Since her appointment in 2005, she has served as the program director for the early-childhood education and has been a certified instructor and trainer for the Harmony Road Music Courses for children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years old. She holds an active membership with the Music Teachers’ Association of California, as well as teaching credential in multiple-subjects issued by the State of California. 

With the combination of bachelor’s degree in piano performance and master’s degree in education, Ms. Oates has developed instructional techniques that are infallible and effective. Her young students have successfully participated in annual programs including Certificate of Merit, Piano Solo Competition, and Piano Ensemble Festivals. 

 

Ms. Oates is currently the President of the Music Teacher Association (MTAC)'s Orange County North Branch. 

Here’s what Ms. Oates has to say about learning music: 
“Music is a universal language.  Therefore, it is my belief that any child has the ability to learn and love music.  And even though the measurement of success may be different for each child, the love for music will last a lifetime. For the past 20 years, I have been blessed to be able to introduce countless students and parents to this wonderful journey of music.  And the beautiful thing is that even though everyone's journey starts off the same way, I am always pleasantly surprised how music has influenced their lives.  I have seen my students become movie score composer, Indie music writer and performer, and some of them just simply love playing and making music in college.”

An important aspect of her life is family. Ms. Oates enjoys spending down time with her husband and her two sons, Cameron and Connor. She says raising kids in this generation is not an easy task. She has to constantly remind herself not to freak out and become a ‘tiger mom’. With two boys, age 6 and 10, Ms. Oates and her husband have two key mottos to live by in their household: Nothing good will come of laziness, and a little kindness goes a long way!