Shannon Saravia
Piano Teacher + Studio Owner
Hi, I'm Shannon! I took my first piano lesson when I was nine years old. I taught my first lesson at the age of 16. I began teaching full-time in 2019.
Giving piano lessons had always been a side job for me, to make ends meet, and then as a sort of revenue-generating hobby. I’ve never given it up completely, even while holding down a full-time office job, because of just how much joy it brings me.
When my husband and I relocated from LA to the California Central Valley for his job, I had a choice to make: would I simply find another office job, or would I take the leap and try to start my own music studio? The decision was simple--I wanted to teach music and continue to share my knowledge, skills, and passion for music with the world.
I started Creative Cultivation Studio in 2020, and we found our beautiful little studio home in downtown La Verne in 2023. The culture of my studio is one of kindness, nurturing to students, and focusing on cultivating creativity and knowledge in students' lives. I make sure that all of my staff are a great fit with this culture, and have a love and a joy for music that is evident in their teaching.
We build lessons around each individual student, catering to what it is they need, and where we can best help them build their skills. We understand that every person is different, and want to ensure that each student is learning as much as they can so they can become the best musician they can be.
Sarah Dollins
Administrative Coordinator
Hey, I'm Sarah! I grew up with a family full of musicians and have been singing longer than I've been talking. ;) The rule "no singing at the table" never applied in my household. (My parents met in a band and later formed their own band - they're so cool!) Eventually, my dad became the Worship Pastor at our church, and my mom played guitar and led with him! I soon joined the team myself and have been leading worship wherever God allows ever since!
Though I'm not a teacher at this studio, I love music and believe everyone should know how to play an instrument if they can. (Our voices TOTALLY count as instruments!) I love that I get to work for a studio and alongside teachers that are passionate about making learning music FUN, while striving to help students become the best musicians they can be.
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California, where I first met the studio owner, Shannon! We grew up at the same church, and eventually became roommates after college, made music together, met our husbands around the same time (literally we both had our first dates on the same night!), got married within a few months of each other, and the rest is history!
My husband and I moved to Austin, TX in 2021 and we love it so much! We have a sweet baby boy who loves music already and I can't wait to bring him to a Music Group for Littles class some day! :)
Bell Martel
Scheduling + Communications Assistant, Guitar/Ukulele/Bass Sub Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Bell and I am thrilled to be a part of the staff here!
Music has had a major impact on my life. I began learning and playing instruments in 4th grade! Since then I continue to play the ukulele, guitar, bass, and even sing!
My last endeavor was into the world of music production. I had the amazing opportunity to record music in many various studios as well as release 4 singles between 2021-2023. This opportunity created a whole new perspective of music for me.
I now currently attend Citrus Community College where I am a major in Film. My dream is to combine my passion for both film and music, and work closely with artists from all over!
Jordyn Heal
Scheduling + Communications Assistant
Hi, I am Jordyn. Music has been in my blood for as long as i can remember. Music has always had a special place in my heart. Im excited to be working with Creative Cultivation Studio!
Sydney Noell
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Sydney! My musical journey started when I was about 7 years old when I started taking piano lessons. Through middle school, I picked up ukulele and guitar in my free time and played snare in my high school's drum line all throughout high school. Towards the end of high school I picked up bass guitar and have mainly played bass guitar and piano ever since. I currently play bass guitar, piano, acoustic guitar and occasionally sing at church and school and it is such a joy to have in my life!
Throughout my whole life I have always been drawn towards music and all of the complexities and beauties it has to offer. I am in love with how each instrument is connected and I am constantly learning and growing and am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to be able to share it and teach others about it here!
I am currently a college student at Azusa Pacific University pursuing a degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics, hoping to get my PhD and become a college professor. I think I have always been passionate about teaching others things that I am passionate about. I am so excited to be a part of your music journey as I have seen how much of an incredible impact music has made on my life! :)
Brooke Proctor
Voice + Piano Teacher
Hey everyone! I’m Brooke. Music is something I hold really close to my heart and it's even more special to me to share that with others!
In my childhood I took piano/voice lessons and quickly fell in love with it. Those lessons were the foundation of my music education, and the things I learned in them I’ve carried all through my musical journey. As I've grown up I've been involved in choir and classical music training. At the same time I've been consistently involved with worship ministry in my local church. I also love the piano. From studying it in educational settings, to playing it in worship bands, the instrument has been a part of my life in so many beautiful ways. Years of experience and education has made me fall even more in love with music, and keeps me excited for the never ending growth ahead of me!
As of now I get the amazing opportunity to sing for, travel with, and compete with Mt. SAC Chamber Singers. To work in such a prestigious program under a world renowned director has helped me grow and further my knowledge like nothing before.
It is an honor to be teaching and watching students grow in their skill and their passion for music! Teaching students for the last 2 years has given me such a new perspective on music. Music is for everyone and everyone has the ability to learn and progress. To be a part of that journey is a privilege and supporting students is something that fills me with so much joy! I like to keep learning environments fun and positive because there is always progress being made and always something good to celebrate about a student!
So thrilled to be on staff here at Creative Cultivation Studio!
Emily Cacnio
Piano + Voice Teacher
Hello everybody! I'm Emily, and music is everything to me. I grew up watching Disney Channel, so seeing shows like Hannah Montana and High School Musical made me realize that I had to become a singer songwriter when I got older.
At the age of seven my parents enrolled me in piano lessons. My teacher was wonderful, but she had vicious chihuahuas that scared me. However, the adults in my life pushed me to keep going and to face my fears, and I eventually became very grateful for these piano lessons and continued attending them until my senior year of high school.
I started taking voice lessons when I was twelve which helped me get into the chamber choir in high school. Eventually, I ended up going to a college conservatory in Hollywood called AMDA. I did the musical theater program my first two years and then for my last two I did commercial music. Being surrounded by other aspiring artists gave me inspiration to start writing my own music. I currently have an EP titled Golden State out everywhere. My favorite thing is to perform my own songs at local open mics as well as some small venues out in LA. It feels so special to share art that I’ve made with all of you.
Using my passion for music and storytelling along with the music theory I’ve learned over the years, I am so excited to spread my love for music to the students at Creative Cultivation!
picture coming soon!
Jonas Huffer
Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Teacher
Hi there, my name is Jonas Huffer. I am a guitarist, composer, and audio engineer. I began my relationship with music writing on bass and guitar for different bands/groups I brought together. Soon after, I began receiving formal jazz instruction on the guitar, which led me to Oberlin College and Conservatory. While at Oberlin, I studied with their jazz department and performed in a variety of small ensemble environments. I also worked in the conservatory audio department during this time, developing a live sound and recording practice. Currently, I use my skills as a bandleader and composer in multiple groups, performing in Jazz and pop settings.
I have been teaching my peers and students for nearly as long as I have been playing. I am passionate about my students and their goals, and I enjoy learning new things from the variety of musical experiences they bring to the table.
Danielle Cipriano
Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele Teacher
Hey, everyone! I’m Danielle and I have had a deep love for music my whole life.
I was raised in a musical family where both my parents were heavily involved in church — my dad as a pastor and my mom leading the music ministry. This gave me early access to all sorts of instruments, and I was encouraged to learn the basics of each one for the worship band: piano, guitar, bass, and drums. I had the privilege of getting lessons from family and friends throughout my adolescence, participated in school orchestras and choirs, and was consistently involved in the music ministry at church. This formed in me a deep respect and wonder for the art of music, and it has become my primary vehicle of interpersonal connection and personal expression!
In recent years, I studied at Life Pacific University for a B.A. in Worship Arts and Media, with a concentration in Music Performance. At this university, I strengthened my love and craft for music, diving into music theory and production, being part of different worship teams, and recording vocally and instrumentally on albums and EPs. I have taught private piano and voice lessons since 2019, and I currently assist with the musical directing and coaching of high school musical productions.
As a music teacher, my goal is to create a fun, supportive space where students can explore their creativity and fall in love with the art of music. No matter the stage of life, I’m all about using music to inspire and connect people!
Taylor Cummings
Piano + Voice Sub Teacher
Hi everyone! I'm Taylor. Music is something very near and dear to who I am. It is one of my favorite avenues of expression, and is one of my favorite ways to connect with others! I could not imagine what life would be like without music - personally I think it’d be pretty boring!
Growing up I was notorious for being found humming on long car rides, or making up songs with my friends no matter where we were. At age 4, I started taking group piano lessons, then moved to private lessons at age 9. Singing was something I simply loved and would do anywhere at any time, but once I entered high school, I started taking it seriously and began voice lessons. Later in high school, I added songwriting lessons to the mix and realized that might rival singing for my favorite musical expression!
Recently I graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a B.M. in Music and Worship, and a concentration in Songwriting. During my time at APU, I studied voice and piano even more intently, gained a deeper knowledge of musical theory, and even gained lots of experience performing with live bands. This time in college grew me immensely as a musician and solidified my deep love for music.
Along with music, another thing I love is teaching! The ability to walk alongside students, helping them grow their gifts and see their potential, is one of the most rewarding things. When it comes to teaching music, my biggest passion is to make it fun and full of joy! I seek to help each student pursue their musical goals while learning to love it more and more! It is an honor and joy to be one of the teachers on staff at Creative Cultivation Studio.
Josh Casis
Voice, Piano, Ukulele Sub Teacher
Hey, everyone! I’m Josh and I am honored to be part of the team at Creative Cultivation Studio!
I’ve known music for as long as I can remember and, at a very young age, I fell deeply in love with singing. My parents could tell how much music meant to me and put me in the children’s choir at their church right away. I also took piano and vocal lessons at that same church to help me grow in this talent. I had a deep love for musical theater and, at the age of 8, I was in my very first musical and have been doing local productions ever since. Soon, this love for music and theater grew and became something more. I am now the owner and president of Stardust Entertainment Productions which is a non-profit theater company located in the High Desert. I’ve had the honor of being not only a director but a music director for the shows we have put on with ages 13-40!
I am currently in my last semester of my senior year of college at Life Pacific University where I am getting my B.A. in Worship Arts and Media, with a concentration in Creative Arts. I have learned a lot over the last few years I have attended there, and I am ready to apply what I’m learning and use it in my teaching at Creative Cultivation Studio! I plan to get my Master’s in education and grab my teaching credential, so I can be a music and drama teacher in either middle or high schools.
I hope my passion for music and the arts can inspire my students. My goal is that they, too, can fall in love with music and have fun! As a teacher, I want to make sure that my students are transported to the world of music, and that they can be themselves in a unique, fun, and accessible way through music and the arts!
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Creative Cultivation Studio proudly and confidently trains, background checks, and fingerprints all staff!
