Our Team

  • Greg McLaughlin

    Greg McLaughlin is Chair of the Music Department and serves as Director of Instrumental Music Activities at Sierra College. Greg holds degrees in flute performance from CSU-Sacramento (BM, 1983, MA, 1994). He has served on the faculty at Sierra College since 1991, primarily as Director of Jazz and Instrumental Studies. He has instructed many performing groups including the Jazz Ensemble and the award-winning vocal group, the Sierra College Jazz Voices. As a dedicated educator, Greg has been a private instructor in the Sacramento area since 1976.

  • Elizabeth McAllister - Clarinet, Saxophone, Recorder, Piano

    Elizabeth holds a B.M. in clarinet performance from CSU Northridge and M.M. degrees in clarinet performance. She has performed with Raleigh Symphony, North Carolina Theater, National Opera, Gold Coutry Chamber, California Winds Music in the Mountains, and Apollo Orchestras. She has served n the faculties of North Caroina Wesleyan, Meredith College, and Sierra College. She is currently a member of ClariSonix Quartet, Scramento Choral Society & Orchestra, and InConcert Sierra.

  • Tyler Wood - Guitar, Ukelele, Bass, Piano

    Tyler has completed his A.A. in Music at Sierra College and his B.A. in Music at California State University, Sacramento. As a self taught musician, he appreciates the importance of education and lessons to enable students of all levels reach their goals. Tyler is kind, patient and enthusiastic with all of his students, and greets everyone he meets with a huge smile. He is quickly becoming a McLaughlin Studio favorite!

  • Amanda Turkes - Violin

    Amanda is a seasoned violinist with a 25-year journey in playing the violin. Her rich musical experience includes being the principal violinist for the McLaughlin Community Orchestra, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication. Throughout her musical career, Amanda has actively participated in various community orchestras, contributing her passion for music to a broader audience. With a profound belief that music education should be a delightful, challenging, and uplifting experience, Amanda brings a unique perspective to teaching.

  • Phillip DeTore - Percussion

    Professional musician Phillip DeTore is a reputable drummer in Northern California. He currently balances a busy performing schedule with various jazz projects including trios and big bands while continuing his dedication to music education through private instruction in the Placer County area. For the past five years, Phillip has also taught percussion for both Horizon and Vision Charter Schools.

  • Norma Sexton - Cello

    Norma received her PharmD from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy. She is an accomplished cellist, performing with multiple groups including the Bakersfield Symphony, Musica da Camera Chamber Orchestra, Bakersfield Music Theatre Orchestra, Auburn and Folsom Symphonies and many community groups throughout the years. Norma has several years of experience teaching private lessons in cello performance as well as coaching string ensembles. She loves watching her students succeed and enjoys sharing the joy of music with others

  • Hannah Rafferty - Voice, Piano, Ukelele Music & Movement, Dance, Theatre

    DescriptioHannah has loved music ever since she could speak. Ever since she stepped into the choir room in elementary school, she knew what she wanted to do with her life. She is a graduate from vocal performance and Music education at CSU Chico 2023 . Before transferring to Chico State in 2020, she studied music at Sierra college. She is part of the graduate program CSU Chico for Music, with over five years of classically training under her belt. She has also been acting and preforming since she was five years old starting at Rocklin community theare and doing it through her school years.  She also completed a minor of theatre at CSU Chico. Her favorite genres of music are broadway musicals, pop and classic rock. She loves to hangout with friends as well dancing, singing, acting  and performing during her free time.n goes here