Piano and Theory Teacher, Dr. Zhao began her musical journey at the age of 4 with formal piano training, laying a strong foundation for her future in music. She pursued her academic studies at Xi'an Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the renowned composer Mr. Han Lankui and earned multiple awards. She continued her education at California State University, Northridge, earning a Master’s degree under the guidance of European composer Dr. Marinescu and Dr. Kirov, founder of the Orkestar band and a noted composer/pianist. She later completed her Doctorate at Claremont Graduate University under the mentorship of Grammy-nominated American composer Dr. Boyer.

With over 9 years of teaching experience, Dr. Zhao is a member of both the California Musicians' Association and the American Composers Forum. She is also the founder and director of Goldenecho Academy, which she established to bring her vision of comprehensive and student-centered music education to life. Through Goldenecho Academy, she has established a distinguished and forward-thinking institution dedicated to fostering artistic excellence, where students of all ages and skill levels are empowered to achieve their full musical potential in a supportive and academically rigorous environment.

Voice Teacher and Opera Singer, Sonja Krenek holds degrees in Vocal Performance from UC Irvine, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Boston University Opera Institute. She has performed leading roles across the U.S. with companies such as New York City Opera, Pacific Opera Project, Opera North, and Opera Vermont. Favorite roles include Mimì (La bohème), Micaëla (Carmen), Leïla (Les pêcheurs de perles), and Tosca.

She has been recognized by prestigious competitions, including The Gerda Lissner Foundation, The Giulio Gari Foundation, and the Loren L. Zachary Society. With over a decade of teaching experience, she offers private voice lessons for all ages and levels, specializing in healthy technique that supports opera, musical theater, jazz, and pop styles. Her students benefit from a personalized, intuitive approach shaped by years of professional performance and elite training.

Piano and Theory Teacher, Ms. Zhang is a pianist with a rich blend of performance and teaching experience, currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (PHD) at Claremont Graduate University mentored by Dr. Jenny Soonjin Kim. Ms. Zhang holds a Master’s degree in Piano Performance from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s from Shenyang Conservatory of Music receiving first-class scholarships at every educational institution attended. Her rich performance experience was demonstrated by a series of successful solo recitals. Her talent has been recognized with awards, including the Gold Prize at the Musicale Fall Music Festival in 2021. In addition to solo performances, Ms. Zhang has a strong background in accompaniment, working with ensembles like the Illinois State University's Treble Choir and Symphonic Orchestra participating in several tours, as well as collaborating with violin and voice studios at Shenyang Conservatory. In 2024, Ms. Zhang was invited by the Wiener MusikSeminar International Music Festival to hold solo recitals in Vienna. Ms. Zhang stands out as a dedicated musician and educator, continually seeking to inspire and educate through her music. She currently teaches private piano lessons and prepares her students for CM & ABRSM Royal Exams.

Drum Teacher, Mr. Alfred is a globally acclaimed drummer known for his extensive career, which includes touring and performing with international artists. Most notably, Mr. Alfred was the drummer for Pakistani superstar Atif Aslam, performing on stages worldwide for over 6 years. His versatile style spans rock, pop, and fusion, and he’s collaborated with renowned artists such as Mizmaar, Fuzon, Usman Riaz, Zoe Viccaji, and the late guitar virtuoso Amir Zaki. Mr. Alfred brings years of teaching experience from various studios as well as his own SPAARK Academy, where he taught foundational drumming skills, groove techniques, and advanced performance techniques. A lifelong drummer since the age of eight, Mr. Alfred’s passion shines through in his teaching as he inspires students to find their unique rhythm and voice. He draws influence from legendary drummers like Simon Phillips, Dave Weckl, and Dennis Chambers, emphasizing the value of dedication and humility. At Golden Echo Academy, Alfred is excited to share his wealth of experience with the next generation, helping them grow both as musicians and as individuals.

Guitar Teacher, Mr. James Grover is a highly skilled and versatile guitar instructor with a rich musical background. His passion for the guitar began at a young age, inspired by legendary bands such as AC/DC, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. Over the years, Mr. James has toured and collaborated with numerous renowned artists. These include Kevin Eubanks from The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, George Benson, Robert Sarzo and Rudy Sarzo from Queensrÿche, and Vinnie Moore from UFO and as a solo artist. He has also worked with Prescott Niles from The Knack, Walter Stocker from The Babys, Steve Vai, Scott Page from Pink Floyd, and Bjorn Englen from Yngwie Malmsteen and DIO, among many others.

Mr. James comes from a deeply musical family. His father was a multi-instrumentalist who played guitar, harmonica, and organ, and his aunt was a concert violinist. In addition to his teaching career, Mr. James is also a skilled guitar luthier. He has crafted custom hand-made guitars with meticulous care and precision. He further honed his expertise by studying Guitar Technology at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA.

Piano teacher, Ms. Sofía Gil is a versatile pianist and educator based in Southern California, recognized for her work as a soloist, accompanist, and private piano instructor. Ms. Sofía began her musical journey at the age of five under the tutelage of her mother, Alicia Diaz, a classically trained pianist with a Master’s in Music Performance from the Superior Conservatory of Salvadoran Music in Castelló, Spain. During her youth, she performed frequently at the Redlands Conservatory of Music and Arts and Loma Linda Academy, where she received the “Musician of the Year” award in 2016. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance at La Sierra University, studying under Dr. Elvin Rodriguez, with additional training from Peter Cooper at Southern Adventist University. 

Ms. Sofía’s performance experience includes both solo and collaborative work at venues such as the University of Redlands Auditorium, Redlands Bowl, Ackerman Auditorium, and Hole Memorial Auditorium. Her repertoire spans Baroque to contemporary styles, with a focus on composers like Bach, Chopin, Debussy, and Turina. As an educator, she teaches privately through Golden Echo Academy and has developed engaging music programs as a teacher and summer camp director. Known for her musical sensitivity and stylistic versatility, she is committed to nurturing creativity, confidence, and technical excellence in each of her students.

Violin Teacher, Ms. Evelyn Duran is a dedicated violin instructor with a lifelong passion for music. She began her musical journey with the piano as her first instrument and discovered her love for the violin in the fourth grade. Since then, music has been at the heart of her life. Ms. Evelyn has actively performed in a variety of settings, including school and church events, and has collaborated with private ensembles. Her early experiences helped shape her commitment to musical excellence and community engagement through performance.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Music at the University of Redlands, Ms. Evelyn also teaches string instrumental group lessons for young students. She is committed to helping students develop strong technical foundations and personal confidence in their playing. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes both skill development and the joy of music, with the belief that music is an essential and enriching part of life.