Judy Cruces – Violin, Piano and Voice Instructor

Judy holds a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Violin Performance from California State University, East Bay, and a Master’s Degree in Music Education with an emphasis in Kodály from the University of Redlands. She is also a certified Kodály Specialist through The Kodály Center. Her violin studies were guided by Josh Cohen, Philip Santos, and Leah Wollenberg, and her choral training took place under the direction of Dr. Buddy James, Dr. László Norbert Nemes, and Réka Csernyik.

In her teaching, Judy uses a blended curriculum drawing on both classical and contemporary methods, incorporating Suzuki and Kodály materials to build strong technical and musical foundations.

As an active orchestral musician, Judy has performed with the Cal State East Bay Orchestra, Community Women’s Orchestra, and Castro Valley Orchestra. She currently performs with several folk, country, and Americana bands, with festival credits including BottleRock and King of the Hammers, along with other large festivals throughout Northern and Southern California. She’s also a regular presence on the local music scene, performing frequently at venues throughout San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda.

She has also directed youth choirs and string ensembles, creating meaningful performance and collaboration opportunities for her students. She’s excited to get you started on your musical journey!

Alive or Dead, What Musician would you do anything to see?

There are so many but I would have loved to see Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Lady Gaga, Lindsey Sterling, Ella Fitzgerald.

Greatest Musical Influence?

My violin teacher, Josh Cohen, and my choir conductor, Dr. Buddy James!

Any hidden talents besides music?

Organize and rearranging spaces! I think I was a interior designer in a past life.

What did you want to be while you were growing up?

A Veterinarian, then later a Music teacher

If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?

Definitely teleportation

If you could master any other instrument which would it be?

I would love to learn cello and steel drum proficiently!

Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?

That one time I was able to performing at Yoshi’s in Jack London with a my band at the time.

It’s your last meal: What would it be?

All the lengua tacos with extra green sauce and limes!

You are sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?

This is such a hard question! I love all music and listen to a group/artist depending on my mood…but I would have to say any Ella Fitzgerald album.

If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?
Play with not hesitation! The best thing about music is that even when we think it’s a mistake, it’s an opportunity to create something beautiful or new.