Melody Mentors has done away with the traditional music classroom environment — and the results have been extraordinary. The program is built on a simple but radical idea: young musicians learn best from those who were just a few years ahead of them on the same journey. The highly skilled student instructors — ages 14 to 18 — have navigated the same tricky chord changes and the same stage-fright jitter their students face today. The mentors are passionate and accomplished teenage musicians who have been practicing their craft for at least 7 years. Many study at or perform with prestigious organizations such as the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, the Colburn School, or the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Their shared experience creates something no adult teacher can replicate: a bond of genuine understanding. When a 16-year-old guitar mentor tells a 9-year-old beginner, "I was exactly where you are at your age," the learner listens differently, and the mentor also grows in ways that go far beyond music. They develop patience, communication, leadership, and an ownership of their own artistry that lasts a lifetime.
Founded in 2025, Melody Mentors connects budding musicians with peer instructors across many instruments, including piano, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Every lesson is a two-way exchange: students gain skills, and mentors gain purpose. Together, we're building a community where music education isn't something that happens to kids — it's something they create for each other. The hope is that former students become Melody Mentors themselves someday.
Talented young musicians sharing their passion, one student at a time.
Dylan began his musical journey at age four on the piano, developing a strong foundation in music and expression. By age seven, he discovered the guitar and quickly fell in love with its versatility and rich sound. Since then, Dylan has immersed himself in a wide range of musical genres from classical and jazz to rock and pop, continually expanding his skills and deepening his passion for music.
He currently studies classical guitar under Brian Barany at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, where he refines his technique and musical interpretation. Dylan has been a finalist and earned top honors in numerous competitions, including the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, the Dan Stover Music Competition, and IAPMT, showcasing both his talent and dedication to his craft.
A junior at South Pasadena High School in Southern California, Dylan plays electric guitar in the school's jazz band, blending technical precision with creative improvisation. Outside of music, he is a tennis player and an avid member of the speech and debate team, where he enjoys engaging with ideas and honing his public speaking skills.
For Dylan, music is more than a hobby; it is a powerful outlet for self-expression and a meaningful way to connect with others.
Justin has been playing the clarinet since the end of third grade, developing a strong connection to music from an early age. His musical journey began with the piano, which sparked a lasting passion that has continued to grow over the years. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into a deep appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and expression that music offers.
Throughout his development as a musician, Justin has participated in several notable ensembles, including the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra and the Pasadena Youth Symphony. These experiences have allowed him not only to refine his technical skills, but also to collaborate with fellow musicians, perform for diverse audiences, and gain a deeper understanding of ensemble performance.
Justin is especially grateful to the teachers, mentors, friends, and family members who have supported and encouraged him along the way, helping to make his musical journey both enjoyable and meaningful. As he continues to grow as a clarinetist and musician, he hopes to share his love of music with others and bring joy, inspiration, and connection to every performance he gives.
Jeremy has been playing the violin since the age of five. Through music, he has found opportunities to grow, connect with others, and share something deeply meaningful to him.
Jeremy's musical journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing his love of music with others. He has studied under renowned instructors, including Dr. Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School, where he has honed his technique and musicality.
He has had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, an unforgettable experience. He has also earned second place multiple times in the Open Division at the Satori competition and has participated in numerous festivals through the Glendale branch of MTAC. Through these experiences, he has come to understand that music is not just about performance—it is about the dedication behind practice, the friendships formed along the way, and the joy of sharing music with others.
Zoie started taking piano lessons at age 6, with an emphasis on the classical genre, later branching into jazz when she joined her middle school jazz band. Her musical journey has taken her from just playing the notes to playing music with genuine enjoyment and appreciation. She looks forward to helping young musicians bridge the same gap.
Music making for Zoie is a continuous project and a creative escape, a perspective she hopes all can have regardless of the instrument they play. In her eyes, a wrong note or rhythm can only help one grow, so she is passionate in always improving her technique, improvisation, and musical expression.
Zoie plays piano and keyboard for South Pasadena High School's Jazz Band. Her musical experience also includes performing with the Advanced Orchestra and local ensemble groups. Through these experiences, she has discovered the many ways music can bring people together and shape the lives of those around her. With a strong sense of community, Zoie strives to help take the nerves out of performing and replace them with confidence and excitement. As a tutor, she hopes she can build a very open community for kids to learn to play the piano!
Zoe began her musical journey at the age of seven through piano lessons, building a strong foundation in music and discipline. After picking up the trumpet in elementary school, she quickly discovered a passion for jazz and pop music. Since then, she has performed in concerts and showcases at both school and community events, earning featured solos and standing ovations along the way. Through her involvement in her school’s jazz band, Zoe continues to strengthen her technical abilities while developing her skills in improvisation, collaboration, and musical expression.
Beyond performing, Zoe has gained extensive experience tutoring and mentoring younger students. She understands the value of strong guidance and mentorship, which has inspired her passion for helping other musicians grow while creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment for every student she teaches. Outside of music, Zoe enjoys expressing her creativity through fashion and large-scale art projects, using both as outlets for self-expression. For Zoe, music is more than a passion — it is a meaningful way to connect with others within the community.
Nadine's musical journey began at the age of four when she started taking piano lessons. With a strong foundation in classical music, she went on to complete internationally recognized piano performance and music theory examinations with high marks.
At age ten, Nadine was introduced to the alto saxophone and soon began independently exploring both jazz and classical repertoire. Within her first year of playing, she competed in the London Young Musician International Online Competition, where she earned top honors.
Ready for a new challenge, Nadine's band director encouraged her to try the oboe. She quickly fell in love with the instrument's complexity and unique challenges, and it soon became her primary focus. Under the guidance of Claire Brazeau, Nadine has continued to develop as an oboist and has participated in respected youth orchestras and music programs, including the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Colburn Youth Philharmonic.
While some people view music as a form of escape, Nadine sees it as a powerful way to connect, communicate, and express oneself. To her, music is more than a hobby—it is a gateway to self-expression and a sense of belonging. Grateful for the teachers and mentors who have supported her growth as a young musician, Nadine is excited to share her love of music and help inspire the next generation of musicians.
Individual tutors' rates may vary slightly. They will discuss their rates when you contact them.
4 lessons/month
30-min session per week.
Save $5/session vs. pay-as-you-go
4 lessons/month
one 45-min session per week.
Save $5/session vs. pay-as-you-go
4 lessons/month
>one 60-min session per week.
Save $5/session vs. pay-as-you-go
Cancellation policy: You are responsible for notifying your instructor at least 24 hours in advance of any canceled lessons (except in emergencies) to receive a full refund. Otherwise, you will be responsible for paying half the lesson fee. If you do not notify the mentor before the lesson begins, you will be responsible for paying the full lesson fee.
Ready to start your musical journey? Send us a message and one of the tutors will get back to you soon.