Coaching and Tutoring
Unique to the Correia Instrumental Music Program is the access our students have to coaches and tutors that are professional musicians in their field of expertise. Every student involved in Correia Music is able to participate in group and individual tutoring sessions with these musicians absolutely free of charge. Coaches work with students on their classroom music and assignments but also on advanced techniques distinctive to their chosen instrument. Coaches and tutors not only aid our students in improving on their instrument, but they provide students with correct habits and a good attitude towards performance.
Unique to the Correia Instrumental Music Program is the access our students have to coaches and tutors that are professional musicians in their field of expertise. Every student involved in Correia Music is able to participate in group and individual tutoring sessions with these musicians absolutely free of charge. Coaches work with students on their classroom music and assignments but also on advanced techniques distinctive to their chosen instrument. Coaches and tutors not only aid our students in improving on their instrument, but they provide students with correct habits and a good attitude towards performance.
Devin Burnworth - Brass Specialist
Devin Burnsworth started Trombone in the 5th grade, and immediately fell in love with the instrument. Mr. Burnsworth earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in trombone performance at Wheaton College and Penn State University respectively. Mr. Burnsworth moved into NYC where he continued to study and perform with members of the New York Philharmonic. Having returned to San Diego, he has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the La Jolla Symphony, Classics 4 Kids, and other orchestras in town. He has played with numerous chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, brass quartets, and quintets throughout San Diego. He’s performed under the baton of John Williams among other international conductors. More recently, he performed at the International Trombone Festival.
Beyond performing, Mr. Burnsworth believes it is vital to spread the joy of music through teaching and mentoring. His enthusiasm for music and his empathy for students have enabled them to win top positions and accomplish their dreams. His coaching is in demand at various local band programs. He teaches all instruments of the brass family. Mr. Burnsworth is married with two musical boys (who don’t nearly love practicing as much as he does). When he’s not spending time with his family, he’s probably listening to his stereo.
Devin Burnsworth started Trombone in the 5th grade, and immediately fell in love with the instrument. Mr. Burnsworth earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in trombone performance at Wheaton College and Penn State University respectively. Mr. Burnsworth moved into NYC where he continued to study and perform with members of the New York Philharmonic. Having returned to San Diego, he has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the San Diego Opera, the La Jolla Symphony, Classics 4 Kids, and other orchestras in town. He has played with numerous chamber ensembles, pit orchestras, brass quartets, and quintets throughout San Diego. He’s performed under the baton of John Williams among other international conductors. More recently, he performed at the International Trombone Festival.
Beyond performing, Mr. Burnsworth believes it is vital to spread the joy of music through teaching and mentoring. His enthusiasm for music and his empathy for students have enabled them to win top positions and accomplish their dreams. His coaching is in demand at various local band programs. He teaches all instruments of the brass family. Mr. Burnsworth is married with two musical boys (who don’t nearly love practicing as much as he does). When he’s not spending time with his family, he’s probably listening to his stereo.
Woodwind Coaches
Shannon Wolfe - Saxophone & Clarinet Specialist
Shannon Wolfe is a clarinetist and music educator in San Diego. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from San Diego State University and Seattle Pacific University. In her music career she has played in orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz bands, chamber groups, and pit orchestras all along the west coast. Some highlights include playing principal clarinet on Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, playing in the productions of Into the Woods in Seattle and Little Women in San Diego, and performing music for orcas in the San Juan Islands.
Shannon believes that a quality music education is something every child deserves. With that mindset, Shannon taught music at a camp for students with disabilities and led music classes at an after-school program in Seattle. Currently, she is teaching private clarinet and saxophone lessons and coaching clarinet and saxophone at various schools around San Diego. She enjoys inspiring and motivating students to try their hardest and to never give up.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys walking on the beach, swimming, and making coffee drinks.
Shannon Wolfe is a clarinetist and music educator in San Diego. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from San Diego State University and Seattle Pacific University. In her music career she has played in orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz bands, chamber groups, and pit orchestras all along the west coast. Some highlights include playing principal clarinet on Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, playing in the productions of Into the Woods in Seattle and Little Women in San Diego, and performing music for orcas in the San Juan Islands.
Shannon believes that a quality music education is something every child deserves. With that mindset, Shannon taught music at a camp for students with disabilities and led music classes at an after-school program in Seattle. Currently, she is teaching private clarinet and saxophone lessons and coaching clarinet and saxophone at various schools around San Diego. She enjoys inspiring and motivating students to try their hardest and to never give up.
In her free time, Shannon enjoys walking on the beach, swimming, and making coffee drinks.
Valerie McElroy - Flute Specialist
Valerie McElroy is a flutist, educator, music arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who has traversed the world of music in her teaching and performance. She is the founder and director of Valerie McElroy (VM) Studio, a private music studio, and performs with San Diego-based chamber groups Connessa and Flûtes de Salon.
Ms. McElroy studied at DePaul University with Mary Stolper, Hideko Amano, and Jennifer Clippert and has since worked with hundreds of music students in her educational career. Her pedagogy is centered around the development of the whole musician, and she approaches each student with care, individualized attention, and musical rigor.
Valerie McElroy is a flutist, educator, music arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who has traversed the world of music in her teaching and performance. She is the founder and director of Valerie McElroy (VM) Studio, a private music studio, and performs with San Diego-based chamber groups Connessa and Flûtes de Salon.
Ms. McElroy studied at DePaul University with Mary Stolper, Hideko Amano, and Jennifer Clippert and has since worked with hundreds of music students in her educational career. Her pedagogy is centered around the development of the whole musician, and she approaches each student with care, individualized attention, and musical rigor.
James Beauton - Percussion Specialist
James Beauton approaches the podium with passion, creativity, and a determination to help musicians reach a heightened artistry in their playing. With knowledge of all parts of the orchestra, unguarded enthusiasm for music, and a dash of jovial irreverence, he invites musicians and audiences alike to experience orchestral music in a new way. An accomplished percussionist, Beauton was awarded the Grand Prize of the Southern California International Marimba competition in 2012, and performs solo percussion concerts regularly throughout Southern California. Currently, Beauton is the Director of the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony and the Assistant Conductor of the Coachella Valley Symphony. This year, he leads the Villa Musica Chamber Players through their inaugural season. Beauton has completed a DMA in Contemporary Music Performance at UC San Diego, and has also earned degrees from SUNY Stony Brook (Master of Music) and Michigan State University (Bachelor of Music). Beauton is a Yamaha performing artist.
James Beauton approaches the podium with passion, creativity, and a determination to help musicians reach a heightened artistry in their playing. With knowledge of all parts of the orchestra, unguarded enthusiasm for music, and a dash of jovial irreverence, he invites musicians and audiences alike to experience orchestral music in a new way. An accomplished percussionist, Beauton was awarded the Grand Prize of the Southern California International Marimba competition in 2012, and performs solo percussion concerts regularly throughout Southern California. Currently, Beauton is the Director of the Buddy Rogers Youth Symphony and the Assistant Conductor of the Coachella Valley Symphony. This year, he leads the Villa Musica Chamber Players through their inaugural season. Beauton has completed a DMA in Contemporary Music Performance at UC San Diego, and has also earned degrees from SUNY Stony Brook (Master of Music) and Michigan State University (Bachelor of Music). Beauton is a Yamaha performing artist.
Orchestra Coaches
Domenico Hueso - String Specialist
Nico Hueso has recorded in various music studios from Nashville to Los Angeles. Mr. Hueso also has the knack for improvising and playing off-the-cuff when needed at the studio. He will also transcribe full orchestral arrangements if need be. Mr. Hueso also has toured extensively throughout Latin America the Caribbean Europe & Asia. Tours include orchestral & chamber performances along with accompanying one of the "three tenors" Plácido Domingo & crooner Johnny Mathis.
Mr. Hueso has performed with principal players of the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Puerto Rico symphony, LA Philharmonic, to name a few. He has also played alongside rock bands such as KANSAS, DISTURBED and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and also with composer Ramin Djawadi of GAME OF THRONES Live in Concert. In 2019 Hueso was asked to aid with Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project in Puerto Rico.
Due to various genres Mr. Hueso is asked to play, it is quite common for him to sit in with a AfroCuban/Flamenco band, play in a wedding band and play a full chamber music recital all in one day.
Nico Hueso has recorded in various music studios from Nashville to Los Angeles. Mr. Hueso also has the knack for improvising and playing off-the-cuff when needed at the studio. He will also transcribe full orchestral arrangements if need be. Mr. Hueso also has toured extensively throughout Latin America the Caribbean Europe & Asia. Tours include orchestral & chamber performances along with accompanying one of the "three tenors" Plácido Domingo & crooner Johnny Mathis.
Mr. Hueso has performed with principal players of the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Puerto Rico symphony, LA Philharmonic, to name a few. He has also played alongside rock bands such as KANSAS, DISTURBED and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and also with composer Ramin Djawadi of GAME OF THRONES Live in Concert. In 2019 Hueso was asked to aid with Yo-Yo Ma’s Bach Project in Puerto Rico.
Due to various genres Mr. Hueso is asked to play, it is quite common for him to sit in with a AfroCuban/Flamenco band, play in a wedding band and play a full chamber music recital all in one day.
Pat McClure - Cello Specialist
Pat McClure graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Dental Hygiene and worked in that field for her entire working career. She has always loved playing cello and began studying the instrument in the 4th grade in San Bernardino Public Schools while also taking private lessons soon after beginning to play. Throughout her school years she played in orchestras and with friends in chamber music groups, culminating in the All California Honor Orchestra, the All Southern California Honor Orchestra, the Redlands Bowl Symphony Orchestra and the San Bernardino Symphony. After College, she played in the Santa Monica Symphony and upon moving to San Diego, continued playing in most of the local community orchestras. Currently she performs with various chamber music groups as well as the New City Sinfonia.
Music has always been an important part of my life and after retiring from my Dental Hygiene career, she wants to help other young cellists to develop their skills and experience some of the opportunities had because of music. Pat believes that, "Making music is something that can bring much enrichment to your entire life and I wish that for all the students I work with."
Pat McClure graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Dental Hygiene and worked in that field for her entire working career. She has always loved playing cello and began studying the instrument in the 4th grade in San Bernardino Public Schools while also taking private lessons soon after beginning to play. Throughout her school years she played in orchestras and with friends in chamber music groups, culminating in the All California Honor Orchestra, the All Southern California Honor Orchestra, the Redlands Bowl Symphony Orchestra and the San Bernardino Symphony. After College, she played in the Santa Monica Symphony and upon moving to San Diego, continued playing in most of the local community orchestras. Currently she performs with various chamber music groups as well as the New City Sinfonia.
Music has always been an important part of my life and after retiring from my Dental Hygiene career, she wants to help other young cellists to develop their skills and experience some of the opportunities had because of music. Pat believes that, "Making music is something that can bring much enrichment to your entire life and I wish that for all the students I work with."
Guitar & Jazz Coach
Glen Fisher - Guitar & Jazz Specialist
Glen Fisher has worked as a bassist, composer, arts education consultant, and musical director all over Europe, South-America, and USA for the past 25 years. He has been tagged 'the poster child of versatility' by KSDS Jazz 88.3FM. At 45, he's a veteran band leader and musical director, and a virtuoso sideman as well. Fluent in four languages, he teaches and composes in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Mr. Fisher studied at the University of California at San Diego and the Vienna Academy of Music in Austria. As an Artistic Consultant, Mr. Fisher has impacted music programs in San Diego City Schools, San Diego Youth and Community Services(SDYCS), Humphrey's, Urban League, Scripps Cancer Research, Imperial Beach Film Festival, Quail Botanical Gardens, ARTS (A Reason To Survive). Mr. Fisher started a music program for the SDYCS Storefront Shelter for Homeless Teens and PhotoCharity (501c3), and was the Performance Coordinator for Blues In The Schools (Blues Lovers United San Diego, (501c3) which is an affiliate of the National Blues Foundation. Mr. Fisher brought KSDS 88.3 FM and the San Diego City Schools together to bring Wynton Marsalis' incredible new jazz curriculum called Lincoln Center's Jazz for Young People to San Diego's schools.
Glen Fisher has worked as a bassist, composer, arts education consultant, and musical director all over Europe, South-America, and USA for the past 25 years. He has been tagged 'the poster child of versatility' by KSDS Jazz 88.3FM. At 45, he's a veteran band leader and musical director, and a virtuoso sideman as well. Fluent in four languages, he teaches and composes in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. Mr. Fisher studied at the University of California at San Diego and the Vienna Academy of Music in Austria. As an Artistic Consultant, Mr. Fisher has impacted music programs in San Diego City Schools, San Diego Youth and Community Services(SDYCS), Humphrey's, Urban League, Scripps Cancer Research, Imperial Beach Film Festival, Quail Botanical Gardens, ARTS (A Reason To Survive). Mr. Fisher started a music program for the SDYCS Storefront Shelter for Homeless Teens and PhotoCharity (501c3), and was the Performance Coordinator for Blues In The Schools (Blues Lovers United San Diego, (501c3) which is an affiliate of the National Blues Foundation. Mr. Fisher brought KSDS 88.3 FM and the San Diego City Schools together to bring Wynton Marsalis' incredible new jazz curriculum called Lincoln Center's Jazz for Young People to San Diego's schools.
Correia Music Staff
Donna St. Clair - CIMA Administrative Assistant
Donna St. Clair has a master's degree in Counseling from The University of Connecticut and is an active volunteer in the Pt Loma Cluster with her husband, Prentice. They have three children who graduated from Pt Loma High School and are currently in college studying Theatre & Choir, Orchestra & Graphic Design, and Hospitality. As Administrative Assistant to CIMA, she is handling many areas of support such as maintaining our uniform and instrument inventory, coordinating our spring field trips, concerts, festivals to name a few. She is assisting Mr. Dwyer and Mrs. Soliz so they can continue to focus on their students and music curriculum in the classroom. When not at Correia, you will find her spending time with family, enjoying live music and theatre, playing pickleball and softball, and hanging out with her dog Mandy.
Donna St. Clair has a master's degree in Counseling from The University of Connecticut and is an active volunteer in the Pt Loma Cluster with her husband, Prentice. They have three children who graduated from Pt Loma High School and are currently in college studying Theatre & Choir, Orchestra & Graphic Design, and Hospitality. As Administrative Assistant to CIMA, she is handling many areas of support such as maintaining our uniform and instrument inventory, coordinating our spring field trips, concerts, festivals to name a few. She is assisting Mr. Dwyer and Mrs. Soliz so they can continue to focus on their students and music curriculum in the classroom. When not at Correia, you will find her spending time with family, enjoying live music and theatre, playing pickleball and softball, and hanging out with her dog Mandy.