Barbara Byers is a vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist experienced in a wide variety of musical styles. She holds a PhD in music from the University of California, San Diego, and performs choral works and contemporary theater with renowned Berkeley-based women’s choir, Kitka. In addition, she has composed, produced, staged and recorded two original rock operas and has performed locally and internationally.

As a music educator, Barbara believes in creating an environment that is welcoming and empowering for her students. She has a passion for teaching and believes that music lessons should be both fun and exciting. Barbara’s teaching philosophy centers around the idea that music is a powerful force that has the ability to transform lives. Her goal is to help her students develop a strong musical foundation while encouraging them to explore their own creativity.

Barbara’s approach to teaching is tailored to each individual student’s interests and motivations. She understands that everyone learns differently and takes the time to get to know her students on a personal level. Barbara’s lessons are designed to create a safe and supportive environment where her students can develop their musical skills while feeling valued and empowered.

In addition to her training in contemporary classical and regional folk music, Barbara is passionate about metal, rock, jazz and blues, and is delighted to teach any genre of music that interests her students, including pop, musical theater, and more. Her cross-cultural experiences growing up in small mountain communities in West Virginia and Nepal have given her a unique perspective on the power of music and its expression throughout the world. She has collaborated with musicians from various musical traditions, including Appalachia, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, and has incorporated these influences into her own musical style.