Video Bio Coming Soon
About Ria
Hi! I’m Ria Patel — a vocalist, educator, and lifelong lover of the arts. I work with students of all ages and backgrounds, and I absolutely love helping each person find their voice and grow their confidence through music.
I sing and teach a wide variety of styles including opera, jazz, pop, musical theater, and Indian classical. I recently earned my degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in Spanish from the University of the Pacific’s Conservatory of Music, where I had the privilege of studying under incredible mentors like Dr. Heidi Moss Erickson, Daniel Ebbers, and Virginia Kelsey.
During my time at Pacific, I performed in productions such as Carousel (as Carrie) and Into the Woods (as Rapunzel), and sang in vocal jazz, choir, and chamber ensembles. Today, I continue performing with groups like Choral Audacity, the Livermore Valley Opera Chorus, and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus, and I collaborate with community-driven nonprofits like Stockton Soul.
I’m also a music director at the Firehouse Arts Center, where I’ve vocal directed youth productions like Hadestown: Teen Edition and Dinosaurs Before Dark: Kids — experiences that remind me how powerful and transformative music can be for young people.
In every lesson or rehearsal, my goal is to create a space where students feel safe, heard, and empowered to be their most authentic selves. Music is more than just technique — it’s about self-expression, creativity, and discovering what makes your voice unique.
Outside of music, you might find me hanging out with my goats, working on a crossword puzzle, or just chatting away. I’m excited to meet you and support your child’s musical journey!
Book With Ria
“I didn’t want my son to be turned off to piano because of all the practicing. Lots of work but not a ton of play. James brings enthusiasm and joy to the discipline. He picked up my son’s style and personality, and could flow according to my son’s uniqueness/playfulness.”
“My biggest concern is if my kids don’t enjoy and have no progress over a significant amount of lessons time. So far your role as a teacher has been very helpful in making my kids interested & focused on their lessons”