Bere S.

I have always had a passion for music, since an early age I've been performing and recording music with my family. My godfather owned what was, at the time the largest independent distributor of children's music in the nation, called "Music For Little People". It was through his mentorship that I recorded on many albums between the ages of 9-15, and went on to pursue a career as a recording artist. I attended college for 3 years but inevitably decided to leave to pursue recording and performing. When I was in my junior year of college I discovered a jazz music camp in the bay area near San Fransisco called Jazz Camp West. After participating as a volunteer member of the production crew, I have now been hired as the Production Manager for both Jazz Camp West an intergenerational adult program as well as Jam Camp West a youth program designed for ages 9-16 where I teach jazz improv, songwriting, and lead a music appreciation course. Throughout the years I've had numerous private students of all experience levels. I bring a unique jazz style to my teaching, largely based on the principles of effortless mastery taught by jazz pianist Kenny Werner. These principles can also be applied to classical instruction. As a singer, I was blessed in my teenage years to begin instruction with my great-uncle who taught voice at Chapman University and Cal Arts in Southern California as a master Bel Canto instructor. His instruction in my life continued into my 30's until his death, and I apply my knowledge of Bel Canto practice when working with singers. The Bel Canto style is second to none for pure singing and achieving a coordinated head and chest register. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with the students here at Mountainside and making a difference in the lives of young and old musicians alike!