OUR TEACHERS

At the heart of all our programs are our passionate, talented teachers who make every class a joyful and inspiring experience! Whether it's our lively Music & Movement classes, hands-on Instrumental Play sessions, dynamic Summer Camps, or fun-filled Birthday Parties, our teachers bring music, creativity, and care to each moment. With engaging activities, multicultural songs, playful movement, and personal attention, every child is encouraged to grow, express themselves, and fall in love with the magic of music!

Kathy Hayden/Founder

Kathy Hayden’s passion is teaching creatively through music, dance, stories, and play—always with a heart full of love for children and families.

Raised in a home filled with music, art, dance, and expression, Kathy grew up as a lively, imaginative child who thrived on movement and creativity. Inspired by her own upbringing, she designed Kathy’s Music & Movement to be a magical, welcoming space for every child—whether free-spirited, quiet, observant, or structured—encouraging each to explore, learn, and grow at their own unique pace.

Kathy holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies/Psychology and a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. With over 27 years of experience teaching young children, she brings a rich background that includes directing daycares, teaching preschool through first grade in California, England, and India, owning and operating three Gymboree Play & Music centers, and leading Kindermusik with Kathy for nearly three decades. Kathy has also completed extensive training in sensory-motor integration, infant and toddler play therapy, and Orff-Schulwerk music education, and trained under renowned music and movement specialist Phyllis Weikert.

Her love for teaching extends beyond the U.S.; Kathy has traveled to India multiple times, volunteering in the Himalayas and teaching music and English workshops in schools across Indore. Her international work reflects her deep belief that music, love, and joyful connection can transform children's lives—one child at a time.

A proud mother of two daughters and grandmother of two, Kathy pours her warmth, heart, and decades of experience into every class. Today, she offers lively classes and camps for babies, toddlers, and young children in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria, blending music, rhythm, movement, and storytelling to spark creativity, confidence, and connection in every child she meets.

Ben Gerstein

Ben Gerstein is a passionate musician, artist, and educator from Santa Barbara, CA, with over 20 years of experience inspiring students through music, chess, and photography.

Growing up in a vibrant musical family, Ben’s creative journey began early. He found his voice on the trombone in elementary school, and by age 17, he was off to New York City to study jazz at the renowned Manhattan School of Music, graduating in 1999. Over the next two decades, Ben became an integral part of New York’s groundbreaking music scene, collaborating with a wide range of artists across the U.S. and internationally in jazz, classical, experimental, and improvised music. His devotion to the arts extended beyond performance—he remained deeply engaged in the study and practice of music, visual arts, and literature, always pushing creative boundaries.

Since returning to California with his wife in 2020, Ben has continued to expand his work, drawing fresh inspiration from nature field recordings, visual documentation, world cultures, ethnomusicology, meditation, and movement practices. His creative spirit thrives on exploration, reflection, and connection.

As a teacher and mentor, Ben brings a rare blend of passion, knowledge, and personal care to his students. He is deeply committed to helping each learner discover their own voice, offering a rich tapestry of global music, sound, and history to fuel their curiosity and creative freedom. He sees each lesson as an opportunity to spark wonder, growth, and self-expression.

Now based in Ojai, Ben is actively teaching in schools and homes throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, working with a wide range of instruments and creative approaches. His work continues to celebrate the magic of music—and the joy of discovery—in every form.

Alondra Macario

Alondra Macario, is so excited to be a teacher at Kathy’s Music and Movement. She’s been playing music for over 14 years and graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a double major in Sociology and Ethnomusicology. She LOVES teaching music to young children.

On weekends, you will find Alondra performing as a mariachi musician, playing both violin and guitarrón (the large bass instrument in mariachi ensembles), and plays six instruments and always eager to keep learning more!

In addition to teaching music, she works as a child development Behavioral Interventionist, supporting children and adults with behavioral challenges. Music has been an incredibly powerful tool in this work— seeing firsthand how it can help with emotional expression, communication, and learning. She uses music to help client’s recognize feelings and practice verbal skills in ways that are joyful and deeply effective.

Alondra: “I believe music is a powerful force in early childhood years, nurturing creativity, cognitive growth, and emotional well-being. I’m passionate about creating positive, inclusive environments where children can explore the art of music through movement and play.

I’m thrilled to be part of Kathy’s Music and Movement and to support musical education throughout Santa Barbara. I can’t wait to meet your wonderful children and make music together!”

Cuyler Ortiz

Cuyler Ortiz, has been a part of Kathy’s Music & Movement since a baby! With her parents, she started the program in infancy, and weekly, went all the way through 6 years. Cuyler has the fondest of memories, and feels honored to now be part of this musical program and community that helped inspire her love for music, art and working with children. She loves the idea to give this magic back!

Cuyler is returning student at Santa Barbara City College, where she has gained experience working with children through child development courses, nanny/babysitting, childcare, teaching and other roles. Cuyler truly loves working with kids— “Their smiles and energy always brighten my day and remind me why I am here supporting children— It is so rewarding!”

Outside of music and childcare, Cuyler is passionate about Art and enjoys exploring creativity in MANY different forms. We look forward to Music & Art classes with her.

Cuyler: “I believe that creativity, kindness, and patience are some of the most important qualities when working with children. Every child has their own story, and it’s a privilege to be able to listen, support, and encourage them as they grow.

What motivates me most is seeing the natural artist and musical passion that children have. I am here to encourage and inspire this! I love to watch them explore their own creative interests and begin to find what inspires them. I am lucky to be part of this journey— and to support each as they discover and express!”