History of Bates School of Music

Bates School of Music has been in the La Mesa-Spring Valley / Casa de Oro-Mt. Helix area since 1960.

The original owner Mrs. Delores Bates passed the name onto Mrs. Veronica Kara. Now “Bates School of Music” has been passed down to Mikaela Nenn, and the legacy continues on.

Originally called “Bates School of Music, Art, and Tutoring,” the school has evolved into focusing primarily on piano and voice.

Mrs. Bates started the business in Spring Valley with the focus of music, art, and tutoring with mainly a focus on piano. Because she also knew how to play all sorts of instruments, she started her business by going around to the local schools teaching their music programs and bands. As Mrs. Bates started her school of music, art, and tutoring in the Casa de Oro business district, she was able to hire tutors to help students in school academics. This was before tutoring programs at schools were available. While she continued to teach piano, she welcomed children to young adults and older. Mikaela’s grandmother took guitar lessons from Mrs. Bates while her father took piano lessons.

When Mrs. Bates moved to Serra Mesa, she sold her business and name to one of her teachers who brought with her her own set of students. The torched was passed.

Under new ownership, the school saw a new chapter under the leadership of Mrs. Veronica Kara, who took over in 1994. From Bulgaria in Eastern Europe Mrs. Kara went to a Musical High School, majoring in piano and voice. She continued at an Undergraduate Institute and earned a degree in musical pedagogy. In 1975, she continued at Kiev Conservatory in Ukraine for 5 years of study and earned a Master’s Degree in Musicology, Music History, Theory and Pedagogy. She also received the highest award, a recommendation to work on her doctorate. She had her own private music studio prior to owning the business, taught in public schools and played frequently for churches.

As the new owner beginning in July 2025, Mikaela will continue to teach the piano techniques she learned under Mrs. Kara. She is dedicated to those who will stay with the studio and new students as well, and will continue to serve the local communities of La Mesa-Spring Valley / Casa de Oro-Mt. Helix.