Vlad Bgatov

Biography

Mr. B is a passionate music educator, performer, and director who has dedicated his career to helping students discover the joy of music while building strong technique, confidence, and musical expression. With experience teaching all levels of choral and instrumental music, including violin, viola, strings, choir, voice, music theory, and musical theatre, Mr. B works with students of all ages, voice types, genres, and musical styles.

Mr. B is a firm believer in Christ, and in all that he does, he seeks to do it for the glory of Jesus Christ, his personal Lord and Savior. His faith is at the center of his teaching, leadership, musicianship, and desire to help students use their gifts with excellence, humility, and purpose.

Mr. B holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance from Point Loma Nazarene University, where he studied voice under Craig Johnson. Prior to that, he studied voice under Mary McKenzie, developing a strong foundation in vocal technique, performance, and musicianship. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University, further strengthening his approach as an educator and mentor.

In addition to his vocal studies, Mr. B studied choral music and conducting under Dr. Daniel Jackson, who has been a close mentor since 2007. This mentorship helped shape Mr. B’s approach to choral education, ensemble leadership, musical excellence, and student-centered teaching.

Mr. B has been teaching music since 2012, working with students across a wide range of ages and levels. His experience includes K–3 general music, middle school and high school instrumental music, middle school and high school choral music, music theory, private voice, violin, viola, and ensemble instruction. He has taught students from the beginning stages of music-making through advanced performance preparation, helping them develop strong musical foundations, confidence, and artistry.

In addition to teaching, Mr. B has performed professionally as both an instrumentalist and vocalist. As a string musician, he has performed with symphonies, quartets, and local churches. As a vocalist, he has sung in local theatres throughout Southern California, performing classical and Broadway repertoire in various roles. He has also served as a section leader and performed in various churches before later stepping into musical direction and leadership roles.

In his violin studies, Mr. B trained under Michael Tseitlin, and he is a firm believer in teaching technique that intentionally builds and develops over time. He places strong emphasis on the technical foundations that help students grow correctly from the beginning, including proper bow hold, posture, tone production, intonation, and developing a healthy, controlled vibrato. Mr. B is also experienced in correcting technical habits and helping students understand the small details and nuances that are especially critical for beginning musicians.

As a voice teacher, Mr. B has experience teaching all levels of voice, working with a wide range of voice types, genres, and styles. Whether students are developing healthy vocal technique, preparing for auditions, learning to perform confidently, or exploring different styles of music, he helps them build an expressive and versatile voice.

Mr. B has also musically directed 15 Broadway-style musical productions, giving students opportunities to grow as performers, singers, actors, and ensemble members. Through musical theatre, he helps students develop stage presence, vocal expression, teamwork, and confidence.

His teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that good technique is the foundation for musical success. Whether a student is picking up an instrument for the first time, developing as a vocalist, singing in a choir, or preparing for a performance, Mr. B focuses on helping each student grow with patience, encouragement, and clear instruction.

At Mr. B’s Music Studio, students are encouraged to develop not only their musical skills, but also discipline, creativity, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Whether through private lessons, voice coaching, small ensembles, or performance preparation, Mr. B is committed to helping each student use their gifts with excellence and joy for the glory of Jesus Christ.

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