Nick grew up in a minister's family so was dragged to church choir every week, which was a pain but taught great vocal and harmony technique. During the summers his extended family gathered to sing folk music and classic rock tunes in 4-part harmony around the campfire.
He grew up with a love of singing and went on to sing in a capella choruses and barber chop quartets in high school. For years he has been singing and performing in bands, frequently being the only person in the band who knew how to sing at all.
At Dietz Bros he teaches a vocal harmony class to help increase the number of people in local bands who can sing properly. He uses the class structure and vocal techniques he learned growing up, featuring popular songs from the past several decades.
William "Donny" Crider - Cello, Violin, Piano
After earning his MM, Donny began an adjunct faculty position at The Barthelmes Conservatory in Tulsa where he taught private and group lessons until 2018. His other teaching experience includes research in string pedagogy and 15 years' instruction in both public schools and private conservatories. Although his background is classical, Mr. Crider incorporates student requests into the repertoire from any genre - pop and movie tunes are his favorite.
Devitt has been singing and playing string instruments most of his life. He started early playing string bass in the public school systems of Chicago. Along the way he taught himself guitar, electric guitar, mandolin and violin. After high school he attended the Berklee College of Music studying String Bass performance and winning contests and awards throughout these early years. He performs in innumerable genres including rock, jazz, blues, classical, country and show tunes, but his love is bluegrass. He has won the Topanga Canyon Folk Festival Competition several times. Each win highlights his talent and diversity. He won for guitar performance, mandolin performance, best back-up musician, and most recently for best band (Rockyneck Bluegrass Band) in 2009.
His television appearances include The Next Great American Band as a mandolinist and back-up vocalist for Cliff Wagner and the Old #7, Justified with the Rockyneck Blugrass Band, and My Fair Wedding also with the Rockyneck Bluegrass Band. He has opened for Leo Kottke, IIIrd Time Out and has shared the stage with John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He has worked at Dietz Bros Music for twenty years teaching and repairing instruments.
Conor Griffin - Guitar, Bass, Uke, Classical Guitar, Store Manager
Born and raised in the South Bay, Conor has music in the blood. Since starting at age 12 playing guitar he has since expanded into the worlds of Bass, Ukulele, and Classical Guitar. After a stint playing all around LA in his various indie-rock and cover bands he has settled down passing on his vast musical knowledge to the next generation. He has been rockin' the halls of Dietz Brothers for over 13 years now! No matter the style, no matter how esoteric, he can teach it all!
Check out Conor's Teacher Showcase Here!
Brita Higgins is a fourth generation musician with over 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels, currently completing a masters degree in urban planning at UCLA. Their journey in music education began with community outreach by teaching piano lessons while attending Grinnell College. They went on to work with Girls Rock music camps in Portland, Oakland, Minneapolis, and Des Moines as a drum instructor, band coach, and eventually Assistant Camp Director for the inaugural year of Girls Rock! Des Moines. During the summer, they assist with operations for the Nebraska Crossroads Chamber Music Festival.
In addition to teaching, Brita has performed a range of music with a focus on jazz drums, recently performing with the Swing Sisterhood Big Band and the Lisa Harrigan Trio. They often pick up new instruments when playing with friends in punk and folk bands. A lifelong musician, they have enjoyed playing a range of music, including orchestral percussion, solo marimba, jazz drums, and drum line.
Brita brings a student centered approach to teaching drums, ukulele, and piano. They strive to meet students where they are and tailor their lessons to every student’s unique interests and goals. In addition to teaching music, Brita is an experienced facilitator of gender empowerment, STEM, and experiential learning programs. Music has been constant and joyful part of Brita’s life and it’s this passion that drives them to nurture a life long love of music in their students.
Cameron Holt - Tuba, Euphonium/Baritone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Beginning Clarinet, Beginning Saxophone, Beginning Voice
Cameron Holt originates from Paso Robles, California and received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music while studying under Jim Self, Norman Pearson, and Doug Tornquist. He would later pursue his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Colorado Boulder under the instruction of Mike Dunn before returning to Southern California to build his career as a performer and educator. Cameron is a seasoned musician who has played with ensembles such as the Disneyland Band and the Denver Brass while remaining an active player in the world of brass chamber music. He spent his early career in Los Angeles as an avid freelancer where he would develop a passion for musical styles ranging from Prokofiev to polka, granting him a flamboyant charm to his unique performance style. His highlights include advancing to the quarter-final round of the 51st Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition as well as organizing an international tour with his brass quintet, Two Button Brass.
Max Hughes - Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Upright Bass, Trumpet, Alto Saxophone
Max first picked up music right here at Dietz Bros, learning bass while he was singing for the infamous Casual Thursdays in the fourth grade. He has since gone on to study jazz theory and composition, picking up a multitude of instruments along the way. His proficiency in both harmony and technique are what make him a well rounded teacher.
He has playing experience in many different settings including Jazz big bands, combos, rock bands, and even UC Riverside's Orchestra. His passion for music is always growing and evolving and he is currently studying Jazz Performance under Larry Steen.
Conor Kekauoha - Guitar, Uke, Bass, Violin, Piano
With both parents playing piano, and his sister playing violin, piano, and guitar, it was inevitable for Conor to have a passion for music. Conor teaches and plays piano, violin, guitar, and ukulele. He grew up playing for his church, participating in the school choir, and performed “Jump” by Van Halen with the school band for his high school graduation. He has been teaching music for the better part of 10 years and actually had his first internship at Dietz Bros Music - it’s about time he returned! Conor loves how music never fails to lift his spirits or makes any moment more special. He also enjoys writing his own music as he feels one of the best ways to express oneself is through music. So much emotion can be felt through the lyrics, melodies, and harmonies in each song.
Outside of music, Conor graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Business Management, and certificates in Basic Accounting and Web and Computer Programming. He loves the outdoors and nature. You can catch him playing soccer, hanging with friends and family, or enjoying the beach and ocean. All of these creative pursuits help him find inspiration for his songs and for continuing his desire to share the joy of music.
Emma Lin - Guitar, Uke
Meet Emma, a cherished member of our Dietz Brothers community who has been strumming the guitar for 12 years. Having grown up in the fold, she's become a formidable musical talent through her involvement with church bands and her ventures as a singer/songwriter in solo performances. Emma's teaching style is engaging and fun, making her especially adept with children and beginners.
Outside of music, Emma has a passion for hockey, playing defense for her high school team. Her creative pursuits extend to songwriting, where she's currently producing her own music, exploring genres like pop, classic rock, rap, and indie. Emma's unique blend of interests also includes raising chickens and even hosting small backyard concerts for them, adding a charming personal touch to her diverse talents.
Alex Madrid - Guitar, Bass, Uke, Banjo
Alex Madrid’s guitar odyssey began in 2001, right here at Dietz Bros! As a fifth grader, Alex became entranced by bands like Green Day and Led Zeppelin, and set out to follow in their footsteps as a true rock n’ roller. Since then, Alex has become a multi-instrumentalist, picking up the ukulele, bass and banjo along the way, as well as acquiring a bachelor’s degree from Musician’s Institute in Hollywood. As an ardent advocate of musical exploration and education, Alex plans to take his students on a journey that will not only help build their repertoire and proficiency, but also inspire them to look beyond the charts, the scales and the boxes, and find ways to stoke the flames of creativity within.
Alex has performed original music at venues like the Whiskey A Go-Go, Doug Weston's Troubadour, the Canyon Club and the Grove of Anaheim. Among his list of collaborators are John Bender(Paramore, Breaking Benjamin), Adair Defaumbach(Tony Macalpine, Dirk Verbeuren) and Joel Ferber(Sixx A.M., Dusk, Highlnd)
Outside of teaching, he can be found performing with his band, Death Of The Author.
Tony Motta - Guitar, Slide Guitar, Bass, Uke
Tony Motta, aka Tony Motts, electric and acoustic guitar, bass, ukulele. He is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and protege of Mick Goodrick. Tony has been a part of the Dietz Family for a decade. He is great with beginners of all ages and a fan of all music styles.
Tony specializes in Rock, Blues, R&B and Jazz. Whatever your style or level, Tony will help you take your playing to the next level, and help you have fun on your musical journey!
When not at Dietz Brothers, Tony is the Video Ingest Specialist at Capitol Records.
Check out Tony rockin out at Beach Life 2024!
Killian Mulrooney - Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Piano, Voice
Killian started his musical journey all the way back in middle school band, where he picked up the French Horn, beginning a life long love of the art form. He soon began to pick up any instrument he could get his hands on, eventually leading him to the University of Southern California, and the USC Trojan Marching band. After four years he would return as a Teaching Assistant for the band, a role which he still holds today.
Throughout his life he’s taught at nearly every level, from elementary school bands to college age students and above. While he’s played in concert halls across the world from Vienna to London, his proudest moments are right here in SoCal at venues like the Walt Disney Concert Hall and even the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic.
Jesus Sanchez - Guitar, Bass, Uke, Drums
Jesus first picked up the Guitar around the age of 10. He grew up playing a lot of Rock n Roll, from Led Zeppelin to heavier Metal like Slipknot. His musical taste would expand to other styles such as Blues, Jazz, and Latin. As his musical skills grew, he expanded his capabilities onto Bass, Drums, and some Piano.
Some of his influences include guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, Slash, and (being a fellow Pasadena inhabitant) Eddie Van Halen. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach with a Bachelors in Music Education, he hopes to bring the knowledge and self-fulfilling experience of playing music to anyone who pursues it.
Sarah Schmainda - Violin, Viola, Piano
Sarah Schmainda is a Southern California-based violinist studying at Chapman University's Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Violin Performance with a double minor in the Honors College and Film Music minor at Chapman. For over a decade, Sarah has been in awe of the power of music and how it acts as a channel for all emotions, which she hopes to instill in her students. Sarah is excited with the prospect of sharing her love and dedication to music, and how instrumental it is to everyday life.
With numerous experiences in pit, symphony, and chamber orchestras and ensembles, she has found her true passion through her work as a musician. Currently, Sarah serves as a fellow in the Civic Orchestra of Los Angeles (COLA) headed by Maestro Anthony Parnther. In dedicating her studies to music, she aspires to build her career as a professional orchestral musician, occasional studio violinist, and teacher.
Richard Schwagerl - Piano, Drums, Vibraphone
Richard Schwagerl will help you to explore the three elements of music: Melody, Harmony, and Rhythm. He will have you delve into playing by ear, improvisation, arrangement, and leading a band, all while practicing reading, writing, theory and good technique. Rich also leads group classes, such as School Of Rock, Jazz and Blues (all instruments and vocals welcome).
Richard earned a scholarship degree from USC, toured with Lou Rawls, and composed for MTV and The Travel Channel. With over 6000 performances in 40 countries Richard has learned the art of entertaining as well as teaching. He patented the Drum-A-Long System, which is sold nationally and wrote Simple Principles of Learning. He also performs regularly as the bandleader of Island Voyage - steel drum band.
“Proud and honored to be working with the Dietz Brothers since 1981.”
Paul Stevens - Guitar
Paul grew up in the South Bay and was interested in music starting at age one or so, when it has been reported that he was singing before he could talk or walk. He became interested in guitar at age 8, and was initially inspired by artists like John Denver, James Taylor, Jim Croce, and Elvis. After a few years of studying folk and finger style guitar from teacher Shirley Piken at Gene Leis Music in Manhattan Beach, Paul became interested in learning rock and blues styles. Paul spent many years and countless hours watching the great guitarists of the world, learning their styles and studying with many great guitarists along the way. Paul completed the music program at El Camino College and earned an AA in Music. Later, Paul earned a BA in Psychology from CSULB and an MSW from UCLA.
Paul has played in numerous groups and ensembles, has worked as a session player, and taught guitar at Dietz Brothers Music for 16 years. Paul specializes in teaching popular music, including rock, blues, metal and R&B. Whatever your style or skill level, Paul can help you improve your abilities and skills.
Outside of music, Paul enjoys the outdoors, and loves hiking, camping and backpacking.
Brian Stewart - Guitar, Bass
Casey Sublette - Rock Band Classes, Store Manager
A self described “overall chill dude,” Casey grew up in a musical household, surrounded by instruments and an array of sounds blasting through the speakers. Whether it was a Christmas reggae album or Australian surf band, he was raised in it all. He Initially started playing piano for many years until picking up the bass at the end of middle school.
A student-athlete at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he was able to balance his sports and schooling while playing and gigging in the funk rock band golfdads. Since college, Casey has explored the world of recording, producing, artist management and digital marketing. He can also "fake it" on most instruments. His current projects, Toys On Fire, Sonora Pines and dead internet thoery have led to awesome discoveries in the recording world, in which he hopes to apply and build a program through Dietz for young up and comers to understand what goes into that process.
Willy Werthimer is a versatile musician with a deep love for both performance and education. He began his musical journey at the age of six with classical piano lessons, before picking up the trumpet in fourth grade through his school’s band program. When Willy discovered his love for jazz and improvisation, his passion for music—and his skills—grew rapidly.
Soon, he became a member of the prestigious Berkeley High Jazz Ensemble and the SFJazz High School All-Stars. After high school, Willy continued his studies at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where he focused on jazz trumpet. While his heart is rooted in jazz, improvisation, and composition, Willy enjoys performing and exploring a wide variety of genres, including classical, funk, R&B, rock, hip-hop, Afro-Latin, country, and more.
As a performer, Willy regularly gigs throughout Los Angeles, showcasing his talents on both trumpet and piano. His love for improvisation played a significant role in shaping his development as a musician, and he brings this same passion to his teaching. Willy works with students to help them find the aspects of music that ignite their own passion, encouraging them to develop their unique voice and grow as musicians.
Check out a video of Willy taking a solo at the Mammoth Jazz Festival Here.
Jim Youngstrom - Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Trumpet, Trombone, Oboe
Meet Jim Youngstrom, our esteemed Brass and Woodwinds instructor. With over 40 years of experience in private teaching, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his students. He spent 21 years touring with the Brian Setzer Orchestra, where he honed his performance skills on some of the world’s biggest stages. Jim has also collaborated with iconic figures such as comedian Jerry Lewis and a host of renowned singers including Tony Bennett, Mel Torme, Dianne Schurr, and Cab Calloway. His diverse experience and passion for teaching make him an invaluable resource for aspiring musicians.
