About us

At Our Music Studio, we are passionate about sharing our love for music with individuals of all ages. Founded by Marcelo and Jessica, two seasoned musicians with over 20 years
of experience in teaching and performing, our studio is dedicated to providing exceptional music lessons.

Marcelo and Jessica have dedicated their lives to honing their craft and have a deep understanding of the intricacies and beauty of music. Their journey began as young
musicians, with each of them embarking on their musical exploration at an early age. Over the years, they have studied under renowned maestros, performed in prestigious
venues, and shared their expertise with countless students.

Their combined experience in both teaching and performing has shaped their unique approach to music education. They firmly believe in fostering a nurturing and inclusive
environment where students can explore their musical talents, no matter their age or skill level. Marcelo and Jessica are committed to tailoring their teaching methods to
meet the individual needs and goals of each student, recognizing that everyone’s musical journey is unique.

MARCELO SOARES

CEO Strings Director

Marcelo Soares is a Brazilian violinist with over twenty years of teaching and performance experience. An accomplished orchestral musician, Mr. Soares has worked with renowned conductors on the international stage: Kurt Mazur, John Nelson, Stéphane Danève, Giancarlo Gerrero, Kristjan Järvi, Thierry Fischer, Robert Trevino, and Roberto Minczuc. From 2002 to 2017, he was a member of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra (OSESP), where he performed under the baton of conductors John Neschling, Yan Pascal Tortelier, and Marin Alsop. He has also served as concertmaster of the Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra and the Azusa Pacific University Symphony Orchestra. In 2019, he was a prize winner in the Senior Violin category of the 6th Hong Kong International Music Festival.

During his tenure with OSESP, they recorded essential works for the Naxos label, including the complete symphonies of Sergei Prokofiev and Heitor Villa-Lobos. In 2020, Mr. Soares received his Artist Diploma from Azusa Pacific University. He has studied with influential teachers such as Claudio Cruz, Nathan Cole, Suli Xue, Lindon Taylor, Shlomo Mintz, Nicholas Koeckert and Glenn Dicterow.

Mr. Sorares has performed in some of the most famous concert halls in the world, including Vienna Musikverein, Berliner Philharmonie, Royal Albert Hall, Salle Pleyel Paris, Grosses Festspielhaus Salzburg, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Victoria Hall in Geneva, and Warsaw National Philharmonic Hall.

In addition to his active performing career, Mr. Soares is a renowned teacher in the United States, Brazil, and China. His students take part in competitions and orchestra auditions worldwide. Mr. Soares currently lives in Los Angeles and is the CEO and Founder of the Soares Music Studio.

Jessica Ornaghi

Percussion Director

Jessica Ornaghi is a percussionist and drummer with over 15 years of experience in orchestra performance, ensembles, recitals, and teaching. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

In 2022, Jessica completed her masters degree in percussion performance with full scholarship from Azusa Pacific University in California, studying under the tutelage of professors Raynor Carroll, Mark Converse, Yuri Inoo, and Bill Schlitt. While working towards her masters degree, Mrs. Ornaghi also participated and performed for several masterclasses with Raymond Curfs, Randy Max, Eduardo Leandro, Carlos Tarcha, Fernando Mezza, and Matthew Howard.

In 2020, Jessica received her Arts Certificate from Azusa Pacific University and won the first Alan Abel scholarship from Taps Academy Online.

In Brazil, Jessica performed with several orchestras such as Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Heliópolis Symphony Orchestra and Ribeirão Preto Symphony Orchestra, and participated in numerous prestigious festivals such as 48º Campos do Jordão Winter Festival and Musica nas Montanhas Festival. In 2016, she was selected to participate in the YOA, Orchestra of the Americas, for the European tour under the direction of conductor Benjamin Zander and Carlos Miguel Prieto. In the same year, she was the finalist in the PASIC orchestral audition competition in Brazil.

Mrs. Ornaghi currently lives in Los Angeles and works as a freelance percussionist while maintaining an intense schedule of teaching private students at the Soares Music School. In 2023 Mrs.Ornaghi was accepted to the Music DMA in Percussion Performance at UCLA.