Our Staff

KGMC offers a wide variety of instructors to meet your needs

Jason McKee-Ota, Piano Vocals, MIDI, Sequencing

As a vocalist, Jason has performed opera roles such as Monostotos in Die Zauberflote; and having recorded a downbeat award-winning album with the American River College Vocal Jazz Ensemble in 2002, Jasons got it going on!

He has been studying piano ever since I was nine years old, accompaning for churchs, performing in the rock band Stimuli
around Sacramento. Jason has worked with sequencers such as Digital Performer, Protools and Reason and possess a working knowledge of libraries like the EWQLSO platinum and Kontakt. A very hip guy!

Joe Quattrocchi, Piano

Current member of the Alternative band Miles to Vine, and graduate of American River College, Joe Q. has taught students elements of Rock, Jazz, and contemporary piano. Joe's accomplishments include First place at the 2002 Reno jazz Festival for best Jazz combo...Go Joe....

Kathryn Pisaro, Piano, Oboe

Dr. Kathryn Pisaro as we'd like to say, after receiving her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. Kathryn has kept busy working with Garth Brooks, The Moody Blues, Charlie Watts, Henry Mancini, and Ray Charles. We are glad she's part of the staff, bringing her expertise to KGMC.

Lusine Marukyan, Violin , Piano , Voice

Born in Armenia,Lusine's mother is a professional pianist and father a professional violinist. She started to play the violin at the age of 5, and at the age of six attend the special musical school named after Tchaikovsky. At the age of 8 Lusine started to play the piano and at age 10, started singing. She graduated from Tchaikovsky school in 2003 and has been a part of many orchestras, performed as a solo player, and participated in many competitions; wining many awards. We welcome Lusine's talents

Dan Stone, Drums, Piano

After studying percussion at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania, Dan headed west to California where is graduated with honors from Musician's Institute. Because of his wide variety of playing styles, Dan's a top pick for session work, when he not performing on his own. KGMC welcome's Dan, as he adds a nice flare to our drum program

Ron Munn, Brass , Woodwinds , Piano , Guitar

Ron brings a unique skill to KGMC, as he can play and teach a wide variety of popular instruments. A performer and songwriter, Ron has taught for over 12yrs in a wide range of styles. Students love him! The "Jack of all trades".

Greg Kupka, Violin, Guitar, Bass

From the Monterey Jazz Festival to Downbeat’s 2000 Studio Orchestra Category Winner, Greg keeps himself busy with music projects and teaching at KGMC. An accomplished string player and composer, Greg's ability to get students playing right away is just one extra personal talent.

Nichole McCumsey, Guitar

From College of the Canyons, Nikki brings over 10 years of experience in not only playing guitar, but understanding all the elements of guitar effect and hooking up gear for your performance. She has performed live in many venues in SCV, and Los Angeles.

Chris Armstrong, Drums, Percussion

Chris comes to KGMC with a Master of Fine Arts & World Music from California Institute of the Arts, focusing on Indian and African percussion With an extensive study of African music and culture with drummers from Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, including a one-month research trip to Ivory Coast with the Dembele drumming family, Chris can also slam Rock, Pop, Jazz and other styles too.

Eric Schauman, Guitar, Bass

Born 'n' raised in the Kentucky coal... I mean... in central Wisconsin, Eric has been a musician since the days of pots and pans on the front porch, but a bit more formally trained at the University of Wisconsin. Eric has studied various musical styles, and truly enjoys passing on his knowledge and appreciation of the guitar to others.
We are glad to have him aboard.

Georgia Waggoner, Voice, Piano

With over 24 years experience in vocal performance, Georgia brings her vocal "chops" for all that want to jump into singing, or refreash what they know..... as yes, Georgia has sung the National Anthem at Doger's Stadium too. Her piano skills can't go unnoticed either. Being a Music Specialist at some of our local school in SCV, she can step in and get you playing the piano in no time.

Ann-Marita Garsed, Voice, Piano, Guitar

Ann-Marita Garsed is a vocalist, songwriter, performer and music teacher with a background in four countries on three different continents; Norway, Sweden, Australia and the U.S. She studied at Musicians Institute, Hollywood, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Vocal Student at the time of her graduation. She then went on to record two solo albums of self-penned songs that have received acclaim and radio play in numerous countries around the globe. In 2008, she was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year in Australia's Victorian and National Country Music Awards, and in 2009 she was a 4th place winner in the Unisong International Songwriting Contest.

Nick Stark, Guitar , Bass, Piano

10 yrs of performance experience including The famous Remo Jazz Festival and the International Association of Jazz Educators in Toronto, combined with Classical Theory & Performance instruction at American River College, Nick bring his expertise to KGMC

Dave Lemasters, Guitar, Bass, Composition

Having performed with various band from the early 80's, Dave is a hands on guy. He has opened for artist such as, BTO, Bad Co., Three Dog Night, Kansas, and The Gin Blossoms to mention a few. Moving from Ohio, he has settled in Southern Cal, and has been actively teaching, and working in the studio on various movie soundtracks. His styles include Rock, Pop, Jazz, Country.

Jennifer Mikolyski,

Customer Service

What can I say...Jenny does it all. Anything you need done, from ordering music to signing up lessons...or just going to Starbucks....call Jennifer. KGMC would not be the same without her

Jason McKay, KGMC Manager

Jason is a multi-instrumentalist, with guitar and saxophone being his emphases. He's a Music Business graduate from University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, and has been playing professionally since high school. He knows a bit about recording, a bit about live sound and a lot about rock 'n roll. Ask Jason anything...he knows all.

Eric Weber, KGMC Staff

Eric dabbles at Bass guitar, and has studied piano. An avid music lover, Eric's music collection is in the 1000's. He loves anything from Rap to Rock. Eric works with Jennifer in the office.

Dennis M. Weber, Guitar , Piano MIDI , Bass , Vocal Coaching

Owner of KGMC, Dennis holds a music degree in composition, which has help land his songs on national TV. Sometime called the "MIDI expert", Dennis also helps local musicians in song writing, and music composition.