Pam Donkin is Center Director/Owner of Peninsula Music Together.  In Spring Teacher Pam teaches Tuesday mornings at Millbrae Library. As of Summer 2012 she will no longer be teaching Tuesdays in Millbrae.

"My daughter has taken Music Together classes with Teacher Pam since she was 4 months old. Sylvie has blossomed with Pam's gentle, nurturing nature and I have learned so much about music through her teachings. Teacher Pam has a wonderful balance of being able to connect with children, along with a beautiful voice and talented musical ability which I found inspirational. We listen to her CD's literally every day."-- Karen Senffner, Burlingame, CA

Teacher Pam is an award-winning children's recording artist, on the Gentle Wind label, who has been a children's performer and music specialist in pre-schools and elementary schools for over 25 years. She is also host of the children's television show Kaleidoscope Kids airing on 17 cable channels on the Peninsula and has Directed Pam Donkin's Children's Chorus at Las Lomitas School in Atherton for 25 years. She was trained by Music Together to be a registered Music Together teacher and most recently she was awarded Music Together Certification Level I for outstanding achievement in teaching, musicianship, program philosophy, and parent education. Upon watching Pam teach a demonstration class for trainees, Music Together Founder, Ken Guilmartin commented that "Pam is a master teacher". Pam, who has won 7 national awards for her own CD's, has toured nationally, offering fun, educational, interactive school assemblies, recordings, family concerts, library shows and teacher seminars. For more info go to http://www.pamdonkin.com/.

Classes for Pam

Andrew teaches at Burlingame Rec. on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

"Teacher Andrew is hands down the BEST music teacher around.  Not only is he well trained in the subject matter he is teaching, but the way he is able to connect with the kids and the amount of patience he gives them makes his teaching so effective.  He makes learning music so much fun for the kids so they all love going to music class each and every week.  I hope he will continue teaching music to children for a long time to come." Claudia Rask, Music Together Mommy

Teacher Andrew has been working with children for over 15 years and has a B.A. in Child Psychology from the University of California, San Diego. From organizing events at summer camps as a 16-year old to working for San Mateo County teaching K-8 special education students, Andrew has acquired extensive experience entertaining, nurturing, and enlightening youngsters, and now devotes his time to aiding their musical development. Blending his love for athleticism and exotic music, Andrew has been involved in Capoeira, an acrobatic Brazilian martial art/dance, for 10 years, and has performed with Capoeira Mandinga of San Diego and Capoeira U.S.A. of San Francisco in different festivals, fairs, and clubs. As a singer/songwriter/musician, Andrew has released the internationally released, critically-acclaimed rock album Glean as part of the band Echobrain and has opened for such artists as Neil Young, Elvis Costello, and Willie Nelson. These days, he leads and performs in the San Francisco-based rock group Sporting Life. Andrew is a Registered Music Together teacher.

Classes for Andrew

Nicole teaches at Beresford Park Rec. on Wednesdays and Burlingame Rec. on Thursdays!

"My son and I recently completed a fantastic Music Together class with Teacher Nicole and wanted to let you know that we found her to be an exceptional music teacher. During each class, she consistently brought all of her enthusiasm and attention. Whenever the kids (of any ages) approached her during the dancing parts of class, she would engage one-on-one with them while still keeping the class moving. Her skill with her violin also added to the music making with the delightful sounds of a stringed instrument against all the percussion instruments the kids play. In addition, she would constantly look for opportunities to mention how what the kids were doing at the moment, show how they are learning music, and how we as parents can continue that learning at home. I have taken many music classes over the years with my kids (both at Music Together and other music schools) and must say that Teacher Nicole stands out from the rest." Anne Brocchini, parent

Teacher Nicole started singing before she started talking. Growing up in a rich Celtic and bluegrass scene, she gained a diverse musical background, performing at music festivals from the time she was 9 years old. She took Suzuki violin lessons, participated in fiddle camps, plays guitar and took formal vocal training as well. In class children love hearing her play her fiddle and guitar every week! Throughout her musical career, she has been involved in various bands, ensembles, musical theatre, and internationally touring choirs. She has professional experience playing weddings and corporate events as well as venues such as Café Du Nord and the Rockit Room, and competing in various classical competitions. Nicole has always loved working with children; she was deeply affected by music as a child, and knows how important it is to give music's gift back to the next generation. Through her work as a childrens performer, she gained a clear understanding that children learn music most effectively through playing, which reflects in her teaching style. She has a strong belief that playing music is called "playing" for a reason, and her favorite aspect of teaching is when her student realizes how fun music really is.  Nicole is a Registered Music Together teacher.

Classes for Nicole

Nathan teaches at Beresford Park Rec. on Tuesdays, Burlingame Rec. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

"My younger son and I love Nathan - he's super friendly - he's really great.  Ryan just runs up to him all the time in class and loves playing the drums with him." Leslie Huie, Parent

Teacher Nathan was raised right here on the Peninsula, in Burlingame.  A professional songwriter, rock vocalist and drummer, he has music pouring out of his heart, running through his veins and bursting out of him. Barely a moment passes where he isn't humming a new melody or drumming out a rhythm on his thighs. Children and parents enjoy hearing him play his conga drum and guitar each week in class. Now as a new father, Nathan is more passionate than ever about introducing music into the lives of young children. His love for music and passing the excitement on to children and families brought him to Music Together. He was so impressed by the program, he took the training  and has become a Registered Music Together teacher so that he can pass his passion for music on to the community.

 Classes for Nathan

Teacher Cristal teaches at Beresford Park Rec. on Saturday mornings. It is with regret that we say Goodbye, So Long, Farewell, to Teacher Cristal after Spring semester.

"I just want to say Cassidy and I totally enjoy your class.  You have an awesome voice and a very contagious glowy smile. If you have any more classes in the future, please let us know and we'll be the first to sign up!"   David & Cassidy, Millbrae, CA                                                                                                                                                                                   
Teacher Cristal comes to Peninsula Music Together with a rich background in music, dance and child development. Having worked with children for over 18 years, her greatest joy is introducing the many expressions of music, movement and narrative to children of all ages. As a musician, she has composed songs on her ukulele and guitar.  As a dancer, she loves infusing her dance movements with flamenco, folkloric, jazz and ballet. Cristal's greatest strengths are her creative outlook and playful nature. Cristal is a Registered Music Together teacher.

Classes for Cristal

Teacher Michael teaches at Millbrae Library Saturday mornings, Burlingame Rec on Monday mornings and afternoon, and at Beresford Park on Thursday and Friday (starting in Spring) mornings.

"I just wanted to let you know how much my kids enjoyed Michael Quadro's music together class last semester. He is a great teacher.  We have had a lot of good teachers over the years but Michael is definitely one of the best.  You can tell he really cares about keeping the kids engaged. He puts a lot of effort into his classes which keeps it exciting and the kids entertained. I would highly recommend his class to other parents in the community." Nina Charlton, Millbrae, CA

Teacher Michael has taught Music Together in both the South Bay and San Francisco and is excited to be able to meet and teach the families of the Peninsula! Michael is fun and upbeat, and his humor and demeanor is also a winner with the kids, and truly makes him accessible to both the children and to adults of all ages.  He is also a CA credential educator and family musician that specializes in creating, producing, and performing educational and entertaining programs for K-8 students. His original performances, full of songs, humor, and audience participation, have helped make him a hit with the kids, families, teachers, and librarians wherever he performs.
Part educator and part rockstar, music has been a part of Michael’s life from the beginning. For the past eight years, Michael has shared his musical passion with the students he has been honored enough to teach and the families he has been able to reach through Music Together. Michael is a registered Music Together teacher.

 Classes for Michael

Steven teaches on Tuesdays in Millbrae and Saturdays in San Mateo starting Summer 2012.

We welcome Teacher Steven to the staff of Peninsula Music Together starting in the Summer Semester! Teacher Steven is the father of a 2 year old and began his Music Together journey as a parent in one of our classes! He was so impressed with the program that he took the Music Together training so that he could help other families encourage musical skills with their children. Steven is a natural leader, with a wonderful voice and is extremely musical. He has played piano since the age of 4, providing entertainment at numerous community and retirement facilities, parties, and at Stanford Medical Centers. He also plays trombone and penny-whistle by ear. He is bilingual, speaking both English and German and has a BS degree in Environmental Studies. Steven is a registered Music Together teacher.

Classes for Steven

Theresa Ames is our substitute!

"My daughter was always excited to see Teacher Theresa in class. She has great high energy and is very animated. I also like how she always addressed the children by name which got their attention. She really captivated the kid's interest."
Nina Chartlton, Parent, Millbrae.

Teacher Theresa has taught Music Together for 3 1/2 years. She subs regulary in Peninsula Music Together classes. Teacher Theresa has devoted her life to sharing the gift of music to children of all ages from infant to eighty (We're all children at heart). She is a major theater buff and has been directing, accompanying, and coaching musical theater throughout the Bay Area for over twenty years.  She has served as Director at Palo Alto Children's Theater, The Community School for Music and Art, Stage Door Conservatory, and various other Bay Area Theater groups.  A graduate from S.F.S.U.,Theresa also works teaching kindergarten through eighth grade music & drama in both public and private schools. Teacher Theresa is a registered Music Together teacher.

Classes for Theresa