Christopher Brown (born March 22nd, 1992) is a cellist, composer, and music educator with a diverse musical background. He graduated from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts in 2010, where he studied Cello Performance. In 2015, he obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace University with a double major in Cello Performance and Music Composition. He furthered his education by completing a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from California State University, Long Beach in 2018.

From 2016 to 2020, Christopher served as the principal cellist for the West Coast Symphony, showcasing his talent and skill. He also held the position of principal cellist for the Santa Monica College production of Carmen in May 2017. Additionally, Christopher has contributed his cello playing to numerous rock and pop records as a session cellist, appearing on releases by artists such as Katya Grasso, Nightdrive, and Osi and the Jupiter, among others.

Mr. Brown has been teaching cello privately since 2014, initially starting while he was still an undergraduate student. His qualifications extend beyond cello instruction, as he is also proficient in teaching music theory, composition, and songwriting, drawing heavily from his background as a trained composer. Furthermore, he possesses additional experience as an English and history tutor.

Christopher firmly believes in providing his students with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of their instrument and craft. He also emphasizes granting them the necessary tools for self-expression. As a result, he is open to teaching students how to create music in any genre of their choosing, while simultaneously building a solid base of classical training and repertoire.

Born and raised in the vibrant musical landscape of Southern California, Chad discovered his passion for the viola at an early age, thanks to the inspiring melodies resonating from the instruments of neighborhood friends. At the tender age of 8, he picked up the viola, and from that moment onward, it became an inseparable part of his life.

During his formative years as a student, Chad's dedication and talent led him to remarkable achievements. He proudly held a seat in the prestigious LA Philharmonic High School Honor Orchestra, and his musical journey took him on tour to Australia, where he graced the iconic Sydney Opera House stage as a member of the Pasadena Youth Symphony. Chad's commitment to excellence led him to the hallowed halls of Carnegie Hall as part of the American Youth Symphony Orchestra.

In pursuit of his lifelong musical ambitions, Chad pursued higher education at the renowned Colburn School of Performing Arts. There, under the expert guidance of Jan Karlin, he honed his craft and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Viola Performance in 2003. During his time at Colburn, Chad also held the esteemed position of principal violist for The Orchestra de Camera.

Today, Chad continues to be a prolific and sought-after musician in the Southern California music scene. He graces the stages of numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles, bringing his exceptional talent and passion for music to life. In addition to his classical pursuits, Chad's versatility has led him to the bustling world of Hollywood session work, where his viola has lent its rich tones to countless memorable recordings. He's left his mark on some of the most prestigious award shows and even had the privilege of performing on the grand stage of the Super Bowl.

Chad's musical journey has been adorned with remarkable collaborations, including performances alongside celebrated artists such as Beyoncé, Common, Mariah Carey, and Kamasi Washington. With each note he plays, Chad continues to weave his passion for the viola into the rich tapestry of the music world, leaving an indelible mark on every stage he graces.

Crystal 狂咲 Palencia is a highly accomplished junior division music award winner, renowned for her consistent success in international music competitions. Her remarkable achievements include winning gold awards for four consecutive years at the Music Heritage Festivals in orchestra performance. Additionally, she has been honored with two recognition awards in California, USA, and Kyoto, Japan.

Crystal's educational journey is focused on music education, where she is receiving classical and Baroque training. Her talents extend to conducting, with a special focus on voice and orchestra works. Demonstrating a prodigious musical talent from an early age, Crystal began playing various instruments when she was just three and a half years old, with the violin as her primary instrument. Her musical repertoire is impressively diverse, encompassing woodwind instruments such as the flute and recorder, piano, various string instruments, voice, and unique international instruments including the Koto, Taiko, and accordion.

Her training has been under the guidance of numerous esteemed instructors, including Narumi, Ramos, Kamida, Lubo, Pancho, and Teter, among others. Crystal's global travels have not only expanded her musical horizons but also enabled her to become fluent in English, Spanish, and Japanese. She dedicates a significant portion of her time to teaching music in Japan, Mexico, and the United States, with a special focus on students of various ages and abilities, including those with disabilities.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!