Dr. Christopher Charbonneau is an active soloist, chamber musician, clinician, and adjudicator. He was the featured guest artist for the Huntington Beach Symphony Orchestra’s most recent Soiree entitled Musical Legends, presenting a lecture recital on saxophone in the orchestra. Other recent notable performances include an appearance as a guest soloist with the LBCC Symphony Orchestra, premiering the orchestral version of 10 West: 3 Postcards for Alto Saxophone and Piano written by Roger Przytulski.

Commissioning and premiering new works for saxophone is a core objective of Duo Charbonneau, a duo formed with his wife and pianist, Hanah Charbonneau. Duo Charbonneau has performed throughout the United States and Europe, premiering works for saxophone and piano by Ida Gotkovsky, Mischa Zupko, Kevin Timothy Austin, Michael Markowski, Gil Dori, and Roger Przyltulski. Christopher is a founding member and tenor saxophonist of the Pathways Saxophone Quartet and Upland Saxophone Quartet. 

Christopher completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Performance at Arizona State University in 2015. His final project is entitled A Recording and Commissioning Project Aimed at Developing New Repertoire for Pre-College and Early-College Saxophonists Focused on the Early Applications of Extended Techniques. Christopher also holds a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Music degree from California State University at Long Beach. His instructors have included Dr. Michael Hester, Dr. Timothy McAllister, Dr. Otis Murphy, Leo Potts, and Dr. Joseph Wytko. 

Matt Yamada is an accomplished saxophonist and dedicated music educator who loves helping students discover their own voice through music. At Palos Verdes Music House, Matt works with students of all ages and experience levels, from beginners learning their first notes to advancing musicians preparing for school ensembles and auditions.

Matt’s lessons focus on building a strong musical foundation — including tone production, technique, music reading, and improvisation — while keeping the learning process engaging and fun. Students develop the skills needed to succeed in school band programs, jazz ensembles, and live performance settings, all while gaining confidence as musicians.

In addition to teaching, Matt performs regularly with local groups throughout the South Bay and greater Los Angeles area. His real-world performing experience helps students understand how music works beyond the practice room and inspires them to grow as creative musicians.

Parents appreciate Matt’s encouraging teaching style and his ability to meet each student where they are. Whether a student is preparing for auditions, learning jazz improvisation, or simply exploring the saxophone for the first time, Matt creates a supportive environment where students can thrive.

At Palos Verdes Music House, Matt’s goal is simple: to help every student build skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of music.

Colleen Peralta is an engaging and versatile music educator who loves helping young musicians discover the joy of playing the flute. At Palos Verdes Music House, she works with students of all ages and experience levels, building strong musical foundations while making lessons fun, encouraging, and rewarding.

Colleen studied music and theatre at the University of the Pacific, where she performed in productions such as Assassins, Dead Man Walking, and Under Milkwood, earning an Irene Ryan acting nomination for her work on stage. She also toured nationally with the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, gaining valuable performance experience that she brings into every lesson.

In addition to performing, Colleen has extensive experience teaching music in the South Bay, working with students on flute, trumpet, piano, and early childhood music programs. Her teaching focuses on developing excellent tone, reading skills, musical expression, and confidence—helping students succeed in school band programs and enjoy making music for years to come.

Parents appreciate Colleen’s warm, supportive teaching style and her ability to connect with each student individually. Whether a student is learning their first notes, preparing for a school band audition, or building strong fundamentals on the flute, Colleen creates a positive learning environment where students feel motivated and proud of their progress.

Joshua Zeitlin is a jazz trumpeter and dedicated music educator who loves helping students discover the excitement of playing music. He studied jazz performance at the University of North Texas College of Music, one of the nation’s premier jazz programs, where he performed with the renowned One O'Clock Lab Band—the school’s top jazz ensemble, known internationally for its performances and Grammy-nominated recordings.

Joshua teaches trumpet for students of all levels and also works with beginning low-brass players. His lessons combine strong fundamentals with musicianship skills such as music theory, listening, improvisation, and ensemble playing, helping students become confident and expressive musicians.

Known for his encouraging and engaging teaching style, Joshua helps students build solid technique while keeping lessons fun and motivating. Whether a student is preparing for school band, exploring jazz improvisation, or simply learning their first notes, Joshua is passionate about helping each student grow and enjoy making music.

Jacob Lythgoe is an energetic and dedicated trumpet instructor who loves helping students develop confidence, strong technique, and a lifelong love of music. At Palos Verdes Music House, Jacob works with students of all ages—from beginners learning their first notes to advanced musicians preparing for auditions, honor bands, and school ensembles.

Jacob holds a Bachelor of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Arizona and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from California State University, Long Beach. During his studies he performed in prestigious ensembles including the University of Arizona Wind Ensemble and participated in major music festivals and performances.

His passion for performance began in the marching arts, where he spent three summers as a section leader and soloist with the The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps before completing his marching career with the world-champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps.

As a performer, Jacob has collaborated with ensembles and organizations including the American Youth Symphony, the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Opera.

Students and parents appreciate Jacob’s positive, motivating teaching style and his ability to break down trumpet technique into clear, achievable steps. His lessons focus on tone production, range development, articulation, music reading, and musical expression—skills that help students succeed in school band programs and beyond.

Hugh von Kleist is a talented saxophonist, clarinetist, and jazz musician dedicated to helping students grow as confident, expressive musicians. At Palos Verdes Music House, Hugh offers saxophone and clarinet lessons tailored to each student’s goals — whether they’re just beginning, preparing for school band and jazz ensemble auditions, or exploring improvisation and performance skills.

Hugh studied music at Fullerton College and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in jazz studies at California State University, Long Beach. He has also studied privately with respected educators including Leo Potts and Eric Merinthal. As a performer based in the Los Angeles area, Hugh plays with a variety of jazz and live music groups, bringing real?world performance experience into every lesson.

Students benefit from Hugh’s strong musical foundation in jazz, rhythm, and tone production, along with his encouraging approach that builds confidence and musical curiosity. He focuses on developing solid technique on woodwind instruments, improving rhythm and reading skills, and nurturing each student’s unique sound and creativity.

Parents appreciate that Hugh creates a positive and motivating learning environment where students enjoy making progress while having fun — whether learning their first scales on saxophone or mastering advanced clarinet repertoire.