From an early age, Debra has studied and performed professionally as a pianist, guitarist, vocalist, and actress, with a passion for sharing the gift of music and creativity with her students and their families.
Debra has toured the U.S. with her band as a songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist and is an accomplished, award-winning writer and filmmaker. She has opened for and performed with notable acts such as Joe Satriani, Herbie Hancock, and The Go-Gos, and has worked with top music producers in the industry. Her films, featuring her original music, have been screened in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City, and have won numerous international festivals in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Specializing in guitar, piano, voice, and ukulele, Debra has worked with thousands of students in the greater Bay Area (ages 3-85). She served as Musical Director for the City of Pleasanton for 17 years, as well as with the San Francisco Shakespeare Company, where she performed with and directed the orchestra, choir, and actors in hundreds of performances.
Debra gave her first guitar lesson at age 10 and began teaching piano, voice, and guitar professionally in music stores, schools, and Bay Area Parks and Recreation Departments as a teenager. She has studied with private teachers from the San Francisco Opera, The Actors Studio in NYC, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Chabot College, and Berklee College of Music’s online program. With 40 years of hands-on teaching and performance experience, she has a remarkable ability to guide and inspire her students.
Debra’s teaching philosophy emphasizes building a solid foundation in technique, performance, and theory. She believes that understanding the history of music and fostering creativity are essential parts of the musical journey. Whether you’re seeking training in pop, rock, jazz standards, Broadway, or classical music, or preparing for international certification exams, Debra is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.
Embark on a musical journey with Debra Knox and discover the endless joy and fulfillment that music can bring!
Piano, Guitar & Vocal Instructor
