Ms. Amelia
Artistic Director and Owner of My Little Conservatory and a Licensed Kindermusik Educator, Ms. Amelia is dedicated to sharing her passion for music with young children and to share her love of music with families throughout Silicon Valley. In Amelia’s classes, parents and children explore a highly imaginative and entertaining musical learning environment.
Amelia was introduced to Kindermusik over 20 years ago and she was instantly enthralled by the creative energy of children. This led her to serve as the Director of the Early Childhood Music Program at the Community School of Music and Art in Mountain View, after which she paused her career to raise her own family.
Her love of the arts started at a very young age and has continued throughout her life. Amelia holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Flute Performance and was an accomplished chamber musician, performing across the country including at the renowned Carnegie Hall. She also holds a Level I Certification from the Early Childhood Music and Movement Association and has completed Series 1 for the Certificate in Early Education Leadership from Harvard University.
For a complete list of Miss Amelia’s Teaching Experience, click here.
Current Positions:
- My Little Conservatory, Owner, Founder, Instructor, Teacher Menor (2013-present).
Licensed Kindermusik Educator - Vitarelli Flute Studio (1996-present). Flute, Chamber Music, Sight Reading and Music Theory Instructor
Past Positions:
- West Valley Music, Group Flute Instructor (2013).
- St. Martin of Tours, General Music Instructor (2013-2016).
Recorder, Tone Chimes and General Music Instructor for Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th & 6th Grades - Areon Summer Flute Institute (2005-2012). Lecturer, Flute Instructor and Conductor
- Areon Flutes Chamber Music Institute (2005-2012). Chamber Music Instructor
- Areon Flutes In-School Clinics (2005-2012). Clinician
- El Camino Youth Symphony (2003-2008). Conductor, Artist-In-Residence and Chamber Music Instructor
- Monokrome Summer Masterclass (2002-2004). Lecturer, Flute Instructor and Conductor
- Community School of Music and Arts (2001-2004). Lecturer, Flute Instructor, Artist-In-Residence, Director of the Early Childhood Music Program and Early Childhood Music Instructor
- Licensed Kindermusik Educator (1998-1999). Early Childhood Music Educator
- The Music School (1997-1998). Flute Instructor, Piano Instructor and Early Childhood Music Teaching Assistant
Masterclasses at the following locations (select list):
- Areon Flutes Masterclass, The Music Academy, Rockford, IL (2012)
- Areon Flutes Masterclass, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA (2010)
- Areon Flutes Masterclass, Harker Concert Series, The Harker School, San Jose, CA (2010)
- Areon Flutes Masterclass, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (2007)
- Areon Flutes Masterclass, The Masters College, Santa Clarita, CA (2007)
- Chamber Music Masterclass, Rolling Hills, CA (2007)
- West Valley College, Saratoga, CA (2004)
- Amelia Vitarelli Solo Masterclass, Palos Verdes, CA (2004)
Clinician & Adjudicator:
- Blach Intermediate School, Flute Clinician (2014)
- Areon Flute Institute Competition Judge (2005-2012)
- Areon Flutes Clinic/Masterclass, Milpitas High School (2011)
- St. Martin of Tours, Flute Clinician (2011)
- Graham Middle School, Clinician (2010)
- Illinois Flute Festival Competition Judge, Western Illinois University (2010)
- Korean American Music Supporters Association Youth Symphony, Clinician (2005)
- Gunn High School, Clinician (2004-2005)
- California Band Directors Association, Santa Clara County Honor Band, Judge (2001-2003)
- Blach Intermediate School, Flute Choir Conductor (2001-2002)
Ms. Kassey
Ms. Kassey, our Director of Operations, is a professional musician with a varied and accomplished career as a soloist, chamber musician, pedagogue and arts director. Committed to innovation and new music, Kassey is a founder of the award winning Areon Flutes Inc, and has premiered over 200 works by living composers for various chamber music combinations and as a soloist. She has performed extensively on the stage of Carnegie Hall, several International festivals and conventions and Universities and Conservatories across the US. Kassey holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from University of New Mexico and a Master of Music in Flute Performance from University of California, Santa Barbara. With a wealth of experience in development and creation of music education programs and a passion for developing the next generation of music lovers, Kassey is excited to be a part of the leadership team of MLC. She lives with her husband and two children in Santa Clara.
Ms. Kim
Ms. Kim is our Customer Service Manager, communicating directly with parents to ensure they and their children have the best possible musical experience at My Little Conservatory. Ms. Kim holds double Associates Degrees in Business and in Business Administration from Deanza College and Heald Business College. Her extensive background in customer care coupled with her personal experience with My Little Conservatory afford Kim a unique perspective that translates to providing the best possible customer support. Ms. Kim lives in Willow Glen with her husband and two children, all of whom are music lovers, including her daughter, who attended My Little Conservatory classes.
Ms. Taylor
Our Program Director, Private Voice Instructor and a Licensed Kindermusik Educator, Ms. Taylor has enjoyed singing since she could speak. Taylor holds a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis on Vocal Performance from San Jose State University. An accomplished Mezzo Soprano, Ms. Taylor is currently a chorus member with Opera San Jose- most recently performing in Die Fledermaus by Richard Strauss and Madame Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. She has also performed in concert with the San Jose State Choraliers and has traveled with the university’s many choral ensembles to Carnegie Hall in New York City, Ireland, Finland and the Baltic states.
Ms. Renz
My Little Conservatory’s Private Piano Instructor, Ms. Renz is passionate about helping students discover the beauty of their every day lives through music. An accomplished pianist, teacher, and vocalist, she began playing piano at the age of six, achieving her Bachelors of Music Education from San Jose State University. Renz has taught both private and group piano instruction at the Young Musician’s Project, Faith Bible Church of Vallejo, Willow Glen Music School, and at the Corcoran’s Piano Studio in Benicia. She currently serves as the music teacher at both St. Christopher School and St. Victor School. In 2015 Miss Renz performed as a choir singer at the prestigious Carnegie Hall Concert Hall in New York and with Andrea Bocelli at the SAP Center in San Jose. Her goal as a teacher is to enhance each child’s creativity, helping them discover their own unique musical voice.
Mister Jeremy
Mr. Jeremy is a Licensed Kindermusik Educator and one of our Little Strummers Instructors. Upon receiving his Bachelors in Music with a Vocal Performance Emphasis from San Jose State University, Jeremy was recognized with the Outstanding Vocal Performer Award. As a current member of Opera San Jose, Jeremy performed some of the worlds most renowned operas including: Die Fledermaus by Johann Straus II, The Flying Dutchman by Richard Wagner and Il Trovatore by Guiseppe Verdi. In addition to his work with Opera San Jose, Jeremy has also performed with Josh Grobin and the Italian Tenor, Pasquale Esposito. Jeremy also plays saxophone, guitar, ukulele and piano. He absolutely loves helping children build confidence through the power of music.
Mister Kevin
Mr. Kevin, one of MLC’s Little Strummers instructors, has had a deep passion for music since early childhood. This love began with singing in choir as a youngster and expanded into a love for guitar, ukulele and piano as his musical journey progressed.
Mr. Kevin graduated from San Jose State University earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. There, he was heavily involved in the choir community. Mr. Kevin traveled internationally to Ireland and the Baltic states with the Choraliers, the top chamber ensemble at SJSU. In addition, he has performed at Carnegie Hall and sang for Josh Groban during his Bridges tour as well as performed for the Game Of Thrones Love Concert Experience. In addition, he was very involved in the a cappella community at SJSU. He was president and later musical director for the Tenor and Bass ensemble, as well as a long time singer for the all-gender ensemble.
Outside of college, Mr. Kevin has stayed true to his Choral background. He currently serves as the Bass section leader for Santa Theresa Hills Presbyterian Church. He is also a chorus member for Fog City Singers, a premier barbershop chorus in San Francisco, as well as two fabulous Bay Area community choirs in Peninsula Cantare and Resounding Achord.
Mr. Kevin is extremely excited to be working with the My Little Conservatory team. He can’t wait to share his passion for music with the future generation.
Ms. Marina
Ms. Marina, MLC’s piano and voice instructor and Kindermusik teacher, brings her sweet nature to every class and lesson she teaches. She completed a dual degree from San Jose State University in both Music Education and Vocal Performance. Marina was very involved in the Choir at SJSU where she served as Soprano Section Leader for several years. Marina has traveled internationally to Ireland and the Baltic states with the Choraliers, the top chamber ensemble at SJSU. Her most recent engagements have been singing with Josh Groban on his Bridges tour, and performing in the chorus for the Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience. Her passion for music and children makes her an indispensable addition to the MLC team.
Mister Dario
Our Private Piano and Voice Instructor, Mr. Dario has enjoyed performing music his entire life. Dario holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from San Jose State University and has performed extensively as a baritone in numerous Bay Area Opera Companies and Musical Theater Organizations. In addition, he has performed in concert with the San Jose State Choraliers and has traveled with the university’s many choral ensembles to Finland and the Baltic States. Dario has been teaching private voice and piano lessons to children and adults for several years. He is dedicated to providing joyous musical experiences to the youth in our community.
Ms. Danielle
Ms. Danielle, one of our piano, voice and Kindermusik educators (training to be completed Summer 2022), holds a Bachelor in Music Education with a focus in choral music from San José State University (SJSU), where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Coming from a family of teachers, Ms. Danielle has dedicated her life to sharing music with young children. In addition to her passion for education, Ms. Danielle enjoys performing. While at SJSU, she performed with a variety of ensembles including the Choraliers under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Benson, and the SJSU Saxophone Orchestra; where she was the mezzo-soprano soloist for the West Coast premiere of Lisa Neher’s “When My Daughter Asked Why There Are Stars, I Said” (2018). Ms. Danielle continues to perform since graduating, currently singing with local community chorus Resounding Achord as well as in the chorus of Opera San Jose’s 2022 production of Carmen.
Ms. Katie
Our Licensed Kindermusik Instructor, Miss Katie, brings her love of singing to My Little Conservatory. An avid singer since childhood, Miss Katie grew up on the musical theatre stage. She has performed in many shows including Bye Bye Birdie, My Fair Lady and Carrie the Musical. Miss Katie is currently a member of the Cabrillo Stage in Aptos and is finishing her Bachelors in Music Education with a Choral Emphasis from San Jose State University. Ms. Katie is thrilled to be working alongside the MLC teaching team helping students grow and blossom through music.
Ms. Lauren
Our teaching assistant, Ms. Lauren, enjoys sharing her love of music throughout her daily life. Ms. Lauren (pronounced “luh-REHN”) is working towards her Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting from San Jose State University. She recently traveled with the SJSU’s choirs to perform in Southern California at the Western ACDA Conference, as well as New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. Lauren was also recently featured in the SJSU Opera Theater’s Production of Trial By Jury by Arthur and Sullivan and La Curandera by Robert Xavier Rodriguez as part of the cast, stage crew, prop masters, and hair designers. Ms. Lauren also serves as Alto Section Leader at the Saint Francis Episcopal Church. Lauren has studied private voice with a variety of vocal teachers and enjoys singing from many genres, rock and classical being some of her favorites.
Mr. Steven
Our Teaching Assistant, Mr. Steven, has enjoyed singing in various ensembles from Sequoia Chamber Chorale to Peninsula Cantare. Mr. Steven is pursuing a Bachelor of Music with an emphasis on Vocal Performance from San Jose State University. An accomplished Baritone, Mr. Steven is currently a chorus member with Lyric Theater where he performed in Pirates of Penzance and Light Around the World Opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. He has also performed in concert with the San Jose State Choraliers, Concert Choir, Opera Theater, and Jazz Choir. In addition, Mr. Steven has traveled with SJSU to the American Choral Directors Association Convention and also performed in a selected ensemble group to perform along side world renowned artist, Josh Groban.
Ms. Melissa
Ms. Melissa is MLC’s part time Front Desk Receptionist and a full time lover of music. As a child, Ms. Melissa was an avid musician playing piano, cello and singing. She is excited to be part of our studio helping to give a similar love to the next generation. Ms. Melissa holds a degree in Communications and Global Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is eager to share her expertise by providing our music families with top notch customer service. As an older sister who raised a younger sibling and multiple cousins, Ms. Melissa adores children and looks forward to meeting your little ones soon. She is thrilled to be a part of the MLC community!
Ms. Lily
Ms. Lily, My Little Conservatory’s Front Desk Receptionist, brings a wealth of customer service knowledge and experience to our studio. Nothing makes her more excited than to go the extra mile, making our clients feel valued and respected. Ms. Lily loves music, singing, dancing and hiking. She is the proud mama to two beautiful boys, Issac and Gabriel. She looks forward to seeing our smiling students each day, giving them all a warm welcome!
