Welcome our
New Teachers!
Vanessa Martinez
Head Vocal Instructor & Strings
Julliana Marquez
Student Development Coordinator &
Lead Piano Instructor
Natalie Wren
Founder & Principal
Founder - Private Instrument Instruction - Private Vocal Coaching - Principal of Bakersfield School of Art & Music- Midway Elementary Music Program Director - Shafter General Elementary Music Program Director -
Founder - Private Instrument Instruction - Private Vocal Coaching - Principal of Bakersfield School of Art & Music- Midway Elementary Music Program Director - Shafter General Elementary Music Program Director -
We are exceptionally proud to have Ms.Martinez in our school, and even more so thankful to have her in our community.
Natalie Wren wasn’t always a vocal coach or piano teacher. Before then, she was an award-winning musician, the recipient of the Alpha Delta Kappa Fine Arts scholarship, and Performing Arts Degree graduate in the Applied Music Program where-in she studied and practiced under Doug Davis whos performed in concert with Grammy-winning artists, and has recorded more than 170 compositions with Chick Corea, Larry Coryell, Eddie Gomez, Dannie Richmond, and Bennie Wallace.
Since then she’s traveled to perform at the Jazz Education Network Conference in New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, and has worked alongside the Young Women Harmony and Bakersfield College Choir to bring musical excellence at every level. Now, Natalie has focused her sights on her passion - Sharing her love of music with others, and helping them realize the same dream she herself has been able to.
What do you enjoy about teaching music?
“I love sharing music for the same reason I enjoy playing it. There is a tranquility in the experience that I want others to feel, and they do. Seeing the change in people arriving to practice in one mood but leaving with a weight off their shoulders is so rewarding. I’ve taught students from the age of 5 to the age of 70, and it’s amazing to see that feeling of contentment creep in each time.”
Meet the Team
Vanessa Martinez
Head Vocal Instructor and Strings
Vocal Coaching - Choir Services - Guitar Lessons - Ukelele Lessons -
Vocal Coaching - Choir Services - Guitar Lessons - Ukelele Lessons -
We are exceptionally proud to have Ms.Martinez in our school, and even more so thankful to have her in our community.
Vanessa Martinez is a rising star in the Bakersfield Music Community, and we are honored to welcome her into our school as Head Vocal Instructor and Strings. Vanessa's experience in music spans over a decade, with a specialty in String instruments, but her most astounding accomplishments have been in vocal expertise and choir.
Achieving the title of Choir Director at the age of 16 and going on to become a performing multiinstrumentalist, her musical career features substantial highlights. From her studies majoring in Vocal Music at Bakersfield College to her time spent performing for weddings, quinceaneras, and festivals, her talents bring a wealth of knowledge to the private vocal coaching and guitar lessons offered in Bakersfield.
Not only has she worked as a volunteer manager at the Dolores Huerta Foundation, but she's also been honored by Saint Joseph Church for her substantial contributions to community and faith, where she still performs and works today as a Youth Leader, assisting with their music program. As of this writing, Vanessa is currently performing for a fundraising dinner to help provide much-needed repairs to musical equipment at Saint Clamente Church.
What do you enjoy about teaching music?
“I love sharing music for the same reason I enjoy playing it. There is a tranquility in the experience that I want others to feel, and they do. Seeing the change in people arriving to practice in one mood but leaving with a weight off their shoulders is so rewarding. I’ve taught students from the age of 5 to the age of 70, and it’s amazing to see that feeling of contentment creep in each time.”
Julliana Marquez
Student Development Coordinator & Lead Piano Instructor
Notation - Classical Piano - Saxophone - Sight Reading - Modern Piano -Music Theory - Performance - Flute Instruction - Jazz Instrumentation-
Notation - Classical Piano - Saxophone - Sight Reading - Modern Piano -Music Theory - Performance - Flute Instruction - Jazz Instrumentation-
Ms.Marquez brings an energy and zeal for education that helps define our school as a destination for learning.
We’re honored to see Julie Marquez join our studio as Student Development Coordinator. Julie is an elementary school music teacher, and jazz concert musician who’s studies in Music Education at Bakersfield College underline a musical career that brings a unique skill set to the students at BSA&M. Her experience across a variety of instruments spans nearly a decade, ranging from the baritone saxophone to classical piano making her a formidable musician, but her passion for education is what solidifies her as an indispensable part of the Bakersfield School of Art and Music’s staff.
How did your career in teaching start?
“I knew I loved playing since the saxophone in 6th grade, and I realized I had a knack for it when I won “Rookie of the Year” in the Golden Empire DCI Band. Before I started teaching I just thought it would be something to try. Now knowing it’s an experience as special to me as my relationship with music is incredible.”
Whats your favorite class to teach?
”I especially enjoy teaching middle schoolers. I love getting to know all the students, but around that age, they really develop in their personality, and you can start to have a lot of fun exploring their personal styles and interests with them. Many kids I teach don’t have access to instruments at home, so I feel happy knowing I can give them that experience.”
Why is teaching music so important to you?
“Aslong as you have music there’s always something you can look forward to in life! No matter what emotions you’re feeling, there’s a genre that can match it perfectly and give you this unrivaled feeling of being heard or seen. With enough music, you know you’re never alone in whatever you’re going through, good times and bad. ”
Lilli Fitzgerald
Student Art Program Director & Guitar
Sculpting - Painting - Drawing - Collage - Color Theory - Art Graduate -
Sculpting - Painting - Drawing - Collage - Color Theory - Art Graduate -
Ms.Marquez brings an energy and zeal for education that helps define our school as a destination for learning.
Lilli Fitzgerald studied Art History at the Los Angeles University of California before moving to Bakersfield and eventually starting an independent coffee company that showcased her unique artistic talents. She’s received acclaim for her work in doll making, short stories, and poetry having been featured in exhibits in Bakersfield. She has partnered with internationally selling authors, Now turning to education to pass on the skills she’s developed, she offers private lessons to students while publishing her second work, a series of educational books teaching children confidence in art.
You’re the Art Teacher. Why do you teach Guitar?
I was hired at the school to lead the art program. I have a degree in Studio Arts, and it’s what most people know me for, but I just really love playing the guitar. I filled in one day for a guitar class, and it really satisfied me, so for the past few years I’ve dabbled in both!
Whats your favorite class to teach?
”I know many of our students come for drawing, but my passion is collage. I think it’s incredibly approachable, and for most people who want to express themselves, they can achieve some extremely breathtaking pieces by expressing their inner artist without activating the normal insecurities that come along with doing art. It’s an artistic discipline you can pick up and start doing in less than a month.”
Why did you get into teaching art?
“I’ve had a really great career so far. I’ve worked with some of my favorite artists and achieved goals at 30 that I expected would take my entire life. That’s really something to appreciate, and after reflecting on how I got here I realised that my entire career in art comes back to a teacher I had that gave me the bug to start drawing. It feels like the natural next step to pass along the inspiration that made my life possible.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bakersfield School of Art and Music Expands Faculty with Key Appointments
Bakersfield, CA – February 14, 2025 – The Bakersfield School of Art and Music (BSA&M) proudly announces the appointments of Vanessa Martinez as Head Vocal Instructor and Strings, and Juliana Marquez as Student Development Coordinator.
Vanessa Martinez joins BSA&M with extensive experience in vocal performance and string instruments, poised to elevate our music programs to new heights. Juliana Marquez will lead student development efforts, bringing a decade of Musical expertise to enhance our student engagement and learning outcomes.
Headmaster Natalie Wren expressed enthusiasm about the new faculty: "The addition of Ms. Martinez and Ms. Marquez is a significant step forward for BSA&M. Their exceptional skills and dedication to music education will greatly benefit our students and the broader school community."
BSA&M is committed to providing an enriching educational environment that fosters the talents of both students and faculty. The appointments of Ms. Martinez and Ms. Marquez underscore our dedication to maintaining the highest standards of music education.
For more information about our new faculty members, please visit SchoolofBakersfield.com/Welcome-Staff.
Press Contact:
Eden Anthony
Director
347-674-2664
3101 Sillect Ave #104, Bakersfield, CA 93308
About Bakersfield School of Art and Music: BSAM is dedicated to fostering artistic and musical talent, offering a diverse curriculum to students of all backgrounds. For more information, please visit BakersfieldMusic.org.