Private Lessons & Coaches in Kentfield, CA

Jenny Bifano, Violinist & Teacher: From performances with the San Francisco Opera to Snoop Dogg to Minecraft — violinist Jenny Bifano brings world-class experience to every lesson. Whether you’ve heard her on Disney attractions worldwide, major film scores like Forrest Gump and Paw Patrol, TV shows like Outlander and The Jimmy Kimmel Show or video game soundtracks like Call of Duty and Star Wars, Jenny brings decades of high-level performance experience into every lesson she teaches. Jenny Bifano offers professional and personalized violin lessons, online and now in person to students in Marin County. With over 40 years of experience as a teacher, performer, and session musician in the recording industry, she’s passionate about helping violinists grow with confidence—whether just starting out or returning after time away. She has recorded or performed with artists including Taylor Swift, Chris Stapleton, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand, and more, also appearing on Grammy-winning albums and blockbuster video game scores like Star Wars, and EA Sports. Her orchestral credits include sub with the San Francisco Opera and Ballet Orchestras, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and the San Francisco Performances at Six concert series. Jenny studied with legendary violinists including: Claire Hodgkins (Teaching assistant to Jascha Heifetz) Camilla Wicks (International soloist) Ezequiel Amador (1st violinist-San Francisco Symphony) Jacob Krachmalnick (Concertmaster-Philadelphia Orchestra) A recipient of multiple awards, including the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, Jenny is also a voting member of the Recording Academy (Grammys), Member of ASTA (American String Teachers Association), MTAC (Music Teachers Association California). Ready to take the next step? Join the many students advancing their skills. Schedule your personalized lesson today. Teaching Philosophy:My lessons focus on building and maintaining a solid technique, understanding the mechanics of playing, creating an efficient and effective practice routine and giving you the tools to discover these on your own. Through technique and repertoire building, we can explore musical concepts together, to develop your own musical style. My priority, as a teacher, is to help you with your goals, in an encouraging environment and create a lifelong love of music. My hope is that you can keep and use these skills beyond your lessons. I work with adult students of all levels — from beginners to professionals — helping each player build confidence, develop their technique and musicianship. I use both Suzuki and traditional methods in my teaching. With a background in symphonic performance, international touring, and recording for film and television, I bring a broad perspective to teaching and tailor every lesson to the individual.

Music is a universal language, and I'm fluent. With 20 years as a professional pianist, I guide students of all levels toward musical excellence. Let's explore the art together.

With a paddle in hand and passion in my heart, I'm ready to help you elevate your pickleball game. An IPTPA certified coach with seven years of teaching experience, I tailor my approach to each student's unique needs, fostering skill and confidence on the court.

For 23 years, I've filled the Bay Area with the enchanting tunes of the piano, gracing venues like Boom Boom Room, Sheba Piano Lounge, Tupelo, The Saloon, Scopo Divino, Luckyhorseshoe, and Swigs with my musical presence. A journey that began with playing has seamlessly transitioned into teaching for the past 15 years. It all started at the School of the Arts and expanded as the first piano teacher at Downtown High School. My unwavering goal is to empower you to play what your heart desires, ensuring that your musical dreams become a delightful reality.

I'm a basketball coach with 15 years of experience igniting passion and developing talent on the court. My coaching style blends technical expertise with a focus on building confidence and teamwork, creating a fun yet challenging learning environment. I'm dedicated to helping each player reach their full potential.

With eight years of playing experience—from youth levels to the college stage—I now focus on helping others grow through skill-based basketball training and game understanding. As a point guard and current player for KK Forza Novi Sad, I bring leadership, court vision, and deep respect for the fundamentals of the game. My training is built around: • Ball handling, shooting, and footwork • Game IQ and decision-making • Understanding the difference between 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 basketball • Developing the right mindset toward teammates, coaches, and the game itself Many players grow up playing 3-on-3 and don’t fully understand the responsibilities and spacing in 5-on-5. I help players recognize that they’re not alone on the court—you have four teammates, and knowing how to move, communicate, and adapt to them is key. I share personal insights on how to approach your teammates and coaches the right way—something that’s just as important as skills. The first training session is usually an evaluation, where we see where you’re at technically and physically. Based on that, we build a focused plan tailored to you. I also offer game film analysis when available, and if I’m in San Francisco and you’re playing, I’ll try to come and watch in person. I was the 5th-best assist leader in my league, and I always play with the intent to guide and create. That same philosophy carries into my coaching. Our work continues until I see that there’s nothing more I can give you—that’s when we know it’s time to move forward on your own. Let’s elevate your game together.

Music has been my lifelong passion, and sharing that passion as a professional pianist and dedicated educator for over 30 years brings me immense joy. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering a deep appreciation for music while nurturing each student's unique talents and goals. Let's embark on a rewarding musical journey together. Originally from Madrid, Spain, Maria Garcia Plaza started to play the piano at the age of 5. She attended the Conservatory of Music Arturo Soria in Madrid at the age of 7 and began her violin studies at the same time with Maestro Hermes Kriales. Maria has been teaching piano since she was 18 years old and it is one of her passions. She loves working with kids, introducing them at an early age to the love of music through games, making the class fun and enjoyable. At an early age she began performing and won 1st prize at the Polimusica Youth Awards at the age of 12. This allowed her to obtain a scholarship to perform with the JONDE (National Youth Orchestra of Spain) for two consecutive years. Since then she has played with several orchestras (Symphonic Orchestra of Madrid, Symphonic Orchestra of La Rioja, Camerata Musicalis), traveling through Spain, France, Italy and Germany. Maria arrived in San Francisco in 2012 and taught piano at several schools around San Francisco and San Mateo. She also teaches in Spanish. Maria is currently part of the Awesöme Orchestra based in Oakland. Her last performance was at Fox Oakland Theatre in 2016 with the band Green Day on its 20th anniversary, playing their album Dookie with Awesöme Orchestra.

Hey my name's Derek Schmidt and I'm a musician, sound designer, and music educator living in SF. I have a Masters in Music Composition and decades of performing experience.I've played piano for over three decades, for performance, production, and composition. I come at piano from an composer/songwriter perspective, so I can ground the lessons in music theory to help it all make sense, no matter what instrument you decide to play. I best teach beginning and intermediate students who want to explore different musical styles.

Unlocking the magic of the violin is my lifelong passion, and sharing that joy with students like you is incredibly rewarding. With 40 years of experience, I provide personalized guidance and support to help you achieve your musical aspirations.

Russ is an experienced coach with over 25 years of leading athletes at the high school and youth levels. As a player, he spent two years competing in college after three standout years on his high school varsity team, where he helped capture a state championship and two league titles. His coaching career includes 25 years of high school varsity and JV football, as well as five years in Pop Warner. Currently, Russ brings his leadership and passion for the game to coaching high school boys flag football, where he continues to mentor and inspire student-athletes.