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
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.
“C.C.” Cecil Thomas Jr.
Co-Director • Bass Instructor
“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. C.C. is the founder and executive director of Music For Young Minds Foundation, where he works to make free music education accessible to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study music.
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.
Srimal de Mel
Piano, Drums & Music Production Instructor
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.
Paige Scherer
Voice, Guitar & Piano Instructor
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.
Valerie Pinkston
Voice Instructor
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.
Fred White
Voice Instructor
Fred White is a five-time Grammy-nominated songwriter, producer, singer, vocal arranger, vocal contractor, and coach. His nominated work includes “Holy Is the Lamb,” recorded by Oleta Adams, and several songs performed by Diana Ross, including “Beautiful Love,” “All Is Well,” “Let’s Do It,” and “Just in Case.”
Throughout his career, Fred has toured, performed, or recorded with artists including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Phil Collins, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Rod Stewart, Diana Ross, Queen Latifah, and Toni Braxton. He has written for Diana Ross, Oleta Adams, Smokey Robinson, Howard Hewett, and Patti LaBelle, and co-produced the title track of Diana Ross’s album I Love You. His work can also be heard on numerous film soundtracks, including Shrek, Jungle Fever, Rosewood, and Brother Bear. As a vocal coach, Fred has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Miley Cyrus, Keith David, and trumpeter Keyon Harrold.
Fred teaches Raffia Music Studio’s group vocal classes at the Santa Monica YMCA. Drawing from decades of professional experience, he helps students develop vocal technique, musical confidence, and the skills to express themselves through song.
Christa Marlaise
Voice Instructor
Christa Marlaise is a vocalist and vocal instructor with a lifelong passion for music. Raised in a musical family, she began singing in school and church choirs before studying music production at the Los Angeles Recording School. She has continued to develop her artistry through live performance, recording, and vocal instruction.
Christa’s credits include background vocal work with Michael Durio and Paris 5000 Music & Entertainment, Alfie Silas Durio, Terry Steele’s A Tribute to Luther Vandross, and Aloe Blacc’s recording of “Make Way.” She has also appeared in Sheléa’s CW holiday special, Silent Night: A Song for the World, Gladys Knight’s Hollywood Bowl Live show, and The CW’s All American. She currently performs with the Tina Turner Tribute Band featuring Coco Short while developing her own original music.
Christa teaches Raffia Music Studio’s group vocal classes at the Santa Monica YMCA and also works with the Music for Young Minds Foundation. Her warm, encouraging approach helps students strengthen their vocal abilities, build confidence, discover the joy of music, and have plenty of fun along the way.