Julie Neal, Piano, Flute Clarinet and Trumpet

began formal music training in piano at age 10.  Clarinet and flute study soon followed, as well as trumpet, mellophone and percussion during high school.  She earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Instrumental Music Education in 1990, from California State University, Long Beach.  Julie also continued with graduate studies in education and teacher credential programs at Cal State Long Beach and National University, and graduate studies in piano and piano pedagogy at California State University, Fullerton, with Dr. Martha Baker-Jordan.  Julie has performed with many concert bands, marching bands, chamber ensembles, as well as professionally with church, piano accompanying, musical theater and orchestra groups, including principal clarinetist for the former Orange County Symphony.  She has been an Active member of the Music Teachers' Assn. of California since 1998.  Additionally, Julie is an adjudicator for piano and winds in MTAC's Certificate of Merit (TM) program. Her students have been routinely chosen to perform at the MTAC State Convention as well as several Masterclass performers.

Aubrey Hawkinson, Voice

Praised for her polished, graceful stage presence "with a lush sound...[and] a delicate sensibility" (Singerpreneur), mezzo soprano Aubrey Hawkinson recently relocated to Los Angeles.  She grew up in Mesa, AZ, where she went on to get her undergraduate degree in Flagstaff.  Her Kimmel Center debut was as a Westminster Symphonic Choir soloist in Nico Muhly's Bright Mass with Cannons orchestral premier performed with the Philadelphia orchestra.  In addition to co-founding and producing Hawkmore Lyric Opera Company's inaugural stage production I Capuleti e i Montecchi, she also starred as the leading role of Romeo in March, 2018.  Her most recent performances include chorus work in L.A. Opera's Hubble Cantata, a featured soloist appearance with Phoenix Opera, Charlotte in Massanet's Werther with Los Angeles' Independent Opera Company, and singing with the Dickens Carolers of Disneyland.  She appeared in the role of Mrs. Grose in Texas Tech University's program of Benjamin Britten's The Turn of the Screw as a guest artist.  Mrs. Hawkinson's performances with the Arizona Opera Chorus include Faust, Cavalleria, Rusticana/Pagliacci, and Tosca.  She was a featured soloist for multiple Phoenix Opera events as well as a chorister for Phoenix Opera's production of La Traviata and their Dmitri Hvorostovsky Gala.  At Westminster Choir College, Mrs. Hawkinson sang the roles of Romeo (I Capuletti e i Montecchi) and Marta (Iolanta).  Previously, her roles include First Lady (Der Zauberflote), Penny (The Threepenny Opera), and Mrs. Anderson (A Little Night Music).  Mrs. Hawkinson holds a Bachelor's Degree in vocal performance from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Music Degree in voice performance and pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. She is also a member of MTAC.  

Daniel Monaghan, Guitar

has over 12 years of guitar playing experience.  He has performed in multiple rock and roll bands, jazz bands, early music groups playing lute, and orchestra groups.  Daniel is a working professional musician performing for local high school musicals and other music concerts.  In 2015, Daniel was accepted to the school of music at California State University Fullerton working toward his Bachelor of Music Degree in Classical Guitar Performance.  He initially studied with Flavio Apro and Martha Masters and is now currentlty studying with classical guitar performer and composer Andrew York.  Daniel has placed in many local and national competitions such as First Place at the Diamond Bar Performing Artist Showcase (Diamond Bar, CA), placed at the Classical Gala West (Palo Alto, CA), First Place at the Young Artist Competition (Monrovia, CA), Third Place at the Gohar and Ovanes Classical Guitar Competition (Los Angeles, CA), and First Place at the MACOC Competiton (Long Beach, CA).  Daniel has also been chosen to compete in the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival (Dallas, TX).  Daniel Monaghan plays on a Richard Prenkert (USA) spruce classical guitar with Savarez Cantiga strings and an Epiphone Les Paul guitar with a Rumble 40 Fender amp.  Daniel is also a member of MTAC.

Sam Montooth, String Bass, Electricic Bass, Violin, Viola, Cello, and Ukelele 

is a bassist and vocalist who lives right on the midpoint between Orange and Los Angeles counties. Sam has been an in demand sideman for well over a decade and has worked with some of the best musicians Southern California has to offer, as well as leading his own groups singing his original jazz music.  He has traveled the world playing jazz, but is happiest playing with his friends here in Southern California.  Sam is also a strong believer in music education and is an instructor with the Harmony Project in Long Beach, is currently the Strings Instructor for Fairmont Private Schools, as well as being a sought after string orchestra and jazz band clinician.  He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from California State University, Long Beach.

Music is Our Business

At Neal Music Instruction, your child will have a complete music curriculum.  Besides playing music, your child will learn music theory, ear training, develop proper technique skills, and learn to become an excellent sight reader.  For those that are interested, a component on music composition is also offered. 

Performance opportunities are valuable experiences, and we are pleased to offer them.  There are two studio recitals each year, for Halloween and springtime.  Advancing students can perform in other events, such as: Certificate of Merit (TM), Piano Solo Competition, VOCE Competition for Winds, Styles Festival, and perhaps qualify for the MTAC Branch Honors and State Convention recitals.

Rest assured, with a private lesson, your child will progress at the rate most appropriate for them.   All you need is a positive attitude, and we will take care of the rest!

Statistics

All our teachers have a minimum Bachelor degree in Music.

Most of our teachers offer Certificate of Merit (tm), an accredited scholastic program, through MTAC, Music Teachers' Association of California, mtac.org                              Participation in Certificate of Merit (tm) may help with college admission. Additionally, MTAC offers many performance opportunities, including,  but not limited to, Branch Honors, State Convention, Master Classes, Young Artist Guild and VOCE competition, to those who qualify through their musical skills.

We are seasoned music teachers with decades of experience.

Neal Music Instruction has been in Anaheim Hills since 1996.  Our current location since 2017, with a long term lease.

Many of our students stay for 10 years or more, until they leave for college.

We have helped several become music majors and music degree graduates, many music minors, and hopefully, all, cultivate a lifelong hobby.

We are a proud member of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce.