Kevin J. Garnica
Rosemead,CA
Summary
Dedicated music educator, pianist, accompanist, and composer with great pedagogical and theory expertise. Proven ability to foster musical excellence and artistic growth through appropriate assignments, effective feedback, and individual mentorship.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Accompanist
Glendora High School
Glendora, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Collaborates with music director to interpret music and deliver desired performances.
- Runs class and rehearsals when director is absent.
- Consults with director and producers to coordinate artistic vision.
- Provides valuable feedback on performance techniques, helping musicians improve their overall artistry and stage presence.
- Regularly collaborates with band for competitions, when traveling.
- Provides one-on-one rehearsals with students.
Teacher
Radiant Music Studio
Pasadena, CA
07.2018 - 02.2026
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and musical interests.
- Facilitated positive learning experiences by selecting appropriate repertoire based on the skill level of each student.
- Provided constructive feedback on technique and interpretation to students, fostering artistic growth and improvement.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management and teaching / subject techniques.
- Conducted ongoing professional development in educational conferences, keeping teaching approaches current and effective.
- Performed solo and collaboratively throughout the year, being a positive role-model for students.
Staff Pianist
California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
Pomona, CA
08.2016 - 06.2022
- Collaborated with faculty and students to create engaging musical programs that fostered musical excellence.
- Organized rehearsals and practice schedules, optimizing preparation time for performances and improving overall, individual student growth.
- Mentored students, offering guidance on technique and performance skills to cultivate talent within the program, and career paths after graduation.
- Provided piano accompaniment for vocalists, instrumentalists, and ensembles, helping ensure the highest level of artistic expression during performances.
- Oversaw the music library and processed all new, incoming music for all ensembles.
Head Staff Accompanist
Biola University
La Mirada, CA
08.2012 - 05.2016
- Accompanied vocalists and instrumentalists during rehearsals and performances, much like above at Cal Poly, Pomona.
- Mentored junior accompanists, sharing best practices to enhance their accompanying skills and confidence in performances.
- Participated actively in department meetings, advocating for optimal support of the program at the Conservatory of Music.
- Provided constructive feedback on technique and interpretation to musicians, fostering growth and improvement.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts - Collaborative Arts
University of Texas, Austin
Austin05-2012
Master of Music - Music Composition
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2008
Bachelor of Music - Music Performance
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA05-2005
Skills
- Advanced sight-reading skills
- Music theory
- Vocal coaching
- Audition preparation
- Composition
- Piano pedagogy
- Solid piano technique
- Artistic interpretation
- Broad repertoire knowledge
- Departmental interests
Timeline
Accompanist
Glendora High School
10.2025 - Current
Teacher
Radiant Music Studio
07.2018 - 02.2026
Staff Pianist
California Polytechnic State University, Pomona
08.2016 - 06.2022
Head Staff Accompanist
Biola University
08.2012 - 05.2016
Doctor of Musical Arts - Collaborative Arts
University of Texas, Austin
Master of Music - Music Composition
California State University, Fullerton
Bachelor of Music - Music Performance
California State University, Fullerton