Music Education

Current Teachers with Desperado Orchestra Music Education:

Megan Lawson (Piano and Violin): A talented and dedicated educator and performer. She has spent the past 19 years performing professionally and teaching in New York, NY and in Oakland and Los Angeles, CA and now Kaua’i, HI. She is also a dedicated organizer of educational and artistic festivals and workshops. Her artistic focus involves engaging younger and older audiences to experience art and creativity on communal and multi-cultural levels that encompass the American identity. She graduated with a Master’s Degree from the African American Improvisational Music Program created by Wadada Leo Smith at California Institute of the Arts.

Lawson currently works with Sarah Tochiki. As two dedicated educators, they started together a free string program for all the students of Kaua’i under the parent organization Kaua’i Association for Music Education (KauaiMusicEducation.org). Lawson is currently the Director for Kaua’i ‘Ōpio and Keiki Orchestra serving students from ages 4 years old to 18 years old. (www.KauaiKeikiOrch.org).

Lawson’s band, Desperado Orchestra has performed nationally since 2010. To find out more CLICK HERE.

Priscilla Matthews (Piano): Hello! My name is Priscilla Matthews. I am eighteen years old and a current senior at Kaua’i High School. From the moment my five-year-old fingers first touched the piano and violin keys, I discovered a lifelong passion for music. I initially began as a piano and violin player, playing violin for 5 years and continuing with piano, 13 years strong. I joined my school band as a French horn and piano player, my senior year marking 7 years involved, including 3 years with the KCC Wind Symphony. I immersed myself in various roles of these ensembles. I was appointed as a section leader in my sophomore year and eventually, a drum major in my senior year. As drum major, I created our homecoming halftime show and continue to conduct at various sports events. On January 1st this year, I had the honor of marching in the 135th annual Rose Parade with Na Koa Ali’i, the Hawai’i All-State Marching Band. Being one of the 300 nominated students from public and private schools across the state, I cherished this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent my home and share the beauty of music with a global audience. Music has played a pivotal role in shaping my identity, and I am eager to share my passion with others and inspire future generations of musicians.

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Classes for individual lessons run all year round.

Since 2018 we have not been able to offer our summer program. This year, 2024 we will be offering “Summer Ensembles” for one week in June and July. Our summer ensemble includes a recorded performance, a live performance and a video recording.