About Us: Expanding Music and Arts Education Across California

About David

CEO and Founder of After School Music Academy

In 2015, David founded After School Music Academy (ASMA) after recognizing a growing need for more accessible music education in after-school programs. Seeing firsthand how many schools lacked arts enrichment opportunities, he set out to fill that gap and bring high-quality music programs to students across California.

Over the past decade, ASMA has grown to serve thousands of students each week through partnerships with school districts, nonprofits, and PTA organizations. With a team of nearly 100 talented music and arts educators, ASMA proudly delivers an engaging afterschool music program that provides students from all socio-economic backgrounds with access to high-quality arts education. One of David’s core missions is to ensure that every child has access to the transformative power of music, especially in schools that traditionally lack arts education.

With his deep understanding of the challenges schools face in implementing arts programs, David remains committed to making music education more accessible and inspiring the next generation to grow, create, and shine through music.

Meet Our Team at After School Music Academy

Yadiel Casillas

Chief Operations Officer

His passion for teaching led him to establish himself in the After School music market in Puerto Rico, where he was expanding his programs and making an impact. However, in 2017, just as his programs were growing, Hurricane Maria devastated the island, forcing him to leave everything behind. Music once again became his refuge, leading him to Florida and eventually to California in 2019. There, he quickly became a respected educator in Riverside County, known for his collaborative spirit and ability to inspire joy in students. Now, as part of After School Music Academy, Yadiel works alongside David to help students fall in love with music and movement.

Arsh Sood

Head of Program Administration

Arsh is a guitar player and educator in the Los Angeles area. He is extensively trained in jazz, session guitar playing, arranging, music charting, and transcription. Arsh began his musical journey in India at Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, where he played and learned with musicians worldwide. His exposure to different Latin, African, and American styles of music led him to Los Angeles for a formal education in music at The Musician’s Institute. Great teachers helped him find his musical voice, and Arsh naturally assumed the role of a teacher, aiming to do the same for his students. He has several years of experience teaching guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, and rock band classes to students in Los Angeles. His teaching methods emphasize creating an enjoyable learning environment filled with activities to encourage understanding of the music’s culture and history of origin.

Ozer Emrah Ozturk 

Personnel Manager

Ozer brings a diverse background in leadership, education, and the arts to After School Music Academy. Born and raised in Türkiye, he holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations & Political Science and Sociology and is completing his Master’s in Communication.

With 11 years of corporate experience in the energy and environmental sector, Ozer excelled in personnel management, recruiting, and public relations. Rising to the role of Deputy General Manager, he eventually chose to embark on a new chapter in the United States. In 2022, he transitioned into education, joining ASMA as a Martial Arts Instructor, where he shared his expertise in Aikido—a discipline in which he earned his black belt. His leadership quickly led him to his current role as Personnel Manager, where he oversees recruitment, training, curriculum development, and team performance.

Beyond martial arts and leadership, Ozer has a deep love for music. He played the bağlama, a traditional Turkish string instrument, in middle school and once performed as a rock band lead singer. Passionate about making a difference, he also volunteers with CoachArt, teaching children with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Jacob Justus

Inland Empire Manager | Music Teacher

Jacob Justus is a Music Teacher and a Regional Partnership Manager of After School Music Academy. Music has been a part of his life since he was 9 years old when he first started piano lessons. That passion led him to become a multi-instrumentalist, exploring different styles and techniques that have shaped his musical journey. With years of experience in music performance, education, and production, he now dedicates his time to teaching kids all over California, helping them discover their own love for music. At After School Music Academy, he focuses on fostering creativity, confidence, and musical growth in young learners. Beyond teaching, he is an active performer and producer, bringing music to life both on stage and in the studio.

Fun Fact: When he is not performing or teaching music, he loves discovering and experimenting with creative and unique compositions and finding the new sounds that shape the future.

What Makes Our Program High-Quality?

At After School Music Academy, we believe every student deserves access to a program that meets the highest standards of music and arts education. Here’s what sets our programs apart:

• Qualified Music Instructors – Our team is made up of highly trained and experienced music educators dedicated to student growth.

• SEL Outcomes – Each class is designed to strengthen social-emotional learning skills like teamwork, confidence, and creativity.

• Curriculum Design – Our structured yet engaging curriculum ensures students make measurable progress in both music and personal development.

• Funded by Prop 28 & ELOP – Schools can bring our programs to campus with zero budget strain, thanks to alignment with California’s funding streams.

Frequently Asked Questions