INSTRUCTORS
Landon Mattox
Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Ukulele and Bass
Bio
Landon Mattox is the owner of Honolulu Music Lessons Workshop and he also teaches the Guitar and Ukulele Classes at Kapi’olani Community College. Landon has more than 20 years experience teaching guitar, ukulele and bass lessons. Landon has received a Master’s Degree in Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of North Texas. He taught for 4 years at Xinghai Conservatory of Music in Guangzhou, China helping them to establish the first Jazz Studies degree program offered by that Conservatory. Also, during that time, he taught guitar at the British School of Guangzhou and Utahloy International School of Guangzhou. Since moving to Honolulu, Landon has taught Guitar, Ukulele and Bass Lessons at Easy Music Center and taught ukulele and guitar at various schools and churches around Oahu and performed at many locations for events and weddings such as Honolulu Museum of Art Art After Dark, Bishop Museum, Halekulani Hotel, Orvis Auditorium, Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall, Spalding House and Loulu Palm Estate.
Teaching Philosophy
Most students start from scratch as beginners, but if you have previous experience and you want to develop further, even better. Landon utilizes the most cutting edge technology, apps, multimedia, digital music resources and music notation software in order to provide students with a modern method that meets their needs immediately. If a music chart isn’t immediately available, that’s ok, we can make one, which is great, because that creates additional music resources…
Various styles is no problem and most of Landon’s students end up exploring many different styles from acoustic fingerstyle guitar, electric rock, blues and improvisation and even classical and jazz if that’s what inspires you. Landon encourages his students to develop independence, resourcefulness, creativity and all the skills they need to pursue a fulfilling musical journey for the rest of their lives.
Hans Fahling
Acoustic and Electric Guitar and Ukulele
Teaching Philosophy
Hans Fahling has published two books on guitar improvisation and taught ensemble workshops for several years. He enjoys teaching great habits and beginning technique to young players and he can teach music lessons in both English and German. And by ‘young players’ he is referring to both children as well as beginning adults. Proper posture and good habits set the stage for a more fun and effortless playing experience. There is a ton of great literature out in the ether. But most of it targets the grown-up demographic and offers musical repertoire that often lacks appeal for children. Kids prefer to play melodies and studies that they can relate to, not Greensleeves right out of the gate. Hans uses a very well designed classical guitar series written by Jay Traylor, called “Classical Guitar for the Young”. For teaching great habits and technique, he prefers to use either the Christopher Parkening method or the series by Julio Sagreras.
Bio
Hans has earned a Bachelor of Music in guitar performance and composition from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA after attending the Musicians Institute Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, CA. He initially focused on teaching and coordinating jazz ensemble workshops – at first in Seattle at the Seattle Drum School of music and later, after 2001, in Hamburg and Berlin.
Having taught extensively in private lessons as well as coordinating and teaching adult/adolescent music ensemble classes, Hans has developed a real interest in curriculum and the implementation thereof. A deep understanding of music theory from his study of music composition has helped him profoundly with writing two instructional books on music improvisation. Hans is currently working on revisions of both his books (“Introductory Studies for the Improvising Guitarist” and “Bebop Improv Concepts”.
Christina Sochor
Piano
Bio
Christina is a Florida born musician who is a ‘Russian school’ taught classical pianist and composer. She grew up in a competitive piano environment and won plenty of contests and awards playing the music of Chopin, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Bach and many other giants in the name of classical piano. In High school she studied the music of many great jazz and bebop legends, such as Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans, Eroll Garner, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. Christina uses her free time to study dozens of genres, everywhere from folk country to Indian classical music. Professionally, her performing career is as diverse as it gets. She debuted her own piano concerto at the Naples Philharmonic at the age of 16, performed all over the world as a rock, pop, and Broadway keyboardist on Cruise ships, and headlined virtuosic piano recitals performing the music of Rachmaninoff along with her own compositions.
Teaching Philosophy
Christina believes in teaching towards each student’s personalized strengths and interests. Because of her diverse musical background, she likes to incorporate whatever music the student enjoys listening to into her lessons by teaching them how to learn their favorite songs. She believes it is the duty of the teacher to motivate a student to continue an interest in playing when the student is still home and to instill a child-like wonder and amazement for the instrument no matter the age or skill level. As far as discipline, Christina understands that different students respond better to different levels of discipline. Having a well constructed practice routine helps many students know what to do when they get to a piano at home, however to some it can feel restricting and overwhelming. It’s important to keep a healthy balance of creativity, wonder, and discipline when teaching piano, and that’s exactly what Christina does!
Scott Shafer
Drum Set and Percussion
Scott is a teacher with over 32 years experience, Scott is considered by many a ‘chameleon’ of music, he’s able to adapt to many styles convincingly.
Receiving his bachelor’s degree in music from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston he’s been a highly sought after musician since returning home to the islands. His work experience is extensive to say the least. His theatre work includes Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Song and Dance as well as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His spectrum of ensemble work includes but is not limited to : Sean Naa’au, (reggae), Naleo Pilimehana, (island contemporary), Hula Joe and the Hutjumpers (swing, jump swing), Jazz Hawaii Big Band, Bad Mojo, Resistors (hard rock, classic rock), Gilbert Batangan quartet (bepop, modern jazz) as well as tribute shows : Stars in Concert and Blue Hawaii, playing the music of Elvis, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Little Richard, Elton John, and The Blues Brothers. Currently working with Hawaii’s hottest R&B/Soul band Eight-0-Eight, 16th Ave. Jazz Quartet, The Fat Cats Blues Band, and folk music with The Art of Whimsey not to mention countless freelance work, it is evident the broad stroke of his passion.
Scott prides himself on recognizing an individuals learning strengths to help design each lesson to utilize those strength to their fullest.
Scott strives to tailor lessons to each students’ needs and goals. He is proficient in all styles of music and after covering basic fundamentals students can customize lessons to learn music that they want to learn while also focusing on developing proper technique to help reach their goals quickly and efficiently while being provided with the basic skills and study materials they need to be successful.
Learning to play music is about more than just attaining proficiency on an instrument. It’s about building self-esteem, a strong work ethic, learning to effectively set and achieve goals. As a teacher, Benjamin is always making an effort to be a positive and motivational force in each of his students’ lives. He strongly believes it is his responsibility to learn as much as he can about every student that comes his way, in order to tailor his classes for individual needs. He seeks not only to teach his students to read and play classical music, but to encourage them to be all round good musicians, which involves training their ear and inviting them to bring what excites them about music to their lessons.
Benjamin Perry
Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass and Piano
Benjamin first taught at the British School of Bahrain, then Umoja Music School, a US non-profit in Tanzania, and taught privately in Spain and in the UK where he is originally from.
Benjamin is a classically trained musician, who majored in classical violin performance at the University of Southampton, UK. He was born and grew up in Belgium, learning to play violin with the Suzuki Method, but also learning any kind of music he got his hands on outside of class, from Irish folk music through his Irish grandmother, gypsy jazz from fellow Belgian born Django Reinhardt, to the string parts in the background of heavy metal songs. Benjamin can teach music lessons in both French and English and currently teaches music at Noelani Elementary School.
While at university, he got involved in the local music scene, playing in folk bands, jazz bands, heavy rock bands, and soon noticed how friends from his classical university course were usually very shy and unwilling to perform on stage and branch out from their usual repertoire. He realized that a huge part of music was missing from the traditional classical violin class he and most of his university friends had grown up with. This was a belief that any music can be good music, and even if you are a total beginner, you have the ability to get up on stage and perform either as an individual or in a group.
Benjamin started developing a teaching style that, while firmly rooted in the solid foundations that classical music and theory allow you to build upon, prioritizes the student’s vision for what kind of musician they aspire to be.
He believes that versatility and having a good general knowledge of every aspect of music produces more than just well trained performers, it gives students the tools they need to become truly great musicians. With his time living and working in the Middle East and Africa, he can offer his students a unique view into world music and culture that extends beyond traditional western styles. He has years of experience teaching the Suzuki Method, the UK’s Royal School of Music exams, but also how to improvise, how to listen to your friend playing their favorite song and play along with them, how to create music with whatever instruments and people are around you.
Learning to play music is about more than just attaining proficiency on an instrument. It’s about building self-esteem, a strong work ethic, learning to effectively set and achieve goals. As a teacher, Benjamin is always making an effort to be a positive and motivational force in each of his students’ lives. He strongly believes it is his responsibility to learn as much as he can about every student that comes his way, in order to tailor his classes for individual needs. He seeks not only to teach his students to read and play classical music, but to encourage them to be all round good musicians, which involves training their ear and inviting them to bring what excites them about music to their lessons.
Mel Kay
Voice
Teaching Philosophy
Every student is different & Mel Kay goes by the philosophy that finding what makes your voice unique to you is your power. “No one is you and that is your power.” Mel aims to help each student find their voice so that they can sing comfortably without strain and learn how to grow their own natural sound as a singer. Each person learns differently so Mel adapts her teaching to fit each student’s learning style. She uses elements of speech level singing, jazz, and pop technique to unlock the muscles and help each student find their inner power. “To the surprise of many, singing is often about a lot more than the craft itself. It often brings up a lot of road blocks internally for many about self worth, confidence, and helps people to work through the inner turmoil so they can reach their potential. I aim to help students on that journey so they can heal & learn how to own their unique sound again with power.”
Bio
Singer-Songwriter Mel Kay studied vocal performance and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She was unfortunately diagnosed with Lyme disease and so took the year off after graduation and focused on healing and writing. Consequently her focus on writing ended up in her single Upside Down Town being signed to the Artists and Repertoire Department in Sydney and played internationally while also scoring local commercial airplay. Mel Kay has since played her original music for the heads of Silicon Valley, on Channel 7 Australia, and Foxtel as well as being broadcast in York , Rio, South Carolina and around the globe. She wrote her show “Personality Disorder Catalyst” focused on trauma, mental health, and escaping the cycle of abuse the next year which sold out to a captive audience at The Ellington Jazz Club. Her single Let It Burn also received the attention of producer Backfall in the U.K. who asked her to collaborate. Two of her singles (Phoenix and You) have been nominated for multiple awards. She is passionate about her music reaching those who have been hurt and in being a voice for the voiceless. Her band Liberté was founded in 2015 and is focused on music aimed to motivate people to know their own inner power. With a mix of funk, pop, electronic and indie music the band likes to describe their sound as a mix of Lorde, The Browhorn Orchestra, Meg Mac, and Jarryd James. She is currently working on her new album After The War and teaching voice students.
Darryl Pellegrini
Drums and Percussion
Bio
Darryl Pellegrini has been nominated for multiple Grammy awards for his work recording with Amy Hanaiali’i. He currently plays in The Mike Lewis Big Band and the Tommy James Trio and is a frequent performer at the Blue Note. He has a Masters Degree in Music Performance from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Jazz from Youngstown State University. Throughout his career in New York City Darryl has toured and performed with numerous jazz greats such as the Woody Herman Orchestra, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, John Faddis, Larry Corryell, Don Grusin, the Village Vanguard Orchestra, Milt Jackson, Clark Terry, Frank Foster, Gerry Niewood, Joe Lovano, Ralph Lalama, Lew Tabackin, Toshiko Akiyoshi, John and Bucky Pizzarelli, Harold Danko and Sean Jones to name a few. He has also toured and recorded with Chuck Mangione, Mike Longo and the New York State of the Art Jazz Ensemble, Scott Whitfield Big Band East the Mighty Rob Scheps Core-Tet , Gunhild Carling and the Bill Cunliffe Trio. After 20 years of freelance performing, subbing and touring for Broadway in such hits as The Lion King, Fosse, Swing, Kiss of the Spider Woman, 42nd Street, West Side Story, City of Angels and recording for numerous commercials, TV shows, Movies, and Cartoons, Darryl now happily teaches, performs, records and resides in Hawaii with his wife and child.
Brian Lindersmith
Piano
Bio
For the past 15 years Brian has been teaching piano lessons to both kids and adults of all ages. With many years of experience teaching, he has curated materials to have the most effective impact on his students and their learning process. Whether you want to dive into classical music or learn the art of improvisation and jazz, making every lesson fun and engaging is the key. Educating students on how to practice and become functioning musicians in this modern era is important. Brian studied music and classical piano at BYU, and is currently working on his degree in jazz and music production at Diablo Valley College in California. Brian is originally from the SF Bay Area, and also teaches online classes with students across the Mainland. Aside from teaching, he produces music for local musicians and DJs, and plays with local bands here on Oahu. He has plans of releasing his own music late next year.
Peter Meyer
Upright Bass, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon, Oboe, Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello
Teaching Philosophy
Peter Meyer grew up in a musical household with both parents working as professional musicians, so he began to learn musical skills from an early age. In this environment, he grew to love music through an immersive approach rather than by following strict teaching methods. Peter uses this way of learning about and loving music simultaneously as the vehicle for introducing students to the world of musical performance.
As a highly experienced educator, Peter has worked with students of all ages, from preschool-aged students to adults who are well into their 80s. He is motivated by helping students find a love of music, and their goals for playing, whether it is an introduction to the instrument or preparing for a music school audition, can always be served through the mindset of recognizing the joy of a life filled with music.
Bio
Peter Meyer earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Jacob’s School of Music at Indiana University, a Master of Jazz Performance degree at the Jamey Aebersold jazz studies program at the University of Louisville and a Master of Musicology degree from University of Hawai’i at Manoa. During his musical career, he has worked in several areas of the music industry, including performance, education, and musical instrument repair.
While his primary instrument is the bass, Peter is a skilled multi-instrumentalist who plays and teaches strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. He is fascinated by many genres of music, and this passion has led him to join the Musicology program at the University of Manoa as a graduate teaching assistant to further research music in an academic setting, as well as teach university students in Honolulu about the history and cultural development within music and he wrote his Master’s thesis on the compositional style and techniques of film composer, John Williams.
Jason Nomura
Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Voice
Teaching Philosophy
Jason believes in a music appreciation forward approach to teaching and learning. He is a firm believer that good musicianship is a direct result of listening to and appreciating music in a fun and supportive environment, in addition to certain strict FUNdamentals!
As someone who operates in many musical worlds, Jason encourages open exploration and integration of whatever path the students’ musical preferences & past experiences will take them. Curriculum will be highly individualized accordingly, so come ready to share and learn your heart songs!
Bio
Jason earned both his BEd in Secondary General Music & MM in Guitar right down the street at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. He has taught lessons around town for almost 20 years and has served as faculty at Punahou & UH Manoa. After earning his Master’s, he left music to own/operate J&B Pizza for 5 years and is excited to be coming back to music full time!
As a performer, Jason is well known for his diversity, energy, and adaptability. He has been a part of numerous local rock bands, and still currently heads Goat Punishment, a Weezer tribute band. He has also performed extensively as a classical guitarist at venues such as the Mae Zenke Auditorium, Lutheran Church of Honolulu & St. Andrew’s Cathedral. Most notably, he has a passion for performing in musical theater pit orchestras, where he functions both as a multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bass, drum set, keys, mandolin, banjo, brass) & music director!
Savanna Watson
Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Euphonium, French Horn
Teaching Philosophy
Having been trained in the Orff Schulwerk process, Savanna’s teaching philosophy revolves around the goals of the student as well as personal health and wellness when playing. With a collaborative approach, Savanna hopes that her students may decide their own solo repertoire, with guidance, while she picks exercises that will help them achieve the skill level they need to play their best. Savanna’s main focus is body mapping, a technique that focuses on proper body posture when playing, which keeps students safe when playing brass instruments and improves their overall skill. Savanna’s goal for her students is always that they have fun and are happy with their sound. This can be achieved through body health as well as allowing students to have creative freedom over their music choices and giving proper repertoire for the student’s age and skill level.
Bio
Savanna Watson is a trombonist, originally from Clarksville, Tennessee, who has recently moved to Honolulu to study Ethnomusicology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Savanna holds both a masters and bachelors degree in trombone performance from Austin Peay State University, where she studied with Susan K. Smith, one of the leading orchestral trombonists in the United States and former member of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Savanna has played in many ensembles, such as big bands, combos, orchestras and brass ensembles, in many different styles, ranging from classical and avant garde to jazz and pops. In addition to this, Savanna plays the alto trombone, a smaller, more obscure trombone that can also be used to teach young students. A prominent moment in her career was her recent tour with the Aurum Sonor Brass Quintet in Costa Rica, where the ensemble taught masterclasses across rural areas in the country, were artists in residence, and performed with some of Costa Rica’s most prominent musical ensembles.
In her teaching career, Savanna has taught master classes and private lessons to students from ages 11 to 60. She is not only versatile in her trombone playing, but also in all brass instruments. Savanna has learned and taught brass pedagogy for tuba, euphonium, french horn, and trumpet to students up to the undergraduate level. She has also performed on and studied tuba and euphonium, though to a lesser extent than trombone. Savanna is also trained in Orff Schulwerk Level 1, which focuses on the process of teaching musical skills to children with simplicity. She applies ideas from this process to private lessons with students of all ages.
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