Instructors
Katherine Diaz, Mezzo-soprano
Katherine Diaz is a music educator, performer, and performing arts manager based in the Southern San Joaquin Valley and Mountain Areas. Her education includes a Master’s in Music for Music in Vocal Performance from CSU Northridge, a cleared California Single Subject Teaching Credential in K-12 Music from CSU Bakersfield, a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Music Education from CSU Bakersfield, and a Level 1 Kodaly Certificate from the CSUB Kodaly Institute. She is teaching as an Adjunct Professor at Bakersfield College, and has taught a variety of courses including: studio voices lessons, music appreciation, voice class, and musicianship. Katherine has taught ages TK- Higher Education but specializes in higher education vocal music.
Katherine is also the Co-founder and Music Director for The Bakersfield Recital Series where she brings professionals, para-professionals, students, and composers together to bring music new and old to the Bakersfield Community.
Katherine specializes in Classical Voice, but has also been known to dabble in Musical Theatre and Instrumental Music. Her musical career began as a clarinetist, but switched to voice during her Bachelor’s degree. She has played in Concert Band, Orchestra, Various Choral Ensembles, Chamber Music, Vocal Jazz Ensembles, Solo Repertoire, but her favorite is the Opera Stage.
Katherine is currently accepting voice students ages 16 and up, beginning instrumentalist ages 8 and up, or is available as a music theory/musicianship tutor.
When she is not teaching, she can be found hanging out with her dogs or on the trails with her horses.
Steve Diaz, Latin Percussion
Steve Diaz is the band leader and founder of The Akoustiks, a dynamic music group known for its vibrant sound and high-energy performances. With a deep passion for live music and a natural ability to connect with audiences, Steve built the band from the ground up, shaping it into a sought-after act celebrated for its versatility, musicianship, and engaging stage presence.
A seasoned musician, Steve has been a percussionist since the age of 10. He is highly experienced as a Latin percussionist as well as a traditional percussionist, bringing depth, rhythm, and authenticity to every performance. His lifelong dedication to mastering his craft has made him a driving force both on stage and in the studio.
Beyond performing, Steve is deeply invested in strengthening the local arts community. He is the co-founder of the Bakersfield Recital Series, an initiative dedicated to bringing high-quality live performances to audiences and supporting musical excellence.
In addition to his artistic leadership, Steve is the owner of Direct Input LLC, where he provides professional audio and production services, further extending his impact behind the scenes. Through performance, production, and community involvement, Steve Diaz continues to champion live music and create meaningful experiences both on and off the stage.
Cavell Diaz
Cavell Diaz is a professional musician, with experience in jazz, classical, and comercial music spaces. With a large amount of care, expertise, and passion in all three spaces, Cavell is ready and willing to distribute the wealth that is the art of music to anyone just as eager to learn.
He has been playing classical string instruments since 6 years old, and picked up other fields of instruments such as guitar, trombone, trumpet, piano and more. He is also a part of many different ensembles and bands in Bakersfield, with recordings of his own pieces of music. Anything from string instruments to brass instruments to the composition or production of music is possible to learn under Cavell.