After two decades of teaching, performing, and inspiring San Diegans, Villa Musica is expanding its reach—opening a new campus in Fletcher Hills this spring to bring music lessons, ensembles, and community programs closer to East County families.
Celebrating 20 years in 2025, Artistic and Executive Director Fiona Chatwin said the milestone feels especially monumental. “We survived the deepest financial crisis since the Great Recession and a pandemic,” she said. “As a founder, it’s an honor to celebrate alongside the Villa Musica team. One of our dedicated members is actually my husband — he’s been teaching with us since the beginning.”
The decision to open a second location at 2382 Fletcher Parkway in Fletcher Hills came after years of growth at the Sorrento Valley campus. “Our (administration) offices are bursting at the seams,” Chatwin said. “By 2:30 p.m., my office doubles as a piano studio every day. With support from the Prebys Foundation, we conducted a feasibility study and found this space. Everything just fell into place.”
With the Sorrento Valley campus at capacity—497 students taking private lessons and more than 200 in group classes or ensembles—the Fletcher Hills location will dramatically expand access to music education. The new facility includes 10 studios and three offices, ready to accommodate students and teaching artists alike.
Programming at Fletcher Hills begins in May with open houses for private lessons in piano, violin, guitar, drums, cello, and voice. June and July will feature short four-week group classes for elementary students, while August kicks off the full 15-week semester, offering early childhood music, violin, guitar, and singing classes. Group sizes are capped at eight to maintain quality instruction.
Villa Musica’s commitment to accessibility continues in the new space. The organization’s sliding-scale financial aid ranges from 10% to 95% tuition support, and Director of Community Partnerships Aaron Bullard will coordinate outreach with local schools, libraries, and senior living facilities starting in 2027. Seniors with dementia and under-resourced families are expected to benefit from this expansion.
The renovated Fletcher Hills space is designed for comfort and community. A colorful lobby features couches, a toy area, and a book nook, while a “Homework Central” area allows students to use free Wi-Fi or enjoy snacks while waiting. Eight studios, a drum studio, a children’s music room, and three administrative offices will support lessons and ensembles. On Sunday afternoons, Homework Central transforms into a recital space for up to 25 guests, giving students a chance to showcase their learning.
The expansion also benefits professional musicians teaching at Villa Musica: “Our team of 50+ teaching artists can now add extra hours, and some may move toward full-time status,” Chatwin said. Additional instructors will be hired as the student body grows.
To learn more about Villa Musica programming and the new space, you can visit their website at www.villamusica.org or call (858) 550-8100.
