Experienced teachers with a global presence！！

At Renee's Music Studio, we have a team of experienced instructors who are making waves around the world.

Having seen the world, they understand what it takes to reach the top. Having experienced the world, they also know the challenges one may face.

With such seasoned instructors, we will guide you steadily towards your dreams.

From nurturing the talents of young children to honing the strengths of individuals, our teachers provide abundant love and praise, all accompanied by countless smiles.

These incredible educators at Renee's Music Studio are here to make your dreams a reality. Trust us with your aspirations!

Renee Teruya

Hello! My name is Renee Teruya, and I operate the "Renee Music Studio" in Hawaii as the principal.

I started playing the piano at the age of 3 and began solfege lessons at the age of 7.

After that, I graduated from the Kunitachi College of Music affiliated junior high school, high school, and Kunitachi College of Music, and have walked through life with music. Afterward, I started a music school based in Hawaii and have conducted over 48,000 lessons in 20 years. Many students have been accepted into prestigious music universities, conservatories, and music departments both domestically and internationally, including Tokyo University of the Arts, Kunitachi College of Music, Colburn School in Los Angeles, Manhattan School of Music in New York, and Indiana University, Jacobs School of Music in Indiana.

We have also consistently achieved victory and placement in renowned international piano competitions held in the United States and Europe.

Shandee Teruya

（Japanese＆English）

Piano, Eurhythmics (in English), Absolute Pitch, Instructor

Shandee Teruya, born and raised in Honolulu Hawaii, an internationally recognized pianist and one of today’s most engaging young musicians. Shandee has already had two performances at Carnegie Hall, Weil Hall in the year 2012 and 2022. She is in demand for a wide variety of masterclasses, playing with some of the world’s leading instrumentalists, as well as appearing on major international competitions and performances.

Her past achievements include appearance at Carnegie Hall’s Weil Hall, as a winner of the American Fine Arts Romantic Competition and performance of Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Kostroma Symphony Orchestra, twice, in Russia. She has also performed Mozart Concerto No.17 first movement, with the Hawaii Festival Orchestra.

Shandee has won numerous awards from the Aloha International Piano Competition, Morning Music Club Scholarship Competition, Hawaii Music Teacher’s Association Competition, Kamuela Concerto Competition, Hawaii Mozart, American Fine Arts Concerto Competition, American Fine Arts Russian Competition, Osaka International Music Competition, and Music Teacher’s National Association Competition.

In 2013, She traveled to Washington D.C. to compete as a finalist in the World’s Pianist Invitational, winning second alternate.

In 2017, she was a semi-finalist in the Spotlight Competition. Recent awards include 2021 MTNA State Competition Winner, Osaka International Music Competition Hawaii Regional First Prize Winner, Charleston International Music Competition First Prize Winner, and Golden Classical Music Awards First Prize Winner.

Shandee has previously studied at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, and studied at the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with teacher Mr.Daniel Epstein. Shandee finished her Master’s degree in Piano Performance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa in Fall 2023.

MAI HERRAN

（Japanese＆English）

Instructor for Composition, Arrangement, Music Theory, Piano, Violin, Drums, and Rhythmics

Began learning piano at the age of 4 and violin at the age of 5.

Later studied composition, graduating from the Osaka College of Music's Department of Composition and completing the graduate program in the Composition Laboratory.

Since then, has been active as a contemporary music composer, with works performed by the New Japan Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and Tokyo Sinfonietta, among others.

In addition to contemporary music, also composes background music for TV programs.

Additionally, active as a player of the Persian folk instrument, santur.

Awards include:

Takefu International Composition Prize

Japan Symphony Foundation Composition Prize

Japan Music Competition Composition Division

Gen'on Composition Newcomer Award

Nagoya Cultural Promotion Prize Composition Division

Akutagawa Composition Prize

Provides private lessons in piano, music theory, and composition, and group lessons in ensemble and handbell performance.

The lessons aim to nurture children's creativity and individuality through performance and composition.

CATHERINE MORRIS

（English）

Instructor for Vocal Music, Chorus, Opera, Musical Theater, and Piano

Earned a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Arizona State University and completed undergraduate music studies at the Chicago Conservatory of Music.

Since 2017, an active member of Hawaii Opera Theatre’s Orvis Opera Studio.

Performed in the Hawaii Opera Theatre Express Educational Tour Opera for the past three seasons.

Has been active as a soloist with Hawaii Opera Theatre, Honolulu Chorale, Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble, and at Iolani Palace, among other venues.

Appeared in numerous operas, including performances with Midwest Opera Institute, Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites, and Arizona State University’s Lyric Opera Theatre.

Continues to perform as a soloist in both Phoenix and her hometown of Chicago.

With a background in vocal pedagogy, she specializes in understanding vocal mechanisms and offers healthy training methods for all voice types.

Capable of teaching a variety of styles, including classical, pop, and musical theater.

SACHIKO UCHIDA

（Japanese＆English）

Instructor for Piano and Ukulele

Graduated from the junior high, high school, and university of Kunitachi College of Music.

Started learning piano at the age of 3, majored in piano during junior high and high school, and studied musicology at university.

Since around 2002, studied under renowned ukulele artist Kazuo Tamura.

Has an extensive performance history in both Hawaii and Japan.

In addition to the ukulele, is also proficient in the shamisen.

Has been active for many years as a DJ for Japanese FM radio stations.

Akiko・Fukumoto

（Japanese ＆ English）

Instructor for Piano

Started playing piano at the age of 4 and was admitted to the Piano Department of the Affiliated High School of Kunitachi College of Music.

Performed in the National Music Concert (a school-hosted event) during her senior year of high school.

Graduated from the Piano Department of the Instrumental Music Faculty at Kunitachi College of Music.

As a first-year university student, performed with the Tokyo Dresden Orchestra in a Mozart Piano Concerto Joint Concert.

In addition to numerous performances at piano concerts, she teaches piano lessons to students of all ages, from children to adults.

Also active as an advisor for students aspiring to enter music universities.

MAYUMI PATT

（Japanese＆English）

Instructor for Voice Training, Vocal Music, Gospel Chorus, and Piano

Started playing piano at the age of 4. Graduated from a music high school, a vocal program at a music vocational school, and its master's course.

Began her career as a Soul and R&B singer while still in school.

Performed as a background vocalist for professional Jazz singers, Rock bands, and Soul bands.

Studied for five years in New York under a renowned African American singer who served as music director for the "Queen of R&B," Roberta Flack, collaborated with Grammy-winning gospel singer Kirk Franklin, and worked as a background vocalist for Stevie Wonder. Additionally, studied vocal anatomy to enhance singing techniques.

Since 2001, has worked as a vocal trainer in Tokyo, teaching at music agencies, child actor training schools, vocational schools, and music schools. She has trained over 1,000 singers, ranging from amateurs to professionals.

As a vocalist, performed on numerous stages in New York and participated as a soloist in a gospel choir in Harlem.

For six years, served as a music director, forming and leading a gospel choir in Tokyo with around 50 members, handling vocal training, song arrangements, piano accompaniment, and conducting.

In 2020, resumed vocal training in Hawaii.

KOUHEI TAKAKURA

（Japanese＆ English）

Instructor for Saxophone, Piano, and Rhythmics

Started rhythmic gymnastics at the age of 4 and piano at the age of 5.

Began playing saxophone upon entering middle school, studying under Shinichiro Hikosaka, Takamasa Matsubara, and Norikazu Nagasawa.

Won 1st place in the woodwind and percussion division, 3rd place overall, and the Audience Award at the 60th Nishinippon International Music Competition.

After graduating from university, joined the Self-Defense Forces music band, where he performed as a saxophonist, taking on many solo performances in over 100 concerts per year.

Currently studying saxophone under Todd Yukumoto in the Master's program at the University of Hawaii's Music Department. He is expected to obtain his Master of Music degree in December 2022 and is expanding his activities both within and outside the university.

Naho Kjonegaard

（Japanese＆English）

Piano

She started to play piano when she was 3 years old. There was always music in her life. She has a passion for teaching any skills I have, piano, swimming, and surfing, and I homeschooled my four children till 2024. I was a preschool teacher before motherhood. Teaching music gives me joy and I hope I can share that joy with everyone!

Zara Bagasol

（English）

Cello・Piano

Born and raised in Hawaii, Zara started playing piano in kindergarten and since then has continued to grow her love of music. She studied cello at University of Puget Sound’s School of Music where she also started teaching piano and cello to students. Now she finds great joy in teaching and sharing the same passion with students of all ages.

“I am grateful to have had many good music teachers who have supported me and helped me grow both as a person and a musician. My hope is to do the same for my students as well.”

Grace

（Korean&English）

Piano・Violin

I was born in Daejeon, South Korea, where I studied piano throughout my school years. I attended Shinil Girls' Middle School and Shinil Girls' High School while preparing for piano entrance exams. During my time in Korea, I taught piano to students, some of whom were accepted into Korean universities.

**Accomplishments:**

- 2001: 1st place, Daejeon Youth Music Competition

- 2003: 2nd place, Dong-A Music Newspaper Competition

- 2003: Performed Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 with the Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra

- 2004: 3rd place, Paichai University Music Competition, Daejeon

- 2003: Performed Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra

- 2004: Invited to perform at the Anmyeondo International Flower Expo

- 2005: Participated in the Uchilishche Masterclass, Russia

- 2005: Admitted to the Central Music School at the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory

Yoshimi Arakawa

（Japanese,Some English）

Porcelain Art Instructor

Certified Porcelain Art Instructor by Nippon Vogue Co., Ltd.

In April 2016, opened a porcelain art studio in Tokyo.

Conducted over 480 lessons annually and produced more than 60 graduates from the instructor course.

In April 2024, moved from Japan to Hawaii with family.

Starting in August, will begin teaching porcelain art classes at Renee’s Music Studio.

Has experience playing the Electone (electronic organ) from childhood until the age of 18.

Laurie Shimabukuro

（English）

Violin

Laurie Shimabukuro grew up on Oahu studying the Suzuki Method primarily with Sheryl Shohet for violin and was the concertmaster for the Punahou Advanced (intermediate) and Symphony (high school) orchestras as well as the Hawaii Youth Symphony I and II orchestras. She also served as the concertmaster for the Willamette University Chamber Orchestra and the concertmaster/soloist for the Salem Chamber Orchestra. She was the winner of several awards and competitions, including the Honolulu Symphony’s Talent Pool, Morning Music Club Scholarship, and the HMTA and MTNA competitions in Hawaii. She continued her music studies with Daniel Rouslin at Willamette University and graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music and Chemistry and later with a Masters of Accounting degree from the University of Hawaii.

Music has provided her with amazing opportunities such as master classes/workshops with Yehudi Menuhin, Kyoko Takezawa, The Emerson String Quartet, Almita Vamos, and John Kendall;

traveling to Europe with the Ambassadors of Music from Hawaii; performing Beethoven’s 9 th Symphony with Japanese chorus groups in Hawaii and Japan; and musical theater collaborations including the world premier and encore productions of Ohana Arts’ original music “Peace On Your Wings” in Hawaii and other local community plays; and more recently, performing with the Kamuela Philharmonic.

Laurie currently teaches private violin lessons part-time and the HYS Super Strings Beginning and Intermediate classes at Le Jardin in Kailua. She is also a member of the Oahu Civic Orchestra and local chamber music groups.

McCallen Choy

（English）

Piano

McCallen Choy holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Piano Performance as a student of Dr. Jonathan Korth. In addition to his musical studies, McCallen serves as a collaborative pianist for the UHM Concert Choir and Chamber Singers under Dr. Alec Schumacker and regularly performs as a church pianist at Holy Trinity Church. Apart from displaying his passion for music through performance, McCallen also enjoys sharing his musical knowledge and enjoyment with young, aspiring pianists via private piano lessons at Renee’s Music Studio in Honolulu.

Carissa Miyamoto

（English）

Violin

Carissa Miyamoto was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. She has a diverse music background including piano, trumpet, ukulele, violin, and choir. She was a part of Moanalua High School's music programs including the Jazz band, Wind Ensemble, marching band, and Symphony Orchestra. The Symphony Orchestra won Grand National Champions at the ASTA conference in 2018. She has toured the nation with Drum Corps International on trumpet with the 2019 Sacramento Mandarins, and was

featured in the production of "Wait for Me" with the Santa Clara Vanguard in 2021.

She has been playing violin since the age of 8, and has studied with Ethan Pernella, Ignace Jang, and Joseph Stepec. She graduated from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa with a bachelor's in Music Education, and currently teaches with the Hawai'i Youth Symphony, and is the music teacher Mililani 'Ike Elementary.

"I believe music is the greatest tool for a successful and fulfilling life. I would like to give back to my community by sharing it with others."

Amy Taba

（English）

Voice

Amy Taba is a vocalist born and raised in Hawai'i, currently pursuing a degree in voice at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa. She began her musical journey at the age of 8 in choir and has since had the opportunity to study under numerous vocal professionals across various genres, including pop, musical theater, and classical music. Amy has performed in several musical theater productions and has worked with the Hawai'i Opera Theatre's Young Voices Program, further expanding her vocal experience.

In addition to singing, Amy enjoys playing the flute and piano. Passionate about sharing her love of music, she strives to create a positive and supportive environment for her students. She believes in adapting her approach to each student's individual needs, aiming to make each lesson both educational and fun!

Kevin Foster

（English）

Guitar・Ukulele

Hailing from the picturesque town of Asheville, North Carolina, Kevin Foster is a versatile singer-songwriter and classically trained guitarist. He first discovered his passion for music in elementary school while playing the saxophone and it grew through the uplifting experience of singing in church choirs.

As an adult, Kevin embarked on a self-directed exploration of the guitar, honing his skills by busking the city streets during the day and engaging in jam sessions at night. This approach fostered a profound understanding of various musical styles and genres.

It was not until later in life that Kevin pursued a formal musical education. He enrolled in the classical guitar program at Central Piedmont Community College, where he further developed his technique and theoretical knowledge. His dedication to learning led him to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he earned a BA in music.

Kevin's commitment to his craft is evident in his relentless pursuit of growth as an artist. His eclectic musical background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both the artistic and analytical aspects of music, enhancing his abilities as a performer, as a songwriter, and as an educator.