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 very limited new students each year, offering a highly personalized and elite training regimen. She takes on two new students annually between the ages of 5-7 and another 2-3 students who have passed the highest exam levels and are pursuing higher goals. Her class category and pricing are distinct from other levels. Her class needs an audition.
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Principal/Founder/Piano Educator
Meixuan
With the exposure of more than 1000 students in her 20+ years' teaching experience Meixuan can quickly identify the problem why the kid doesn't like piano, and find the best learning strategy for each student. Her students are very self-driven and love music from the inside.
Another superpower of Meixuan is she can always organize the students to perform on stage with confidence and joy, no matter solo, duet, trio or bigger format, no matter classical, pop, folk, or jazz.
She is the big fan of Sir András Schiff and Seong-Jin Cho and she loves piano trio very much.
Know more about her at About
Meixuan teaches on Tue, Wed and Sun in San Diego and Sat in Irvine. She has very limited availability and an audition is requested.
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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. Her booking is very full.
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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
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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 still open.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Fri
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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.
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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 teaches master class every 3rd Wednesday of a month.
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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 Thu PM and Sun PM, she still has availabilities.
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Senior Bassoon/Oboe/Saxo Instructor
Ye 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
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Senior Cello Instructor
Michael Ljungh
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 here Tue, Thu and Sun.
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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
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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
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Standard Violin Instructor
Carl Chung
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 just joined us and he is very open to new students on Tue and Fri.