Meet Our Instructors

 
 
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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, reading, 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.

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.

Bella

Bella began piano lessons at age 6, and ten years later is completing Certificate of Merit level 10. As her mother says, “music is a universal language,” and Bella is excited to share with her students how fun and beautiful music can be! Off the piano bench Bella is passionate about horses, reading, theatre, and crafts. Mornings usually find her snuggling with her fluffy tuxedo cat Mittens! She also plays the cello, and especially loves playing duets. Bella looks forward to helping her students develop their skill and discover the gift of music!

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.