RuscicaMusic is all about excellence in Music and Education. Brandy Ruscica is a music educator specializing in piano, strings and choral instruction. Please check out the pages to learn more about Brandy and her education and teaching techniques, Youth Choir, Lessons & Wedding Music.
Meet Our Instructors
Brandy Ruscica
Brandy is wife to Tom Ruscica, Chair of the Music Department at William Jessup University. She and Tom have 3 beautiful children; Luca, Dario and Juliana. When not teaching privately out of the studio, Brandy enjoys being her kids’ mom, doing Crossfit, playing cello, and cooking.
Brandy, a graduate from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, served as district music teacher for Byron Union School District from 1998-2003. Earning “Teacher of the Year” for both 2000 & 2003, Brandy was featured in California Educator Magazine with a cover story on her practices and methods for music education. Brandy is now a private music teacher specializing in string instruments, piano, band instruments, & choir. She is a member of MTAC (Music Teacher’s Association of California) as well as president of the Placer branch, and Certificate of Merit instructor in cello and piano; as well as an adjunct instructor at William Jessup University. She also was head music docent for Rocklin Academy for many years, and served on the board of Classical Masters Music Festival as Artistic Director.
Serena
Serena began taking private violin lessons at the age of seven and quickly came to love music. Growing up, she was involved in several orchestras and ensembles. In high school, she played with the Auburn Symphony for two years and had the opportunity to perform at the Mondavi Center several times. She is a two-time Music in the Mountains Young Musicians’ Competition winner for the ensemble division. Currently, Serena studies at William Jessup University and plays in the college’s University Choir and Orchestra.
Jennifer
Jennifer has been involved in music her entire life. She joined choir at age 8, started playing piano at age 10, and recently graduated from William Jessup University with a B.A in Music. Being a multi instrumentalist, Jennifer has years of experience playing and singing in several different performance groups: Vocal Jazz ensembles, choirs, instrumental groups, and worship teams. Her goal is to help each student not only grow their passion for music but also develop the proper skills to confidently and effectively use their instrument(s) to express themselves.
Amanda
Amanda is graduating from Jessup University in April 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. During her time at Jessup, she has studied voice for four years and held leadership positions in groups such as the University Choir & Orchestra, a traveling group, on-campus band as well as a Student Worker position in the Music Department Offices. She has been teaching voice with RuscicaMusic, and has previously taught with other studios.
Aurora
Aurora has been playing piano since the age of seven and is very passionate about music. She has avidly participated in the Certificate of Merit program, in both piano and cello, and has completed the advanced level in piano. She accompanies the RuscicaMusic youth choir and plays regularly at the Gladding Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Home. In her free time she works at Lincoln Airport and is pursuing her pilots license. She is very excited and grateful for this opportunity to inspire the next generation of young musicians!
Juliana
Juliana has been playing piano for ten years, and is very passionate about music and theatre. She is currently a level 8 Certificate of Merit student, and continues her education with both piano and voice lessons. Juliana is involved in theatre productions at William Jessup University, and Whitney High School. In her free time she enjoys jewelry making, crocheting, reading and making music! She is excited to share her love of music with beginning piano students.
Grace
Grace started taking piano lessons at age twelve. Now, at twenty-two, she is close to completing her B.A. in Music with a piano performance concentration at William Jessup University. At Jessup, Grace is the accompanist for the chamber orchestra group. She also accompanies students at the university’s evening recitals. Outside of piano, Grace is involved in choir, serving as Jessup Concert Choir’s soprano section leader. As one of the university’s peer tutors, Grace teaches music theory. Away from Jessup, Grace leads worship at Pleasant Grove Baptist in Elk Grove. At RuscicaMusic, Grace is excited to share her passion for music through teaching.