Meet Our Teachers

Catherine is a passionate violin instructor with a thriving private studio. Her students have gone on to excel in youth symphonies and all-state ensembles. In addition to her private teaching, Catherine is dedicated to making music accessible through her role at Music Mission San Francisco, an El Sistema-inspired program that supports underserved children with the joy of music.

Her musical journey began with rigorous studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. It continued at the University of Southern California, where she earned her Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance. Catherine learned from distinguished teachers like Isadore Tinkleman and Eudice Shapiro, whose guidance helped shape her expert teaching style.

Active in the music community, Catherine is a proud member of the American String Teacher's Association and the Davis Music Teacher's Association. She brings her extensive education and heartfelt commitment to every lesson, inspiring students to reach their full potential and share their love of music.

Jon Spivack is a dedicated parent, educator, and musician with over 25 years of experience teaching and performing in the Sacramento area. With a B.A. in Biological Sciences and a Master of Arts in Special Education from California State University, Sacramento, Jon combines his diverse educational background with a deep passion for music.

Jon's teaching experience spans a wide range of settings, from classroom environments to private studio instruction. His enthusiasm for music shines through in every lesson, inspiring students of all ages to explore their musical potential.

In addition to his teaching career, Jon is an accomplished musician with a new Jazz/Folk/Blues CD, Branching Out, now available on CD Baby. His blend of musical expertise and heartfelt dedication makes him a standout choice for anyone looking to enrich their musical journey.

Judith holds a BA in Music Performance from California State University, Northridge, where she honed her skills in Viola, Piano, and Orchestral Conducting. With a wealth of experience as an accompanist, music and vocal director, and educator, Judith has guided singers and instrumentalists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
Her diverse background in both teaching and coaching allows her to bring a deep understanding of music and a personalized approach to every student, helping them achieve their musical goals and excel in their craft.

Kimberly Cole Feeney boasts an impressive musical background. She has a Bachelor of Music in Performance from California State University, Sacramento, and a Master of Arts in Music Education and Cello Performance from California State University, Long Beach. After dedicating 35 years to public school music education, including 31 years with Davis Joint Unified School District, Kimberly has left a lasting impact on her students and the community.

In Davis, Kimberly taught around 350 students annually across multiple schools and founded the “Davis All-City Elementary Orchestra” in 1995, which continues to thrive. Her contributions to music education have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the “Outstanding Music Educator Award” from the Capitol section of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) in 2015 and the “Outstanding String Educator Award” in 2002.

Kimberly has served as State President of the California Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and is currently the Sacramento Section and State Webmaster Treasurer. Her leadership experience spans local and state levels with CMEA and ASTA/NSOA (National Schools Orchestral Association). She is also an active member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA), the Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), and Mu Phi Epsilon.

In addition to her illustrious teaching career, Kimberly freelances on the cello, performing with her quartet and various orchestras throughout the Sacramento and Bay areas. She also serves as an adjudicator at local and state events. Kimberly is excited to return to private teaching and expand her cello playing, bringing her wealth of experience and passion for music to new students.t.

Bianca Patterson is a passionate musician and educator in the Sacramento area who's all about making music fun, accessible, and inclusive! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Bianca is ready to guide you on your musical journey. With over 15 years of experience teaching woodwinds (clarinet and bass clarinet), piano, and even the French horn, she’s helped students become confident musicians, with many going on to join honor bands and youth symphonies.

Bianca’s love for music started early, and she’s been playing in everything from orchestras and jazz ensembles to wind bands and musicals. She’s constantly exploring new music and sharing her excitement with her students, encouraging them to try different instruments and become "doublers" (musicians who play more than one instrument).

Her qualifications? She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Sacramento State, and she’s currently pursuing her Master’s in Education. Plus, she has real-world experience as a clarinetist in the 191st Army Band!

In addition to private lessons, Bianca has taught music in local schools for over 10 years, inspiring young musicians across Sacramento. She’s also deeply involved in the community, serving in leadership roles with several local music groups, including the Rancho Cordova River City Concert Band and the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band Association.

When she’s not teaching or performing, you can find Bianca working behind the scenes to promote music education and opportunities for young musicians. Her motto? “Music for life!” If you’re ready to explore the world of music, Bianca is here to help you discover your potential and have a blast while doing it!

Dr. Rachel Taylor Geier, an accomplished flutist with a passion for both performing and teaching. With a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree in Flute Performance from the University of Minnesota, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Flute Performance, Dr. Geier has an impressive background that combines her love for the flute with a deep knowledge of music history.

Dr. Geier has performed with prestigious groups like the National Flute Association’s Professional Flute Choir and served as Principal Flute with the Camellia Symphony Orchestra. She’s been a featured soloist with several orchestras, including the Diablo Valley College Symphonic Band and the Gonzaga University Symphony Orchestra. In addition to performing, she’s passionate about sharing her expertise through teaching, having led flute sectionals for various high school and middle school bands, and offering private lessons in Davis, California.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Dr. Geier is an active member of the flute community. She serves on the Board of the Sacramento Flute Club, regularly performs with local ensembles, and even writes a popular flute blog that flutists worldwide follow. Her "Flute Friday" posts are a must-read for aspiring and experienced players alike! Dr. Geier also contributes to The Flute View Magazine with her fun “Dr. G’s Flute Horoscopes” and shares insightful reviews in The Flutist Quarterly.

If you’re looking for an inspiring teacher or performer who brings both skill and joy to everything she does, Dr. Geier is the perfect guide to help you discover the magic of the flute!

Danny grew up in San Pablo, California, and picked up the saxophone at the age of eight. His love for music led him to the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond, CA, where he nurtured his dream of becoming a professional jazz saxophonist. By the time he was sixteen, Danny was already playing semi-professionally, and by seventeen, he was performing up to five nights a week in San Francisco, paying his way through college through his music.

Danny has had the privilege of studying with jazz greats like Tony Archimedes, Frank Sumares, and Mel Martin. For him, the saxophone is more than just an instrument—it's a way to express his deepest passions to audiences everywhere. Now based in Sacramento, Danny works with the California Health Care Foundation and enjoys life with his wife and two children, both musicians themselves.

When he's not working, Danny is actively touring, recording, and playing live music, sharing his love for soul, funk, blues, and salsa across the Bay Area and Central Valley. Music has always been his way of connecting with people, and he continues to inspire audiences with every performance.