North County-based singer/songwriter Joanie Mendenhall recently launched a private music studio in coastal Encinitas. No stranger to the teaching scene, Mendenhall was with Giacoletti Music in Carlsbad for over five years before branching out on her own. “I’m grateful to have been there,” she notes. “They are such an important part of the community and have a long tradition of music education in North County. I’ll always feel a connection to the music school and the people there.” A talented multi-instrumentalist trained in classical piano, Mendenhall offers piano lessons ranging from classical to pop improv/chart reading, as well as instruction in songwriting and recording arts, helping young musicians to shape their songs and take on basic arranging, production, and recording via Pro Tools. (760/828-1144, studio@joaniemendenhall.com) JANE SHIOMI
