Reviews & Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

JSM would like to thank everyone for their on-going feedback and continued support!


Chaz has been a terrific piano teacher for our daughters for 6 years! He also speaks several languages and let you choose your preference of language when he teaches piano!

Alejandra Mtz

Aug 19, 2023

I have had two children work with Chaz over several years (one still doing so) and we have had a great experience. Chaz is very passionate about his students learning both the skills to read and play the music. I would recommend the Johannes School if you are considering a well rounded musical education.

Ryan Badgero

Jul, 2023

My daughter took singing lessons from Chaz and it was an enriching experience for her. The shows put out by the group this year “Diamond in the rough” was a professional high quality show with lots of talented students shining bright!

Asim Thakker

Jul, 2023

Chaz is a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. He is an incredibly adept musician. He can identify what exactly you need improvement on and provides the most helpful advice on how to attain that improvement. I have studied music (flute) for 10 years with numerous teachers and band/orchestra directors, all very skilled and incredible themselves, but I never received clearer instruction than with Dr. Chaz. He explained concepts that many young musicians (like myself) struggle with and he beautifully portrays the relationship between theory, practice, and performance. Additionally, I appreciate his emphasis on ensuring vocal health and meditation- meditating pitches so that one can internalize the pitches to sing them more accurately. I was planning to remain his student for as long as I could but due to personal health and scheduling reasons, I had to discontinue and hope to return soon. I 150% recommend taking his lessons. Get ready to learn so much and expand as a musician!

Indira Lofflin

Aug 6, 2019

Chaz is really dedicated to his profession. He started to teach my seven year old son over one year ago and he has motivated him to sing his best and he started piano with him last year which has been a phenomenal experience for my son. Chaz really focuses on the detail, theory and groundwork necessary to excel in music. If you are lucky enough to get your child started with him you will never regret the experience. He is simply the best! My son sings all the time now and loves to play piano. I am so happy for my son to have found someone to expand on his talents!

Sarah Dresevic

Mar 8, 2016

Crazy but Chaz would travel all the way to the hills of Pacific Palisades from where his studio was then (Beverly Hills) to come to me. He is very energetic, passionate and has never short changed any of my lessons (sorry I’m just a type that watches the clock all the time!). In fact he would sit down with me and explain my homework in detail after the time the lesson has completed, so then I would be obliged to make him a lil something from the kitchen lol, but that is the kind of teacher you will come up with if you hire him. I was lucky I guess as I was always his last home visit student for the day. Technique-wise be careful as he is most meticulous but in a very good way. Musical phrasing was his big thing. I wish I would be able to continue lessons with him but immediate family responsibilities have kept me somewhat busy to manage any other schedule 🙁
hidalgorenee11@yahoo.com

Rene Dua

Mar 8, 2016

Chaz taught me for 6 months until very recently, I find him to be nurturing and dedicated to get you the best possible results during the actual duration of the lesson. He is thorough but at the same time you get enjoyment in knowing you can actually play better than your expectation. I wish I was in a better financial position to continue taking lessons with Chaz. I fully recommend Ronald Chaz Barcenilla.

Casandra Holmes

Feb 2, 2015

What comes out of my mind first is that Ronald Chaz is a great motivator. He has focused on the positive side of my voice and trained me to get it stronger. After just 3 months under his tutelage, I became more and more confident with the techniques I was mastering. My range also blossomed. After 1 year, I’m now finally able to reach top Ténor A with the least effort. I definitely recommend Chaz to anyone who wants to improve on their vocal technique and range in such a short time. He is also fluent in Italian and German which is a big plus in Opera Studies!

Jose Ramirez

Mar 8, 2016

Carlos Medina

Jul, 2023

I am grateful to have had the privilege of witnessing the talent and teaching expertise of Chaz Barcenilla throughout my son’s musical journey. As a vocal and piano instructor, Chaz has consistently exceeded all expectations, leaving an indelible mark on my son’s growth as a musician. Their expertise, and genuine passion for music have created an extraordinary learning environment that has nurtured my son’s skills and ignited his love for music. From the very first lesson, it was evident that Chaz possessed a unique ability to connect with students on a personal level. Their warm and approachable demeanor immediately put my son at ease, fostering a sense of trust and openness that allowed him to flourish. Chaz’s remarkable talent in both vocals and piano is unparalleled, and their ability to seamlessly integrate both instruments into the lessons has broadened my son’s musical horizons and enriched his understanding of music for the last 4 years. In summary, Chaz is an exceptional teacher who has had a transformative impact on my son’s musical journey. Their expertise, dedication, and ability to create a nurturing and inspiring learning environment have been instrumental in his growth as a musician. I wholeheartedly recommend Chaz to anyone seeking a gifted and passionate instructor who can guide and inspire their child’s musical aspirations.

Carolyn Pederson

Jul, 2023

My daughter has been with Chaz since she was about 6 years old. We have been so happy with my daughter’s musical journey for the past five years. She’s learned so much and her talents are continually nurtured through his knowledge and care. Highly recommend!

Rachel Quinto

Jul, 2023

Belinda Thomlinson

Jul, 2021

Really great vocal teacher. He’s very patient to his students. He goes on all the topics about singing. He’s really good at helping his students prepare for a song. He doesn’t waste time on any unnecessary practice. He teaches his students how to practice at home. I learned a lot of singing terms from him as well. Overall, I think he’s a great vocal coach.

Mark Lim

Jan 8, 2019

Excellent! knowledgeable, friendly, easy to follow. Great introduction for a total beginner.

Maria

Feb 17, 2017

I have taken lessons with Ronald since I was 6, I am now 23. In my 17 years of taking lessons I have learned to play piano, sing and am proficient in music theory. In the more recent years I have even had the opportunity to teach music through Ronald. Throughout the years, I have experienced and witnessed the patience and kindness Ronald consistently shows his students. He encourages his students to become better and shares in their enthusiasm due to their accomplishments. Ronald genuinely cares about his students and is dedicated to making sure his students improve. I fully recommend Ronald for students who have parents who want to be involved in the learning process and especially for young children who are just starting out. Ronald works well with families, includes parents every step of the way and is very patient with young students helping them learn in an open and encouraging environment.

Angelika Santo-Domingo

Apr 1, 2016

Ronald is extremely passionate about teaching children piano. Both my sons are enrolled and have enjoyed having a positive role model teach them a entertaining skill. Pros: convenient, well-paced, individualized Cons: costly, recital place too far

Marie Stewart Lopez

Nov 2, 2013

I am a former student of the Johannes School of Music. I used to take piano, guitar and singing lessons. My teachers were Ronald Chaz Barcenilla (piano) and Matt riskam (guitar and singing). Both are extremely good and they treat you as real people. Now I go to a music teacher in Ibiza, Spain and is/ was way too strict and old fashioned so I quit. Ronald and Matt’s teaching for me was a great experience and I wil never forget it. My name is Jamie Thompson

Jamie Thompson

March 15,  2012

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