At Rancho Crescendo Music, our instructors are experienced musicians, educators, and mentors who are passionate about helping students succeed. Many hold music degrees, certifications, and professional performance experience.

All instructors undergo background screening and are carefully selected for their ability to teach students of all ages, skill levels, and learning styles in a supportive and encouraging environment.

meet the instructors!

INDIE

FLUTE, GUITAR, PIANO, VOICE, SONGWRITING

Indie Courtney is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and songwriter who has been playing music for nearly two decades. Classically trained on flute with conservatory-style training, they have performed in several orchestras, including in first-chair positions since their teenage years.

Indie has also played guitar and piano for over 15 years, specializing in indie rock and folk. They have worked on their own solo projects and performed with several recording bands in the Sacramento area, including Latin new wave band Los Sindes. They also have experience in recording and music production using Ableton and Adobe Audition.

Whether a student wants to write their own music or is picking up an instrument for the first time, Indie hopes to support them throughout their musical journey and strengthen their love for music. Outside of music, they enjoy photography, films, writing, and hiking.

manqi

PIANO

Manqi Liang is a classical pianist who has performed solo and chamber recitals throughout California and internationally. She earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Sacramento State, where she studied with Richard Cionco. As a dedicated chamber musician, Manqi has been a festival artist at Music and More Summerfest in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Pacific Crest Music Festival in Dunsmuir, California.

In her teaching, Manqi focuses on practical approaches to piano technique and performance, helping students learn to listen dynamically to their own playing, collaborate in ensemble settings, and develop strategies for overcoming performance anxiety. She is passionate about building musical connections and sharing the joy of performance with her students, colleagues, and audiences.

ROSE

DRUMS, VOICE

Rose is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and performer based in Sacramento, California. She began her musical journey at age eight, first learning guitar before expanding into professional vocal and drum lessons. Raised on a farm by her musically inclined grandparents, Rose spent much of her time practicing various instruments, singing along to vinyl records, writing songs, and studying recording engineering.

In high school, she joined the honor choir and performed at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, and the Cotton Club in Harlem. She later studied jazz and opera at Sierra College before beginning her teaching career at a private studio in 2015.

Rose’s teaching style emphasizes safe vocal technique, skill and confidence building, performance preparation, adaptive teaching, and songwriting. With over ten years of teaching experience and continued involvement in several local bands, Rose is excited to share with her students the confidence, joy, musicianship, and passion she has found in music.

Aster

VOICE

Aster is a vocalist with eight years of formal vocal performance experience. She has performed opera, Broadway, pop, blues, and folk music both as a soloist and in various ensembles, including the UC Davis Bluegrass Ensemble. She is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in music with a specialization in performance.

As a teacher, Aster aims to encourage her students’ confidence in the performing arts while helping them develop a strong understanding of performance and music fundamentals. She hopes to ensure that every student she teaches walks away with a growing love and understanding of music.

INNA

PIANO, VIOLIN, VOICE, SAXOPHONE

With over 25 years of experience in music education and performance, Inna Gontsa is a passionate and accomplished educator specializing in piano, voice, and choral direction. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from California State University, Sacramento and has extensive formal music training.

Throughout her career, Inna has worked as a music and vocal teacher, choir director, and music program director, inspiring students across a wide range of ages and skill levels. She is also an experienced performer as a solo pianist and vocalist, as well as an accompanist for choirs and soloists.

Whether leading an ensemble or coaching individual students, Inna brings dedication, artistry, and a student-centered approach to her teaching. She believes music is not just a discipline, but a lifelong language of expression, connection, and growth.

VALENTINO

PIANO

Valentino is a passionate pianist and teacher with over 11 years of experience playing piano. He specializes in classical, improvisational, and modern piano music.

He enjoys working with students of all ages and skill levels, with a focus on making lessons fun, engaging, and easy to understand. Valentino’s goal is not only to teach students how to play piano, but also to help them build confidence and pursue their own passion for music.

austin

PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO

Austin is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and educator with 22 years of musical experience and over 10 years of teaching experience. He specializes in piano, violin, viola, and cello and currently works as a high school teacher.

Throughout his teaching career, Austin has conducted more than 10 recitals featuring his own students and has experience conducting college-level orchestral ensembles. His background in both individual instruction and ensemble leadership has shaped his approach to developing well-rounded, independent musicians.

Austin is highly adaptable in his teaching and tailors his approach to each student’s individual needs, learning style, and goals. He believes learning music goes beyond simply knowing what to play, focusing on helping students understand why and how music works, think critically, and develop the skills and confidence to become independent musicians.

victor

Bassoon, Saxophone, Tuba, Trumpet, Clarinet

Victor is a low-end specialist with a focus on bassoon, saxophone, and tuba (sousaphone). He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from California State University, Sacramento, where he developed experience across a variety of styles and genres, including classical, Baroque, jazz, musical theater, and marching band under the guidance of Dr. David Wells and Michell Keem.

Victor’s passion for teaching began during his middle school years, inspired by a band director who created a safe yet engaging environment for students. Since then, he has continued giving back through leadership and volunteer groups such as SWAV and CalCAP. Victor strives to bring that same sense of encouragement and engagement into his own teaching.

Outside of performing and teaching, Victor enjoys spending time at his local park and being in nature, which reminds him of his family in Mexico.