ABOUT US

OUR STORY

Bytes and Notes is a family-owned music school located in the Evergreen neighborhood of San Jose, California founded in 1997 by Lewis and Ann-Marie, the academy has grown from teaching just six initial students to enriching the lives of thousands of aspiring musicians across the Bay Area community

Comprehensive Music Programs

The school uses innovative techniques and diverse instructional strategies to teach students of all skill levels, starting from age five up through adulthood. Lessons are structured in both one-on-one (individual) and group dynamics across multiple disciplines:

Vocal Classes: Dedicated voice lessons and targeted vocal coaching.
Instrumental Training: Private instruction for piano, guitar, bass guitar, and drums.
Theatre & Arts: Immersive programs designed to build youth confidence and creative performance skills.

Community & Performance Focus

A core piece of the mission at Bytes and Notes is providing student performance opportunities and giving back to the community. They are well-known for hosting local community showcases, including local block parties for the annual Make Music San José celebration. They also perform annually at the Christmas at the Park and at the Day On The Bay in San Jose. The academy even trains students for major regional platforms, such as singing the National Anthem at San Jose Giants stadium games, the Golden State Warrior game at the Chase center and the San Jose Sharks in San Jose.

The “Bytes” Side of the Business

True to its unique name, the business balances its musical core with a dedicated technology branch. Alongside music education, they provide local commercial services including IT consulting, web design, Audio/Video Installations and computer repair services.

More Than Music Lessons

When children are given a safe, supportive space to explore their creativity, something beautiful happens.

They don’t just learn music, singing, theater, or performance — they learn how to express themselves, trust their voice, build confidence, and discover parts of who they are.

Creative spaces give children room to:

🎶 Explore their gifts
🎭 Build confidence in front of others
🌱 Learn discipline through something they love
💛 Feel supported as they grow
✨ Develop self-expression that lasts beyond childhood

These are the kinds of experiences that stay with them — in school presentations, friendships, future careers, leadership, and every moment they are asked to show up as themselves.

At Bytes and Notes, we believe creativity is more than an activity. It’s a foundation children can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Looking for a creative outlet for your child?

SCHEDULE YOUR FIRST LESSON NOW!

OUR FOUNDERS

VOCAL COACH DIRECTOR

ANN-MARIE TECSON

Ann-Marie Luayon-Tecson is the Music Director and Co-Founder of Bytes and Notes, a San Jose-based music and technology education center that has served the community for nearly three decades. A graduate of St. Paul’s College of Manila with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Voice, Ann-Marie began her career teaching at Colegio San Agustin and several music schools in the Philippines and Singapore, while also performing throughout Asia.

After moving to the United States in 1996, Ann-Marie and her husband, Lewis Tecson, combined their respective backgrounds in music and technology to create Bytes and Notes. While classically trained, Ann-Marie has always embraced the diverse musical styles, talents, and personalities of the students and teachers who have become part of the Bytes and Notes family. Over the years, she has also participated in and organized numerous benefit concerts, often alongside her students, believing deeply that the gift of music is meant to be shared and can be a powerful instrument for helping others.

Beyond music, Ann-Marie considers her greatest blessings to be her family—her husband, their three musically inclined sons, and the many past and present Bytes and Notes students she lovingly considers her extended family. She is deeply honored to be part of this special evening of music, remembrance, and giving back.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

LEWIS TECSON

Lewis Tecson brings an exceptional blend of technological leadership and operational expertise to his role as a technical director and founder of Bytes and Notes. Based in San Jose, California, his deep roots in the Silicon Valley ecosystem are backed by a strong educational foundation in Electronic Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. As a Co-Founder of eAppetit and Silicon Valley Tech Source, a versatile technical leader, he has successfully steered companies through complex product cycles by leveraging a robust skillset that spans hardware engineering, cloud computing architectures, and agile methodologies. Crucially, his dual passions for innovation and community enrichment shine through his leadership at Bytes & Notes, an organization where he harmonizes technical production with creative expression. Whether he is designing secure infrastructure or overseeing production systems, Tecson’s career stands as a testament to how meticulous engineering can power transformative, community-focused initiatives.

15 MINUTES TRIAL LESSONS

We are here to provide your child the best musical experience that they can have.

With our staff that will guide them all throughout their musical journey

About Us