Meet The Team

Chuck James has been a playing the drums since he was 12 years old. He played in the US military band, and later moved to LA to continue his career, which brought to Hawaii. 

Chuck has been an educator / professional performer in Hawaii for 40 + years.

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Chuck started Chuck James Drum Studio in the 70's and since 2000, the "Drum Studio" transitioned into a "Music School" where we provide music lessons for many different instrumentations. 

Justin is a professional drummer who was taught by his father Chuck James.  Justin graduated from Hawaii Pacific University on a full music scholarship while obtaining his BA in business management.  He later continued his career as professional musician here on Hawaii and as well spent 13 years performing in the Vancouver, British Columbia music scene. 

 

In addition to music, Justin is a Black Belt Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and owner of Gracie Barra Aloha Stadium.

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Summer is a local Hawaii girl who has lived half her life out of state in New York / Ohio / Oregon. Now back on the

islands to share her wealth of knowledge and experiences. 

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She is a wife, and mother of 3 boys.  When not listening to the notes of Saxophone lessons next to her desk, you may find Summer volunteering at New Hope or spending time at the beach with her family.

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Sonia is a former court mediator with degrees in Comparative Philosophy and Comparative Religion who took her studies to the development of peace education through the arts.   Besides teaching in Hawaii’s public and private schools  for 20 years, she promoted peace education by supporting local and visiting multicultural artists by producing several radio and TV shows related to the arts, peace and wellness.

When not at CJMS encouraging and caring for the musical growth of our students, she is cultivating peace through plants, animals and the arts on a farm dedicated to the arts and culture in Wai’anae.

Saundra is Illinois born, but Hawaii raised.  She has been working with CJMS for 7 years, and we could not be happier to have her heading our Wahiawa location. 

She is a proud mother of 2 boys.

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When not at CJMS, Saundra works for a Holistic Practitioner ... so if you have questions about health alternatives, she's got you covered.

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Brian has been a student of CJMS for many years in which he studied with Aaron Aranita. Through lessons, dedication, and his natural talents Brian has become an incredible Pianist, and Vocalist.  Keep your ears and eyes out for Brian as his music career is just getting started. 

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We are so happy to have Brian as part of our administration team for the last 2 years.

 

Brian doubles as music instructor as well. He teaches Piano at all 3 of all our locations.