IT’S SIMPLE — TEACHING MUSIC IS OUR PASSION.
The goal for WM Music Lessons is to offer much more than typical private music lessons, which we noticed would tend to lack in personal connection.
All of us at WM Music Lessons desire to form a strong relationship with each student.
We believe in focusing on the unique interests of each individual we teach, allowing them the opportunity to tap into their personal gifts and talents.
We want to refine their skills, encourage and motivate them to continue, then watch them grow in confidence and competence as musicians.
Willie Morales
Guitar | Ukulele | Piano
Music has always been a major part of my life. I grew up in a musical home, always intrigued listening to my grandfather play his favorite church hymns on classical guitar.
I was exposed early to The Beatles, Latin Jazz, and Michael Jackson— thus my love for music continued to grow. At the age of 15 I picked up the guitar and to this day, I have not put it down. As I moved from my teenage years into adulthood, I discovered new styles of music from the likes of Miles Davis to classical.
I began my own music education by reading books, taking private lessons, and playing in front of people, whether at churches, coffee shops, or LA concert venues. I studied guitar performance at Citrus Community College and now have over 20 years of experience in both worship ministry and providing private music lessons.
I love to pour myself into each lesson and my hope is that our students use what they learn at WM Music Lessons to thrive as responsible and poised individuals, no matter their age or background.
Amy Bender
Violin | Piano | Art
Amy Bender earned a Bachelors of Science from Biola University, in fine arts, with an emphasis in drawing and painting. She also holds two teaching credentials: a single subject credential in art, and a mild to moderate special education credential. Amy has over seven years of classroom teaching experience.
Amy Bender has dedicated 30 years to playing the violin and was originally trained in the Suzuki Method. In High School, she was privileged to play with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Portland Oregon and in College was a member of the Biola University Orchestra.
Committed to teaching beginning violinists, Amy has taught the violin for three years privately.
Amy also teaches Art for us — Visit our art page for more information!
“Ms. Amy is a wonderful, patient and inspirational teacher. My daughter looks forward to Monday’s, that is the best day of the week, because she has art class. I highly recommend Ms. Amy as a teacher because of her passion and inspiration for what she does.”
— Veronica, WM Music Lessons Parent
Ariana Cristan
Guitar | Ukulele | Piano | Voice
Ariana Cristan has been a part of WM Music Lessons since March 2019, but she has always loved to sing and started learning the piano at age 13.
Ari had the great opportunity to attended the School of Worship in Costa Mesa for two years and was on staff for an additional year after that. While attending School of Worship, Ari advanced her knowledge of music theory, guitar, and application, along with enhancing her leadership skills.
Ariana looks forward to getting to know her students and families as she takes pride in doing her best to make each child feel comfortable learning their new music skill. Her compassion to teach each student and watch them grow in their new abilities brings her much joy as she shares her love of music.
“Our teacher Ariana has been so good with our girls! Whether they want to switch to ukulele, guitar, or piano, she’s always patient and always encourages them. These things help them have confidence in their playing. She established a great connection with our girls and they look forward to music lessons with her each week!”
— Tawanna, WM Music Lessons Parent
Sam Aceves
Voice | Guitar | Ukulele
Music has been part of me for as long as I can remember, and a lot of that stems from my parents. Some of my earliest memories as a child are of being in the car with my mom and listening to the likes of Whitney Houston (whom I adore as a singer), The Beatles (the biggest influence on my life in music), and various other artists of the day. I can't recall a time in my life when there wasn’t music being played in our house or car.
I began taking guitar lessons and once I got to high school, through a series of events, I began leading the mystic for our youth group. I attended college and began taking music classes. I enrolled in the Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa School of Worship and graduated with a certificate in music leading and vocal performance. In addition to teaching, I’m continuing to further my education at Chaffey College. I also lead worship at Calvary Chapel Golden Springs on Sundays and on Wednesday nights.
“Sam is the best music teacher! He is highly qualified, encouraging, friendly, and extremely patient. My daughters are enjoying the whole learning process, and we could not be happier. We are so grateful!”
— Barbara, WM Music Lessons Parent
Noah Wolfenden
Guitar | Bass | Ukulele | Piano
Growing up, Noah didn’t have your typical upbringing. For one, he grew up as the child of missionary parents in the Philippines. This is something Noah would come to treasure for the rest of his life. Being around ministry, Noah would be intrigued by music at an early age and thus begin his musical journey by learning the guitar. Noah was also home-schooled.
As his family moved back to the states, Noah continued to develop his love for music. This led to him attending and graduating from the Calvary Chapel School Of Worship in Costa Mesa. Noah excelled at this school in which he learned to play piano, ukulele and bass that he was approached to be on staff at the School Of Worship. Since joining the WM Music Lessons team, Noah has connected with many families. He enjoy the opportunity to encourage and develop our students.
“Noah has been absolutely great with our daughter, Asher. He explains and teaches in a way that encourages our child to practice and keep progressing as a student.”
— Tara, WM Music Lessons Parent
Audrey Sanders
Piano | Voice
Music and singing have always been a passion of mine.
I began taking piano lessons with WM Music Lessons when I was 11 years old and started taking voice lessons shortly after.
I love to use my musical gifts by serving in worship ministry at my church and leading worship for my youth group.
Now I have the privilege of teaching music for the same company that taught it to me! I love teaching children about music and sharing with them the things I’ve learned.
It is awesome getting to watch my students grow in their musical skills and understanding!
My hope is that each student I teach will enjoy learning and gain a deeper appreciation for music!
Josh Simpson
Guitar | Ukulele | Piano
Josh began his formal musical training at the age of 14.
Upon completing high school, Josh attended the Calvary Chapel School Of Worship where he graduated with honors and immediately became a sought after side musician playing around the local Orange County area.
He currently attends Cal Baptist University in Riverside where he is completing his degree in music performance.
Josh joined the WM Music Lessons team in September of 2017.
“Josh is patient, kind, engaging, funny, and has a love for music and desire to help my son grow in confidence and love for guitar. It’s the perfect fit for us!”
— Michelle, WM Music Lessons Parent
Noah McMillan
Guitar | Ukulele | Piano | Bass Guitar
Music has always been at the core of Noah’s family. His parents, having met each other playing in a band, gave each of their children a deep love and respect for music. At the age of 10, Noah learned bass guitar from his dad and within a month was accompanying him at church. Not long after that, he was leading worship on guitar for the children’s ministry.
Since early high school, one of Noah’s life goals was to make use of his musical abilities in form of teaching. Nothing makes him light up like an opportunity to share his musical knowledge with others.
In 2017 Noah attended the Calvary Chapel School of Worship. During his time there he was able to hone his skills, pick up new ones, and eventually go on to join the WM Music Lessons team in the summer of 2019.
“We started with WM Music Lessons just over a month ago and we are loving our lessons! So thankful to have found a school that loves kiddos and sharing the love of music. Noah is an awesome piano teacher. He is kind and patient while helping them gain a good foundation of piano skills. Our boys are learning so much! I highly recommend WM Music.”
— Christy, WM Music Lessons Parent
Rachel Alford
Guitar | Ukulele | Piano | Voice
I grew up in Colorado with a musical family falling in love with it at a young age. My mother taught me how to sing and play piano as a young child. As a teen I was involved in choirs and once I got a guitar I couldn’t put it down.
A few years ago I started serving at church on the worship team. Then I moved to California and graduated from Calvary Chapel School of Worship where I will continue as an intern.
It’s a joy to be able to share my knowledge of music, encourage confidence, and help others grow.
Anna Berry
Violin
Music is so amazing and I love to share the gift of music with others.
I grew up in a very musical family so it’s always been a big part of my life! Since I was four years old, I’ve been playing violin. I have now been playing the violin for 17 years and love every minute of it. Throughout my violin career, I’ve had the incredible privilege of performing in all sorts of settings from playing on a worship team to playing professionally in orchestras at FOX Studios.
I am now pursuing my degree in violin performance at The Masters University and will be graduating next Summer.
As well as playing and performing, I also greatly enjoy teaching violin. WM Lessons has been a great service to helping me pursue the job that I love most! And that job is teaching others the most beautiful instrument in the world (maybe I’m a little biased).
Andrew Limtiaco
Piano
Andrew Limtiaco is a graduate from California Baptist University with a degree in commercial performance.
He was inspired to play piano at the age of 5 when he saw his grandpa playing at church. Andrew took classical piano lessons throughout his childhood and teen years. After graduating from high school, Andrew decided to pursue a degree in commercial performance and study jazz piano styles.
While at California Baptist University, Andrew was a band director for the commercial ensemble as well as a studio engineer for the school. He also performed at various venues across southern California.
Andrew began teaching on the side while in college and has continued teaching since graduation. Each student is different, and Andrew strives to mold each lesson to the needs of his students. Andrew is passionate about music and loves sharing his knowledge with others.
