MEET OUR TEACHERS

ACTING, THEATER, 

DRAMA  & IMPROV

Seasoned stage actor, Commercial/TV actor, Stand-up Comic, A Member of the Screen Actors Guild and American Film and Television and Radio Association, along with being an Alumni Improv performer with Harvey Lembeck Comedy Studios and Second City Comedy. Chris has studied with Susan Strasberg, Ron Bosom and Annie Long, both with South Coast Repertory and Chapman Training Conservatory. Dana Evans with the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco and Clown and mime with Jeff Robinson.

Chris has performed Stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, Ice House and Martini Blues. Chris was Runner up in the Orange County Funniest female Contest and Chris was part of a touring LA Improv group called “Where’s The Gherkin”. Chris has been part of the Tehachapi Community Theatre (TCTA) since 2014 and has acted in several shows performed at the Beekay Theatre, “Red Velvet Cake Wars”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Addams Family”, “Texas Double Wide Christmas”, “Christmas Belles” and “Oliver”. She has also directed several shows, “On Golden Pond”, Steele Magnolias” “110 In The Shade” and “The Sound Of Music”. Recently Chris served on the TCTA Board of Directors from 2020 -2024 as the Executive Producer.

Chris’s passion for acting and supporting young and older talent has always been what drives her. Currently she is teaching drama at Valley Oaks and bringing those kids the opportunity to experience drama is one of her many highlights. Chris hopes that White Rabbit Studios becomes the home to many creatives who want to learn, perform, and become a better artist within themselves. 

 GUITAR

Hello! I am a guitarist, local to Tehachapi, with 15 years experience as a guitar instructor. I have accomplished a good understanding of what it takes to start beginners with a strong musical foundation. Nonetheless, I welcome intermediate and advanced guitarists as well. I feel I have gathered the most important techniques to help advance guitar players of any skill level, or offer new ideas for writing, playing, recording, and performing. 

Also, most of my lessons go home with you because I record custom video lessons to augment your in-person instruction.

I started playing guitar at 11 years old. For years, my main influences were Metallica, and Nirvana. But, I also enjoy R&B, Gangsta Rap, Classical Guitar, Flamenco, Classical Music, and almost anything. Personally, I feel like music/art is something that I have a deep connection with, so anything I listen to is automatically analyzed and appreciated. Since beginning guitar, I have always been writing songs and studying music, which led to starting bands, playing gigs, and sliding down the rabbit hole of music recording. My guitar playing has evolved into what I offer, musically, today. Please check me out at youtube.com/@michaelscottguitar and michaelscott.bandcamp.com

I look forward to talking with you and setting up lessons at 

White Rabbit Studios!

PIANO

   My name is Deborah Ray and I go by     "D-R" or "Miss Deby" by my younger students.

I started my own band at 15, toured Europe at 19 and have been playing piano ever since. But my first love has always been teaching. I've taught piano and voice lessons in the Los Angeles area for many years. 

I always take into consideration the goals of a student, so my lessons are tailor made. Scales, chords, arpeggios, and standard classical pieces, that incorporate a student's level of playing, are always present but if you already play by ear, I'll teach you how to read. If you have trouble reading, I'll help you break down the chord progression, so it makes more sense in figuring things out. Having a good time with music is always the goal and I'm looking forward to sharing my experience and knowledge so that you or your child can enjoy making their own music!

EDUCATION

Dick Grove School of Music – Vocal and Keyboard Programs

University of VA – 2 yrs Music Program

Christopher Newport, VA

VOICE INSTRUCTORS

Seth Riggs

Bob Corff

Roger Love

Sue Ramey

TOURING / PERFORMING

Ann Likes Red - Opened for Jackson Brown at the Lummis Day in Highland Park

    - Keyboards and backup vocals 

Percy Sledge in Europe (“When a Man Loves a Woman”)

    -  Keyboards and backup vocals

Various Bands playing The Beach Circuit” on the East Coast

    -  Lead Vocalist and keyboards

”The Toys” on the East Coast (“Lover’s Concerto”)

    - back up singer

Solo Artist at various major hotel lounges & clubs

    - Keyboardist and Singer 

PUBLISHED SONG

"Joe's Nightmare" - In the movie, "Gang Related" starring Jim Belushi and Tupac

GUITAR, BASS, PIANO, VOCALS, UKULELE & DRUMS 

 Ethan is a passionate musician and educator dedicated to helping students discover their creative and analytical potential through music and mathematics. With a background that bridges both artistic expression and logical precision, Ethan brings a unique and holistic approach to teaching that emphasizes curiosity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Ethan plays guitar, piano, bass, drums, ukulele, and voice, allowing him to connect with students across a wide range of musical interests and styles. His experience performing in six bands and singing in chamber choir has shaped his collaborative and dynamic teaching style — one that values listening, adaptability, and musical conversation. Ethan often uses a Socratic approach in his lessons, guiding students with thoughtful questions that help them reach understanding through discovery and exploration.

In addition to his musical expertise, Ethan’s background in mathematics informs his teaching philosophy. He draws meaningful connections between rhythm, pattern, and numerical structure, helping students see how the precision of math and the flow of music mirror each other. This interdisciplinary perspective makes his lessons both intellectually stimulating and creatively fulfilling.

At White Rabbit Studios, Ethan continues to nurture students’ confidence and curiosity, creating an environment where analytical minds and artistic hearts thrive together.

VOCALS & ACTING

Liz is so excited to be teaching at White Rabbit, among several other places! She is currently teaching drama for kids with an after school program through TUSD, taught and assistant taught with TADA for several years, doing improv, acting, Shakespeare, singing, Drama for Littles, and putting together several kids' shows! Her BA is in Musical Theatre, and she's taken many Early Childhood Education classes. Liz is also a professional actor with several national commercials on TV and streaming, lots of short films, voice over work, and she sang in an opera company for several years. She has a passion for helping students reach their highest potential in theatrical arts. 

GUITAR, BASS & UKULELE

Matt is now teaching and shredding at White Rabbit Studios!

Matt has been singing since his childhood winning various awards and competitions, played venues and small festivals all over the county growing up.  He's taught music to children and adults and volunteered as a musician for various veteran groups and other charities.

 Matt has brought numerous originals to his band with his talent in song writing and collaboration .

Matt is the lead guitarist for 42 Out.

ANCHOR OF HOPE - Fine Art Classes

My name is Jess, teacher and founder of Anchor of Hope Art Studio. Art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I took my first art class in junior high, and from that moment on, I was hooked.  Over the years, I’ve dedicated myself to improving my skills and techniques in drawing and painting, taking several classes throughout my time in college.Off and on for the past 18 years, I’ve had the joy of teaching children everything that I’ve learned and still learning along the way.  My mission is to give youth a creative outlet that fosters self-expression, creativity, technique and confidence.  I believe art connects the mind, body and spirit, empowering people to discover their unique style while learning the foundations of drawing and creation.To me, art is completely subjective.  There is no “right” or “wrong” way to create. Every piece is perfect in its own way.  My goal is simple: to change the world, one creative mind at a time.

ART CLASS

I have been an educator for over 30 years. I have a Montessori Teaching Credential, A Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. I have been a homeschooling Mom (15 years) and most recently I am semi-retired and working for Tehachapi Unified School District as a Substitute Teacher. I have taught every grade from preschool to 12th grade. I like to make my students feel comfortable and confident  and I know we will have lots of fun.

GUITAR & UKULELE

Hi, my name is Matthew. I am 35, am married to my lovely wife and have one awesome daughter. I'm a local here in Tehachapi, and very much love all things music. I've taught music/guitar/instruments in the past to a variety of people of different ages, as well as performing live music in several churches on worship teams, as well as a few venues, so my experience has some great range. I'm excited to help new/recent players get moving forward with their craft.

YOGA - ZUMBA

Hi My Name is Raquel aka Rocky

I’ve been teaching yoga since 2012. I got Basic Yoga certified in the East Coast through Yoga Fit. My focus is to help others thrive in life by nurturing the body, mind and soul with yoga. My sessions are awesome, each movement is coordinated with breath and flow from one pose to the next. I also like to combine creative sequencing and a dose of inspiration to help you deepen your practice.

I strive to bring a sense of fun, freedom and kindness to my classes. My goal is for my students to step out of the mat refresh, nourished and balanced.

~Namaste~ 

American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that serves as the primary means of communication for the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL is a visual-gestural language, meaning it relies on hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. Unlike spoken languages, ASL is not dependent on vocalization or auditory skills, making it a unique and rich language with its own grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

ASL has a long history, with its roots tracing back to the early 19th century. It was influenced by French Sign Language and regional sign languages in the U.S. Over time, it has evolved into a distinct language with its own cultural significance. Learning ASL not only facilitates communication with Deaf individuals but also provides insights into Deaf culture and community.

ASL is widely taught in schools and universities, and technology has further expanded access to learning resources. With the increasing awareness and appreciation of ASL, more hearing individuals are embracing the language, contributing to greater inclusion and understanding within diverse communities.

BALLROOM DANCE

Hi! My name is Ben Baldassarre, and I’m a ballroom dance instructor in Tehachapi with over 25 years of experience as a teacher, dancer, choreographer, and performer. I teach all ages and skill levels, and once upon a time I even had the opportunity to teach celebrities, including Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater, and Donnie Yen. Now I’d like to share my knowledge with you. I do private and group lessons, classes, wedding choreography and instruction, and private events.

Ballroom dance is a multifaceted, beautiful way of exercising that helps develop balance, music appreciation, confidence, body positivity, and so much more—not to mention it makes you look great at parties. Dance reveals to us the intricacies of music and movement; connection and control. For couples, it’s an entirely new way of communicating with your partner, using your arms and your body to speak instead of your voice. Anyone can learn that language—even those who “can’t dance” or think they have two left feet!

There is also a social component to learning ballroom dance. There are places all over the world (even locally) to go swing dancing, salsa dancing, and more. One could, if so inclined, go dancing just about every night of the week. It’s an excellent way to build community while challenging yourself to learn something new and step outside your comfort zone.  

Start your dance journey today.