Gallegos Bavarsky Hsieh Bio

Selected Faculty Biographies

MICHAEL GALLEGOS

(Classical and Commercial Guitar)

MICHAEL GALLEGOS studied Classical Guitar and Music Theory at SCCM. He holds a B.A. in Mexican-American Studies and an M.A. in Elementary Education from California State University, Los Angeles. He also completed CSULA Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program for grades K-12 with bilingual emphasis (Spanish).

He has performed as a soloist at SCCM, California Institute of Technology, weddings and private parties. He also performs at commercial venues with other groups, as well as accompanying vocalists.

Michael teaches private lessons and ensembles on classical and commercial guitar. He is also an elementary school teacher for grades 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8.

DORY BAVARSKY

(Piano)

DORY BAVARSKY earned a BA in Music Composition from the University of California, Santa Barbara after studying at SCCM. His music is featured on several TV shows and in independent films. In 2007, he received an Emmy Certificate for musical contributions to the CBS drama "Guiding Light." Dory is a faculty member of SCCM's Braille Music Division outreach program. Besides teaching and composing, Dory is an active piano accompanist and jazz performer.

SHIRLEY HSIEH

(Piano)

SHIRLEY HSIEH, born in Taiwan, Republic of China, commenced her early musical studies at the age of five. Upon her arrival in the U.S., she continued her piano education at the Cleveland Institute of Music where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in piano performance. Among her celebrated teachers were William Kurzban, Grant Johannesen, and Paul Schenly.

Shirley has played solo recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the States. Her virtuosity and individuality in performances have won her many awards. Shirley performed as soloist with the Youngstown (Ohio) Symphony, the Taipei Symphony, and the Cleveland Orchestra as results of some of them. Shirley was a member of the music faculty at the Oklahoma State University until her arrival in Los Angeles. In Southern California, Shirley was a winner of the Joanna Hodges Piano Competition and the Young Artist Showcase Competition sponsored by the Association of California Symphony Orchestras and California Arts Council. For her debut solo recital in the prestigious Steinway Hall, the Los Angeles Times says:”…..Authoritative, committed, cool, and incisive…Hsieh commands a technique both comprehensive and versatile; she is at home in contrasting styles…No challenges Hsieh could not meet…”

Shirley is a member of the music honor society PI Kappa Lambda, and Music Teachers’ Association of California. She is a faculty member of the Southern California Conservatory of Music.