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About Us
Michael Pelavin
Michael Pelavin
Founder, CEO, Instructor
Michael has been giving music lessons for over 25 years. His passion for teaching has only grown in this time. Now, from a degree via Berklee College of Music to Hollywood film composer for 20 years, Michael has acquired advanced experience in teaching, composing, performing, recording and producing. Film credits on imdb.com. It has been a lifelong dream of his to open a music school of his own. A music school that offers more than just instrumental instruction... UMA is that dream come true! Michael currently teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, voice, composition, songwriting and production. Besides running a school, Michael spends his time producing tracks for production companies and ghost writing for his colleagues films, shows and video games.
Sara Maeng
Advanced Piano Instructor
Sara Maeng is a piano performer and composer for games, films, and TV. She holds a Bachelor's degree in film scoring and composition from Berklee College of Music. Her musical talents have graced the scenes of award-winning films and various Korean TV shows, reflecting the depth of her artistic expression. Currently, Sara is a part of the music team at Blizzard Entertainment, contributing to the music of iconic games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, HearthStone, and more.
She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the concert music industry. She was awarded at the International Women Competition in Italy, Florence, finalist of “Musica per archi 2023” in Lviv, Ukraine. Also her orchestra piece was performed in many glorious places, including Fedrico Cesi Festival “Musica Urbis” in Umbria, Italy, and Femfestival in Florence, Italy.
Joe Rozum
Beginner to Advanced Piano Instructor
Joe is a graduate of Boston’s world renowned Berklee College of Music. At Berklee, Joe was surrounded by music day and night in one of the most beautiful & historical cities in the country. With over 30 years of teaching experience, Joe teaches beginner to advanced levels at the highest of abilities. Joe has recorded 5 original albums since 2004 including, Joe Rozum (2004), Dusk On A Summer Night (2005), Along The Coast (2007), After Midnight (2008) and Day Break (2012). Since July 2020, Joe’s single “Grease Funk” has been on the Smooth Jazz radio channels across the United States, the UK, Europe, Australia, India, Panama, the Philippines and Zambia. His extensive background of songwriting for ‘all genres’ includes composing for commercials and film as well.
Dinos Alvanos
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Electric/Acoustic Guitar and Bass Instructor
Dinos is a guitarist and film composer from Greece, with a musical journey starting at the age of 5. He holds a degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music. Throughout his journey, Dinos has had the opportunity to delve into various genres of popular music while growing up in Greece, in the Boston music scene, and currently in Los Angeles where he recently relocated. With a knack for adapting his skills to different musical contexts, Dinos has contributed to recording sessions for live performances, orchestras, big bands and the acclaimed kora artist, Sona Jobarteh. His experiences have also extended to the realm of composition with contributions to numerous student films, and the documentary, "Alive" directed by journalist and activist Aurore Cloe Dupuis. Dinos’ passions lay in exploring the wide spectrum of musical possibilities from playing the guitar to creating scores and passing musical knowledge to others. His journey reflects a dedication to musical growth and a commitment to embracing diverse creative avenues. At UMA, Dinos also teaches conducting, music composition and production.
David Gonzalez
Beginner to Advanced Piano Instructor
David Gonzalez, an accomplished Los Angeles-based composer and pianist, is celebrated for his diverse contributions to television and film. With a degree in Film Scoring from Berklee College of Music, he has collaborated with esteemed directors and producers on impactful projects, lending his musical expertise to feature films like Working Man and TV shows such as Switched at Birth. David's compositions also grace short films and the Emmy-winning web series Break A Hip. Known for his dynamic energy and versatility, David's musical range spans genres, from movie trailers to video games. His unwavering belief in the power of collaboration, drawing upon fellow creators' insights, makes him a rising star in the realms of Film, Television, Video Games, and Theater, with a specific passion for inspiring the next generation through music education.
Ezra Martin-Rosenthal
Drum, Percussion Instructor
Ezra Martin-Rosenthal is an LA-Based Drummer and Producer. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, where he studied with Billy Kilson and majored in Electronic Production and Design. Ezra began drumming at the age of 9, after being captivated by bucket drummers in his native Washington, DC. Ezra is sought as a teacher, not only for his facility as a musician, but for his ability to connect with and inspire students of all levels. When not teaching, he runs Nature Jamz, a jam session highlighting artists in outdoor spaces all over Greater Los Angeles. Ezra is a regularly performing and recording drummer, and a founding member of The Mary Orji Visionaries Collective, a Nigerian jazz ensemble fronted by saxophonist Ogbonné Mary Orji. He enjoys a vast array of musical styles, including hip hop, funk, Rock, Metal, and beyond. Ezra seeks to instill a love of musical exploration in his students, who continually inspire him as a musician. At UMA, Ezra also teaches production and beat-making.
James Fall
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele and Mandolin Instructor
James is a Los Angeles native who grew up with a passion for the local music scene. He has been teaching for 6 years in one-on-one and group settings. James has a bachelor's degree in Guitar Performance and Music Business from Berklee College of Music. He loves the power of music to bring people together. James’ favorite genres of music are indie folk, jazz fusion, and musical theatre, but loves playing as many different types of music as possible! James has performed with artists Chad Tepper, Forest, Charlie Hickey, and more. He has also opened for The All-American Rejects, Bryce Vine, Lit, and Plain White T’s, among others. Other than teaching, James plays shows and records with musical artists all around LA, and enjoys hiking, photography, and archery. At UMA, James teaches Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, and Pedal Steel.
Izzy Mello
Voice and Songwriting Instructor
Izzy Mello is a vocal performer, recording artist, songwriter, and teacher from Toronto, Canada and has been practicing voice since before they can even remember. They've been taught by incredible mentors at Berklee College of Music where they got a degree in vocal performance. They've been making their voice heard through many ways such as a full length album with punk rock band, "The Dead Friends Club," professional contemporary choral singing with Crepusculum Choir, writing and recording tracks for Closer Music and more. They come from a variety of genre backgrounds, starting with classical voice and then branching off into musical theatre, jazz, rock/punk and pop. Izzy's goal through music is to create community and closeness and to make people feel good about being different or not fitting in as a creative and artistic person.
Events & Services
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Lessons
UMA offers private and semi-private lessons in your home, in person and remote.
Clinics
Join a group of instrumentalists to further your knowledge with a clinic from the Pros!
Concerts
Throughout the year, UMA will put on private and public concerts/recitals.
Teaching 5/4 time signature and moving, minor ostinatos to one of our 5th grade drum and piano students. We had a blast keeping the Halloween spirit alive too!
Being in different states won't stop us from bringing The Led out! Learning simple to compound meter (4/4 to 7/8) timing. Keep rockin' boys! "The Ocean" is sounding great:)
Testimonials
Emily and Dav C.
Emily and Dav C.
Finding a guitar teacher who can teach not only rock and folk, but also classical, music theory, reading, composition and songwriting is virtually impossible. We had no idea how lucky we were to have found Michael to teach our son Jeremy for the past several years. Maybe one, two or even three of the skills, but all of them, in one package, and a teacher who is also fun, calm and inspirational? Michael's well-rounded musical background and professional experience — as a musician and a teacher — have enabled him to provide an amazingly comprehensive learning experience for Jeremy. He has helped Jeremy blossom into a dedicated, proficient, enthusiastic guitar player in their few years learning together. Jeremy’s proficiency is a testament to Michael's teaching style and talent. Jeremy regularly declares that his guitar lessons with Michael are the "highlight of his week," and we can also say that listening to Jeremy practice, and watching him perform are highlights for us as parents.
Interestingly, many other kids in school, after seeing Jeremy perform with poise and confidence, have asked Michael to teach them. Not only is Michael professional, he is caring and understanding, and relates
easily and naturally with children. We are incredibly grateful that Michael has been able to provide Jeremy with a solid foundation in guitar, playing and writing all types of music, as well as performing and leading. Jeremy loves practicing and playing guitar and it is in no small part thanks to Michael’s outstanding teaching....
Fran A.
Fran A.
We love UMA!
For the past two years, Michael has been my sons' music teacher, role model, champion and friend. Shaked, now 8 years old, was a tough sell at first. He did not want to play, did not want to practice and did not want to go to lessons. Michael was reassuring, patient and encouraging. Today, no surprise, Shaked still does not love to practice, but he enjoys his lessons, loves to play and has taken pride in every opportunity Michael has given him to perform or just take on a new piece and add a new skill.
Amit is 11 years old and an aspiring drummer. The only problem has been that I have not yet agreed to buy him a drum set - bad mommy. Amit's time with Michael, in addition to learning to play the drums and learn the different elements of percussion, their rhythms and sounds, has been spent building self confidence for himself and enthusiasm for music.
Adva T.
Adva T.
Individual teaching is a wonder, a creation in itself. The special relationship between the student, teacher, and making music together is an enriching process.
My four children came to UMA without any prior knowledge or specific preference for a certain musical instrument. The lessons with Michael were conducted in a relaxed, fun and calm atmosphere and ended when the children left with a desire to continue practicing. We started with piano and very quickly added guitar and drums. The enjoyment and satisfaction that the children developed for music, thanks to the learning climate and the interpersonal relationship with Michael, led them to the first love of their lives.
We met a wonderful teacher and an even more wonderful person. A professional, inspiring teacher and mentor who is very dedicated to his students. Words fall short to describe his own playing, without a doubt he is a gifted musician. But no less great is his mastery of the art of teaching. Beyond his pleasant and charming personality, he is gifted with a teaching talent that only a few teachers possess.
In addition to the endless patience he has and the wonderful ability to adapt himself to the student, Michael is also endowed with the wonderful ability to notice even the smallest subtleties in the student's playing and to know exactly how to facilitate the student to reach impressive achievements in a very short period of time. Michael is a teacher with endless knowledge and a special talent to inculcate the love for musical instruments and the desire to learn and develop. UMA teachers find a way to reach each child as an individual and their sense of self-satisfaction and confidence increases from week to week.
UMA teachers locate the students' specific difficulties, personalities, weaknesses and strengths, even moods in a lesson. Nothing goes unnoticed. Michael’s immediate "retrieval" of the exact, subtle solutions to those difficulties, from that endless box of tools in his hands, are what make learning an extraordinary experience. With him, the sky's the limit.
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