Meet the Team

Learn from passionate educators and accomplished musicians with real-world experience in performance, songwriting, recording, and music education. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your skills, our instructors are committed to helping every student grow with confidence, creativity, and strong musical foundations.

Raffia

Founder & Director • Voice Instructor

A woman with dark, curly hair singing passionately into a microphone while raising one arm during a musical performance. She is wearing a sleeveless black dress and appears to be in a decorated indoor venue with a Christmas-themed wall in the background, along with musicians playing instruments.

Raffia is a professional singer, songwriter, recording artist, and music educator whose career spans the stage, recording studio, television, and classroom. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Berklee College of Music and founded Raffia Music Studio with the vision of providing exceptional music education in a supportive and inspiring environment.

As a performer, Raffia has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists including Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Blake Shelton, The Jacksons, Bastille, Anita Baker, Ledisi, Gloria Estefan, Chante Moore, and Jennifer Holliday. She has appeared on nationally televised productions including The Ellen Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live!, served as Choir Director on Oxygen's Fix My Choir, and continues to perform and record as an R&B and soul artist.

Raffia believes every student deserves personalized instruction that builds confidence, creativity, and lasting musicianship. Drawing from her experience in both public and private education, she tailors each lesson to the individual, helping singers develop healthy vocal technique, expressive performance skills, and a genuine love for music. Whether working with young beginners, aspiring performers, or experienced vocalists, Raffia creates an encouraging environment where every student is empowered to grow.

Learn with Raffia

“C.C.” Cecil Thomas Jr.

Co Director • Bass Instructor

A man playing an electric guitar on stage and a woman singing into a microphone, both performing under stage lights with dark background.

“C.C.” Cecil Thomas Jr. is a professional bassist, producer, composer, and music educator with more than 35 years of experience in the music industry. As Co Director of Raffia Music Studio, he is committed to helping students build strong musical foundations while developing the skills and confidence to grow as performers and artists.

Throughout his career, C.C. has worked across nearly every aspect of music production, including arranging, recording, programming, mixing, composing, sound design, and live performance. He has performed with renowned artists including Babyface, Jeffrey Osborne, Dave Koz, Patti Austin, and Howard Hewett, and currently serves as musical director for Diana Ross. He is also an Emmy nominated songwriter and co founder of Sound Vision Entertainment, a music production company serving artists throughout Southern California.

Whether teaching beginners or experienced musicians, C.C. combines decades of professional experience with a practical, supportive approach. His lessons emphasize solid technique, musicianship, creativity, and the practical skills needed to succeed both on stage and in the studio.

Learn with CC

Srimal De Mel

Piano, Drums & Music Production Instructor

A young man playing the piano during an ensemble rehearsal, surrounded by musicians including a guitarist and a saxophonist, in a music studio with wooden paneling.

Srimal de Mel is a professional pianist, composer, and music educator based in Torrance, California. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from California State University, Fullerton, and has spent more than a decade helping students of all ages build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

As both a performer and educator, Srimal brings real world experience into every lesson. He has released three original albums and has performed at venues and festivals across the United States, including the Reno Jazz Festival, the Washington Women in Jazz Festival, and the Central Avenue Jazz Festival. His teaching is tailored to each student's goals, whether introducing a young beginner to their first songs or mentoring advanced students, music majors, and working musicians.

Although jazz is his specialty, Srimal believes every style of music offers something valuable to learn. From Bach to Stevie Wonder, classical masterworks to modern pop and video game soundtracks, he encourages students to explore music with curiosity while developing strong technique, creativity, and expressive musicianship.

Learn with Srimal

Paige Scherer

Voice, Guitar & Piano Instructor

A woman with braided hair looks slightly upwards against a dark background.

Paige Scherer is a vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and music educator with over 13 years of teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Georgia State University, where she graduated magna cum laude.

As a professional musician based in Los Angeles, Paige has toured throughout the United States and internationally, performing as a keyboardist and background vocalist in the opening act for British rock band The Struts, as well as with several touring choirs as a featured soloist. She has also performed with the choir behind Andrea Bocelli and appeared at renowned venues including the Anaheim Convention Center (NAMM), The Wiltern, and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Passionate about helping students grow in both confidence and musicianship, Paige teaches voice, guitar, piano, and performance skills. She creates a supportive and engaging environment where students build strong technique, discover their unique artistic voice, and enjoy making music every step of the way.

Learn with Paige

Christi Lao

Voice, Guitar & Ukulele Instructor

A young woman with long dark hair and a bright smile, holding an acoustic guitar on a sidewalk outside a brick building, wearing a black top, gray plaid pants, and red shoes.

Christi Lao is a professional vocalist, guitarist, and music educator who has spent more than seven years helping students of all ages build confidence and discover joy through music. Growing up in Southern California in a family where music was part of everyday life, she developed a lifelong passion for singing, performing, and teaching.

As both a performer and educator, Christi brings real world experience into every lesson. A self taught guitarist in her early years, she later pursued formal jazz studies to deepen her musicianship. She performs regularly with acclaimed groups including She Sings She Swings and Five & Dime at Disney California Adventure, sharing the stage with exceptional musicians throughout Southern California.

Christi believes every student learns differently and tailors each lesson to fit the individual's goals, learning style, and musical interests. Whether teaching voice, guitar, or ukulele, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment where students develop strong fundamentals, musical confidence, and a genuine appreciation for the art of making music. From young beginners to adult learners, Christi is passionate about helping every student grow at their own pace.

Learn with Christi

Garett Dahl

Music Production Instructor

A young man with dark hair and a beard smiling, wearing a dark collared shirt, standing against a light-colored wall.

Garett Dahl is an experienced audio engineer specializing in live and studio recording, sound mixing, and music production. Based in the greater Los Angeles area, he holds a music degree from California State University, Long Beach. His work spans both the technical and musical sides of audio production, giving him a strong understanding of how sound is captured, shaped, and refined.

As both an audio engineer and saxophonist, Garett understands the needs of performers from both sides of the recording process. He brings practical experience in recording and mixing, with instruction covering Logic Pro, Ableton Live, GarageBand, and sound mixing techniques.

Garett helps students develop the technical skills and creative understanding needed to bring their musical ideas to life. His approach connects the fundamentals of recording and production with the practical processes used in real-world studio and performance settings.

VALERIE PINKSTON

Vocal Coach & Instructor

A woman with curly hair smiling and showing her teeth, against a plain background.

Valerie Pinkston is a veteran vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and performer with more than 20 years of experience in the music industry. She began her professional career in Detroit, Michigan, recording with Anita Baker and Detroit-based R&B group Chapter 8. After recording several albums as a lead vocalist with Chapter 8, Valerie established herself as a versatile vocalist, songwriter, arranger, and performer.

Throughout her career, Valerie has performed on nationally recognized programs and productions, including the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Emmys, NAACP Awards, and American Idol, as well as numerous film, television, and theater productions. She has also had the distinction of performing for Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.

As a vocal coach and instructor, Valerie brings extensive professional performance experience to her teaching. She offers students firsthand insight into vocal performance, artistry, and the demands of working as a professional musician, helping singers develop their skills with confidence and musicality.