NY) in Violin Performance and a Master of Music degree with distinction under scholarship from DePaul University in Chicago. Ms. Wunder has been an avid educator in a variety of instruments for many years. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has taught for several private music schools as well as public elementary and middle school classes and orchestras.
See manoelawunder.com for more information about her professional activities.
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, violinist Manoela Wunder has established herself in Los Angeles as a versatile and eclectic artist. Classically trained, she has a strong passion for improvisation in jazz, blues, and rock genres and is an active composer and arranger for string ensembles and jazz bands. She founded an electric rock string quartet, the Electric Angels, and has a jazz group “The Wunder Trio”, she performs as well as a guest violinist with local act “New Sensations” and the international world music band “Esperanto”. Manoela has been featured in films and TV shows such as Suburgatory (ABC), Qwerty, Spaghetti Storm, The Composer, and The Monstrosity. Manoela has performed with a wide range of orchestras and chamber groups in New York, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles as well as Europe. Her music has been heard in the Alice Tully Hall (NY), Symphony Center Chicago and Walt Disney Concert Hall (LA). She is a multiple prizewinner of competitions in the United States and Europe and has been a guest at many prominent festivals throughout her career. Manoela holds a Bachelor of Music from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College (NY) in Violin Performance and a Master of Music degree with distinction under scholarship from DePaul University in Chicago. Ms. Wunder has been an avid educator in a variety of instruments for many years. Since moving to Los Angeles, she has taught for several private music schools as well as public elementary and middle school classes and orchestras.
See manoelawunder.com for more information about her professional activities.
Sandra Pehrsson: voice and piano
With 18 years of experience as a voice and piano teacher, Sandra is dedicated to help her students to develop their musical talent and voice to build their confidence within themselves. With voice and piano as her main fields of study, she also studied composition, music theory, conducting, music history, band leading, microphone technique, performance, and multiple wind, string and percussion instruments. She is trained in classical, pop, jazz and rock genres, and teaches all genres. Originally from Sweden, she attended the Uddevall School of Music, Helsingborg’s School of Music, and Sungsgarden’s Folkhogskola. All of this culminated at the Leeds College of Music in the United Kingdom, where she received her Diploma of Higher Education in Jazz and Contemporary Music, with an emphasis on voice and piano where she was a recipient of Leeds “Best Jazz Singer" award. In addition to teaching, Sandra performs regularly and works as a professional singer, singer/songwriter and pianist. She has performed around the UK, Sweden and the US. She is one-half of the upcoming singer/songwriter duo SandraKota, while also working in former Tower of Power singer Lenny Goldsmith’s band The New Old, as well as singing lead soprano in the six-part a cappella group Swing Shift. Sandra is also part of Goldie Gillespie’s funky Rick James tribute band and she has for many years worked as a jazz singer/pianist. As a session singer, Sandra has, amongst other things, worked on an album released by Columbia Records.
With 18 years of experience as a voice and piano teacher, Sandra is dedicated to help her students to develop their musical talent and voice to build their confidence within themselves. With voice and piano as her main fields of study, she also studied composition, music theory, conducting, music history, band leading, microphone technique, performance, and multiple wind, string and percussion instruments. She is trained in classical, pop, jazz and rock genres, and teaches all genres. Originally from Sweden, she attended the Uddevall School of Music, Helsingborg’s School of Music, and Sungsgarden’s Folkhogskola. All of this culminated at the Leeds College of Music in the United Kingdom, where she received her Diploma of Higher Education in Jazz and Contemporary Music, with an emphasis on voice and piano where she was a recipient of Leeds “Best Jazz Singer" award. In addition to teaching, Sandra performs regularly and works as a professional singer, singer/songwriter and pianist. She has performed around the UK, Sweden and the US. She is one-half of the upcoming singer/songwriter duo SandraKota, while also working in former Tower of Power singer Lenny Goldsmith’s band The New Old, as well as singing lead soprano in the six-part a cappella group Swing Shift. Sandra is also part of Goldie Gillespie’s funky Rick James tribute band and she has for many years worked as a jazz singer/pianist. As a session singer, Sandra has, amongst other things, worked on an album released by Columbia Records.
Caitlin Smith: viola, violin
Caitlin holds a bachelor of music from McGill University and teaches, violin, viola, piano, and songwriting. Trained in classical and jazz, Caitlin is frequently a sought-after violist for recording sessions and concerts. She has also performed in folk/pop groups and has toured across Canada with an experimental jazz chamber ensemble. She uses a fun yet methodical teaching approach which focuses heavily on ear-training, individual learning styles and personal enjoyment, while following standardized teaching materials to provide structured and supportive foundations. She loves helping her students of all ages learn and musically flourish. Caitlin is comfortable teaching on Zoom or in-person.
Caitlin holds a bachelor of music from McGill University and teaches, violin, viola, piano, and songwriting. Trained in classical and jazz, Caitlin is frequently a sought-after violist for recording sessions and concerts. She has also performed in folk/pop groups and has toured across Canada with an experimental jazz chamber ensemble. She uses a fun yet methodical teaching approach which focuses heavily on ear-training, individual learning styles and personal enjoyment, while following standardized teaching materials to provide structured and supportive foundations. She loves helping her students of all ages learn and musically flourish. Caitlin is comfortable teaching on Zoom or in-person.
Mica Erin: violin/fiddle, viola, voice, ukulele
Mica is a Los Angeles based violinist, singer-songwriter, and film composer. A classically trained violinist, she is comfortable performing a wide array of genres such as bluegrass, country, pop, rock, and jazz. She can be found gigging with various groups such as the Americana collective Rah Rah Rabbit and local songstress Maddi Fraser around the LA area and beyond.
At the USC Thornton School of Music, Mica completed her bachelor’s degree in Popular Music Performance in 2019. There, she studied privately with jazz violinist Robert Anderson and cultivated interest in arranging, composition and film scoring under the tutelage of the legendary Patrice Rushen. In 2022, Mica graduated with her Master of Music in Scoring for Film, Television and Video Games at Berklee College of Music’s campus in Valencia, Spain.
Whether she’s teaching privately or in a group setting, Mica is willing to cater to any areas where her students want to improve. Many come prepared with their pieces from orchestra, and Mica will help them hone in on their technique, intonation, and expression to give the best performance possible.
Mica is a Los Angeles based violinist, singer-songwriter, and film composer. A classically trained violinist, she is comfortable performing a wide array of genres such as bluegrass, country, pop, rock, and jazz. She can be found gigging with various groups such as the Americana collective Rah Rah Rabbit and local songstress Maddi Fraser around the LA area and beyond.
At the USC Thornton School of Music, Mica completed her bachelor’s degree in Popular Music Performance in 2019. There, she studied privately with jazz violinist Robert Anderson and cultivated interest in arranging, composition and film scoring under the tutelage of the legendary Patrice Rushen. In 2022, Mica graduated with her Master of Music in Scoring for Film, Television and Video Games at Berklee College of Music’s campus in Valencia, Spain.
Whether she’s teaching privately or in a group setting, Mica is willing to cater to any areas where her students want to improve. Many come prepared with their pieces from orchestra, and Mica will help them hone in on their technique, intonation, and expression to give the best performance possible.
Richard Dobeck: clarinet
Richard H Dobeck is an active in Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and the Central Valley of California. He is the Principal Clarinet of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, the Principal Clarinet of the Sequoia Symphony, and the Second/E-flat Clarinet of the San Bernardino Symphony. Additionally, he regularly performs with the Opera San Luis Obispo, the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, and the Dream Orchestra. He has previously played with the American Youth Symphony and the Young Musicians Foundation’s Debut Orchestra.
Richard is dedicated to educating young musicians. He is a woodwind coach for the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, a program that provides education and playing opportunities to middle and high school students across Los Angeles. Richard has previously worked as a mentor for both the American Youth Symphony’s Share-A-Stand program, the Young Musicians Foundation’s mentor program, and as a Teaching Assistant at the Idyllwild Arts summer program, which he attended for six consecutive years in his youth.
Richard received his Bachelors of Music from The University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and his Artist Diploma from The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Glenn Gould School. His teachers include Amanda Walker, Richie Hawley, Benjamin Freimuth, Yehuda Gilad, and Joaquín Valdepeñas.
Richard H Dobeck is an active in Los Angeles, the Central Coast, and the Central Valley of California. He is the Principal Clarinet of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, the Principal Clarinet of the Sequoia Symphony, and the Second/E-flat Clarinet of the San Bernardino Symphony. Additionally, he regularly performs with the Opera San Luis Obispo, the Lompoc Pops Orchestra, and the Dream Orchestra. He has previously played with the American Youth Symphony and the Young Musicians Foundation’s Debut Orchestra.
Richard is dedicated to educating young musicians. He is a woodwind coach for the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, a program that provides education and playing opportunities to middle and high school students across Los Angeles. Richard has previously worked as a mentor for both the American Youth Symphony’s Share-A-Stand program, the Young Musicians Foundation’s mentor program, and as a Teaching Assistant at the Idyllwild Arts summer program, which he attended for six consecutive years in his youth.
Richard received his Bachelors of Music from The University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and his Artist Diploma from The Royal Conservatory of Music’s Glenn Gould School. His teachers include Amanda Walker, Richie Hawley, Benjamin Freimuth, Yehuda Gilad, and Joaquín Valdepeñas.
Anna Gryshyna: piano
Dr. Anna Gryshyna was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. She began piano lessons at the age of six, and is a graduate of the Special Music school for Gifted Children. Since then, Dr.
Gryshyna has participated in many masterclasses, and she has achieved the top prize in the Mariya Yudina International Piano Competition in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, the Roma 2010 International Competition in Rome, Italy, and the Yevgen Stankovich international competition in Kiev. Ukraine.
On top of her extensive experiences as a soloist. Dr. Gryshyna is an accomplished pedagogue and collaborative pianist. During her Doctoral studies at the University of Miami, she served as a teaching assistant for the Keyboard Department, teaching piano lessons in group as well as private settings. She also served as the pianist for the Frost Opera Theater. Dr. Gryshyna holds a Master Degree with honors from the Kiev Conservatory. She received her doctorate in Keyboard Performance from the University of Miami in 2020 under the mentorship of Tian Ying.
Dr. Anna Gryshyna was born and raised in Kiev, Ukraine. She began piano lessons at the age of six, and is a graduate of the Special Music school for Gifted Children. Since then, Dr.
Gryshyna has participated in many masterclasses, and she has achieved the top prize in the Mariya Yudina International Piano Competition in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, the Roma 2010 International Competition in Rome, Italy, and the Yevgen Stankovich international competition in Kiev. Ukraine.
On top of her extensive experiences as a soloist. Dr. Gryshyna is an accomplished pedagogue and collaborative pianist. During her Doctoral studies at the University of Miami, she served as a teaching assistant for the Keyboard Department, teaching piano lessons in group as well as private settings. She also served as the pianist for the Frost Opera Theater. Dr. Gryshyna holds a Master Degree with honors from the Kiev Conservatory. She received her doctorate in Keyboard Performance from the University of Miami in 2020 under the mentorship of Tian Ying.