Lily Ramus
Lily Ramus is a musician and music teacher who has been passionate about music since learning to play the guitar and joining her first band in middle school. A decade later, she is a UC Berkeley graduate with a degree in Music and enjoys teaching, performing with her band, and seeing live
music whenever possible.
Lily has experience playing and teaching a wide variety of genres and styles including, pop/rock, jazz, blues, metal, funk, country, and fingerstyle. Over the years she has played in many different bands
and ensembles and in her current project she performs regularly at venues across California including, The UC Theatre, BandCamp HQ, The Pauley Ballroom at UC Berkeley, and 924 Gilman.
In addition to teaching and performance, Lily is very involved in the local DIY music scene and for the
past two years, she has organized several concerts and statewide tours highlighting queer and
female-fronted bands and artists. From preparing for a music theory exam to starting a punk band, Lily believes that learning music should be fun and self-fulfilling, and is committed to helping students reach their diverse personal goals.
“My guitar is not a thing. It’s an extension of myself. It’s who I am.” – Joan Jett
Alive or Dead, What Musician would you do anything to see?
Jimi Hendrix for sure!
Greatest Musical Influence?
It’s so hard to say because I find inspiration everywhere! I love playing so many different styles and genres I am always discovering new techniques and influences. But if I had to pick I would say 60s and 70s rock music has had a huge influence on me because that’s what I first learned on guitar when I was growing up.
Any hidden talents besides music?
I used to be a ballet dancer and teacher!
What did you want to be while you were growing up?
An artist – I loved to draw and paint and make things.
If you could have any ‘Super Power’, which one would it be?
I would love to be able to fly but it would also be epic if lasers could shoot out of my guitar 🙂
If you could master any other instrument which would it be?
Probably the drums because I think it looks so cool but I’ve also been really interested in learning flute lately so maybe that!
Have you had what people would consider your “15 Minutes of Fame”, and if so when/what was that?
I hope there will be more exciting times to come but sometimes people recognize me from my band Mommy Mommy and that always makes me feel like a rockstar!
It’s your last meal: What would it be?
Breakfast food for sure! And definitely coffee.
You are sent to a deserted island, and you only have one album to listen to: Which is it?
Probably one of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s bootlegged live albums because they are like nine hours long.
If you could leave one lesson with your students what would it be?
Have fun and never stop listening to new music!
