About

Jared Nepute founded JN Music Studio in 2015 after moving to San Diego from New York City. He is a classically trained pianist, guitarist, vocalist, and composer. He received his Bachelor of Music from New York University. He has won numerous piano competitions including the AMSA World Piano Competition performing at Carnegie Hall and the United Nations. He also was cast as the lead in the National Broadway Tour of American Idiot with over 200 performances. He is a member of the MTNA (Music Teacher’s National Association) and has over a decade of experience teaching music privately to hundreds of students of all ages.

In 2022, he began his first Christmas songbook, arranging classic Christmas Carols for advanced pianists in a classically-cinematic style. He released his debut solo piano arrangement of “O Come All Ye Faithful” which has been purchased worldwide, including all over the United States, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore.

He currently serves as the Worship Pastor at The Gathering Church in Mira Mesa. In 2016, he married his wife, Kelsey, and they now have two children, Noa (4) & Shepherd (2) and a third on the way.

Thomas Albert began studying classical piano at age 9 which has led to numerous recital performances and competitions. In 2021, he placed 2nd in the CAPMT State Competition and 3rd place in the 2019 Southern California Youth Mozart Festival. He received his MTAC Certificate of Merit for Level 9 piano and was invited to perform at the 2022 MTAC State Convention.

In addition to performing, he has composed several original piano solos and taught private and group piano lessons at the Wagner School of Music. Locally, he helps lead worship throughout San Diego.

Michaela Schuler has her degree in Commercial Music at Point Loma Nazarene University, studying film scoring, songwriting, and voice. She has been trained in classical voice and piano for over a decade. She has sung the National Anthem for professional teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks and Phoenix Coyotes. While at PLNU, she received scholarships for classical voice every year. Michaela recently has been accepted to sing in the San Diego Symphony Festival Chorus. She also performs locally in churches, and at sporting events. She is passionate about music and helping others find their love for the arts.

Drinian King has been playing piano for well over a decade. Throughout the years he has played in recitals and completed Certificate of Merit from level 5 and in his senior year of high school he completed the Advanced level. He attended Biola University, graduating in Spring 2023 with a B.M. in Music Performance with an emphasis in Piano. In 2022 he placed 3rd in the Raymond Competition which he entered while attending the MasterWorks Music Festival in South Carolina. He has played in Masterclasses with notable teachers including Sandra Wright Shen, Dr. Wael Farouk, and Dr. Lori Rhoden. While at Biola Drinian had the privilege of studying privately under Dr. Beth Nam Pak, and Dr. Li-Shan Hung.

Drinian has been passionate about expanding his musical horizons. He joined the Biola Chorale, a nationally acclaimed ensemble, from 2021-2022, and the Biola Percussion ensemble from 2022-2023. Throughout his four years at Biola, he worked as a collaborative pianist with several vocalists. Drinian is now pursuing a career in teaching people of all ages how to play piano, incorporating theory and music history.

Ruben Marquez has loved music since childhood. He has been singing as long as he can remember, and began studying trumpet in 6th grade and then later, piano and guitar. In 2011 and 2012, Ruben toured the western US and Canada with WCBC as a lead singer in a male quartet. Later that year, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Bible and Religious Music.

Ruben has since taught and performed, taking joy in watching others grow in skill and in love for music. He was the music director at Fundamental Baptist Church in Escondido, CA, where he led choir, played piano for congregational and special music, performed with guitar and voice, led a children’s choir, and directed the music schedule. He also taught at Berean Bible Baptist Academy, where he was in charge of teaching the sixth grade, teaching after school private lessons, and preparation for musical performances for Fine Arts competitions. He then moved to San Diego Music Studio in San Marcos, CA, where he taught classes and private lessons for piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, and band.

Ruben hopes to someday be as good a teacher as his former college instructor, Dr. Mike Zachary, whose influence he remembers often. When not focused on music, Ruben’s favorite activities are dilly-dallying with his wife and daughter, cooking, and talking about the Bible.

Nathan is a born and raised San Diegan with a passion for music! Starting at the age of 8, he began his musical journey behind the drum set. This quickly opened his mind to a whole new world of creative possibilities. A few years later, he expanded his musical pallet by taking up the guitar.

Through the years, he has heavily showcased his abilities both on guitar and behind the drums. Some examples include the advanced guitar class ensemble at West Hills High School, playing drum set for musicals including Snoopy! The Musical and Bye Bye Birdie, and live band performances spanning across San Diego venues including House of Blues, SOMA, Soda Bar, and many more. His main passion has been leading worship at churches including Pathways Community Church, Sonrise Church, and Shadow Mountain College Ministry.

Nathan has been serving faithfully at Pathways Community Church for over a decade. He has recently accepted the position as Worship Director. In this role, he oversees the worship team, mentors and guides the volunteer musicians, and ensures a theologically sound worship experience that points and leads all glory to God!

Austin Galbreath is a San Diego native with a passion for sharing his love of music with the community. A classically trained pianist and trumpeter, he earned his Associate of Music degree from Grossmont College. Austin has performed in a wide range of ensembles, exploring styles from Classical to Jazz to Afro-Cuban, under the direction of artists such as Manny Cepeda and Derek Cannon.

In 2023, Austin founded the Jazz Club at Grossmont College, which he continues to lead. Through the club, he has helped educate both aspiring musicians and music enthusiasts in the community. His efforts have included directing workshops for developing artists, organizing free community concerts, and hosting jazz jam sessions. He has also booked performances for schools, libraries, and TEDx events.

Currently, Austin directs the youth worship team at his home church, Pathways Community Church. He also serves as a pianist in the worship band at Pathways and at other churches throughout East County San Diego.

Adam Nenn is a native San Diegan who has a passion for teaching, learning, and performing music. Adam began studying classical piano at 5 years old. He gained a passion for music there, which led him to join his high school choir and begin studying classical voice. He would go on to lead his choir section over multiple tours to Italy, Spain, England, Australia, and Iceland. While there, he would perform in the world’s most prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Vatican, and Harpa Hall, winning multiple national and international choir accolades. Adam later studied Music Education at Point Loma Nazarene University where he gained a deeper understanding and passion for education and musicianship, and started teaching several students privately.

Adam currently sings at La Jolla Presbyterian Church, and his barbershop quartet, Rest Assured. Besides music, he has a passion for cooking, fitness, and reading.

Michael, born and raised in San Diego, began his musical journey with the guitar and drums at the age of 14. He studied various percussion styles throughout high school and beyond, developing a unique drumming style. Michael has years of experience teaching in group classes and individual, private lessons.

He also plays in multiple creative projects, percussion ensembles, and cover bands, performing at a wide range of venues. Michael loves sharing his expertise and passion for music with students of all ages.

Currently, Michael serves in the worship band at his home church and other churches across San Diego County.