Meet Your Mentors

Chaz Barcenilla

 Director 

In his role as a music educator, Chaz Ronald Barcenilla demonstrates his expertise by developing and enhancing educational programs and teaching guidelines in piano, voice/singing performance, and music theory. His comprehensive approach encompasses various aspects such as rudiments, harmony, counterpoint, composition, score-reading, analysis, history, and pedagogy.


These meticulously designed programs prepare students for international proficiency tests administered by esteemed examination boards, leading to prestigious diplomas, certifications, and entrance into universities and colleges. Notably, Chaz proudly serves as the representative of Trinity College London, the renowned International Examinations Board, in San Diego, USA.

Chaz’s passion for teaching led him to become a respected tutor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. During his time there, he shared his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians, leaving an indelible mark on their musical journeys. He also served as the Director of the prestigious Amadeus School of Music, where he nurtured young talents and guided them towards their own artistic excellence.

Not content with confining his talents to one country, Chaz ventured onto Europe, then North America, eventually making Los Angeles his new home. He held the esteemed position of Chair of Continuing Higher Education of the Music Teachers Association of California in Hollywood. His dedication to music education shone through as he tirelessly worked to elevate the standards of music instruction during his tenure from 1999 to 2006.

Currently, Chaz is directing for the renowned Johannes School of Music (JSM), with mentorships in San Diego, Los Angeles, Sydney, Australia, and Queenstown, New Zealand. His role allows him to shape the musical journeys of countless students, helping them unlock their true potential and achieve greatness.

Chaz’s musical prowess extends beyond the realm of education. He has graced the stage as a soloist with prestigious symphony orchestras, including the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Manila Symphony Orchestra, and the SBS Youth Orchestra. His captivating performances have enchanted audiences in Austria, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, The Philippines, and his home country of Australia, where he has performed for various consular corps.


Throughout his career, Chaz has garnered numerous accolades and prizes, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication. He has been recognized as a prize winner and competitor in esteemed competitions such as the 1980 Australian Young Talent Time, the 1982 National Yamaha Piano Competition, and the 1984 Geneva International Piano Competition, to name just a few. His extraordinary musical abilities have not gone unnoticed, as he was honoured as a nominee for the prestigious ‘Outstanding Young Australian’ award in 1982, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.


His mission is to impart his knowledge and passion to aspiring musicians, inspiring them to reach new heights. As Chaz’s story continues to unfold, it is clear that he is not just a musician, but a true artist. Many of Chaz’s alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success and receive prestigious accolades in the world of music. Chloe Vaught, a JMS alumnus, has achieved tremendous acclaim, including the honour of receiving a GRAMMY® Award for her choral performance in Richard Danielpour’s The Passion of Yeshua with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus.

Chaz’s remarkable achievements and dedication to the pursuit of musical excellence, and unwavering commitment to music education makes him invaluable to the nurturing of future generations.

Chloe Vaught

 BA Vocal Performance (UCLA),
ATCL (Voice) 

Chloe is a highly accomplished musician who has dedicated herself to the study of Voice/Singing, Piano, and Music Theory. From 1998 to 2011, she received comprehensive training under the esteemed guidance of Chaz Ronald at the Johannes School of Music.

Throughout her musical journey, Chloe has showcased her talent in various roles and solo performances. Notable highlights include her portrayal of Daphne in Charpentier’s La Descente d’Orphee aux Enfers and her enchanting performance as the Sleep Fairy in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel. She has also graced the stage as a soloist at the prestigious Michelle DeYoung Recital hosted by UCLA Opera. Additionally, Chloe has consistently demonstrated her musical prowess through captivating performances at the Winter and Spring recitals held at the Johannes School of Music.


Chloe’s musical repertoire extends beyond solo performances. She has actively participated in significant choral works, such as Poulenc’s Mass in G, J.S. Beach’s St Matthew Passion and Jesu Meine Fruende, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, among others. These experiences have allowed her to collaborate with esteemed musicians and contribute to the rich tapestry of choral music.


In pursuit of her musical education, Chloe has pursued a diverse range of training opportunities. She earned a B.A. in Vocal Performance (IP) from the prestigious UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, graduating as part of the class of 2020. Chloe has also achieved significant milestones through Trinity College London’s graded program, attaining the Associate Degree in Performance.

Furthermore, she has had the privilege of participating in esteemed programs such as the Seraphic Fire Ensemble Artist Program and the Seraphic Fire Professional Choral Institute at Aspen Music School and Festival. These experiences have further enriched her musical knowledge and artistic growth.


Chloe’s dedication to her craft is evident in her commitment to continuous learning and refinement. Her training at the Johannes School of Music has played a pivotal role in shaping her musical abilities, providing her with a solid foundation and nurturing her passion for music.

With an impressive array of experiences and qualifications, Chloe stands as a testament to the power of dedication, talent, and a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence.

Kendro Calica

BA Piano Performance (UCLA) 

Kendro’s passion for music began at the Johannes School of Music, where he studied Piano and Music Theory under the guidance of Chaz Ronald from 1999 to 2008. With his exceptional talent, he has become an award-winning pianist and violinist, captivating audiences in prestigious venues both in Southern California and internationally.

His remarkable achievements include securing 1st place at the H.B. Goodlin Scholarship Foundation Competition and achieving 4th place at the United States Open Music Competition. Notably, Kendro has been featured as a solo piano artist for the renowned San Diego Young Artists’ Symphony, where he also showcased his talent as a 1st violinist. Additionally, he had the privilege of performing with the SBS Radio and Television Orchestra in Sydney, Australia.


Kendro’s dedication to his craft extended beyond solo performances. He served as the principal 2nd violinist for the esteemed Filipino American Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, he held positions as a church accompanist in San Diego, Long Beach, and Los Angeles.

Currently, Kendro serves as the accompanist for Precious Blood Catholic Church, Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church, Occidental United Presbyterian Church, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Choir in Los Angeles. He also shares his expertise as a piano and violin teacher at Christ the King School in Hollywood.


Kendro’s pursuit of musical excellence led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance at UCLA, further enhancing his skills and knowledge in his chosen field.


Natalie Palomo

BA in Music and English (UNSW, Syd),
Grad Dip Ed (Monash, Syd),MMAP (UTS, Syd),
MA in Film (AFTRS, Syd)

Natalie’s musical journey began at the Amadeus School of Music in Sydney, where she studied Piano and Music Theory under the esteemed Chaz Ronald. Her talent and dedication were evident from an early age, and at just 19 years old, she started teaching at Chaz Ronald’s studio. Together, they embarked on a memorable tour, performing for the papal visit and World Youth Day in 1996, as well as captivating audiences in various concerts throughout Sydney.


Driven by her passion for music, Natalie pursued her studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), focusing on music. She later completed her Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Music and English at the University of Sydney. Continuing her educational journey, she obtained a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) from Monash University.


Natalie’s thirst for knowledge and creative expression led her to earn a Master of Media Arts Production from the University of Technology Sydney. Additionally, she holds a Master of Arts in Film from the prestigious Australian Film Television Radio School, further expanding her expertise in the realm of media arts.


When Chaz Ronald relocated to the USA, Natalie took the opportunity to expand her own piano studio. With a diverse range of students aged 5 to 20, she skillfully taught both classical and contemporary programs offered by the AMEB. Her teaching methods encompassed both one-on-one and group settings, catering to the needs of her students. Natalie also provided vocal coaching for performers in musical theatre and dedicated almost a decade to teaching high school classroom music, covering Year 7 through to HSC Music.


Natalie’s passion for music extended beyond teaching. She has produced captivating piano recitals and community concerts, showcasing her talent and that of her students. Her commitment to music also led her to serve as the music director for the Parish of the Good Shepherd, where she wrote instrumental and choral arrangements and conducted a memorable 20th-anniversary sacred concert. Notably, she conducted a choir of 100 at St Mary’s Cathedral for a statewide Antioch event, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.

Natalie has also had the privilege of performing at prestigious venues such as the Opera House and the State Theatre.

Through her multifaceted musical career, Natalie continues to inspire and nurture the talents of her students while leaving her mark on the Australian music scene.

Katrina Beltran

B.Design Hons in Vis. Comm (UTS, Syd)
Juris Doctor (UTS Sydney)

Katrina’s musical journey began at the Amadeus School of Music, where she studied Piano and Music Theory under the guidance of Chaz Ronald from 1987 to 1995. Inspired by her own musical education, she embarked on a teaching career that has spanned over 30 years. Throughout this time, Katrina has not only imparted her knowledge to her students but also organized performances, prepared them for various examinations, and nurtured their love for music.


As a dedicated piano and music theory teacher, Katrina has guided her students through the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) exams, high school and university music exams, and performances. She believes in fostering a deep appreciation for music, whether her students are pursuing it professionally or simply for the joy it brings.


Katrina’s own musical journey has been one of continuous growth and exploration. She achieved proficiency in piano, reaching LMUSA levels, and mastered Theory up to grade 8 AMEB. Additionally, she expanded her musical repertoire by taking up classical and jazz singing, violin, and even teaching herself guitar.


Beyond her musical pursuits, Katrina leads a multifaceted life. She is a practicing lawyer and a quiet designer, showcasing her versatility and passion for various creative outlets. However, her true passion lies in instilling a love for music in her students, fostering a love of learning, and guiding them through the process of mastering their chosen instruments.


Katrina’s dedication to her craft and her students is evident in her extensive teaching experience and her commitment to creating a nurturing and enjoyable learning environment. Through her guidance, countless students have discovered the transformative power of music and have developed a lifelong appreciation for this beautiful art form.

Angelika Santo-Domingo

BS (Cal Poly Pomona),
TCL Cert

Angelika, a soprano coloratura, has dedicated herself to the study of pop, opera, and vocal jazz. Her passion for these genres ignited at the young age of 7, and since then, she has pursued her love for opera and vocal jazz with unwavering enthusiasm.


Throughout her musical journey, Angelika has had the privilege of studying under three different vocal teachers, each specializing in different styles. This diverse training has provided her with a well-rounded understanding of various vocal techniques and musical genres. However, her particular interest lies in the physiology of singing, which has become a focal point in her teaching approach.


Angelika firmly believes that technique is vital in any genre of singing. With a strong emphasis on teaching proper technique and performance theory, she guides her students to develop a solid foundation and build confidence in their abilities. She understands that confidence is a crucial trait both on and off the stage, and she works diligently to instill this quality in her students.


As an active member of the Johannes School of Music, Angelika has been an integral part of the annual recital for the past 20 years. Her performances have captivated audiences and showcased her exceptional talent. Additionally, she has had the privilege of serving as an assistant teacher to Chaz Ronald for three years, further honing her teaching skills and expanding her knowledge under his guidance.


Angelika’s commitment to her musical education remains unwavering. She continues to learn and grow under the tutelage of Chaz Ronald, specifically through her studies with Trinity College London. This ongoing pursuit of knowledge ensures that she stays at the forefront of her field and can provide her students with the most relevant and comprehensive education.


Through her dedication to technique, performance theory, and ongoing education, Angelika strives to inspire her students and help them discover the joy and transformative power of music.

Joshua Boyd-Williams

Singer

Joshua’s musical journey began at the tender age of 7 when he started taking vocal lessons with the esteemed Chaz Ronald. Initially, he was also learning to play the piano, but his passion for singing quickly took centre stage. Throughout the years, he continued his vocal training under Chaz Ronald’s guidance, honing his skills and nurturing his love for music.


Joshua’s talent and dedication led him to perform in numerous vocal recitals in both San Diego and Los Angeles. These performances allowed him to showcase his vocal abilities and captivate audiences with his talent and passion. In 2008, he joined the prestigious Los Angeles Children’s Choir, where he became one of the founding members of the Young Men’s Ensemble, conducted by Steven Kronauer. This new choir provided Joshua with incredible opportunities to tour and perform in various locations, including San Francisco, Germany, Austria, Italy, and Cuba. Despite changes within the choir, Joshua remained committed and dedicated, becoming the sole founding member in his final year.


While attending the Academy of Music and Performing Arts at Hamilton High School, Joshua focused primarily on studying acting. However, his deep passion for singing remained unwavering. Graduating in 2015, he carried with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in both acting and singing.


Driven by his desire to share his knowledge and passion for singing, Joshua aspires to make a positive impact on others. He hopes to successfully impart his expertise and ignite the same love and joy for singing in those he teaches. With his talent, dedication, and passion, Joshua is poised to inspire and uplift others through the power of music.

Did You Know?

All of our tutors are certified graduates of our same music courses!