Once upon a time...in a quiet corner of Southern California—long before the Irvine Spectrum filled with fancy restaurants and stores—there stood a movie theater, a modest food court (with McDonalds), and empty parking lots.
And in that quiet, a family arrived from Taiwan, carrying with them hopes, dreams… and music. In a little home on Karen Ann Lane, a woman taught music—not just notes and rhythms, but belief. She welcomed all students… transfer students, struggling beginners, even those other teachers had given up on. She gave them something rare and powerful... a fresh start. And watching in the wings? Her son, wide-eyed, listening closely, heart full...when he wasn't playing basketball...he played a lot.
|
FreshStart Founders Kevin and Clare (and three kids they found in the woods)
|
|
Years passed. That boy grew up and met someone who shared his love for music—and his belief that good teaching is studied. It's intentional. It's necessary. It's sacred.
They journeyed into studies in piano pedagogy, eager to learn the how, not just the what. But when they stepped into the world of commercial music studios after graduation… ...what they found was not the magic they had hoped for. Predatory, illegal non-compete contracts left teachers professionally suffocated and intimidated. Teachers burned out and unceremoniously brushed aside. Places where the magic of music was sold—but not shared. And so, like every great story… they began their own. |
With their savings, they built FreshStart—not just a studio, but a sanctuary for students and teachers alike.
A place where mentorship blooms and great teaching is cultivated and celebrated. Where monthly discussions and individual coaching are part of the rhythm. Where teachers are seen, supported, and cared for. They reimagined what a music studio could be—not just walls and instruments, but a community where students feel known… and teachers are proud of. And while others focused on intimidation, FreshStart chose transformation. Because this isn’t just about music lessons. It’s about believing in someone before they believe in themselves. It’s about second chances, lifelong impact… and lessons that leave a mark far beyond the final note. |
...And so, their story began-not with fanfare, but with heart.
And just like any great story...it's meant to be shared - and you are invited to be a part of it.
MEET OUR LOVELY TEACHERS AND STAFF
Our Teachers are Awesome Because:
MUSIC DEGREE FIRST AND FOREMOST - not just teaching music on the side because they took lessons growing up
BACKGROUND CHECKED - you'd assume this was done at all schools right?
SELECTED AFTER MULTI-STEP INTERVIEWS - personality, teaching skill and potential, expertise on instrument, and professionalism
PASSES THE "NOT A JERK" TEST WITH FLYING COLORS
PASSES THE "WOULD I WANT MY OWN KIDS TO SPEND WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH THEM" TEST i.e. Are they "role model" material?
BACKGROUND CHECKED - you'd assume this was done at all schools right?
SELECTED AFTER MULTI-STEP INTERVIEWS - personality, teaching skill and potential, expertise on instrument, and professionalism
PASSES THE "NOT A JERK" TEST WITH FLYING COLORS
PASSES THE "WOULD I WANT MY OWN KIDS TO SPEND WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH THEM" TEST i.e. Are they "role model" material?
MR. TZU-JUNG
Teacher |
MS. INGRID
Teacher |
MR. PAUL
Teacher |
MS. TANJA
Teacher |
MS. JENNIFER
Teacher |
MS. JOY
Teacher |
MR. DAVID
Teacher |
MS. MINJEE
Teacher |
MR. DEVAN
Teacher |
MS. JOANNE
Teacher |
MS. SHELBY
Teacher |
MS. RONG
Teacher |
MS. CLARA
Teacher |
MS. LYKA
Teacher |
MS. ZOE
Teacher |
MS. SUSAN
Staff |
MS. GEM
Teacher |
MR. MICHAEL
School Manager |
MS. ALLY
Staff |
|
|
FRESHSTART CIRCLE
FreshStart Circle teachers are friends of FreshStart. They're private teachers with their own studios that we're joyful to partner with and support. They're perfect if you're looking for a home studio environment for your lesson journey while maintaining benefits of lessons at a music school.
MS. BELLE
Piano lessons in Ontario Ranch, CA |
MS. ALICE
Piano Lessons in Irvine, CA |
MS. KEIKA
Piano Lessons in Tustin, CA |
MS. MARIA
Piano Lessons in North Tustin, CA |
MS. MANDY
Voice/Piano Lessons in Clovis, CA |
MS. KIMBERLIE
Oboe/Flute Lessons in Irvine, CA |
Founders |
Kevin & Clare Kao
|