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About Melody Mentors

Kids Teaching Kids Music

Our Mission

Empowering the Next Generation of Musicians & Leaders

At Melody Mentors, we've turned the traditional music classroom upside-down — and the results have been extraordinary. Our program is built on a simple but radical idea: young musicians learn best from those who were just a few years ahead of them on the same journey. Our student instructors — ages 12 to 17 — have navigated the same tricky chord changes, the same stage-fright jitters, and the same "I'll never get this" moments that their students face today.

That shared experience creates something no adult teacher can replicate: a bond of genuine understanding. When a 13-year-old guitar mentor tells a 9-year-old beginner "I was exactly where you are two years ago," the learner listens differently — and the mentor grows in ways that go far beyond music. They develop patience, communication, leadership, and an ownership of their own artistry that lasts a lifetime.

Founded in 2019, Melody Mentors has connected hundreds of budding musicians with peer instructors across guitar, piano, voice, and percussion. Every lesson is a two-way exchange: students gain skills, and mentors gain purpose. Together, we're building a community where music education isn't something that happens to kids — it's something they create for each other.

Meet Our Lead Mentors

Talented young musicians sharing their passion, one student at a time.

Dylan watanabe
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Dylan Watanabe
Guitar Mentor · Age 16

Dylan began his musical journey at age four on the piano, developing a strong foundation in music and expression. By age seven, he discovered the guitar and quickly fell in love with its versatility and rich sound. Since then, Dylan has immersed himself in a wide range of musical genres from classical and jazz to rock and pop, continually expanding his skills and deepening his passion for music.

He currently studies classical guitar under Brian Barany at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, where he refines his technique and musical interpretation. Dylan has been a finalist and earned top honors in numerous competitions, including the Musical Arts Competition of Orange County, the Texas Guitar Competition and Festival, the Dan Stover Music Competition, and IAPMT, showcasing both his talent and dedication to his craft.

A sophomore at South Pasadena High School in Southern California, Dylan plays electric guitar in the school’s jazz band, blending technical precision with creative improvisation. Outside of music, he is a tennis player and an avid member of the speech and debate team, where he enjoys engaging with ideas and honing his public speaking skills.

For Dylan, music is more than a hobby; it is a powerful outlet for self-expression and a meaningful way to connect with others.

Acoustic Electric Blues Fingerpicking
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Jeremy chen
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Jerem Chen
Violin · Age 16

Jeremy has been playing the violin since the age of five. Through music, he has found opportunities to grow, connect with others, and share something deeply meaningful to him.

Jeremy's musical journey has been marked by a commitment to excellence and a passion for sharing his love of music with others. He has studied under renowned instructors, including Dr. Robert Lipsett at the Colburn School, where he has honed his technique and musicality.

He has had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, an unforgettable experience. He has also earned second place multiple times in the Open Division at the Satori competition and has participated in numerous festivals through the Glendale branch of MTAC. Through these experiences, he has come to understand that music is not just about performance—it is about the dedication behind practice, the friendships formed along the way, and the joy of sharing music with others.

Classical Pop Songwriting Music Theory
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Justin Kim
Clarinet · Age 16

Justin has been playing the clarinet since the end of third grade, developing a strong connection to music from an early age. His musical journey began with the piano, which sparked a lasting passion that has continued to grow over the years. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into a deep appreciation for the discipline, creativity, and expression that music offers.

Throughout his development as a musician, Justin has taken part in several notable ensembles, including the Tumon Bay Youth Orchestra and the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestras. These experiences have allowed him not only to refine his technical skills, but also to collaborate with fellow musicians, perform for diverse audiences, and gain a deeper understanding of ensemble performance.

Justin is especially grateful to the teachers, mentors, friends, and family members who have supported and encouraged him along the way, helping to make his musical journey both enjoyable and meaningful. As he continues to grow as a clarinetist and musician, he hopes to share his love of music with others and bring joy, inspiration, and connection to every performance he gives.

Rock Jazz Polyrhythm Rudiments
Contact Us

Let's Make Music Together

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