Sean-David McGoran – Band 1 & Band 2
SD is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator with nearly 30 years of experience as a seasoned educator. He teaches group classes in piano and winds, and private lessons in Trumpet, Piano, Saxophone, Improvisation, Theory, and Composition. SD also teaches Euphonium, Trombone and Recorder.
Sean-David is a graduate of Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) where he studied jazz composition and performance with jazz greats like Phil Wilson, Greg Hopkins, Jeff Stout, Lin Biviano, and Hal Crook. “SD” also studied jazz improvisation privately with Jerry Bergonzi (world-renowned jazz artist and educator) for over a year and a half while in Boston. Sean-David served for six years in the U.S. Army Bands both in the US and abroad. He has experience playing professionally in a variety of environments; small groups, big bands, orchestral, musical theatre, and in churches, but jazz music is his passion as a musician. Sean-David is also a skilled and educated composer often writing new music to serve the community. SD also holds two masters degrees and a doctorate with a project focus on facilitating and serving the community through a local nonprofit music academy. As an educator, in addition to teaching music in private and small group formats, SD has served as an adjunct faculty member/professor for nearly 20 years and continues to do so simply for the joy of it. SD is also the co-founder and director of Tuned In Academy (Olympia). SD began teaching band at Christian Faith School (Seattle, WA) before enlisting as an Army Bandsman, and has been teaching music professionally for over twenty years both through private music lessons and groups. Today, when SD is not teaching and directing operations at TIA he is often writing new music or recording horn parts for commercial recording projects.
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Josh Goering – Guitar 1-3 & Ukulele 1-2
Hello, my name is Josh Goering and I teach Guitar and Bass Guitar at Lakewood Music & Arts. I’ve been playing for 28 years, and have been teaching for 22. I began teaching while still in High School and went on to study Music Theory at Berkeley and University of South Carolina before moving to Washington to pursue performing.
When I started taking lessons at age 12 it changed my life. I hope to be able to bring that same experience to my own students.
I love working with absolute beginners because witnessing them discover playing an instrument for the first time is the most rewarding experience I have as a teacher and as a musician. I tailor my lessons to each student and their individual goals. I’m more than happy to take it slow with an adult student who might not have much time to practice, or really push when I have a young student who shows real potential. I can also teach beginning Ukulele, combining singing with playing, Music Theory and help prepare students for Jazz Band. I have extensive recording and performing experience and can guide students through their own first experiences through yearly recitals and other performance opportunities.
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Thomas Morisada – Choir 1 & Choir 2
THOMAS MORISADA is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a BA in Music and hails from Honolulu, Hawaii. He can be found directing music in the Tacoma area at community theaters and schools. He comes to TAHB with eleven years of choral experience under his belt as well as over three years of music directing for musical productions.
Some fun facts: while Thomas loves teaching music, he also finds just as much joy being onstage himself.
Besides music, his second passion is cooking and is quite the foodie.
Whenever he gets the chance to visit his family in Hawaii, Thomas likes to spend his downtime fishing.
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Ela Escobar – Violin, Young Violin, Intermediate Violin
Hi, I’m Ela (they/them)! I am a violist and violinist raised and based in North Tacoma. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Orchestral Performance from the University of Puget Sound. I adore working with students of all ages and backgrounds, whether it’s a little one’s first time holding an instrument, a teenager wanting to improve their technique and musicality.
Tailoring lessons to a student’s unique abilities, learning styles, and interests is my greatest joy in teaching. I believe learning an instrument is more than just skill acquisition. Lessons are a partnership between student and teacher that cultivates caring hearts and builds critical thinking skills that guide children toward success. Group lessons allow students to learn and grow with their peers, and give children the opportunity to practice patience, cooperation, and focus in a non-traditional classroom setting.
When I’m not teaching here, I play in a string quartet with fellow UPS alums, and teach private lessons at Cappella Music Academy. I am so excited to work together, and hope to see your students in my classroom!