Learn about current employment opportunities at Music Rhapsody

1) Call us at 310-376-8646

2) Fax your resume to
310-376-8490

3) Or email
lynn@musicrhapsody.com

Music Rhapsody Staff



Our enthusiastic, highly qualified and well-trained music education professionals are dedicated to offering students at every level developmentally appropriate classes as well as the most rewarding experience in making music.

Lynn Kleiner, a music specialist since 1978, is the founder and director of Music Rhapsody. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Eastern Illinois University with graduate studies in piano and music education from Arizona State University. Her Orff Schulwerk Teacher's Certificate and Master Certificate are from Memphis State University. Lynn has presented many workshops to AOSA, MENC and AMTA. She is the composer and producer of the "Kids Make Music" DVDs, CDs, and books. Lynn received the Oppenheim Award for her video/instrument kits.

Ute Braun discovered her passion for music as a child in Freudenstadt, Germany. Upon moving to America eight years ago, she received her AA in music from Santa Monica College and her BM in Music Education from Chapman University. Ute is very excited to join Music Rhapsody where she can combine her love for music and for children.

Diana Briscoe is certified as an early childhood music specialist from Pasadena City College. She also has her early childhood music training and Orff training from Lynn Kleiner.

Lawrie Chiaro has been teaching music in the Los Angeles area for 13 years and for Music Rhapsody for the past 6 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Colorado, her teaching credential from Pepperdine University, and her Orff Schulwerktraining from Mills College and CSLA.

Paul Cummings has earned a Bachelor's degree in music education from Bradley University and a Masters in voice performance from the University of Texas at Austin. He has taught general music and conducted choirs at St. Juliana's School and Washington Junior High in Long Beach, CA. He has a combined 10 years of experience teaching voice and conducting choirs at the college level at Lesley College and Fullerton College. Paul has performed extensively as a soloist and chorus singer across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Mexico and is a member of the LA Master Chorale. His Orff Schulwerk training is from the University of Nevada.

Karla Devine has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University with graduate studies from University of Minnesota and Musik Akademie, Basel. Her Orff training is from Hamline University. Karla has taught preschool music for Music Rhapsody since 1989.

Brendan McCreary is a graduate of University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music. His early childhood music training and Orff training is from Lynn Kleiner.

Cindy Mendenhall received her early childhood development and music training from Pasadena City College and her Orff Schulwerk training from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She also teaches private piano lessons.

Rich Podgur is a musician with 20 years of experience performing, singing, and playing percussion and guitar. He has a bachelors degree in songwriting from the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Rich joined the Music Rhapsody staff in 2002. He received his Level I Orff Training from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During a recent sabbatical, Rich taught English to French students using music as a basis and toured in the Normandy region of France.

William Rustrum earned his AA degree from Musicians Institute and has a bachelors degree from California State University Long Beach. He performs in several music groups. William has Orff Schulwerk training and early childhood music education course work from Lynn Kleiner.

Amy Sanchez earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from University of Southern California and her Orff Schulwerk training from University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She has taught music to children since 1988. Amy has performed in many choral groups and as a soloist throughout Southern California and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Jessica Tunick has an extensive background in violin, dance, and theater. She holds a BFA Degree in Vocal Performance from the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and her music training is from the American Institute of Musical Studies (AIMS) Graz, Austria. Jessica has an early childhood music certificate with Orff training.

Susan L. Weller earned her Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude from California State University at Northridge in Music with an emphasis in Piano Performance. She earned her California Teaching Credential at California State University at Dominguez Hills with additional studies at USC and UCLA. She has also attended the Orff Schulwerk training workshops and has her early childhood music education training with Lynn Kleiner.