Meet our highly qualified teaching team!

Meet Pam, Founder and Teacher!

Pam Miller is a passionate CA Credentialed Music Teacher, who earned her Masters Degree in Music Conducting from San Diego State University. She holds Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from The University of Arizona. Pam has 16 years of teaching experience with students ages 4-adults. Pam connects with kids easily and has a natural gift for being intuitive about students learning styles. 

As a teacher, Pam cares first about her students as human beings. The power of music to create empathy, connection and respect for diverse cultures drives Pam's vision for MMA. Building good rapport with students and families is extremely important to Pam and she loves when parents join the class with their students. She is quick paced, outgoing, silly but also very serious about students learning their fundamentals and songs effectively. Pam's favorite aspect of teaching is planning exciting performances and educational experiences for her students.  

Pam was inspired to become a music educator after studying under various masters in the field as a member and ensemble manager of the World Youth Wind Ensemble at Michigan's esteemed Interlochen Arts Camp. Her high school teacher Diane Koutsulis trained her to accept nothing less than excellence and led their group to perform at the prestigious international midwest band and orchestra clinic. Pam has trained under such legends as Frederick Fennell, Jerry Junkin, Jung Ho Pak, Gary Green, Frank Ticheli, Frank Wickes, John Whitwell, Greg Hanson, Shannon Kitelinger, Jay Rees, Mallory Thompson and Julie Giroux! 

Pam’s students, including several past Innovations Academy and The Learning Choice Academy students, can be found in honor bands and orchestras all over San Diego County and have gotten accepted to many universities and conservatories to study music over the years.
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Meet Brooks!

Brooks is a double bassist, music educator, and music innovator. Although he holds two degrees in classical performance, Brooks tends to veer towards a variety of genres; having regularly performed with a folk band, various jazz ensembles, a rock band, a tango group, a hip-hop orchestra, pits for musicals, and their own solo sets combining double bass with guitar, voice, and loop pedal. 

As an educator, Brooks maintains his belief that music should be accessible to all, and learning should be individually designed for each student. While working for a non-profit youth orchestra program called MYCincinnati, Brooks has developed various programs and projects to break the norm of what classical youth orchestra is “supposed” to be ; such as a project in which music students wrote and arranged their own accompaniments to poems written by fellow youth. Brooks has formed musical groups to perform at protests, been involved in several benefit concerts, and worked for several years as a band coach and Youth Programming Coordinator for the nonprofit Girls Rock Cincinnati which serves girls and transgender youth.  Brooks believes that music is a powerful force that can be used to build community, fight oppression, and expand one’s personal sense of self, and Brooks is destined to incorporate this belief into his career as a performer and educator. 

Since initiating his conservatory studies as an undergraduate in 2015, Brooks has performed under the baton of maestros Aik Khai Pung and Mark Gibson, traveled to the Czech Republic on a scholarship to perform with the Prague Summer Nights Festival, and collaborated with organizations such as Concert:Nova, ArtsWave, WavePool, WordPlay, Girls Rock Cincinnati, and the Fringe Festival. In CCM’s Philharmonia Orchestra, Brooks was awarded the position of principal double bassist in 2021, and performed the famous Mahler Symphony 1 double bass solo. 

Brooks’ bass skills are featured on various recording projects with musicians like Ric Hordinsky, Elsa Kennedy, and Jack . 
Brooks’ career focuses on the use of music as a tool for activism, having donated performances to several activist causes and benefits over the years. Brooks co-founded the Youth Poetic Performance Collaboration, a project sponsored by MYCincinnati and WordPlay, in which youth poets and musicians join forces to craft performance pieces focused on activism causes. Brooks ultimately aspires to use music as a tool to dismantle systems of oppression.

Meet Cassie!

Cassie O'Hanlon is a passionate flute teacher recently relocated from Indiana to San Diego, who is dedicated to making classical music education engaging and meaningful. She emphasizes mental health, mindfulness, and personal growth alongside musical development. Cassie attended the prestigious music program at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Arts and Humanities and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). She has studied under renowned flutists and educators such as Dr. Caroline Ulrich, Dr. Deborah Egequist, and Denise Reimenschnieder. Beyond teaching, Cassie enjoys baking, loves dogs, and loves all things Halloween. 

Cassie's students have gone on to become passionate musicians and hardworking academics. They have taken auditions at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Fort Wayne Youth Symphony, studied abroad in Japan, and earned awards in music from their local bands and statewide organizations such as the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA). 

Cassie is deeply committed to connecting with her students and ensuring that music remains a lifelong, healthy outlet for them. She focuses not only on building musical skills but also on fostering life skills such as confidence, resilience, and empathy. Cassie works hard to prevent burnout, striving to help her students feel positive about their music-making for years to come.

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Meet Diego!

Diego Garcia is a violist, composer, and music educator who earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from San Diego State University. Diego also holds a teaching credential in music from SDSU, and has served as an instrumental music coach/assistant director at Hilltop High School in Chula Vista. Diego has experience in teaching instrumental ensembles including orchestra, band, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and mariachi. He has trained under master jazz and mariachi educators.

As an educator, Diego’s philosophy comes from a place of promoting growth in students. He believes it is a teacher’s responsibility to teach people first, then musicians. Music has an ability to reach people regardless of prior experience, background, and Diego believes music is the great equalizer that can allow for students to develop interpersonal communication skills, as well as valuable social skills that apply in real-world situations. As a teacher, Diego is a friendly and relatable presence who wants to see students be successful in the classroom. He places a heavy emphasis on fundamentals and comprehension so that students have a foundation for their long-term learning, be it on one instrument or multiple. Diego greatly enjoys the performance aspect of music teaching, as it allows for students to understand and appreciate the hard work and dedication that they have put into their learning in one meaningful moment surrounded by those closest to them. An openness to learn new styles/genres of music and an appreciation for such is something that Diego aims to foster in students.

Outside of teaching, Diego is a performer and composer and has been active in the San Diego music scene. He has performed with the San Diego Youth Symphony, SDSU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, SDSU Mariachi Azteca, as well as with the SDSU Concert Band and University Chorus. Diego’s original works and arrangements have been performed by ensembles in the Sweetwater and San Diego Unified School Districts, as well as the SDSU Symphony Orchestra. His students have been involved in local music programs such as SDYS, Sweetwater and San Diego Unified Honor Ensembles, and Cornerstone Percussion. 

Meet Traci! 

With a deep passion for music and eight years of teaching experience spanning Pre-K to First Grade, Traci brings insight and enthusiasm to Miller Music Academy. Her mission goes beyond music instruction; it's about fostering an appreciation for music while equipping children with skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Traci believes in developing musical abilities while nurturing compassionate and empathetic individuals. Through engaging music lessons, she strives to help children build self-esteem and empathy, qualities that are vital for success both in and out of the classroom.

Traci began her teaching journey at La Petite Academy Preschool in Texas, where she worked with two-year-olds. She then moved to California, where she spent six years teaching First Grade and Kindergarten at the prestigious St. John's Episcopal School. She has adapted various methods to teach different learning styles, enhancing her students' experiences.

In addition to nurturing the lives of children, Traci believes in nurturing the lives of animals and is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare. She founded a nonprofit organization over 12 years ago, aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and preventing unnecessary euthanasia. Her efforts include providing supplies and financial assistance to rescue organizations and families, especially those who are part of the military community.

When Traci isn't at MMA or fundraising for pets in need, she actively participates in the Mesa College Jazz Ensemble and the San Diego Pride Pop Up Symphony, playing the baritone saxophone. She also plays the flute, on the side!

Meet Charlie!

Charlie Butler is a dedicated music educator and vocalist with five years of experience teaching band, choir, and general music in San Diego public schools. They hold a Bachelor of Music in Education from San Diego State University and have been performing as a trombonist for over 20 years. Charlie is passionate about serving communities in need and creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where every student feels valued. They believe music is a powerful tool for building community, fostering connection, and helping students grow both creatively and personally. 

Meet Claudia!

Claudia is a cellist and a music educator with a background in humanities and pedagogy. As a child, Claudia had the privilege of being in a diverse range of music education settings, ranging from summer camps to youth orchestras and anywhere in between. It was through connecting with their peers through music and artistry that Claudia found their creative voice and fell in love with music. Their goal is to give back to their community through fostering childrens' creative freedom and expression through music. They have experience with both private lessons and group music classes. Before teaching music, Claudia was a preschool and kindergarten teacher. Claudia has a diverse range of creative and performance experience.  They have played in more traditional classical settings including North Coast Symphony in San Diego, and also have experience performing with local bands and singer-songwriters. In 2023 Claudia was an organizer of a multi-media art show focusing on diversity and inclusion in the San Diego art and music community.  In their free time they love to spend time in nature and practice their cello.

Meet Lindsey!

Lindsey Stamper is a passionate music educator with seven years of professional teaching experience. A graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Lindsey believes that music is a universal art in which the humanity of a person meets their creativity—music unifies us in song, heart, and purpose. She brings this philosophy into every lesson by inspiring students to create, connect, and grow through music.

Beyond the classroom, Lindsey loves performing, listening to music from every genre, and finding creative outlets through crafting, DIY projects, journaling, and fiber arts. Known for her vibrant personality and fun fashion sense, she also enjoys rollerblading and never misses an episode of Jeopardy!. Lindsey’s joyful approach and deep commitment to her students make her a beloved presence in the music room.

Meet Al!

Al Barnes is a professional acoustic musician in San Diego. Originally from small town MN, Al got a guitar when he was 14, taught himself how to play, formed a band with his buddies and performed on the 2005 Warped Tour! 

Fast forward!

Al now plays popular covers and originals all around San Diego with his acoustic guitar. During the week, Al teaches music to kids and adults. Catch him live or take some lessons! And don’t forget…baseball cards for kids at every Al Barnes show!