Cathy Hirata is the owner and director of Where Music Begins,
a full-service children's music studio in Pleasanton and one of
the Lead Representatives of the Greater San Francisco Bay
Area Partnership of Kindermusik Educators. Cathy has also
been designated by Kindermusik International as a Maestro in
Outreach due to her wonderful work with special needs
children.

At Where Music Begins, Cathy supervises a talented staff
including Kindermusik educators Lindy Hirata and Karen Allen.
A native of Pleasanton and a graduate of Amador Valley High
School, Cathy's background includes 16 years of classical
study of voice and piano including training with the founding
members of Opera San Jose -- New York Metropolitan Opera
Singer Irene Dalis and former Oberlin College Professor David
Rohrbaugh.  

A scholarship recipient and graduate of San Jose State
University, Cathy received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal
Performance, going on to complete a secondary teaching
credential in music education.  She has taught elementary and
high school choir, piano, theory, history and music
appreciation.  In addition to being a Licensed Kindermusik
Educator, she is also a Senior Associate Simply Music Teacher
and Signing Smart educator.

E-mail Cathy...

"[Where Music Begins teacher] Karen's ability to make each child
feel wonderful, confident and special provides an enriching
experience for both child and parent. Karen combines her strength
of teaching children and her love of music to make each class
seem fun while educational.  My 2 year old asks to see Miss Karen
and go to music class.  Where MusicBegins is a wonderful,
professional example for my daughter and son."
- Diane Belluchi

"We have thoroughly enjoyed Kindermusik and are looking forward
to spending the summer with you. Taty loves this class. I sense it
is her favorite class of all time. We have tried a number of classes
and she really appears to come out of her shell with Kindermusik/
Where Music Begins. Thanks for making a difference in her life!"
- BaBette
About Cathy