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
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!
Mary-Elisabeth Kearney
Piano|Violin|Voice|Guitar|Uke
Growing up in a Christian missionary household in Ghana, West Africa, Mary-Elisabeth developed a deep love for music at an early age. Surrounded by a strong appreciation for the arts and ministry, she began her musical journey studying violin, and later expanded her skills to include piano, flute, voice, and beginner to intermediate strings like cello and double bass. Being home-schooled allowed her to shape her education around her passion for music.
After high school, Mary-Elisabeth attended a small Bible college, where she continued developing her musical and teaching skills. She is currently in pursuit of transferring to another Christian university to complete her Bachelor's degree in Music Education.
Since starting with WM Music Lessons Mary-Elisabeth is excited to have the opportunity to work with students of all ages. She’s passionate about helping young musicians find joy, confidence, and growth in their musical journey, and she looks forward to inspiring and encouraging the next generation.
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
Zach Scally
Guitar | Piano
Hello, my name is Zach Scally, and I am from San Clemente, California.
I have been studying music for the past 10 years of my life, learning many genres such as blues, rock, jazz, and pop. I attended Calvary Chapel High School in Costa Mesa, School of Worship in Costa Mesa, and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where I attained my Bachelor’s Degree in music performance with an emphasis in jazz guitar.
I have been teaching many instruments along with music theory for the past 5 years at WM, ranging from early beginners to intermediate. Teaching music and guiding the next generation of musicians with the knowledge I’ve gained has become one of my biggest passions and something I continually look to grow in each and every day.
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.
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
Alliah Anid
Piano
Alliah Anid’s musical journey began at age 7 with piano lessons and soon expanded to include voice. Throughout her homeschool and college years, she refined her skills with the help of dedicated mentors and developed a deep appreciation for music’s power to move and inspire.
In high school, Alliah was a finalist in BGC Idol and SoCal’s Rising Stars, and placed first in regionals and second statewide in MTAC's VOCE competition. While studying Vocal Performance at Cal State Fullerton, she performed in multiple operas and joined the university’s acclaimed University Singers. With the ensemble, she performed at the Hollywood Bowl with Andrea Bocelli and Gustavo Dudamel, and toured internationally as part of the first American choir to perform in Rwanda.
Alliah graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance in 2025 and has since enjoyed a multifaceted career as a teacher, performer, and worship leader. She began teaching piano and voice while still in college and quickly discovered a passion for helping others grow as musicians.
Brad Harris
Drums
Brad Harris is a drummer and percussionist with over eight years of experience performing and teaching in jazz, classical, and commercial music. He studies Jazz and Commercial Music at California State University, Fullerton, where he performs with both the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra and the University Wind Symphony.
Brad has toured internationally in New Zealand, performed alongside Grammy Award–winning pianist Bill Cunliffe, and appeared in numerous concerts and productions. He has been recognized with the CSU Fullerton School of Music Undergraduate Scholarship Performance Award and was named “Outstanding Drummer” at the West Ranch High School Jazz Festival. As a teacher, Brad focuses on helping students build solid fundamentals while developing confidence, musicality, and a lifelong love of music.
Reese Chesebro
Piano
Growing up as the daughter of a music pastor, Reese Chesebro has been surrounded by music her entire life. She has played piano for 13 years and has shared her love of music through teaching for the past two years. Currently pursuing her education at Biola University, she is passionate about using her gifts to serve both in the classroom and in the church. She is an active member of the Choir and Worship Ministry at Calvary La Habra, where she continues to cultivate her calling to glorify God through music and worship.
Madeline Leung
Piano|Voice|Guitar
From singing endlessly on the staircase as a little girl to singing my originals on a stage at the age of 25, music has been a faithful friend for as long as I can remember. I began taking private piano classes as a 5-year-old until my last year of high school! Although this was an instrument that played a big role in my journey as a musician, my first love was undoubtedly singing. My admiration for R&B, Neo-Soul, and POP inspired me to teach myself the ukulele and the acoustic guitar to accompany myself.
Throughout my time at Fullerton College and BIOLA University, I have gotten to participate in a variety of performance and leadership opportunities. I studied classical voice for two years and contemporary vocals for another two! I also learned to work with other musicians in several chamber choirs and pop ensembles. After graduating, I worked with a church to coordinate their musical worship and within the same timeframe, I began my journey as a songwriter.
Resulting from my experiences, good and bad, is the discovery that our uniqueness is the first brush stroke to a masterpiece. Music is truly a journey of trial and error, growth, authenticity, and building relationships. Music proves itself to be the gift that keeps giving and time after time continues to show up in the most beautiful ways. I am excited to be a part of your journey as a musician!
Vanessa Palomares
Voice| Guitar|Uke
From a very young age, I knew my life would revolve around two things: God and music—and that has proven true ever since.
Growing up, my favorite part of church was singing hymns and hearing the grand piano echo throughout the sanctuary. That love for music grew as I joined my school choir in 3rd grade, played in band during middle school, learned guitar in high school, and later attended Calvary Chapel’s School of Worship. Since then, I’ve had the honor of leading worship and sharing the gift of music with others.
Music is my passion, and teaching is my joy. My desire is for my students not only to grow in skill but to surpass me—to take what they learn and make it their own, using music as a way to express themselves.
