James Nobriga

James is a degreed Bachelors of Music Graduate from SJSU and an experienced local performing and recording artist offering lessons in guitar, piano, bass, marching percussion, symphonic percussion (including marimba and timpani), and Drum Set. He is also able to teach and is skilled in Music Theory, recording techniques, song writing techniques. He is also able to perform or record any of the instruments he teaches out of his studio.

As a musician for over 30 years, James has experience playing in worship bands, jazz combos, pop/rock bands, rock/blues bands, symphonic, and marching bands. He earned a Bachelors of Music degree from San Jose State University in 2001, where he studied percussion under Anthony Cirone, and marched under the direction of Scott Pierson for over 4 years. James was recruited with a scholarship to play with the pep band and Marching Band at SJSU out of high school, Milpitas High, where he had marched for 4 years and earned awards and accolades, including the Louis Armstrong award for Jazz drumming and a spot in the Santa Clara county honor band. 

As a recording artist and performing musician, James has recorded and performed with Andy Gridley (www.andygridley.com), Rev City Blues Band (formally The Good News Blues) and has an original band that he and his wife, Katie Joy (see bio below), created called Changing Names (www.wearechangingnames.com), with a full length album for sale online and music videos available.

James has also been the drummer for Mike Amaral's California Beach Boys Tribute Band, a very successful international performing group (www.californiabeachboys.com), for more than 12 years. James has also produced a stage show Event for the fundraising and awareness of the skin disorder Icthyosis called 'Danes Friends for FIRST (www.danesfriendsforfirst.com).  In addition to producing, recording and performing, James was also the Contemporary Worship Arts Producer for Calvary Church of Los Gatos (www.calvarylg.com), where he coached musicians, recruited volunteers, directed bands, arranged music, created music sets, and performed on various instruments for worship services for over 10 years.

I am passionate about creating, performing, and sharing music with others.  My hope is to pass along to others what I have learned and experienced through the art of making music and the spiritual journey I have been on.” - James Nobriga

Katie Joy Nobriga

Katie Joy has been singing for worship, for fun, and for performances for more than 35 years (but, who's counting?). From twice yearly musicals as a child to pursuing music education at college to leading worship at church and finally Changing Names (www.wearechangingnames.com), the band she and her husband, James Nobriga (see bio above), created, her experience is wide ranged and long term.

As a vocal student, she has spent years under the coaching of Lorna Emata Goodwin, a certified instructor for the Seth Riggs' Speech Level Singing technique, and also studies under Lorna as a student learning to teach vocals. Katie began her journey of teaching vocals in 2019 and is excited to grow her student base and help other young vocalists learn to control their instrument, expand their range, master correct technique, and grow into their potential and confidence as singers and performers.

Whether you have a general desire to grow in your ability or specific performance goals, Katie can help prepare you.

Being a singer is unlike any other type of musician, because your voice is your instrument.  It can be hard to receive or accept instruction or criticism when your instrument is literally a part of who you are. My personal growth has taught me how to navigate those tumultuous waters and it is my goal to help others ride those waves as well.” -Katie Joy Nobriga