grow in june
giving te gift of music to children
Home > Faculty

Faculty

The SJAM music faculty aims to develop the arts appreciation among younger and older generations developing compassionate, well-rounded human beings. They are committed to the highest levels of professional and personal growth and excellence. They are performing musicians specializing in Classical music, Jazz music, or both.

Private lessons offer the student the undivided attention of his/her instructor. Our instructors are highly - credentialed instructors, who love to teach and who have chosen music education for the profession and careers. This makes all the difference in the world to the quality of lessons you will receive. SJAM instructors are not only highly professional, but also very positive, friendly and thorough.

San Jose Academy of MusicFaculty Members:
Ophelia Raboca
Ophelia Raboca
Piano Instructor/SJAM
Director

Ophelia started her piano lessons at the age of 6 and began performing at the age of 7. She received her Teacherís Diploma in Piano and B.M. in Piano Performance at the University of the Philippines under a full scholarship. more...

Eric Barlaan
Eric “Ericsson” Barlaan
Instructor

Ericsson Barlaan's earliest memory of the arts is of a Roland digital piano in the 80's. At the age of three, he remembers that digital green screen that came on midi keyboards, and to a kid that's that's one fascinating screen. more...

Eric Barlaan
Michael Chio
Piano Instuctor

Michael Chio attended the Manhattan School of Music. He has had a long and successful career on cruise lines, performing with his own band before becoming the number one piano entertainer in the cruise industry. more...

Leah Nasciemento
Leah Nasciemento
Piano Instructor

Leah showed an interest in piano at a very early age. Before she started formal lessons,
more...



Yu Ting
Yu-Ting
Cello

Yu-Ting started playing music at the age of 6 with the violin and switched to cello at the age of 10.
more...



Yu Ting
Deanna Said,
Viola

A native Texan, Deanna Said is a product of the public school music system and began playing viola at age 11.
more...



 
Top
Evamarie Raboca Barlaan
Evamarie Raboca Barlaan
Violin/Voice Instructor

Evamarie Raboca Barlaan is a music educator, violin soloist, active orchestral member, and chamber musician. She made her orchestral debut with the El Camino Youth Symphony in Palo Alto, California, performing Edouard Laloís ìSymphonie Espagnolî at the age of 17. more...



Kristal Schwartz Barlaan
Kristal Schwartz Barlaan
Harp Instructor

Kristal Schwartz Barlaan is a professional harpist with over a decade of performing and teaching achievements. She is a graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning a Masters in Performance with Honors, as well as a Bachelors of Music Performance from Thomas Edison University. more...



Frank Sorci
Frank Sorci
Guitar Instructor

Frank Sorci is an accomplished producer, songwriter and guitarist. He has recently signed a Publishing deal with Chrysalis Music. And has been writing for many top artists. Sorci has placed songs in a multitude of film and TV shows including the feature film "The Contract " staring Morgan Freeman and Jon Cusack, "The Hills" (MTV), "Brothers and Sisters" (ABC), "Summerland" (WB) among many. more...



Frank Sorci
Graham Hsu
Violin Instructor Assistant

Graham Hsu received his Bachelor's of Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Wei-He.
more...

Victoria Tsoi , Piano Instructor Assistant

Being a daughter of a piano teacher, Virginia began her piano training since the age of 3.
more...

Kristyn
Kristyn Van Cleave
Piano Instructor

Kristyn Van Cleave has grown up in San Jose, California and has studied piano since
the age of 6. She participated in MTAC's Certificate of Merit program and received
multiple awards and scholarships.
more...

Andrea
Andrea Schwartz

Speech and Performance

Andrea Schwartz is an educator with a flare for coaching public speaking and performance skills.  She has authored four books, written and directed children’s plays, and founded and administered children’s choirs over her 28+ years as a home educator.
more...

 
"));