Our Music Teachers

Tim Staump

Owner & Drums

Tim, a renowned and versatile drummer, brings his extensive knowledge in concert promotion, engineering, and music production to the table.

With years of experience as a performer both in the studio and on stage, Tim’s reputation as a skilled drummer precedes him. He has studied under legendary drummers like Zoro, Mark Schulman, Daniel Glass, and Bruce Becker, refining his craft and solidifying his expertise.

Tim’s dedication to percussion studies and his impassioned approach have led him to become a respected music educator. He is a proud member of the Vic Firth education team and the Sabian education network, further demonstrating his commitment to sharing his knowledge with aspiring musicians.

Throughout his impressive 24-year career, Tim has collaborated with various singer-songwriters in the greater Southern California area. His vast experience and musical versatility make him a sought-after collaborator and mentor.

In 2008, Tim founded the Staump Music School as a testament to his unwavering passion for enriching lives through music. Serving as an advocate for musical education through alternative means, he offers independent musicians and children of all ages quality and affordable music education, studio services, and mentorship. Today, he is still working actively with drum students; however, when he is not in the lesson room he can be found at the recording studio.

Beyond his work at Staump, Tim actively contributes to the East County community. As the chairperson of the Santee Street Fair, he spearheads an annual event that showcases the talents of local businesses, fostering a vibrant and supportive environment.

Rachel Bradford

Voice, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Songwriting

Rachel Bradford is an accomplished singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who possesses exceptional skills in voice, guitar, piano, bass, and ukulele. She is native to San Diego and fine-tuned her vocal abilities at Artistsmax where she studied under the guidance of Ken Caillat. She also had the opportunity to refine her talents with vocal coach Ken Stacey.

With a music degree focused on vocal performance under the esteemed Dr. Randall Tweed, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a music instructor. She excels in teaching group voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, Rock classes, and private lessons seamlessly blending her remarkable talent, commitment, and invaluable real-world performing experience. Her trademark passion and enthusiasm infuse every classroom session, inspiring her students to reach their full potential.

Rachel’s profound love for music is evident through her ability to effortlessly share her own original compositions and her ardent commitment to teaching others how to play their favorite songs. She has graced the stages of renowned venues across Southern California, captivating audiences at iconic locations such as the Whiskey-a-Go-Go, House of Blues, Lestat’s West, the Santee Summer Concert Series, and the NAMM show in 2016.

As an ASCAP recognized publisher, songwriter and a member of Grammy U, Rachel’s musical achievements extend beyond her captivating performances. She has released multiple singles including her debut EP, “Somehow,” in 2013, showcasing her exceptional songwriting skills and artistic vision. Furthermore, Rachel’s status as an alumnus of the esteemed Staump Music School ensures that she possesses the unique qualifications to guide and mentor students through the institution. She epitomizes the core values of Staump, embodying quality, dedication, and musical excellence in every facet of her work.

Showcasing her exceptional songwriting skills, Rachel continues writing her own music as well as supporting her students and their creative song-writing pursuits. In her spare time, she continues to explore other talents such as knitting and crochet. She is also an ardent lifelong learner and has expanded her linguistic capacity to include Spanish and Italian for fun; although recently she has explored engineering and mathematics too.

​​Wes Haskell

Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Ukulele

Wes Haskell, an esteemed music instructor at Staump Music School, imparts his expertise in drums, piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele to eager learners. Having obtained a music degree from Grossmont College in El Cajon, Wes has dedicated his life’s work to teaching music and igniting a passion for the art form in young musicians. His mission is to inspire the next generation and equip them with the skills necessary for a fulfilling and successful musical journey.

Renowned for his patient and enthusiastic demeanor, Wes approaches each lesson with his signature energy, whether delving into music theory and rudiments or facilitating a dynamic rock band experience. His adaptability allows him to tailor lessons to accommodate the diverse learning needs of his students, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience for all.

Born and raised in San Diego, Wes has captivated audiences throughout Southern California at renowned venues such as the Whiskey-a-Go-Go, the House of Blues, and the San Diego County Fair. Throughout the past decade, Wes has been involved in various musical projects, showcasing his drumming skills live and in studio.

Drawing inspiration from notable musicians such as Tim Staump, Rich Redmond, Mark Schulman, Zoro the Drummer, James Morton, and Daniel Glass, Wes continues to evolve and refine his craft. His commitment to his students and his unwavering passion for music shine through in every aspect of his teaching, making him an invaluable asset to the Staump Music School community.

During Wes’s leisure time, he is a fervent sports enthusiast and as much as possible attends local baseball games to support the San Diego Padres. He also enjoys cycling and other kinesthetic pursuits. Recently, he purchased a Can Am Ryker to cruise around in style.

Hanabi Ito

Piano, Voice, Saxophone

Hanabi’s passion for making arts education accessible to all students is evident in her commitment to excellence. As a music instructor, she imparts her expertise in voice, piano, guitar, drums, and ukulele to students ranging from five to eighteen years old. Whether in private or group instruction settings, Hanabi creates a positive and engaging learning environment, fostering growth and musical development.

Hanabi’s dedication to developing an accessible piano curriculum for beginners ensures that all students can embark on their musical journey with confidence. Her meticulous practice logs enable students to track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments.

Hanabi’s educational background, including a Teaching Credential in Music K-12 and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from San Diego State University, provides her with a solid foundation in music theory, pedagogy, and performance. Her achievements, such as being a Dean’s List honoree and serving as the Soprano Section Leader of SDSU Choirs, reflect her dedication to excellence and her ability to lead by example.

Her previous experiences as a credentialed music instructor at Patrick Henry High School showcases her exceptional leadership skills and ability to create meaningful musical experiences. Presently, at Staump Music School, we recognize Hanabi Ito as a valuable asset, and we are honored to have her share her passion, expertise, and dedication with our students. Hanabi has been a music educator at Staump Music School for the last five years. Recently, she has been accepted to Harvard Graduate School of Education to pursue a graduate degree in Education Reform. During this time, Hanabi will still be providing virtual lessons.

In her spare time, she enjoys providing translation services to Japanese Businesses. Hanabi enjoys attending concerts and visiting Disneyland when her time permits.

Erin Nossal

Office Admin, Guitar, Piano, Ukulele, Drums, Flute

Erin Nossal is a talented musician, educator, and administrator who has made a significant impact in the world of music. As a former student of Staump Music School, Erin developed a profound passion for music from a young age. Today, she stands as a versatile multi-instrumentalist, specializing in teaching piano, guitar, ukulele, drums, and flute in both group and private settings.

Erin earned her Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. As the first person customers interact with at Staump Music School, Erin is committed to ensuring a warm and welcoming experience from the very beginning. Additionally, Erin possesses a remarkable talent for video editing and production. She actively aids in recording and producing captivating videos of students’ performances, showcasing their musical growth.

Throughout middle school, high school, and college, Erin actively participated in various musical endeavors. She was a prominent member of the drumline and band, serving as the band president for two years. Her dedication to music has granted her opportunities to perform at renowned venues such as Whisky A Go-Go and across San Diego at Lestat’s and events like the Santee Street Fair.

Music has always been an integral part of Erin’s life, growing up in a household of professional musicians. Her father has toured professionally across the United States and in Japan and has performed locally for over 40 years. Her sister is a talented musical theater actress and has been cast in lead roles at prominent San Diego theater companies.

While music is her primary passion, Erin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in sustainability, reflecting her dedication to animals and the environment. Erin also finds joy in exploring the enchanting world of Disney and indulging in the timeless melodies of the Beatles.

Emily Gardiner

Piano, Voice

Emily Gardiner, a passionate and dedicated music teacher with a wealth of experience in both piano and voice instruction. As a lifelong learner and continuing student at Staump Music School, Emily’s musical journey began during her early childhood years. Ever since then, she has been deeply involved in the vibrant music community, leaving her mark as an exceptional performer in numerous Staump Music School events, including performances at the Whiskey-A- Go-GO, Santee Street Fair, Santee Salutes, among others.

Emily’s talent extends beyond performance; she is also an accomplished ASCAP singer-songwriter with multiple singles released. Her commitment to musical education led her to pursue further studies at Grossmont Community College under the guidance of Melonie Grinell and Dr. Randall Tweed.

Celebrated for her powerful, captivating singing voice, and expressive abilities make her a sought after instructor for aspiring singers of all levels. Emily possesses incredible patience and a genuine devotion for helping students reach their full ability. Emily employs a gentle, nurturing style, creating a comfortable and supportive learning environment for her students.

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