Greg McLaughlin is Chair of the Music Department and serves as Director of Instrumental Music Activities at Sierra College. Greg holds degrees in flute performance from CSU-Sacramento (BM, 1983, MA, 1994). He has served on the faculty at Sierra College since 1991, primarily as Director of Jazz and Instrumental Studies. He has instructed many performing groups including the Jazz Ensemble and the award-winning vocal group, the Sierra College Jazz Voices. As a dedicated educator, Greg has been a private instructor in the Sacramento area since 1976.

Elizabeth holds a B.M. in clarinet performance from CSU Northridge and M.M. degrees in clarinet performance. She has performed with Raleigh Symphony, North Carolina Theater, National Opera, Gold Coutry Chamber, California Winds Music in the Mountains, and Apollo Orchestras. She has served on the faculties of North Caroina Wesleyan, Meredith College, and Sierra College. She is currently a member of ClariSonix Quartet, Scramento Choral Society & Orchestra, and InConcert Sierra.

Tyler has completed his A.A. in Music at Sierra College and his B.A. in Music at California State University, Sacramento. As a self taught musician, he appreciates the importance of education and lessons to enable students of all levels reach their goals. Tyler is kind, patient and enthusiastic with all of his students, and greets everyone he meets with a huge smile. He is quickly becoming a McLaughlin Studio favorite!

Amanda is a seasoned violinist with a 25-year journey in playing the violin. Her rich musical experience includes being the principal violinist for the McLaughlin Community Orchestra, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication. Throughout her musical career, Amanda has actively participated in various community orchestras, contributing her passion for music to a broader audience. With a profound belief that music education should be a delightful, challenging, and uplifting experience, Amanda brings a unique perspective to teaching.

Professional musician Phillip DeTore is a reputable drummer in Northern California. He currently balances a busy performing schedule with various jazz projects including trios and big bands while continuing his dedication to music education through private instruction in the Placer County area. For the past five years, Phillip has also taught percussion for both Horizon and Vision Charter Schools.

Norma received her PharmD from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. She is an accomplished cellist, performing with multiple groups including the Bakersfield Symphony, Musica da Camera Chamber Orchestra, Bakersfield Music Theatre Orchestra, Auburn and Folsom Symphonies and many community groups throughout the years. Norma has several years of experience teaching private lessons in cello performance as well as coaching string ensembles. She loves watching her students succeed and enjoys sharing the joy of music with others

Music has been the heart of Cora Borello’s life for as long as she can remember. With over ten years of teaching experience, and a certification in music production, she loves helping artists of all ages discover their own unique sound. Cora is currently pursuing dual degrees in Vocal Performance and Composition and Music Business. She is always trying to find new ways to grow as a musician and mentor.

Through her record label, Cora supports and guides artists across all genres, whether they are just starting out or ready to take the stage. She teaches and performs in both English and Spanish, blending styles and cultures to create something truly special. Cora’s goal is to make music education a creative, inspiring, and empowering experience for everyone who walks through her door.

Talented and hard-working, Steven Paschka is a gifted musician who delights in helping others achieve musical excellence with their chosen instrument. He has over 20 years of musical experience with guitar, piano, ukulele and choral singing.

Steven has been writing his own music since the age of thirteen. He currently writes, records and produces his own music, focusing on multiple styles including rock with hints of acoustic, orchestral and EDM, a setting in which he uses his musical knowledge to record the sounds of a 5-7 person band and orchestra.

We are lucky to have such a dedicated and enthusiastic teacher as one of our staff members!

Rich Welker has played the trumpet professionally and in community organizations for over fifty years. He started playing the trumpet in high school. During high school, Rich began working at Bronstein Music in South San Francisco and continued working there through college. He holds a BS degree in biology with an emphasis in environmental physiology from the University of San Francisco. After graduation, he became the manager of Bronstein Music and purchased the business in 1981. Working in the music business has given Rich a multitude of opportunities. He has had the opportunity to work and play professionally with Burt Bacharach, Smokey Robinson, Merv Griffin, Jimmy Buffet, Zak Brown, Kurt Elling, and in innumerable musicals.

After selling the store to a long-time employee, Rich and his wife retired to Auburn. He joined the Sierra College Symphonic and Jazz bands, and continues to perform professionally in a number of local community musicals.

James Budean has been surrounded by music his entire life. He began his music career by sitting at the piano with his eldest sister, making up melodies while she played. He eventually began his own formal entry into music by taking up the euphonium in 5th Grade Band. He continued with euphonium and added the trombone while in high school at Granite Bay, playing in the Emerald Brigade Marching Band, the Concert Band, and the Jazz Ensemble. With Granite Bay High School, he had the opportunity to participate in festivals at Sonoma State University, and the Pacific Basin Music Festival in Hawaii. He now attends Sierra College where he has played in the Jazz Ensemble and continues to play in their Symphonic Band. He also plays for his church orchestra and sings and plays in a variety of choirs and ensembles. James volunteers in an accompaniment orchestra for the Muntean School of Music Orchestra and Trinity Christian School, for their Christmas and Easter musical productions. He also enjoys the opportunity to teach and give lessons to young brass students here at McLaughlin Studios.