Our Teachers
Jy Gronner
Founder and Director, Piano
Jy Gronner began classical studies at age six and was trained in piano in Oxford, England, and piano and conducting at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. In addition, Jy earned a Bachelor of Fun Arts at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Clown College.
As a Simply Music teacher, Jy has achieved Master Teacher status, was named International Teacher of the Month in 2010, authored a chapter in the book A World Where Everyone Plays, presents regularly at conferences, and has authored organization-wide teacher training and student home materials.
Jy owned and operated a studio in Marin County for eight years before moving to LA to open a school in Pacific Palisades, where she combines her skill as an experienced teacher of all ages with her passion for music. She loves to be a regular witness to the almost ineffable joy experienced by students as they find new ways to express themselves emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Guy Clearwater
Piano, Music Production
Guy Clearwater was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and was not only surrounded by music since birth, but was raised on Simply Music. Having started Simply Music piano lessons at age seven, he also plays drums and violin, produces music, and is an aspiring DJ.
Guy holds the distinction of having become Simply Music's youngest teacher when he was certified at age sixteen. Now held in high esteem by the teacher community, and continuously growing in popularity among students, Guy possesses exceptional musical knowledge and a unique ability to communicate that knowledge.
Guy’s passion is composing, improvising, and creating new arrangements of classical, contemporary, and blues pieces. He loves making an active contribution to students’ discovery of their musical creativity.
Radina Veliova
Piano, Voice
Radina is a dedicated vocal coach, professional singer, pianist, and front singer/songwriter of the award-winning electronic music duo Fatmagic. Trained in piano and various vocal techniques from an early age, Radina went on to study with renowned coaches through her college years and beyond, including jazz at Vienna’s Schubert Conservatory and private study with the renowned Rocio Guitard.
Radina understands the critical importance of healthy vocal technique for singers of all types – professional as well as amateur. Her love of teaching is clearly apparent, as well as the sense of pride she sees her students experience when reaching their goals.
Radina holds an M.S. from the University of Vienna, is an associate teacher and member of IVTOM - International Voice Teachers of Mix, and speaks four languages.
Lucy Clearwater
Voice, ‘Ukulele, Guitar
With two musicians for parents, Lucy Clearwater has spent most of her life learning, composing, performing, and teaching music.
She has enjoyed success as an award-winning singer and songwriter (local "Idol” winner; PTA's "Reflections" national songwriting contest 1st place (CA)/2nd place (USA), had numerous leading roles in professional-level musicals (including starring in a critically-acclaimed production of Les Miserables), and toured with an award-winning youth orchestra as a first violinist.
Lucy realized her natural ability to share her knowledge at a young age, formally beginning her teaching career at age 13. She quickly became a sought-after instructor of voice, violin, ukulele, and guitar, eventually specializing in preparing students for auditions in musical theatre, contests, ensemble placements, etc., and continues to enjoy life as a frequent performer and teacher as she works on her debut album.