Our Terms & Conditions | Our Privacy Policy
In 2000, Fiona Chatwin arrived in San Diego from Melbourne, Australia, where she grew up.
She received a scholarship to the University of California, San Diego, to get her doctorate in singing. During her time at the university, she started a program for singing novices called “Singing 1, from the Shower to the Stage.” But she quickly realized that her students needed a place to continue their music studies after college.
In 2005, Chatwin founded her nonprofit, Villa Musica, which has been headquartered in Sorrento Valley since 2010. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds have access to music instruments, teachers and voice coaches.
“I wanted to build opportunities for San Diegans to give music a try, but not in a stuffy, competitive environment,” Chatwin explained. “My goal for the Villa was to create a focal point for community music education in San Diego, where students and teachers could meet to exchange ideas and experience the joy of making music, kind of like the YMCA, but for music.”
Villa Musica hires working musicians to teach various classes and music instruments, from guitars and cellos to rock, jazz and mariachi. There are paid public and private lessons for adults and children seven days a week.
The nonprofit also partners with 24 schools around the county to teach music, hosts summer camps, offers financial aid and has satellite programs at city libraries in City Heights, College and Rolando area, Linda Vista, Logan Heights and Southeast San Diego, where the public can sign up for a 15-week program and learn a new musical instrument. Chatwin said the free programs offered by the nonprofit come from grants and donations.
Plus, Villa Musica’s campus in Sorrento Valley hosts community events where the public can listen to student concerts.
“My dream was to open a community music center where people would feel cared for and that they really belonged,” Chatwin said. “I don’t care whether you can sing in tune or not, just come and be part of the joy of music.”
She chose Sorrento Valley as Villa Music’s home because she had already built a community nearby at UC San Diego and loved the vibe of the area.
“Sorrento Valley is just like this really cool neighborhood,” Chatwin said. “It’s got bike paths, nature trails and there’s a little strip mall down the street from Villa Musica that has like really good food and fantastic coffee.”
Here are some of Chatwin’s favorite places in Sorrento Valley.
Fiona Chatwin is the founder and executive director of the nonprofit Villa Musica. (Steven Wade Adams)
Q: Where is your favorite dining option?
A: Craft Taco. I am an addict for the shrimp bowl. It is absolutely delicious. You can choose from Mexican rice, which is a little spicy for me, so I generally have the white rice with the cilantro. It also has black beans, corn, pickled vegetables, cilantro, guacamole and their homemade salsa. There are two or three people who work there on a regular basis whom I love. They give generous portions and are open later into the evening, which is more rare in Sorrento Valley, with great prices. They have a gallery space showcasing emerging artists as well.
Q: What is your favorite small retail business or pop-up vendor to support?
A: Zumbar coffee. They roast their own coffee, and the almond milk latte I get is reminiscent of my hometown coffee in Melbourne, Australia. For anyone who is a connoisseur of coffee will know that this is a huge compliment. And Lucky Bolt is next door. The team makes farm-to-table goodness, and their bakery also produces some excellent gluten-free options. The gluten-free chocolate banana bread is my favorite. Zumbar doesn’t really serve food, and Bolt doesn’t do coffee, so at lunch, you see folks sitting out on the sidewalk with deliciousness from both businesses.
Q: Where is your favorite open space?
A: I love the new bike path down into Sorrento Valley. Now the commute is easy and safe. Although going back up the hill after work is not for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of bike tracks now that come down from UCSD into Sorrento Valley and then you can go through the valley and up the other side.
Q: Where is the best piece of artwork?
A: The Villa Musica recital hall holds a rotating art collection on a bi-monthly schedule, from emerging artists and innovative work. It’s my favorite because Villa Musica teaching artists provide the music for the openings. It’s live music and innovative art! What could be better?
Deer seen along the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 in San Diego. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Show Caption
1 of 5
Deer seen along the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 in San Diego. (Meg McLaughlin / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Expand
Q: Where is your favorite entertainment attraction or historic landmark?
A: Honestly, Sorrento Valley isn’t really well known for its “landmarks” per se. But its nature and walking paths are incredible. Working in Sorrento Valley, I feel as though I am working in a nature preserve. I have even come across deer over the years! Just over the train tracks, you will find Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail. It’s a lovely trail and even has a waterfall!
Originally Published: September 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM PDT
Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.
Aggregated From –
Comments are closed.