MEET OUR STAFF

Cari Parker, Director and Founder

Cari Parker received her Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University and her Master’s Certification in Orff Schulwerk. Cari has been teaching music to children since 1965, has conducted children’s and adult choirs, and is a piano teacher, soloist, and accompanist.

Julie Miles Berk, Assistant Director

Julie Miles Berk holds a B.A. in music with an emphasis on oboe performance from Cal State Hayward, and certification in the Orff method of music education from Mills College. A seasoned performer, Julie is a soprano soloist and plays the guitar, flute, and recorder in addition to her primary instrument, the oboe. She is a spirited and experienced teacher, having working with children for 17 years at the Music School, and previously at Gymboree. She conducts childrens choirs at the Congregational Church of San Mateo. During college, she worked as the Artistic Coordinator for the Eastern Onion Singing Telegram Service, showing a sense of joy in music that she still exhibits today.

Our Dedicated and Caring Teaching Staff

Marty Hoffman has a B.A. in Dance and her Level I Orff certification from Mills College. She brings her unique experience in African drumming and movement to students at The Music School and also teaches music at El Granada Elementary School. She has run two Gymboree franchises in the East Bay in past years.

Mary Ann Notz has a B.A. in music and piano. She started The Music School with Cari in 1983, and teaches keyboard and Orff classes. She also teaches Summer music classes for third through fifth graders at the College of San Mateo.

Kathleen Schulenberger, music major at the University of Redlands, is a talented pianist, singer, dancer, and flute and recorder specialist who teaches music, movement, and instruments at The Music School.