Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Love.
In Belle Melodie, we not only choose the best teacher, we choose the best people.
Our music teachers are categorized into four levels based on their experience, teaching style, and the goals of their students:
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Standard Teacher (Level I): Ideal for students seeking personal enjoyment and enrichment. These teachers provide a relaxed learning pace without the pressure of exams.
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Senior Teacher (Level II): Suited for students aiming for more structured progress, including exam preparation. Perfect for those who are serious about their musical development.
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Master Teacher (Level III): Best for highly dedicated students targeting intensive and competitive training. These teachers offer rigorous lessons designed to achieve high levels of proficiency.
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Meixuan, the Principal (Unique Level): Meixuan accepts only a select number of new students each year, offering an exclusive, highly personalized training program. She admits 1-2 new beginners annually between the ages of 5-7, as well as 2-3 advanced students who have already passed advanced exam levels and are striving for higher accomplishments. Her classes are in a distinct category with separate pricing and require an audition for admission.
Principal/Founder/Piano Educator
Meixuan
With over 20 years of teaching experience and exposure to more than 1,000 students, Meixuan has a unique ability to quickly identify why a child may not enjoy piano and to develop the best learning strategy tailored to each student. Her approach fosters self-driven, passionate students who develop a deep love for music.
Another remarkable strength of Meixuan is her ability to organize students for confident, joyful performances, whether it's a solo, duet, trio, or larger ensemble, across classical, pop, folk, or jazz genres.
A devoted fan of Sir András Schiff and Seong-Jin Cho, Meixuan also has a deep love for piano trios.
Know more about her at About
Meixuan teaches on Tue, Wed and Sun in San Diego and Sat in Irvine with fully booked schedule. She recently plan to teach in her Fallbrook studio some hours on Thu or Fri. Students in Temecula area can contact.
Senior Piano Instructor/Choir Instructor
Gökşin
Discovering her musical calling in Turkey's Izmir State Opera and Ballet Children's Choir at eight years old, she swiftly developed a passion for the piano. Her talents flourished through concerts, notably in "Carmina Burana," and she honed her craft at Izmir Anatolian Fine Arts High School, mastering both piano and flute.
At Marmara University, she achieved a bachelor's in piano and voice and pursued a master's degree, researching music education under Prof. Dr. Mehves Emeç Birol. Her stage presence was magnetic, both in solos and as an accompanist throughout her academic career.
After her master's, she imparted her knowledge as a lecturer and pianist at Kocaeli University for four years. Now in the U.S., she continues to inspire through teaching piano, voice, and flute, embodying her lifelong devotion to music and education.
Goksin teaches in Belle Melodies on Saturday AM to PM. She only has very limited slots after 2:00 PM.
Senior Guitar/Bass/Drum Instructor
Standard Piano/Theory Instructor
Erica
Erica is a multi-instrumentalist from San Diego, CA.
Erica’s formal training began with piano lessons as a child; since then, her passion expanded to the drums, guitar, bass, uke, vox, and various percussion instruments such as the cajon. Erica received a J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2016 and decided to follow her musical aspirations, performing in local San Diego rock bands and teaching music.
Erica loves the joy that music brings and is passionate about empowering others through music education.
She loves to connect with others through songwriting, spontaneous jam sessions, and believes in the healing powers of playing music.
Erica teaches on Friday Only and her booking is almost full. During 3:45-5:00 she has some availabilities.
Senior Violin/Ensemble Instructor
Susanna
Susanna Han, a dedicated music educator specializing in early childhood education, deeply values classical music training for its transformative impact on students.
She has observed her violin students excel academically, gain university admissions, and achieve in athletics, becoming well-rounded, community-minded leaders.
A graduate of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s Talent Education Institute in Japan, Han directs the Suzuki Heritage Center in Little Italy, focusing on Suzuki’s teaching methods. Her students have held concertmaster positions, participated in competitions and music festivals, and received scholarships to prestigious institutions like UC Berkeley and Juilliard.
With a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of San Diego, Han is actively involved in various music associations and served as president of the Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego.
Married to pianist David Sanzi, she also performs with the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus. Han resonates with Plato's belief in the profound influence of musical training on the soul.
In Belle Melodie, Susanna teaches Wed and Sat PM. She has some availabilities on Wed earlier time and her Saturday is quite full.
Senior Guitor/Bass/Drum Instructor
Kostik
Kostik was born in Ukraine, but grew up in San Diego, CA. His musical journey began on piano and violin before deciding to pick up guitar in fifth grade.
Kostik has been active in several alternative rock and metal bands, as well as a 90s/00s cover band, he also writes and performs solo on occasion. He takes inspiration from many genres of music for his original songs.
Kostik is a graduate of UC San Diego’s Interdisciplinary Computing and the Arts (ICAM) major, where he focused on recording and music technology and developed a prototype multi-effects guitar pedal. He was a board member of the Musicians’ Club at UCSD, where he regularly performed a wide variety of songs with other collegiate musicians.
Kostik has been teaching for over 6 years and likes to teach most styles of guitar playing. His musical expertise ranges between rock, pop, classical, and heavy metal.
During lessons, Kostik focuses on building great technique and playing habits as these help with learning new songs and concepts much faster. Kostik owns and plays 6, 7, and 8 string guitars (as well as a fretless guitar!), 4 and 5 string basses, an electric drum set, and enjoys playing ukulele as well.
Kostik teaches in Belle Melodie Fri, Sat & Sun. Find his availability and have a trial lesson.
Senior Guitor/Bass/Drum Instructor
Nate Huegel
Nate Huegel is a seasoned guitarist with a dynamic career spanning teaching, performing, touring, studio/session work, and music production. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Colorado College, an Associate of Arts in Guitar Performance from the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, CA, and a Diploma in Jazz Guitar from The Players School of Music in Tampa, FL.
With over a decade of experience, Nate has toured extensively across the country, performing alongside notable Grammy nominees such as Eric Burton (The Black Pumas) and Adam Bausch (Slightly Stoopid). His training with renowned music educators like Jeff Berlin, Carl Schroeder, Allen Hinds, and Dean Brown has deeply shaped his expertise in jazz, rock, and fusion guitar.
As a versatile musician, Nate has performed with a wide array of ensembles, including Big Band Jazz Orchestras, rock bands, reggae bands, and cover bands. He has collaborated with over 25 San Diego-based bands, contributing to multiple nominations in the San Diego Music Awards. His four-year tour with the prominent rock/reggae band Safety Orange stands as a highlight of his performing career.
In addition to performing, Nate founded his own music studio, Music On Madison, where he teaches private lessons and produces music. His commitment to education is reflected in his work with the nonprofit Guitars In The Classroom, providing guitar classes to San Diego’s public schools, and his role as a General Music Teacher at Willow Grove Elementary. He has been endorsed by LSL Guitars and continues to mentor aspiring musicians, offering lessons in guitar, voice, music theory, and music production.
Nate is excited to bring his industry experience to a conservatory setting, combining his passion for performance with a dedication to teaching the next generation of musicians.
Nate teaches Mon to Sat at Belle Melodie
Senior Piano Instructor
Senior Vocal Instructor
Julia Roskopf
Julia Roskopf, a Chicago native, is excited to join the Belle Melodie team as a Senior Piano and Senior Voice Instructor. With a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois, Julia has focused her studies on piano pedagogy and choral instruction. Her teaching career includes leading high school choral ensembles in both the Chicagoland and San Diego areas, as well as offering private piano and voice lessons to students ranging from kindergarten through adulthood.
Beyond her teaching, Julia is passionate about musical theatre, having performed in various productions. She has also composed music for film scores, and shares her own singer-songwriter music at local events. Julia looks forward to bringing her enthusiasm and expertise to the Belle Melodie community!
Julia just joined Belle Melodie recently, teaching on Monday and Thursday. She is very popular with students and her Monday is getting full. Book Thursday when it's still available!
Senior Guitor/Bass/Drum Instructor
Nate Q. Druen
Nate Q. Druen was born in Fairfax, Virginia - but grew up in San Diego, California. He has been playing shows in the San Diego Indie Rock music scene for over 15 years now and is known for his high energy drumming performances. His musical journey began with the violin in middle school - but he quickly found his passion for drums and segued into percussion studies at Olympian High School, where he learned rudimental drumming, jazz drum set, classical percussion & music theory. Eventually, he became the marching band's Drum Captain, teaching and leading a drumline of over 30 students, which began his 10+ year career in music education.
Once he graduated high school, he left San Diego to attend college in Boston, Massachusetts, at Berklee College of Music where he majored in Music Education & Music Technology. While at Berklee College of Music, he was selected to study abroad for a semester at Berklee's Valencia, Spain campus. where he completed his emphasis in Music Technology.
Since he has been back home, Nate has been teaching drum lessons and enjoyed success with several local San Diego bands, becoming a long sought after performing drummer for both original acts and cover bands. Although drumming is Nate's specialty, he also teaches introductory piano, guitar and bass, as well as music theory and songwriting.
Nate teaches at Belle Melodie on Tue and Thu
Senior Cello/Ensemble Instructor
Gaiana
Gaiana Mndoian, born in Yerevan, Armenia, is a distinguished cellist and educator. She studied and later taught at Moscow's Tchaikovsky Conservatory under maestro Mstislav Rostropovich, and led the cello program at a prestigious Soviet college affiliated with the Conservatory.
Mndoian formed an ensemble of young cello virtuosos who performed at the Conservatory's Great Hall. Her students have joined major orchestras worldwide, including one winning the 1998 International Tchaikovsky Competition.
Mndoian conducted international cello seminars in France (1981-1985), taught and performed in Mexico and Costa Rica in the 1990s, and recorded a romantic cello-piano CD. She was principal cellist with the San Diego Chamber Orchestra (1998-1999) and a San Diego Symphony member.
In 1998, she toured Japan with the L’Amoroso Strings Quartet. Mndoian has taught at top private schools in San Diego and currently focuses on chamber music and mentoring young musicians, with her students achieving success in local competitions and the San Diego Youth Symphony.
In Belle Melodie, Gaiana teaches Thu PM and Sun noon to PM.
Senior Flute/Ensemble Instructor
Yana
Dr. Yana Zixuan Yan, now based in San Diego, is a versatile musician experienced as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and flute instructor.
She has a DMA from the University of Miami, a Master's from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor's from Wuhan Conservatory of Music.
She taught flute at Augustana College and Black Hawk College, and at the Quad City Symphony Orchestra from 2022 to 2023.
Dr. Yan has won awards at several music competitions and festivals, performed with major orchestras, and is active in the flute community, currently serving as the membership secretary of the San Diego Flute Guild.
Yana teaches in Belle Melodie Sun and she is already full.
Senior Piano Instructor
Ms Kim
YunJin Kim, Pianist and Accompanist, graduated from Seoul National University of South Korea
with a Bachelor of Arts in piano performance.
She received an L.L.C.M. diploma from the London College of Music.
Ms. Kim came to the United States and earned a Master of Arts and Doctor of Musical Arts in
piano performance from Benjamin T. Rome School of Music of the Catholic University of
America. She won the Catholic University of America Concerto Competition and performed as
soloist with CUA Symphony. She studied with Thomas Mastroianni and with Luiz de Moura
Castro.
Current MTAC member, collaborative accompanist for solo instruments, choir and musical
theater
Pianist in the piano trio for the benefit concert for the local community and outside of America.
Ms.Kim teaches all level of students and focused in Certificate of Merit Program and many
Music Competitions in California
Kim teaches in Belle Melodie on Friday and she is almost full. 3:45-4:15 is the only slot.
Senior Percussion Instructor
Anthony
Anthony Gonzalez d’Conde, a Los Angeles native, began his music journey under the tutelage of his father, Pepe Conde. By age 5, he was accepted into the School of Fine Arts in Toluca, Mexico, and became the youngest percussion major in their adult program. At 11, he performed as a soloist with the State of Mexico Symphony Orchestra.
Returning to the U.S., Anthony became the principal percussionist for the San Diego Youth Symphony, winning the San Diego Symphony’s Young Artists’ Concerto Competition as a high schooler. He later attended Juilliard, where he earned a Master’s in Percussion Performance, contributing to the establishment of the school’s jazz program with Wynton Marsalis.
After graduating, Anthony moved to China, becoming the youngest musician to hold dual principal roles in a professional orchestra. His career in China also saw him developing bilingual music education programs and fostering international university collaborations.
Anthony’s extensive experience in music performance and education, including leadership roles at Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and the Guangzhou Opera House, has positioned him as a versatile and accomplished music professional.
Anthony teaches at Belle Melodie on Monday, Friday and Saturday. His classes sell very fast.
Master Violin/Ensemble Instructor
Mr. Palamidis
Alexander Palamidis, the Principal Second Violin of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and a member of its String Quartet, has an impressive musical background. He previously served as Concertmaster for several orchestras, including Orchestra Nova and the Istanbul Radio String Orchestra, and has been a soloist with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. His extensive experience includes performances with the Istanbul State Symphony, Denver Symphony, and the L’Amoroso String Quartet.
Educationally, Palamidis earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Southern California and studied at The Mozarteum Academy of Music in Salzburg. He is a graduate of the Istanbul Conservatory of Music and holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering.
Palamidis is dedicated to music education, providing master classes and coaching young musicians and ensembles. His personal interests include Eastern philosophy and travel.
Mr. Palamidis only teaches master class here and we will send out invitation when there is one.
Senior Violin/Viola Instructor
Susan
Susan Monteiro has been a professional violinist and educator for 25 years. She is a classically trained violinist and violist and teaches traditionally as well as being certified to teach the Suzuki Method. Her passion for educating young people led her to become the Board of Teachers and also the President of the non-profit school, Carlsbad Strings Education Association. She has worked as a private and group instructor for the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. As a professional violinist she has performed in orchestras all over the U.S. with such artists as Joshua Bell, Yo Yo Ma, Al Jarreau, Andre Watts, Joseph Silverstein and Harry Connick Jr. Her students have gone on to Yale University, University of Notre Dame, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, U.C. Berkeley and UCLA. As a teacher, she takes great joy in helping all of her students be the best they can be.
Susan teaches here on Thu PM and Sun PM, she still has availabilities on Thursdays.
Perccusion/Music Theory Instructor
Wesley
Wesley Fowler is a percussionist driven by artistic husbandry. Through commission projects, music education, administrative tinkering, and audio/video production, he seeks to give generously to the community through music. He specializes in contemporary percussion education and performance, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of California studying with Steve Schick. Now residing in San Diego, he is a graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He previously served as the Director of Music at Austin Preparatory School in Reading, MA, overseeing their instrumental and vocal music program, and as the manager of Performance Technology at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, producing audio/visual services for over 680 annual events. Wesley teaches percussion, piano, music theory, filmmaking, and technical theater production, and is currently a percussion instructor at Belle Melodie Music Art School.
Wesley's performance career spans across various fields and genres. He was a featured soloist with the Plymouth Philharmonic, has commissioned and performed numerous world premieres across the United States, has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention four times in addition to other festivals and seminars, and has performed alongside other ensembles such as the Bang on A Can All-Stars, Charles River Wind Ensemble, Boston New Music Initiative, Ensemble Knox, and more.
Wesley teaches on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday here.
Quasi-Senior Piano Instructor
Mary
Mary Yildirim is a passionate and accomplished pianist with a talent for sight-reading and a dedication to lifelong learning. Currently residing in San Diego, CA, Mary brings her expertise to Belle Melodie while also nurturing the musical talents of students of all ages.
Adept Accompanist
Mary serves as an accompanist at Palisades Presbyterian Church, where she prepares and performs music for rehearsals and Sunday services. Her skilled accompaniment enhances the church's repertoire, encompassing SATB choruses and instrumental pieces.
Dedicated Piano Instructor
Mary's love for music extends beyond performance. Through her independent studio, "Piano Lessons by Mary," she shares her knowledge with students of all backgrounds and skill levels. Mary tailors her instruction to each student, utilizing a blend of traditional and modern pedagogical techniques to build a strong foundation in method, theory, and repertoire. She fosters a nurturing learning environment and organizes bi-annual recitals to showcase her students' achievements.
Experienced Educator
Mary's experience extends beyond her independent studio. Previously, she taught at Sam Ash in San Diego, where she honed her skills in creating customized lesson plans and nurturing young musicians.
Continuous Learner
Mary is a firm believer in continuous improvement. She actively seeks to broaden her musical knowledge and expand her skillset by exploring new musical styles and techniques.
Education
Mary holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Mary teaches on Tue, Sat and Sun.
Senior Bassoon/Oboe/Saxo Instructor
Mr. Yu
Mr. Yu graduated from the Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China in 1982 and taught there before earning his DMA from the University of Minnesota, where he studied under John Miller.
Mr. Yu won the University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, among others. He has appeared as a soloist with various ensembles and performed internationally, including at prestigious conservatories in China.
Mr. Yu is the founder of Golden Bamboo, a business specializing in double reeds. His recent collaborative performance was at Utah State University with Professor Dennis Hirst.
Mr. Yu teaches at Belle Melodie on Mon and Wed Evening
Senior Cello Instructor
Michael
Irvine based cellist Michael Ljungh earned his Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance from NYU. While attending NYU he studied with Marion Feldman and he performed widely in New York as well as the surrounding areas. His locally popular piano trio at NYU was also invited to perform abroad for six months. He earned a dual Master's Degree in Cello Performance and Suzuki Pedagogy from the world renowned Cleveland Institute of Music, studying under Richard Weiss while there. Following his years in conservatory, Mr. Ljungh was the Assistant Principal Cellist of the American Youth Symphony in Los Angeles from 2018-2023. He has performed with many different symphony orchestras all across the US, including most recently the Bakersfield Symphony. Mr. Ljungh has toured the world and had the honor of performing in great halls including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House, Severance Hall, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall. He has been teaching students of all ages for over 10 years. Many of his students auditioned with success for prestigious youth orchestras as well as other music programs including SCSBOA’s All Southern California Orchestra and the Irvine Honor Orchestra. Mr. Ljungh’s teaching philosophy is creating a disciplined yet fun environment. With all new cello pieces being learned, he initially focuses on improving and maintaining proper technique. This allows his student’s to project their individual voice with excellent intonation, and a clear full cello tone.
Michael teaches at Irvine Satellite Classroom on Tue, Thu and Sun.
Senior Flute/Piano Instructor
Senior Ensemble Instructor
Senior Music Theory Instructor
Joyce
Joyce began learning piano before age 5 and took up the flute at 9. By 16, she was teaching flute professionally and playing in the local Philharmonic Orchestra. She earned a B.A. in Flute Performance from Towson University and pursued a Master’s in Musicology at Peabody Conservatory, now part of Johns Hopkins University.
From 2007 to 2020, she ran a full in-home teaching studio in Carmel Valley and co-founded the San Diego Coastal Flutes, organizing events and flute camps, including a notable 1990 event with Sir James Galway. A Certified Specialist with the Royal Conservatory of Music for over a decade, her students consistently achieved excellent grades in flute, piano, and theory; one even performed at Carnegie Hall in 2021.
Known for her passionate teaching and ability to connect with children, Joyce continues to teach at Belle Melodie. She enjoys reading, healthy cooking, baking bread, swimming, and kayaking.
Joyce teaches at Belle Melodie on Wed PM and she is fully booked now.
Senior Piano Instructor
Shushanik
Born in 1981 in Yerevan, Armenia, Shushanik Hovakimyan displayed early musical talent, leading her to study at Alexander Spendiaryan Music School under Arkuhi Harutiunyan and later under renowned pianist Armen Babakhanyan. She gave her first solo recital in 1994 and won significant accolades, including the First Prize at the "Armenian Legacy, the Young Talents" piano competition in 1999. After moving to the U.S., she pursued further education at the University of Southern California and later at Yerevan State Conservatory under Babakhanyan, earning a Master’s and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Musical Art. As a teacher, her students have performed in major venues worldwide and pursued advanced musical studies, inspired by her passion and guidance.
Shushanik teaches at Belle Melodie on Mon-Fri 4-8 PM
Standard Violin Instructor
Carl
Carl Chung is a distinguished violinist and dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Maryland, College Park. He studied under the guidance of renowned violinists David Salness and Irina Muresanu, and completed his string pedagogy coursework with Irina Muresanu. Carl has extensive teaching experience, having taught at the International School of Music in Bethesda/Potomac, MD, during the 2023-2024 academic year. His teaching methods are tailored to the level of his students: beginners are introduced to concerti and etudes by composers such as Seitz, Kreutzer, and Ševčík; intermediate students focus on Mozart Concerti Nos. 1-5 and learn about classical-era cadenzas; advanced students work on refining their skills with challenging pieces by Brahms, Bach, Paganini, and Martinů. Carl's comprehensive approach ensures that students at all levels develop a strong technical foundation and a deep appreciation for the violin repertoire.
Carl now has very limited slots so please contact us before booking.