After teaching the program for over 8 years, in both the Bay Area and New York City, Rana is ecstatic to be the new director of Music Together in the Tri-Valley. Bringing the joy of music into people's lives, hearts, and homes is one of Rana's greatest joys... second only to making music with her own family.

Originally from the Bay Area, Rana began her creative career in junior high with The Belasco Theatre Company, performing in several musicals each year, and meeting the people who would become most influential in her life. She went on to graduate with honors from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a BFA in Musical Theater, as well as The Founders Day Award for academic excellence. 

Rana has been teaching voice, acting, dance and music, directing (and choreographing) both youth productions and adult theatre, and coaching private lessons for singers, musicians and actors for almost two decades. Rana feels that introducing young children to music is of the utmost importance, not only to the future of the planet, but to the health and well-being of its individuals. In the wise words of Victor Wooten, "Music can save the world." 

Rana is a registered Music Together and Canta y Baila Conmigo^® teacher, and was awarded Certification Level 1 Music Together® in 2019 for outstanding achievement in teaching and articulation of the program.

Ranjani Jones grew up on Long Island, NY in a house filled with education in the arts, especially music. She grew up engulfed in her ballet, tap and jazz classes. She was exposed to voice, piano and guitar lessons at a young age. However it wasn’t until she was in her early 20’s that she got serious about playing the guitar. She currently performs under the name “Gypsy Jones” or with “RJ and The Armadillos”.

She has been teaching private music lessons for over a decade and specializes in lessons with younger children. As a new mother she discovered Music Together and fell in love with the knowledge the program provides. She is thrilled to be in the Music Together family and is looking forward to making music with you!

Ranjani is a Registered Music Together Teacher

Makena Mueller has worked as a Teaching Artist in both the Bay Area and New York City for over six years. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and performs regularly in productions throughout Northern California.

While she has experience in vocal directing, choreographing, and directing youth productions, as well as teaching private voice, she is ecstatic to be joining the amazing teachers and families of Music Together Tri-Valley! Early childhood education is such an important keystone to music development, and she can't wait to join you all on the journey! 

Makena is a Registered Music Together Teacher

Spencer Evans is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter who believes in the power of music. He’s been singing and playing guitar since he was 12… and that’s a long time! Spencer received his degree in Theatre Arts from UC Santa Cruz, where he focused on music, dance and storytelling in performance.

Over the years, he has picked up piano, ukulele, mandolin and (is currently working on) violin.

Spencer is a Registered Music Together Teacher

Teacher Hope grew up in the Bay Area and comes from a musical family and performance background, having worked for many years here in the Bay Area and on the East Coast between Maine and Florida playing original Americana and Traditional American Roots music. A lead and harmony vocalist with four albums published with her East Bay bands, the Hopeful Romantics, and Savage Bond, she is an award-winning songwriter, and recording artist, rhythm guitar player and was also a finalist in the Great American Song Contest. Audience participation has always been a big part of her performance and she brings that joy of sing-alongs and a welcoming spirit to her Music Together® family classes. Hope is a registered Music Together teacher.

“I’ve performed all across the country and the most fun I’ve had with music is teaching Music Together classes!  Being with small children, leading them to discover how instruments sound and feel in their hands, how powerful it is to chant, dance and sing within a group of joyful music makers is an experience it is my privilege to have every day. We have a lot of fun. Best job ever!”

Hope is a Registered Music Together Teacher

Sujatha Maheshwari’s musical exploration began with the piano at the age of 7 and she started playing the flute at age 9. Her mentors include flutists Alberto Almarza and Paula Robison, with whom she studied at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. At NEC she received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Flute Performance. Several years later she became an improvisational artist and began composing original music. A child of Indian immigrants, she was immersed in the sounds of Indian music from a young age, which has greatly influenced the way she hears and relates to music. She now blends a variety of sounds and forms in her unique style.

Sujatha performs regularly with her world music collective Transparent Radiance, which blends Hindustani, Middle Eastern, & Western classical sounds, poetry, & movement. She also performs solo recitals and chamber music concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sujatha’s musical sensibility arises spontaneously from her mystical relationship with life. Her improvisations and compositions are channeled to evoke a sense of beauty from the wellspring of interconnectedness.

Sujatha is a Registered Music Together Teacher