ABOUT THE TEACHER

PROFESSIONAL BIO

Ms. Johee is a versatile pianist, composer, theorist, and educator with extensive training in both performance and composition. She earned her bachelor's in music performance from UCI, studying under Dr. Lorna Griffit, and later shifted her focus to composition for her master's degree at Cal State Fullerton. Her master's thesis, "The Awakening," an orchestral piece conducted by Kimo Furumoto, earned recognition from the composition department. Continuing her studies, Ms. Johee joined the Scoring for Motion Pictures and TV program at USC Thornton School of Music, where she studied under Jack Smalley, known for his work on popular TV series.

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At USC, Ms. Johee composed numerous orchestral pieces, many of which were recorded at Paramount Studios, and collaborated with young directors from the American Film Institute, scoring several short films. She gained valuable experience interning with film composer Christopher Young, known for his work on "Spider-Man 3" and "The Grudge."

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Ms. Johee’s expertise spans classical, jazz, film music, and advanced theory, making her a highly skilled and detail-oriented composer. Alongside her composition work, she is a dedicated music instructor passionate about providing tailored lessons to students of all ages. Her teaching approach emphasizes a blend of technical proficiency and creative expression, inspiring students to explore different musical genres.