Welcome!
Mission & Vision
The Mission of Cadence for Change is to raise musical aspirations in people of all ages and backgrounds by creating opportunities to deepen their enjoyment, engagement, and appreciation of music.
Our Vision includes broadening access to inspiring musical mentors and accessible facilities, which will enable greater participation, develop ensembles, inspire new music, nurture collaboration, delight audiences, and enrich communities.
Ensemble Values
Collaboration
Be supported at your current level while being encouraged to grow. Through shared effort and the guidance of the Artistic Team, you’ll be challenged, inspired, and propelled forward in your musical journey.
Curiosity
Approach learning music with openness and a spirit of exploration. Engage with diverse styles, eras, and cultures, embracing both tradition and innovation in performance.
Faith
Trust in your capacity to learn and evolve. Have confidence in the artistic process and in the Artistic Team’s experience to shape engaging, meaningful, and appropriately challenging repertoire.
Perspective
Value the richness that diversity brings. Commit to being part of an inclusive community where music is accessible, and where opportunity and participation continue to expand.
Trust
Lean into a culture of care, respect, and friendly encouragement. Growth takes time, patience, and vulnerability—embrace the process with humor, resilience, and a positive spirit.
Artistic Team
Alistair Hamilton
Founder, Artistic/Executive Director
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For 23 years, Alistair Hamilton has inspired people of all ages and backgrounds to deepen their love, appreciation, and participation in music. As an educator, Alistair led music departments in public and private schools in the UK, Asia, and the US building robust 1-1 vocal/instrumental programs that have sustained - driving a culture of participation in ensembles, programming innovative concerts, collaborations, touring, competitions, and attending summer music festivals. Aware of the need to inspire young minds toward music education, he formed a startup, Music Wallcharts, which features 25 newly designed posters with QR-enabled digital content to make music theory visible, approachable, and supportive for educators. A passionate advocate for nonprofit work, Cadence for Change is the third music education organization Alistair has founded. A fierce proponent of equity and greater musical opportunities for all, Alistair is deeply committed to building a home for music education and performance in the Fillmore.
Patrick Kochyan
Assistant Conductor
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I am a passionate educator and administrator with over ten years of experience from New York to California. I am especially committed to building inclusive communities, mentoring and learning from the next generation of kind, student leaders, and planning meaningful school trips around the world.
I believe in forming authentic relationships and partnerships with all members of a school community and city, and I work to stay connected to the individuals, non-profits, and places that have shaped my career and philosophy of education.
As a musician and songwriter, I am always looking for meaningful moments to share the stage and bring people together.
Monica Slater
Voice Coach & Section Leader
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Monica Rose Slater is a Brazilian-American singer, actor, and educator based in SF. She teaches private voice, helping students build technical confidence and connect to authentic expression. With a Master’s in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory, Monica draws from classical, musical theatre, and contemporary traditions. Her teaching is rooted in curiosity, care, storytelling, and a deep belief that anyone can (and should) sing.
You may have seen her on stages all around the Bay Area—SF Playhouse, Berkeley Playhouse, Word for Word, Oakland Theater Project, and more. Check out her website www.monicaroseslater.com to keep up with current performances!
Yunyi Ji
Accompanist & Musicianship Coach
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I am a Chinese-American pianist and harpsichordist based in Oakland, California. I am passionate about creating holistic understandings of instruments and exploring how their changing forms have mirrored societal changes. I specialize in integrating music history into my performance and teaching work, aiming to impart a rich perspective of music's cultural impact alongside its creative artistry and technical craft. I believe performing music teaches a philosophy of being that extends to all aspects of a well-lived life: it necessitates strategy, time management, self-awareness, diligence, persistence, confidence, critical thinking, connectivity, and emotional management—all synthesized for authentic, unbridled, and passionate self-expression.
Gibson Verkuil
Band Development
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I experienced the ins and outs of playing in a band for the first time with Blue Bear School of Music and the Community Music Center. During a Beatles workshop I was asked to sub on bass and had a revelation about that instrument's beauty, simplicity, and helpfulness in finding new people to play with. I joined a band and began writing songs and playing them to audiences. Since singing in choir, I work everyday to remember to sing with breath and intention. Our band is composed of talented instrumentalists who love to sing and support other’s singing. As performers, it’s an honor to witness someone perform for the first time with a warm audience and spread their wings. Enjoy our prior performances here.
Board of Directors
Brian Dunn
Strategy
Alistair Hamilton
Artistic/Executive Director
Catherine Sullivan
Secretary
Liz O’Donnell
Treasurer
Board Opportunities
We love to talk to individuals interested in learning more about our organization and potentially joining our Board. Whether you are a member or not, and would like to contribute to Cadence for Change's management, marketing, and success, please contact alistair@cadenceforchange.org
Artistic Advisory Board
David Conte
Head of Composition, SFCM
Tarik O’Regan
Composer
James Parrish Smith
Musical Director, Organist