Our Team

Foothill Musical Arts instructors bring years of teaching and performance experience to every lesson. With a passion for music education and a student-first approach, our team is committed to help our students build a strong foundation, grow, and succeed. Get to know our talented team below, and feel free to reach out with questions.

Naomi Peña

FHMA Director

Music Fundamentals, Keyboard, Choir

Naomi is a veteran homeschooler and a third generation musician. She started playing piano at the age of 5 and continued all throughout. Naomi earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music from Azusa Pacific University. After graduation, God gave her the opportunity to start her own business, Naomi Peña Music, where she has utilized her skills as an instructor, collaborator, and performer. Naomi has many years of performing experience with a variety of entities, some of which include: the Angeles Chorale, the Azusa Pacific Oratorio Choir, and the Azusa Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Orange Coast Musical Arts, Alison Kalmus Theatre, New Life Christian School, and Music & Arts, as well as various music studios throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Currently, Naomi has two studios in the SGV area where she teaches piano and voice. She is an active member of the Music Teachers’ Association of California, as well as Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts’ Festival Chorus, frequently performing with them as a choral singer, accompanist, and guest soloist (voice and piano). For the past fifteen years, she has served in music ministry at Bible Baptist Church of San Gabriel Valley, occasionally serving as a guest musician at other churches. In her spare time, she is either traveling, rock climbing, writing, or reading her favorite children’s books.

Violet Basurto

Music Explorers

Violet is a Christian, a wife, and a mom of three. She started playing piano at age 5 and continued taking lessons until age 12. Soon after, she began taking harp lessons and continued on all the way through college. Violet obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Cal Poly Pomona. Currently, Violet is a freelance harpist and a private instructor for beginning piano and harp lessons. She is also a member of her local church’s praise and worship team, where she plays the piano.

Bryan Heesch

Guitar

Bryan started his musical journey at a very young age. He began piano and singing lessons at age 4. Later on, when Bryan turned 9 years old, he started playing the guitar. Bryan has many years of experience playing music and singing. He is passionate about music and is currently attending Citrus College in order to obtain his degree in Music and Photography. Bryan works as a recreation leader at Garvey Community Center in Rosemead, and teaches guitar there too. In his spare time, Bryan loves playing guitar (of course!), photographing intriguing subjects, and visiting coffee shops to try new drinks!

Andy Park

Strings

Mr. Park is a virtuoso violin and viola player and teacher, who recently received his BM in String Performance: Viola from Azusa Pacific University and is back at APU pursuing a Master’s in Viola Performance. He picked up the violin at the age of 10 and viola at 19, which led to many opportunities for him to perform. Some notable performances are: Phantom of the Opera with the APU Theater Department, Walt Disney Concert Hall, YouTube Theater, and next month, the Yaamava’ Theater. He continues to play both instruments in churches, orchestras, recording sessions, tutoring centers, and private 1-on-1 lessons.

Andrew Rivas

Concert Band

A Baldwin Park native, Andrew began his musical journey on the saxophone and quickly developed a passion for both performance and leadership. He served as marching band technician for Sierra Vista High School, gaining valuable experience guiding and supporting fellow musicians. In addition to saxophone, Andrew brings a unique versatility as a baritone saxophonist and is also proficient on flute, trumpet, and clarinet. He is currently attending Azusa Pacific University, where he is actively involved in jazz band, choir, and concert band while pursuing his studies in music education.