Our Music Teachers

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

I have been singing professionally and playing piano for over 20 years.

Professional Experience:

I have performed in numerous choral ensembles and small groups while studying at the University of North Texas, ranging from large choirs to Master Recital Performances. I am also a vocal studio musician, and have given accompaniment to solo singer and performers.

Accomplishments:

I have performed many solos in choir performances. I have re-arranged a French mezio-soprano classical song into a free-flowing jazz interpretation for a past client. I was also in charge of leading the sectionals and creating stage directions in the first opera that I performed at the University of North Texas. I currently graduated with a degree in voice concentration from the University of North Texas.

How long have you been playing guitar?
Over 12 years, and I’ve been playing professionally for over 7 years.

Professional Experience:

University of North Texas Big Band, UNT Zebras Band, UNT Guitar Emsembles

Accomplishments:

• University of North Texas Jazz guitar performance major with 2 music scholarships and 1 general scholarship
• Multiple shoes in the Jazz scene in Hong Kong before relocating to the U.S.
• Performed in many different cities including: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Denton, Dallas and New York City
• Listen to Alan’s recordings at: soundcloud.com/alankwan

Alan Kwan, native of Hong Kong, is a jazz guitarist, composer and educator. Currently a jazz guitar student in the University of North Texas, he is a recipient of the College of Music Scholarship, Kris Kolflat Scholarship and Academic Scholarship.

Alan started playing guitar at the age of 14; after 4 years of musical training, he decided to devote himself to jazz. He studied with Ted Lo and Eugene Pao and started performing in Hong Kong. Within a few years, he had become one of the most active jazz musicians in the city.

In 2009, he moved to the United States to pursue his further study in music. He has studied with Fred Hamilton, Richard McClure and Noel Johnston at the University of North Texas. He also studied privately with Stefan Karlsson, Michael Palma, Quamon Fowler, Rodney Jones, Nir Felder, Ben Monder, Mike Moreno, Bruce Saunders, John Stowell, Clint Strong and many other masters.

Recently, he has been preparing for recording his original compositions. In the summer of 2014, Alan will be performing in different venues in Hong Kong and Japan.

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

I have been singing for over 15 years, and studying for 5 in a collegiate setting. I have 8 years of training in piano as well.

Professional Experience:

Hello, I my name is Ami Irons and I am a vocal music education major and religion minor at Texas Christian University.  After student teaching and graduation this coming year I plan to obtain a position as an elementary music teacher.  For as long as I can remember I have had a deep passion for music and children and I am so excited I get to work in an occupation that involves both.
My experience as an educator and music teacher includes:
1) Teaching at a daycare in an elementary classroom for three summers, where I planned and executed core subject, music, and group activity lessons
2) Teaching choir classes at both the elementary and high school levels
3) Teaching private voice lessons at the high school level
4) Teaching general music at the elementary level.

I am currently available to teach general music education classes, private and group voice lessons, and private beginner piano lessons.

How long have you been playing guitar and piano?

Over 5  years.

Professional Experience:

I am a guitar teacher in the Dallas area, and I have performed in the Jazz Ensemble, Combo Group, and Improv Group for the past 3 years. In those groups we have performed for induction ceremonies, faculty events, and at restaurants. I had also been recently hired to perform for Grease the Musical.

How long have you been playing guitar?

I have been studying professionally for over 4 years.

Professional Experience:

I have participated in, and won, many competitions and concerts.

Accomplishments:

• 1st prize in the Hill Country Guitar Ensemble Competition
• 3rd prize in the Collin College Solo Competition
• Duo, Trio and Large Ensemble awards at the 2013 Brownsville Ensemble Competition
• Prize winner at Collin College Fall 2013 Guitar Competition
• Outstanding Second Semester Duo
• Outstanding Ensemble Member
• I am currently finishing my degree in guitar performance in Dallas, TX. I also currently teach for Prosper ISD.

How long have you been playing and teaching piano?

Over 16 years, and teaching for over 7 years

Accomplishments

Aruem Kim is an active and comprehensive piano teacher in Irving, TX. She has taught all skill levels, and all ages for over 7 years, and enjoys challenging students to accomplish their goals. Aruem is well-versed in jazz, classical and many other genres!

• Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Piano (2017) – University of North Texas Denton, TX
• Diploma of Popular Music Department February 2008
• Graduated Yeoju Institute of Technology Yeoju, South Korea – Graduated Summa Cum Laude
• Completed Intensive English Language Institute March 2013 – University of North Texas Denton, TX

How long have you been playing drums?

I have been playing the drums for over 13 years, and guitar for over 5 years.

Professional Experience:

I have played with many bands over my career in Lubbock, TX and in the Dallas/Fort Worth area including: rock cover bands, 80’s cover bands, country, blues, folk and funk-rock. I am currently playing with Kate Hearne and Bomb Atomic. 

Accomplishments:

I graduated with a music degree from South Plains College with an Outstanding Country, Rock and Blues Musician Award.

How long have you been playing piano?

20 years

Professional Experience:

Cover bands, Jazz Quartet, Accompanist, Solo Piano, Lounge Piano

Accomplishments:

I learned piano from Steinway Artist, Stephen Nielson, Bradley Williams (Jazz Pianist – Chicago), and was taught with teaching lineage of Beethoven, Arthur Rubinstein, and Abbey Simon. I have also opened for modern rock group Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

How long have you been playing the saxophone?

Over 9 years.

Accomplishments:

I am currently attending the University of North Texas obtaining my Bachelor of music in Jazz Studies. I received University Honors with the Emerald Eagle Scholar as well. I also perform with the UNT 4 o’clock Lab Band, and was a drum major my sophomore year. I have also performed with the All Saints Jazz Band, and the Parkinson Voice Project Pit Orchestra (with Lee Greenwood).

How long have you been playing guitar?
Over 18 years.

Professional Experience:
Brandon began teaching guitar in 2001 while studying Jazz and Popular Music Performance at The Hartford Conservatory in Connecticut. Over the last 14 years he has taught guitar, bass, piano and music theory for George’s Music Center and The National Music Workshop in Connecticut as well as 4/4 School of Music and Music Lessons on Wheels in Seattle, WA. With more than ten years of professional performance experience and over 1,000 shows under his fingers, Brandon has played in a wide variety of bands and ensembles ranging from 20 piece pit orchestras for musical theater productions to solo jazz guitar gigs. He spent 5 years working as a Music Director on board Carnival Cruiselines where he played guitar in the Showband, performing Las Vegas style review shows, Top 40’s lounge band sets, and Live Band Karaoke for the guests as well as accompanying various fly-on entertainers. He was also in charge of the management and scheduling of up to 20 musicians onboard. Prior to working on ships, Brandon performed in pit orchestras for over 20 musical theater productions throughout New England. He spent the last two years living and working in Seattle, where he performed with various local artists, a regionally touring Top 40’s Casino Cover Band, The Phoenix, a nationally recognized Soul/R&B Artist, Shyan Selah, and his original band with his wife, vocalist Jackie Pock.

Accomplishments:

• Performed with Scott Page (Pink Floyd, Toto) at Whiskey A Go Go, Los Angeles California, 2013
• Completed 140 hours of TEFL Instructor training. I to I, London UK, 2011
• Selected for the Collegiate All American Scholar publication, 2003 edition
• Awarded Honors Scholarship for Excellent Academic Achievement, Hartford Conservatory, 2002

How long have you been singing, and playing piano and guitar?

I have been singing for my entire life, I have been playing guitar and piano for over 3 years.

Accomplishments:

• TMEA All-State Choir Member 2013
• Boston University Institute Alumnus
• Young Arts National Merit Alumnus

Tenor, Brandon Moore, is a hands-on voice teacher in Dallas, TX, and brings experience from numerous styles of vocal music, including opera, musical theater, choir, and popular styles such as rock.

As a member of the Houston Grand Opera High School Voice Studio, he learned the foundational principles of operatic style, and has continued to solidify this style as a vocal performance major at SMU. He continues to perform as a yearly member of the King of the Nations rock-opera in McKinney Texas in the role of Joseph.

He has also made many appearances in prominent choral festivals in Dallas and the East Coast, with his choral experience beginning as a member of the 2013 Texas All-State Mixed Choir.

Although classical styles are his main emphasis, he has played rhythm guitar in rock bands and loves an easy-going jam session with some friends!

Brandon Moore will be finishing his double-major degree in Vocal Performance and Music Education at SMU in the fall of 2017.

I believe that anyone can sing, and I bring investment and warmth to any lesson! Talent isn’t always needed; hard work is essential!

How long have you been playing piano?

Over 30 years

Accomplishments:

Bruno Ribeiro is an active piano teacher in Frisco, TX and surrounding areas. Ribeiro, a native of Porto, Portugal, started studying piano at Vilar do Paraiso’s Academia de Musica at the age of six. Bruno attended the Escola Superior de Musica e das Artes do Espetaculo in Porto where he earned his degree in Piano Performance. Bruno obtained his first Master’s Degree in Chamber Music at Stellenbosch University in South Africa where he studied with Luis Magalhaes. During his time at Stellenbosch, Bruno was chosen to perform solo with the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, and also won the Lionel Bowman prize for the best interpretation of a Beethoven sonata.

Bruno went on to Stephen F. Austin State University to earn his second Master’s Degree in Piano Performance, where he studied with Dr. James Pitts. While studying at SFA, Bruno performed with the Orchestra of the Pines as part of the Concerto Aria competition. In 2014, Bruno started working on a Ph.D. in Music Theory at the University of North Texas, where he also studied piano with Mr. Vladimir Viardo. 

Bruno has extensive piano teaching experience including serving on the faculty of the Music Preparatory Division at SFASU and adjunct faculty at Tyler Junior College. As a teacher, Bruno strives to adapt his teaching to the needs and aptitude of each student. His hope is that his students will develop a love for music that will benefit them in many areas of life.

Cameron Brosius is a certified guitar teacher in Carrollton, TX. Cameron enjoys teaching students of all ages and all skill levels how to accomplish their goals with music! Contact us today and let one of our best guitar teacher’s in Carrollton help you succeed at guitar!

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 10 years.

Accomplishments:

Bachelor’s Degree in jazz studies from Bowling Green State University

Minor in Recording Technology from Bowling Green State University

President of BGSU Guitar Club (2021-2023)

Treasurer of BGSU State Jazz Association (2021-2023)

How long have you been playing drums and piano?

Drums – Over 13 years

Piano – Over 5 years

Professional Experience:

I have performed professionally in original bands (metal and rock), and in classical settings including:  Texas Christian Uninversity Percussion Ensemble, TCU Jazz Band Combos, TCU Jazz Quartet, TCU Orchestra, Asylum (metal band), The Switch (rock), Shane Smith & The Saints, TCU Drum Line, TCU Wind Symphony

Accomplishments:

• All State Percussionist 2009
• 3rd Place Snare Solo at PASIC in 2011
• PASIC Drum Line Champion (TCU) in 2012
• TCU Drum Line Section Leader 2012 & 2013

How long have you been singing?

Over 15 years

Professional Experience:

• Fort Worth Opera Chorus
• Chorus for Andrea Bocelli in Concert
• Opera Scenes performed in Graz, Australia
• TCU Opera Studio
• TWU Opera Studio

Biography:

Ms. Spooner received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Texas Christian University. She is currently attending Texas Woman’s University, where she will receive a Master of Arts in Music Therapy and become a practicing MT-BC. Ms. Spooner has received extensive musical training in voice and theater. Ms. Spooner is currently teaching as a private voice teacher for multiple school districts in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Professional experience:

Ms. Spooner has performed as a Lyric Soprano nationally and abroad. She was the 1st place national recipient of The NANBPWC’s Vocal Arts Competition for Emerging Artist, in 2011. She has performed with the Fort Worth Opera Chorus’s 2013 production of La Boheme, as well as in the chorus for Andrea Bocelli in Concert. Ms. Spooner has performed in such roles as: Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni, Madame Pompous in Too Many Sopranos, and Aline in The Sorcerer. Additional performance experience includes various scene productions as Violetta from La Traviata, Lysia from Lysistrata, Blanche from Dialogues of The Carmelites, Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha, as well as Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro, in which she performed at the Stefaniensaal Hall in Graz, Austria.

How long have you been playing guitar, bass and piano?

Guitar – 15 years, Bass Guitar – 10 years, Piano – 7 years

Accomplishments:

Cesar A. Martinez is currently a graduate student at the University of North Texas obtaining his masters degree in Jazz Studies with a concentration on Pedagogy. His interest on music and playing guitar began at the age of nine. Growing up in El Paso Texas, Cesar had the opportunity to be part of a variety genres of music, some of the styles that he was introduce as a kid include classical music, mariachi music, rock, jazz, and many more latin styles. While still in high school his interest in classical music increased as he started to learn classical guitar and taking part of the yearly competitions in Austin, Texas. Also during his high school studies, Cesar had the opportunity to form part of the orchestra choosing the bass as his secondary instrument. Cesar Martinez achieved a bachelor in music from the University of Texas at El Paso. It was during his bachelors that he decided to focus on jazz guitar, while still playing with rock bands and mariachi groups outside school. Currently living in Denton Texas, Cesar continues to be an active musician and teacher as one of his greatest interest is education and teaching music.

How long have you been playing violin, viola, guitar and piano?

Accomplishments:

How long have you been playing violin and viola?

Violin – 15 years, Viola – 7 years

Professional Experience:

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 8 years.

Accomplishments:

Colin Drake has been involved in music for most of his life.  He started playing piano at an early age and was involved with a church bell choir as well.  During High School, he played in the Bishop Lynch High School marching band drumline as well as the school’s symphonic band.  At age 16, he picked up the guitar, inspired by the Guitar Hero game, little did he know how difficult the real thing was!  Colin persevered and discovered that music was his true passion and in 2009 was accepted into the University of North Texas’ prestigious music program.  During this time, Colin played in the Trinity United Methodist’s worship team for a year and half, playing both lead and rhythm guitar in the band.  Colin graduated magna cum laude from UNT in Spring 2012 with a bachelors in music with a concentration in classical guitar.  Colin has received guitar lessons personally for 5 years from northern Plano guitar teacher Earl Bailey and University of North Texas Doctorate students Mike Morey and Armin Abdihodzic.  Colin enjoys composing music in his spare time in addition to working as a teacher and a freelance musician.  Colin also plays in the Dallas group known as Guitarchestra which plays classical music in a rock band setting.

How long have you been playing piano?

I have been playing piano for over 25 years, and professionally for over 7 years.

Accomplishments:

Damian A. Garcia is currently a senior at the University of North Texas studying towards a degree in Jazz Performance. His interest on the piano began at the age of 2 and began his private piano studies at age 5 with various instructors. During these years, Damian was accepted to the National Guild of Pianists and was a national member for four years. Although trained classically on the works of Chopin, Beethoven, and Bach, Damian became attracted to jazz at the start of his freshman year of high school. This curiosity sparked his determination in the genre and soon began a journey as a passionate budding jazz pianist.

During high school, Damian was named “Outstanding Jazz Soloist” at the Texas A&M – Kingsville Jazz Festival three years in a row, “Outstanding Jazz Musician” at the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi Jazz Festival, ranked top five in the state at the Texas Music Educator Association (TMEA) All-State Jazz auditions, and won “Best Jazz Soloist” at the Rio Jazz Festival in Harlingen, Texas. Additionally, Damian garnered various accolades in University Interscholastic League (UIL) music competitions and served as jazz pianist for United High School’s top jazz ensemble for four years.

Upon graduation, he attended Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) on a music scholarship and held the position of pianist in the university’s top jazz ensemble for three years. While a student at TAMUK, he was a member of the Wind Symphony and performed at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. After three years of attending TAMUK, Damian decided to transfer to Texas State University and further advance his studies in classical and jazz music. At Texas State, he joined the studio of Dr. Jason Kwak, as well as earning spots in the university’s top jazz ensemble and small groups.

His recent move to the Austin and San Antonio area has accelerated his career as a pianist. Damian’s past performances include the Texas Association of Music Schools, the National Association of Schools of Music and Steinway & Sons. He has also had the privilege to perform along side many great musicians such as: Paquito d’Rivera, Claudio Roditi, Wayne Bergeron, Frank Wess, Butch Miles, Bob Mintzer, John Fedchock, Taylor Eigsti, Jamey Aebersold, and local jazz artist and teacher Freddie Mendoza.

A frequent traveler, Damian has attended the Stanford University Jazz Residency, University of North Texas Jazz Workshop, and was accepted into the Professional Diploma Program in Jazz Composition at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston under a $16,000 scholarship. Additionally, he was also selected to perform in the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Jazz Ensemble in Orlando, Florida under the direction of Jamey Aebersold and Jim Ketch (University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill) and awarded the Piano Achievement Award by the Texas State University School of Music. He plans to attain his degree at the University of North Texas while maintaining an active performance and teaching schedule. Damian currently studies piano with Stefan Karlsson and Michael Palma. Past teachers include Hank Hehmsoth, Ray Santisi (Berklee College of Music), JoAnne Brackeen (Berklee College of Music), Taylor Eigsti (Concord Jazz), Lee Tomboulian, and Michael Weiss of the Village Vanguard in New York City. His goal, after earning his bachelor’s degree, is to be accepted into the graduate program at the University of North Texas for graduate studies jazz performance. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and the world famous Two O’Clock Lab Band at the University of North Texas.

How long have you been playing cello?

Over 12 years.

Daniel Chilton began his musical studies on piano at the age of six and soon began cello at the age of nine. A native Texan, Daniel competed in many local competitions throughout his youth, such as the Jaunita Miller and Plano Symphony Concerto Competitions, along with being an All-State musician in high school. He attended Interlochen Music Festival allowing him to perform under the baton of Jung-Ho Pak and study with cello professors Astrid Schween and David M. Carter. Daniel completed his undergraduate under the tutelage of Eugene Osadchy at the University of North Texas and now studies at Southern Methodist University with Christopher Adkins. He performs locally with Irving Symphony and San Angelo Symphony along with teaching many students in his own private studio.

Other Accomplishments:

• Dallas Youth Orchestra   2009-2011
• Studio and performing cellist for Aprilemeade
• Honors College and President’s List (UNT)
• Currently teaches private cello lessons for Lewisville ISD schools

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 9 years.

Accomplishments:

I have been playing guitar and piano for over 9 years. I have performed in corporate and professional settings for over 7 years such as: churches, conferences and live shows. I have a lot of experience in studio settings and I am familiar with Digital Audio Workstations including ProTools, Ableton, Logic as well as VSTs. I studied music at Hillsong College in Sydney, Australia, and am now performing in/around DFW in live shows and at Milestone Church. Currently, I am attending the University of North Texas as a pre-medical student with a future in orthopedic surgery.

How long have you been playing guitar?

I’ve been a multi-instrumentalist for over 35 years.

Professional Experience:

I have been performing professionally in rock, metal, traditional and original and bluegrass/old time bands for over 25 years.

Accomplishments:

I have recorded with bands such as: Hammer Witch, Amillion Pounds, The Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang, Blackland River Devils. I have been a session musician for various artists, and many sideman gigs. I have written 5 multi-instrumental albums to date, and I have over 5 years teaching experience.

• Nominee for best guitarist in Fort Worth Weekly Awards 2012
• Nominee for best album and best folk act Fort Worth Weekly Awards 2005 and 2011
• Won best acoustic act in Fort Worth Weekly Awards 2006 as member of The Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang
• Won best acoustic act in Fort Worth Weekly Awards 2010 as member of old time/bluegrass band, Blackland River Devils
• Composed music for 4 productions (“Wild and Iron Sky”, “The Origin of Species” with Joe Rogers, “The Butterfly’s Evil Spell” with Clint Niosi, and “Hawkline Monster”) at Fort Worth’s Hip Pocket Theatre in 2010, 2011, 2012

How long have you been playing drums?

I have been playing the drums for over 30 years.

Professional Experience:

I have played in rock, blues, jazz, metal, progressive, latin, funk, middleeastern, orchestra, chamber ensemble, and choir projects throughout my career.

Accomplishments:

Derron Bell finished school with a Master’s Degree in Music Performance from Texas Tech University in 2000, and before that a Bachelor of Music degree from Oklahoma State University with a major in percussion and minor in piano. (He bleeds Cowboy Orange!) Since then he has performed as a freelance musician in Lubbock, Midland, Houston, New York City, and for the past 13 years in the Dallas-Ft Worth metroplex. After finishing school, Derron was the Principle Timpanist for the Midland-Odessa Symphony in 2000 and 2001, and has since then performed with a number of other symphony orchestras, including those in Plano, Irving, Las Colinas, Arlington, Garland, Flower Mound, Lubbock and San Angelo. He has enjoyed performing for hundreds of kids, parents and teachers with his entertaining and educational childrens’ programs. In addition to classical music, Derron performs regularly with several different rock bands as well as jazz, latin, country, funk, metal and pop music on drumset. He is well-versed in music theatre, world hand drumming, and especially the marimba. In 2007 he participated in the International Marimba Competition and Festival in Belgium. In 2001 he performed at the Nancy Zeltsman Marimba Festival, at the Texas Music Festival in 2000-2001, and in 1994 he toured with Star of Indiana & Brass Theater (the forerunner to Broadway’s ‘Blast!’). More recently, in 2013 he joined the touring cast for Cirque Musica, a show combining traditional circus acts with live orchestra.Derron has been an active educator for the past 20 years. At Texas Tech University he was a graduate teaching assistant, his responsibilities including marching percussion, steel drum band, and private lessons. He also assisted the marching percussion instruction at Oklahoma State University. In 1996-7 he taught the front ensemble for Delta Brigade Drum & Bugle Corps. Currently, Derron lives in Dallas and teaches privately at home and in several area school districts. He serves as a clinician for college and high school marching percussion programs and adjudicates nationally for the USSBA Marching Band Competition circuit. He has taught or been involved with dozens of high school drumlines and percussion ensembles. He has maintained a steady roster of 30-70 private students per week for the past 14 years. He has had a number of students make the Texas All State Band, and several former students have gone on to attend college as music majors.In addition to orchestral and classical music, Derron keeps an active schedule playing live shows, especially on the drumset. Some of his former rock bands include Power of Omens (progressive metal), The Roaming Soldiers (blues/rock/jam band), and Besotoxx (Latin pop/Rock en espanol). He is currently kept busy by The Rusty Brothers (country), Opium Symphony (alternative rock) and Garcia (latin/rock). He performs regularly with the cover bands Hair Ballad All Stars and Da Hit Mob. His latest endeavor, Trialogue, is a world jazz trio in which he performs on doumbek, frame drum, and cajon.

How long have you been playing drums?

Over 8 years

Professional Experience:

Douglas Aubrey is an active drum teacher in Lewisville TX, and surrounding areas. Douglas has shared the stage alongside renown groups such as: Brave Combo, Have Mercy, Ian Sweet, and many more in the DFW area and throughout the country.

Accomplishments:

TMEA All region/area jazz band 2018 and playing in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra – Jazz Institute

How long have you been playing bass guitar and guitar?

I started playing bass guitar and guitar sometime in 2004, so a little over 18 years.

Professional Experience:

I started performing music in 2000 as a singer, and starting performing as an instrumentalist in 2003. I have been performing professionally as a bass player since 2009 in rock, country, blues, contemporary worship, world, latin and metal groups throughout DFW, and I am proficient in all musical genres. I have been teaching guitar, bass, ukulele and drums for over 11 years.

Accomplishments:

I have toured to over 45 cities nationwide, and co-produced an original record that has received radio airplay from over 36 radio stations across the United States, as well as performed on multiple studio musical projects since 2009.

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 40 years

Professional Experience:

Dwayne Bollmeyer, performer and guitar instructor, and has been teaching aspiring students in DFW Texas since 1987. Dwayne currently teaches students in Arlington-area charter schools, and also teaches private lessons across Dallas and Fort Worth. Specializing in rock, blues, jazz, classical guitar, bass lessons and instruction in Fort Worth, Dallas and the North Texas area, Dwayne features a warm and friendly approach to learning. Dwayne has pioneered original renown Texas Country band The Rusty Brothers, produced the progressive rock record Astronomicon. He has been a studio musician for countless artist including Fort Worth songwriter Brad Thompson, as well as performed for U.S. troops in Afghanistan, Africa, UAE and Kyrgyzstan.

How many years have you been singing and playing piano?

I have been singing since I was 7 years-old, so over 24 years. I have been playing piano for over 15 years.

Accomplishments:

• Currently attending University of North Texas, Masters Jazz performance vocal BFA major (2013- present)
  – Private lessons with Jennifer Barnes and Rosanna Eckert.
  – Taking advanced jazz classes such as ensemble, small groups, research, and forum.
  – Sang in Avenue C ensemble, currently in UNT Jazz Singers (the top vocal ensemble at UNT)

UNT Jazz singers (1.5 years) with an album that will come out soon. and Avenue C (1 year)
Gigs in NY and Denton area/Participated some albums./Singing national anthem/Singing and playing piano at
church/ Currently working on my own album that I am planning to release around May 2016

• Graduated the City College of New York, Jazz performance vocal BFA major (2010-2012)
  Lessons with Suzzane Pittson, the assistant of Jazz Vocal Studies at CCNY, Yaala Balin and
  Charenee Wade, jazz vocalists performing in NY, Jay Clayton, a famous jazz vocalist performing
• Attending Jazz vocal ensemble, vocalization (vocal training) and Jazz choir (chorus)
  Studying Jazz improvisation, History of Jazz, Musicianship, Jazz vocal workshop

• Graduated from Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts (2004-2006)
  With the Associate Degree in Department of Music for film and pop
  – Received a teaching license / qualified teaching singing
  – Had lessons with Misun Kim majoring in Classical voice in Europe, the chair of Music Department at
  Dong-Ah, Yeonwoo Kim (also known as TOY), a Korean pop singer, and Malo Jung, one of top jazz
  vocalists in Korea
  – Attended vocal ensemble, vocalization (vocal training) and choir
  – Studied Jazz theory, History of Pop and Jazz, Sight singing, Ear training and Composition

• Seoul Ho Mun Park Music Academy and Seoul Music School Academy (2001-2003)
  

Performance Experience:

Performace at Silvana in Manhattan, NY; December 2014
• Performance at Banter in Denton; June 2014
• Performed National Anthem and a song, “Your life.” At the 32nd 2012 Korean Parade in Manhattan; October 6th 2012
• Performed National Anthem and a song, “Your life.” At the 19th Korean-American Night at Eisenhower Park in Long
Island; September 22nd 2012
• Performance in Namjin, a Korean pop singer, Concert with NYKJO in New Jersey as a back-up vocal; Junly 16th and
17th 2012
• Performance at Café Cielo in Manhattan, NY; April 2011
• Performance Brain Kim, a Korean-American gospel singer, Concert as a back-up vocal in NY; June 2011, January
2011
• Recorded The album “想상像상” – The cat house (Fusion Jazz Band) as back-up vocal in Korea; April 2006
• Member of The Pop band as a vocalist; Performed The concert “Flying Sky” in Korea; January 2006
• Member of Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts; Performed weekly recital as vocalist with the school band in Korea;
March 2004 – January 2006
• Performed in special events such as 101 concert, Seoul Youth Festival as main and back-up vocalist in Korea;
September 2003 – July 2006
• Member of Bridge Impact Ministry Praise Band as vocalist; performed gospel songs in Korea; July 2004 – June 2005

Other Accomplishments and Awards:

• Teaching private vocal lessons at ARUKAHO Academy and Two Men Music Studio in TX; August 2014 – Present
• Teaching private piano & vocal lessons; March 2004 – Present
• Receiving $1000 + in instate tuition scholarship at UNT; Fall 2013 – Present
• Recording a song, “Your life” dedicating to Korean women who were suffered during War; July 2012
• Won Reeves Scholarship at CCNY; Fall semester 2011
• Teaching pop/jazz/musical vocal at Eastern Music Institute in NY; September 2011 – July 2013
• Member of NYCE International gospel band in NY as vocalist; February 2008 – 2009
• Conducting a choir of junior high school students at Church; January 2006 – October 2007
• Received a teaching certification from Dong-Ah Institute of Media and Arts; March 2006
• Recording Demos; February 2004 – June 2012
• Received awards from Junior Chamber International Korea Singing Competition, Seoul Youth Singing Competition,
Kyung-Won College Singing Competition, Song-Pa Gu Youth Singing Competition in Korea;
July 2003 – December 2004
• Member of Church Praise team; Performed every Sunday as a vocalist and a pianist in Korea and NY; January 1998
– July 2013

How long have you been playing violin?

Over 20 years

Accomplishments:

Fu-Jung Yu is an experienced violin teacher in Dallas TX with a passion for seeing students excel! Originally from Taiwan, Fu-Jung Yu, is a solo violinist as well as an active orchestra violinist. Fu-Jung’s strong passion of music led him to learn the violin outside of an education background. While in the army Fu-Jung was chosen as a violinist for the Ministry of National Defense Symphony Orchestra – the most prestigious professional orchestra in Taiwan, and also the only orchestra in Taiwan ministry. After serving for army, Fu-Jung Yu started his masters program at Berklee/The Boston Conservatory. While completing his masters, he completed two recitals at the Boston Conservatory, and a concert master experience with the Boston Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. Fu-Jung also performs outside of school, and has had the privilege to perform: in Europe as the second violin principle for Prague summer night Symphony Orchestra, joined the Napa Valley Festival Symphony Orchestra, and performed two solo recitals to his hometown in Taiwan.

Fu-jung Yu is currently an active violin teacher in Dallas TX area while pursuing his doctoral degree in the University of North Texas.

How long have you played guitar?

Over 15 years

Accomplishments:

I am an active guitar teacher in Carrollton TX and the surrounding areas, offering unmatched lessons for all ages! I have been performing professionally for the last 11 years. Since moving to Texas, I have been on multiple tours, played at SXSW, the 2019 CMA fest in Nashville TN, and performed locally opening for touring acts at venues such as Club Dada and the Curtain Club. I have played in a lot of different groups wit different instrumentation. I currently perform with multiple bands that are focused on original music in the indie, neo-soul, jazz, and bluegrass genres. I have also play in a few top 40 cover bands, as well as a country tribute band.

• Graduated from UNT’s Jazz Studies Program
• Performed with UNT Lab bands and Guitar Ensembles
• Performed at both SXSW and CMA fest
• 3 self released EPs as an independent artist

How long have you been playing guitar and piano?

Guitar over 20 years; Piano over 4 years

Professional Experience:

I have performed in different music ensembles and festivals.

Accomplishments:

I studied music composition with Alireza Mashayekhi. Throughout my career, I have performed several guitar recitals, and in many ensembles. I have attended several masterclasses in music composition and conducting. I have also received recognitions from different universities and schools for handling music classes and guitar workshops such as Shiraz University, Electronic University, and Farabi Music Institute.

How long have you been playing piano?

Over 17 years

Accomplishments:

Jacob Nydegger, a San Antonio native, is an exciting young pianist whose esteemed artistry reflects his musical sensitivity. In San Antonio, Nydegger studied with Blanca Rodriguez, winning the 17th annual Petroff Piano Competition and receiving the Outstanding Performer award at Texas State Solo & Ensemble in 2012 and 2013. Since then, he has studied under Seth Carlin at Washington University in St. Louis and he currently studies with Joseph Banowetz at the University of North Texas where he has received the Larry Walz Piano Scholarship and the Outstanding Undergraduate in Piano Performance award. In 2016, Jacob was named a finalist for The American Prize in Solo Piano Performance. Jacob was a recent winner of the Colorado College Summer Festival Concerto Competition and performed the Grieg Concerto with the Festival Orchestra. In 2017, he was named 2nd Prizewinner in London’s International Best Grieg Competition. Outside of solo work, Nydegger has experience composing scores for multiple films associated with the Texas Union Film Festival. Jacob is currently under contract for future recordings with the Toccata Classics record label in London.

How long have you been playing bass guitar?

Bass Guitar: over 18 years, music in general: over 25 years

Professional Experience:

Jacob Dill is a bass guitar teacher in Dallas, TX. Raised in Granbury, TX, he started playing Tuba at 12 years old at Granbury Middle School, and began playing guitar a few years later. In 2000 bass quickly became his primary instrument.  After a decade spent between Denton, Dallas, and San Francisco Jacob moved back to Texas permanently in 2009, and immediately began playing bass in several North Texas based bands.  Fast forward to today, Jacob is one of North Texas’ in demand Country and Americana-Electric and upright bassists. He currently plays with the George Strait tribute King George, traditional country Artists Bubba Harper and Jerry Audley, and can sometimes be seen slappin’ the upright bass with The Bodarks.

How long have you been playing cello?

15 years

Professional Experience:

I have performed with the following orchestras: the National Orchestral Institute, North Shore Music Festival, Amore Opera Company, Regina Opera Company, Bronx Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center.

Accomplishments:

I have attended some of the country’s most prestigious music festivals for young musicians including: the National Orchestral Institute, Garth Newel Music Center, Meadowmount, Brevard Music Center, New York State Summer School of the Arts and C. W. Post Chamber Music Festival. Jason is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda national music honors society and graduated with university and college honors from Carnegie Mellon University. I have performed in master classes for prominet musicians such as: Steven Doan, Joel Krosnick, Stephen Geber, Eric Kim, Robert DeMaine and more. I was also featured in Pittsburgh’s WQED 89.3 FM where I played three movements from J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1. I am currently finishing my Masters degree at SMU.

How long have you been playing piano?

About 15 years, and I’ve been teaching children, teens and adults for over 9 years.

Professional Experience:

Software

• Final Draft, Avid Media Composer, Pro Tools, After Effects, Photoshop, Premiere Pro
• Final Cut, Live Type, and Aperture

 Education

• Southwest FL Music Academy Nov 97 – Feb 06 – Naples, FL (Studied piano with an emphasis on classical music)

Accomplishments:

Edited music for an online music  library used by figure skaters in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Many of the figure skaters won medals!

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 20 years.

Professional Experience: I began playing guitar when I was 14, starting out with a 3-piece punk rock band in high school. Since then I have been a part of multiple projects and bands including two touring bands and one signed to a professional record label (Swimming With Sharks Records).

Accomplishments: I have had the opportunity to tour the country multiple times and share the stage with such acts as P.O.D. and Slipknot. In July of 2015 one of my bands, Bow Prometheus, was voted Best Deathcore band of 2015 by Maxima Distorzion, a Houston, TX-based PR group. As well as all the members, I was fortunate to have been voted Best Deathcore Bassist among Texas bands in the same genre. I am well-versed in multiple genres, and am capable of teaching guitar to all ages and interests!

Born in Lima, Peru, Jesus began his studies of violin with professors Jesus Peralta and Edgar Valenzuela. At age 11 he joined the National Conservatory of Music of Peru, where he studied until 2006 under Laszlo Benedeck.

Jesus has been the winner of the National Violin Competition of Peru three times, making his debut as a soloist with the orchestra of the Conservatory at age 12. He served as the concertmaster of the Children Symphony Orchestra of Peru, National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Peru, Symphony Orchestra of the National Conservatory of Music, Texas Christian University symphony orchestra, and the Sinfonietta of Fort Worth.

Jesus has represented his country in the Youth Orchestra of the Andean Countries and has also been a member of the Youth Orchestra of Latin American, in which he was conducted by Claudio Abbado and Gustavo Dudamel. He was also invited to join the Youth Orchestra of the Americas for the tour in 2006.

As a soloist, Jesus has performed with the Symphony Orchestras of the National Conservatory of Music (Peru), Children and Youth Symphony Orchestras of Peru, Symphony Orchestra of Trujillo, Fort Worth Junior Youth Orchestra, the Sinfonietta of Fort Worth, and the National Symphony of Peru. Jesus has participated in masterclasses with: Jaime Laredo, Midori Goto, David Kim, The Julliard string quartet, Cavanni string quartet, Stephen Rose, among others. Jesus plays in the symphonies of Las Colinas, Plano, Irving and San Angelo.

In 2006 Jesus was granted a full tuition scholarship from Texas Christian University where he was a student of Dr Curt Thompson, and concertmaster TCU Symphony Orchestra conducted by German Gutierrez. Jesus is currently enrolled for the Performers Certificate program at SMU, and is in the studio of professor Emmanuel Borok.

I have also performed in many DFW symphony orchestras including: Plano Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Irving Symphony and TCU Symphony.

How long have you been playing your instruments?

I have been playing music for over 25 years- over 15 years professionally. I have played in a variety of settings from solo gigs and duos to bluegrass bands, country bands, original and cover rock bands, blues jams, jazz combos and big bands, and full symphony orchestras

How long have you been teaching?

Over 10 years

Professional Experience:

Jim Case has had a varied music career, starting out on guitar and soon branching out to mandolin, banjo, bass, steel guitar, and trumpet. This experience has given him an appreciation for a wide variety of styles, from jazz, blues and rock to country, folk and bluegrass. After studying jazz at Santa Rosa Junior College under Berklee graduate Bennet Friedman, he moved to Texas in 2004 to study country, rock and bluegrass with world-renowned musicians at South Plains College in Levelland. Jim has been teaching music professionally for over 10 years, having worked with children as young as five years old and helping them become performing level musicians. A family man, Jim has taught his wife and three children to play music, and performs with them and a variety of other talent throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area and Central Texas.

How long have you been teaching piano?

I have been teaching piano for over 10 years to individuals of all levels.

Professional Experience:

University of North Texas – Jazz Big Band and the Jazz singers (West End)
Many kinds of performance skills – Church band, Small group and solo piano

Accomplishments:

A music composition graduate of Kookmin University from her native Seoul, South Korea, Jinsook Kwak is the product of many years of formal music training in piano and classical music composition. Performing since the age of seven, JinSook first began her formal piano studies with Jiwon Ju, a graduate of South Korea’s prestigious Seoul University. It was under his tutelage that she began seriously exploring the mechanics, timbre, and possibilities of the piano. In addition to studies in Moscow and more recently, had taken lessons one year from Luke Gillespie who is a professor of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, JinSook is currently advancing her musical studies in Jazz Performance at the renowned University of North Texas where she is a student of Yang Ding and John Dan Haerle.

•  “Composition Title” selected for National Student Conference by The Society of Music Composition and Research
• Bachelor of Arts in Jazz Piano Expected Graduation May 2017 – University of North Texas Denton, TX
• Bachelor of Composition in Music (Advanced) February 2011
• KookMin University Seoul, South Korea – Graduated Summa Cum Laude, GPA: 4.01/4.5

JJ Han is an active piano in teacher offering piano lessons in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas!

Professional Experience:

MUSIC ACADEMY OF CASTLE HILLS, LEWISVILLE, TX
Piano Teacher, Sep 2015 — Present

FREELANCE, DALLAS, TX
Private Piano Teacher, Sep 2011 -— Present

CHURCH OF PROSPER, PROSPER, TX
Worship pianist, Dec 2015 — Sep 2017

BAND OSAMU, DENTON, TA
Pianist, Sep 2015 -— Nov 2016

DENTON JAZZ FESTIVAL BIG BAND MADNESS, DENTON, TX
Pianist, May 2011 -— May 2016 © Annual Jazz Festival

JJ JAZZ GROUP RECORDING SESSION, DENTON, TX
Composer, Arranger, Pianist, Jan 2015 -— Jun 2015

DAEWON LEE QUINTET RECORDING SESSION, DENTON, [TA
Pianist, Sep 2013 -— Nov 2013

CHRIST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PLANO, TA
Worship Pianist, Nov 2011 -— Dec 2011

DENTON JAZZ FESTIVAL WELLS FARGO STAGE, DENTON, TX
Pianist, May 2011 – May 2011

SEOUL JAZZ ACADEMY, SEOUL, SEOUL
Piano Teacher, Nov 2009 -— Jul 2010

INTERNATIONAL STREET ART FESTIVAL, SEOUL, SEOUL
Group Manager, Composer, Arranger, Pianist, May 2009 — May 2010
Education

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS – DENTON, TX
Bachelor of Music Music in Jazz Studies (May 2016)

CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES

Music Teacher Certificate Association of Korea

How long have you been playing guitar, ukulele and banjo?

Over 10 years

Professional Experience:

I started music during my elementary school years. Over the course of my musical experience, I have learned several instruments such as Guitar, Banjo, Ukulele, and fundamentals in Mandolin and Piano. I went to Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts having learned several genres of music. I also have strengths in Music Therapy for physically and mentally handicapped children, and I am currently working with a student who has a mental disability (short term memory loss) and improving his overall functions through music.

Aside from my studies, I have also performed in several ensembles through High School and perform locally in the DFW area currently. I have experience in all genres of music ranging from Blues, Acoustic, Latin, Rock, Pop, and Classical.

• I have played for over 10 years and have been an active guitar teacher in Dallas for over 4 years
  
• Performed in numerous Ensembles at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
• Competed in UIL State for Classical Guitar receiving a 1 (best rating) in Solo Performance 2011-2013
• Performed in numerous gigs around the DFW area from venues such as House of Blues to Opening Bell Coffee
• Organized and operated many musical showcases for Guitar Center

Johnny Jung is a guitarist, composer, audio engineer, and online guitar teacher serving students looking for online guitar lessons Plano, TX,  as well as surrounding areas. Jung’s musical Journey started with playing piano at the age of 7 years old. At the time, he was playing into Classical composition such as, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann and so on. He was always around musical environment because his Mother was passionate music lover who always challenged Johnny to learn new instruments. At the age of 16, he started learning guitar after discovered the “G3 Live” concert in 1997 album. He was passionate about Rock instrumental music, which led him to delve into guitar improvisational music – especially “blues”. Steve Ray Vaughan was Jung’s biggest influenced as a teenager. Eventually, Jung’s love for improvisation led him to learn Jazz guitar.

Jung moved to Seoul, South Korea, to attend Seoul Jazz Academy which is Global Partner Institute of Berklee College of Music. He graduated Seoul Jazz Academy as the best honored student with scholarship. He also taught there under a Teaching Fellowship after graduation.

In 2008, Jung moved to the United States to study Jazz and improvisation on an advanced level at the University of North Texas College of Music. He studied  Jazz guitar under Fred Hamilton, Richard Mclure, Noel Johnston, Jacob Wise, and Scott Kruser, as well as Jazz improvisation under Rodney Booth, Mike Steinel, Stefan Karlsson and Ed Soph. He also studied classical guitar under Stephen Lochbaum. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degree in Jazz studies and he was a multiple-music-scholarships recipient including: James Weldon Thomas jazz study scholarship, Dr.N.Patrica Yarborough music scholarship, Kris Molfat Memorial Jazz Guitar scholarship, and USC scholarship.

He has participated professional performances in DFW and played guitar and keys in many bands. Johnny considers himself “still on his musical journey”, and is an active guitar teaching helping students learn by online guitar lessons Plano,  as well as the entire Dallas area.

How long have you been playing piano?

I have been playing professionally for over 7 years

Accomplishments:

Jonathan Martinez is a private piano teacher in Arlington, TX. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, Jonathan currently resides in Arlington, Texas. He began his piano studies at the age of 18 when he started his undergraduate studies at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. In his early years as a student, he studied the works of Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin under the tutelage of Dr. Joachim Reinhuber. He gained a strong interest for jazz as well as improvised music and began working towards becoming a professional jazz pianist and educator. While a student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, he was a member of the Wind Symphony and performed at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio, Texas as well as toured along South Texas. He continued his education at UTA Music on an endowed music scholarship to pursue a degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz Studies. He is currently studying with professor Dan Cavanagh and Dr. John Solomons, as well as being a member of the UTA Jazz Orchestra and UTA Jazz Combo. As a member of the UTA Jazz Orchestra and Jazz Combo, he has had the opportunity to play with Grammy Award-winning drummer, Joe McCarthy, saxophone great, Shelley Carrol, and saxophonist for Esperanza Spalding, Brian Landrus. Jonathan performs weekly in several venues as well as teaches lessons throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

How long have you been playing guitar and bass guitar?

Guitar – Over 13 years

Bass –Over 13 years

How long have you been playing violin and viola?

Over 13 years

Professional Experience:

I am a dedicated violin teacher in Dallas, TX with more than 6 years of experience in various
orchestras and chamber groups, and enjoy teaching eager students of all ages!

Saludarte String Quartet, Tayrona String Quartet, EAFIT Symphony Orchestra; Medellin, Colombia 2012-2015
As a professional musician I was honored to give lessons and String sectionals in music academies and in a music social program in Medellin-Colombia, called “La red de escuelas de Música de Medellín”. I received my BA at EAFIT University in Columbia, and I am currently finishing my GAC at the University of North Texas.

Justin Daniels is a violin teacher in Dallas, TX. He led as concertmaster of orchestras in his youth and founded the Sarabande String Quartet at the age of 14 which performed for dozens of weddings and corporate events in the area. Justin has studied with esteemed violinists such as Ruth Carillo, Arthur Busby, Phillip Lewis, Leah Greenfield, and is now studying Violin Performance at the University of North Texas with Professor Julia Bushkova and Baroque Violin with Cynthia Roberts, Juilliard Professor. Justin is a passionate violin teacher in Dallas, TX and brings a unique perspective to music education, emphasizing developing a passion for music and the violin in order to inspire discipline in his students to work to a high standard of musicianship.

How long have you been playing violin?

Since I was 9 years-old – over 17 years

Accomplishments:

Kat is finishing up her Bachelor’s of Music Education degree at Texas Christian University, and will graduate in May of 2014. She has taken voice for over 9 years, but has been singing in choirs since the age of 3. 

With the TCU Concert Chorale she has sung with notable artists and ensembles such as Andrea Bocelli, Helmuth Rilling, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed in the chorus for the TCU opera’s production of Die Fledermaus. She recently performed her senior recital with over a half hour of advanced repertoire. Currently, she sings as a section leader and assistant children’s choir director at University Christian Church, and she is student teaching in preparation to become a middle school or high school choir director.

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

Over 11 years

Professional Experience:

Hailing from Arlington, Texas, Kayla DePretto is an artist with many voices. With 8 years of choral singing, 5 years of classical voice and musical theater training, and 3 years of jazz training, her teaching style incorporates elements of each style of singing to give a well-rounded approach to the use of the voice.

After competing in the Texas All-State choir process throughout her high school years, she started studying choral music at Oklahoma State University, under Z. Randall Stroope. After three years, she transferred her studies to University of North Texas and started working towards a BM in Jazz Studies with an emphasis in voice. She has many years of church music leadership experience and is now focusing on starting a career in studio singing and ensemble singing while gigging around the DFW area. Kayla is also an active vocal instructor offering voice lessons in Flower Mound, TX and surrounding areas!

Kayla has studied voice with the likes of David Malis, Steve Sanders, April Golliver, and Anna Jalkeús, and is currently studying with Rosana Eckert.

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 15 years. I’m a self-taught singer/songwriter and guitarist.

Professional Experience:

I have been performing as a singer/guitarist in my original rock band, Opium Symphony, since 2007. I’ve been teaching guitar for over 7 years.

Accomplishments:

I have toured to 40+ cities across the United States, and had my original music aired on over 36 radio stations nationwide. I have also supported household artists such as: Perry Farrell (Jane’s Addiction), Gin Blossoms, Paul Crook (Anthrax), and Kirsten Price (HBO’s “The L-Word”), and performed large festivals such as: South By Southwest, Phoenix Pride Festival, 97.1 KEGL‘s 4:20 Celebration and more.

How long have you been playing guitar and piano?

I have been playing guitar for over 40 years, and piano for over 15 years.

Professional Experience:

I have performed all types of gigs from house parties, to solo gigs, to restaurants, bands, guitar duos, guitar trios and more.

Accomplishments:

I have been teaching guitar and piano for over 22 years in the Greater Dallas/Fort Worth area. I studied music composition and guitar at the University of North Texas and North Carolina School of the Arts. I also wrote and performed my own public radio shows for over 8 years presenting new music and global music.

How long have you been playing trumpet?

Over 9 years.

Professional Experience:

I have been giving trumpet lessons in Dallas and San Antonio since late high school, and I have performed in many setting s including: symphonic, big band, salsa bands and pop/rock bands. I have had the pleasure of performing with the San Antonio Brass Collegiate Quintet, the All-State Philharmonic Orchestra, and recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in El Paso with the band Deer Vibes.  I was also awarded the TMEA All-State, and I am on the President’s List at the University of North Texas. I am currently finishing my degree in trumpet performance at UNT.

How long have you been playing cello?

Over 17 years.

Professional Experience:

Kourtney Newton is an cello teacher actively teaching cello lessons in Dallas, TX. She currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in cello performance from the University of North Texas where she studies with Nikola Ruzevic.  Kourtney is an experienced orchestral player and has enjoyed performing with symphony orchestras in Colorado, Louisiana, Texas, Vermont, Virginia and Wyoming.  She has performed at many prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, as well as other notable concert halls in Salzburg, Vienna and London.  She is also passionate about chamber music, and as a founding member of the KAZM string quartet has performed in and around Colorado, as well as a 2012 tour in Bangkok, Thailand.  Kourtney is an ardent supporter of new music and was a member of the Colorado Sound Painting Improvisation ensemble, as well as a guest artist in the Aquila Contemporary Music Recital Series in 2012 and 2013.  She is also active in UNT’s new music ensemble, NOVA. Since moving to Texas, Kourtney has been involved with the popular music scene in the DFW area and has performed with artists such as Michael Bublé, The Celtic Women and Il Divo.

EDUCATION

University of North Texas                                          2013-Present

D.M.A., Cello Performance

University of Northern Colorado                                2009-2012

M.M., Cello Performance

Stephen F. Austin State University                             2004-2009

B.M., Cello Performance

ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE

• Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra-Section Cello *audition winner
• Brazosport Symphony Orchestra-Section Cello *audition winner
• Orchestra of the Pines-Assistant principal cello *audition winner
• Shreveport Symphony Orchestra
• Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra
• Texarkana Symphony Orchestra
• Monroe Symphony Orchestra
• Richardson Symphony Orchestra
• Greeley Chamber Orchestra
• SFA Chamber Orchestra-Austria tour, 2005 Mozart Festival
• Kansas City Puccini Opera Festival
• Little Theatre of the Rockies
• Windsor Community Playhouse
• Irving Lyric Stage
• Fort Collins Candle Light Dinner Theater
• Brazosport Center Stages
• The Celtic Women, Music Hall at Fair Park with Dallas Pops
• Michael Bublé To Be Loved Tour, American Airlines Center
• Il Divo at Winstar Casino

CHAMBER MUSIC EXPERIENCE

• KAZM string quartet- 2012 Bangkok, Thailand tour
• Vista String Quartet, 2005-2009
• Chamber Music in the Pines Summer Music Festival
• Manchester Chamber Music Festival
• Wintergreen Performing Arts Chamber Music Festival
• Aquilla Contemporary Music Summer Recital Series
• Longmont Council for the Arts Chamber Music Recital Series
• Loveland Friends of Chamber Music Society
• UNT NOVA New Music Ensemble
• UNCO Angie Southard Chamber Music Competition *finalist
• Colorado Soundpainting Improvisation Ensemble

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 11 years

Professional Experience:

How long have you been singing? 25+ years.

Multi-instrumentalist: 10+ years

Professional Experience: A former Vocalist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Laura Poley is passionate about infusing her students with an energy and love for music! She loves to use her creativity, experience and artistic talent to motivate young musicians in her community. Laura studied classical voice under world-class soprano, Linda Poetschkeat UTSA. Under Mrs. Poetschke’s mentorship, Laura gained in-depth understanding of the voice as a human instrument. More importantly, she gleaned and applied practice techniques that she emphasizes to her own students.Performing with various groups such as the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Chorus, the San Antonio Symphony and UT San Antonio Master Singers taught Laura so much about the commitment it takes to be successful as a performer. Today, Laura enjoys teaching vocal lessons in her newly renovated-home studio located in Addison, TX.She is accessible to students in Farmers Branch, Carrollton, North Dallas, Plano and Frisco.In addition to teaching, she is active in her church and assists with leading worship at Valley View Christian Church. Laura is committed to equipping students to develop their own style and reach their personal goals as expressive vocal artists!

Choir Prep: Do-Re-Mi, Voice Training, Ear Training
– Audition Prep / Contest Prep
– Band Fundamentals – Intro to Choosing an Instrument, Fingering Charts, Reading Music
– Music Theory
– Improvisational Soloing
– Music Literacy
– Group Singing Lessons (Chamber Singing)
– Introductory Piano

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

Voice: Over 14 years. Piano: Over 16 years.

Professional Experience:

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

Voice: Over 14 years. Piano: 5 years.

Professional Experience:

Accomplishments:

University Christian Church, Intern/Section Leader (Fort Worth, Texas) (2013-Present)

• Attend weekly rehearsals to enrich the musical experience of the choir
• Assist the choir by commenting on a difficult passage and issuing help and advice
• Sing at two Sunday services

 TCU Choir Camp, Facilitator/Intern (Fort Worth, Texas) (2013-Present)

• Assist section leaders during sectionals and full rehearsals
• Organize and coordinate the camp talent show auditions and lead the other interns in the process
• Motivate students to experience all that music has to offer

 Colorado Children’s Chorale, Summer Intern (Denver, Colorado) (2013)

• Assisted with discipline and teaching repertoire and choreography in workshops across Denver
• Organized and assembled their music library list
• Assisted in auditions for new members

PERFORMANCE EXPERIENCE

Choral Experience, Choral Member (Denver, Colorado/Limon, Colorado/ Fort Worth, Texas)

• TCU University Singers—Music education lab chorus: Large variety of music and styles (2011-Present)
• TCU Vocal Jazz Ensemble—Small vocal jazz ensemble: Performances around campus and conventions (2013-Present)
• TCU Production of Die Fledermaus—College opera chorus: Multiple showings (2012)
• Limon Community Choir- Soloist—Local community chorus: Major works and various solos (2008-2011)
• Colorado Children’s Chorale—Professional children’s chorus: national and international tours (2001-2007)

NATS Competition-Texoma, Semi-Finalist (Shawnee, Oklahoma/Denton, Texas)

• Sophomore Women’s Division (2012)
• Freshman Women’s Division (2011)

Lead Roles in High School Musicals, Lead/Choreographer/Assistant Director (Limon, Colorado)

• Dolly Levi in Hello Dolly (2011)
• Miss Adelaide in Guys & Dolls (2010)
• Marian Paroo in Music Man (2009)                                                                                                                           
• Mayzie le Bird in Sueussical the Musical (2008)
• Sandy Dumbrowski in Grease (2008)

 EDUCATION

Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)

• B.M.E. Music Education with a Vocal Concentration, 2015
• Senior Achievement in Music Education Award
• TCU Faculty’s Scholarship
• Dean’s List
• Mortar Board
• Tri-M Music Honor Society
• Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society                              

How long have you been singing and playing piano?

Voice 7 years, under the instruction of Rebecca Kier, Carolyn Kahl, and Dale Dietert.
Piano 5 years, under the instruction of Evelyn White, Erin Palmer, and Hannah Payne.

Type of band experience:

As a classical singer, rather than bands I have instead been a part of many musical theater productions including Guys and Dolls (Sarah), Ragtime, Beauty and the Beast, Pirates of Penzance, and Oliver!, among others. I’ve also been involved in many choirs, including the Concert Choir at Southern Methodist University, the Chamber Choir of Cobb County Center for Excellence in Performing Arts, Georgia Allstate Choirs, District Honor Choruses, Spivey Hall Chorus, and Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program Vocal Major Chorus. While studying at the Cobb County Center for Performing Arts, I was a member of the Eighteen Voice Ensemble and the Trio Ensemble.

Accomplishments

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Vocal Performance at Southern Methodist University.
• Former student at the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA), from which I received the following awards and positions:
• Soprano Section Leader
• “Most Outstanding Student in Chamber Choir”
• “CCCEPA Rising Star Award”
• “Personal Achievement Award in Voice”
• “Model Choral Student”
• “Vocal Leadership Award”
• Participant in Georgia’s Governor’s Honors Program (Vocal Major)
• Participant in Georgia’s All-State Chorus for all applicable years (6)

Lisa Bender is an active vocal teacher in Plano, TX. Lisa not only teaches vocal lessons in Plano, but throughout the North Dallas area. Having obtained her Music Composition degree (Toccoa Falls College), and Masters degree in Music Education and Music Therapy (University of Kansas), Lisa offers students an unmatched teaching approach for all students seeking to learn music. Lisa is a multi-instrumentalist as well offering learning not only for vocal lessons in Plano, but also learning in piano, guitar, songwriting, and musical performance. Lisa is a board-certified music therapist with extensive knowledge on teaching students with special needs, including autism and ADHD. Lisa is also active in the DFW music scene with weekly vocal performances throughout the Dallas area.

With such an expansive experience in teaching music, Lisa’s students excel to great heights – call us, and sign up for vocal lessons in Plano today!

How long have you been and playing piano?

I have been playing piano for over 20 years, and teaching for over 6 years.

Accomplishments:

• Initiated his musical studies in the Escuela de Cultura y Difusion Artistica “Armando Dufey” in Temuco, with Mirta Millas as her professor. In 1998 entered the Conservatory of Music of the Austral University of Chile where he obtained with highest honors, a Bachelor of Music in March of 2006. In 2008 he entered at Texas Christian University and graduated in 2010 finishing the Artist Diploma program under the direction of Professor Harold Martina.

• During his academic years at the conservatory, Mr. Cuevas accomplished a high level of academic and artistic excellence and was awarded the Distinction of Artistic Merit (2004) and the Fernando Santivan Medal (2005) given by the Austral University of Chile. In 2004, during the celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the Austral University he was elected as the outstanding student of the Conservatory of Music of the Austral University and received an Honor Scholarship, as a reward for his distinguished level of academic and artistic performance.   

• In the year 2002 he was the First Prize winner in Level III of the Claudio Arrau” International Piano Competition. In the year 2004 he won the First Honorable Mention in Level IV of the same competition. In 2012 he was a finalist in the 5^th Panama International Piano Competition.

• In 1999 Marco Antonio composed his first violin concerto which was premiered by the Chamber Orchestra of the Conservatory of the Austral University of Chile.  

• For the years 2005 and 2006 Marco was the Official Pianist of the Municipal Theater of Temuco, thus working with the orchestra, choir and soloists of this theater during the complete seasons for those years, in which he played works from the Choral Symphony and Opera repertoire. Mr. Cuevas has played in Master Classes for José Feghali, Vladimir Feltsman, Daniel Herscovitch, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Ursula Oppens, Thomas Rosenkranz and Bernd Zack.

• Marco A. Cuevas has been presented as a concert pianist, offering recitals in Santiago, Temuco, La Serena, Valparaiso, Cartagena, Chillan, Concepcion, Valdivia, Osorno, Puerto Montt and Chiloe (all the above in Chile), as well as in Italy, Panama and the United States. As a soloist he has played with the Chamber Orchestra of the Conservatory of Music of the Austral University and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Temuco.

• Recently during 2013 Marco has performed in Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Hannover, Lüneburg and in the HerzbergCastle in Harz (Alemania); receiving an excellent critique in the German Press.

• In December 2013 Mr. Cuevas obtained a Masters of Music in Piano Performance under the guidance of Professor Harold Martina.

San Angelo Symphony Orchestra 2011-2013
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra 2012-2013
Odysseus Chamber Orchestra 2012-2013
Moscow Chamber Instrumental Capella 2007-2011 (Russia)

Education

2011 and now – TCU School of Music, artist diploma student under Dr. Thompson (2011-2012), with Mr. Shih (2012-present).
Russian Music Academy by Gnessin’s (postgraduate degree, aspirantura)-2006-2010, Moscow.
Russian Music Academy by Gnessin’s – 2000-2006 (bachelor, master of music) Moscow.
Kharkov Special Music School (Ukraine)-1989-2000

Performance experience

As a soloist and member of chamber groups played in concerts and festivals in Ukraine, Russia,
Belgium, Japan, US. Has 2nd prize in Chamber music competition in Donetsk , Ukraine, 4th
prize on International Competition of Chamber music by name of Sergey Taneev in Kaluga,
Russia. Was member of String Quartet “Dissonans”

Teaching experience

Teacher in “B-Sharp” Music program, violin and viola Fort Worth, currently.
Assistant ship in Chamber music department of Gnessin’s Academy of Music (Moscow, Russia)
2006-2011.

How long have you been playing your insruments?

1976 to Present

How long have you been teaching?

Over 20 years

Professional Experience:

Semi-professional until 2008. Full-time professional musician since then primarily playing and performing upright bass, guitar and mandolin in various bands as a hired sideman. I’ve performed and collaborated in genres such as: bluegrass, old-time, Americana, rockabilly, swing, jazz, singer/songwriter, original, praise & worship, country and high school stage bands.

Accomplishments:

• Fort Worth Weekly Awards with “Electric Mountain Rotten Apple Gang” and the “Blackland River Devils”
• Finalist in singer/songwriter competitions, “Chevy Sonic Sounds” (2011) and “Texas Independent Music Expo” (2010).
• Senior Level course work for the University of Texas Arlington in Jazz Studies Program
• AAS in Music from Cedar Valley College in Guitar Performance
• Received radio airplay and performed live on 89.3FM KNON and 88.7FM KTCU

How long have you been playing drums?

I have been playing the drums for over 31 years.

Professional Experience:

I have been in a ton of bands, I studied in Marching Band for 10 years, held performances in classical orchestra in California while attending California State University Northridge for music.

Accomplishments:

How long have you been playing your instruments?

Guitar (7 years), Piano (14 years), Drums (5 years), Bass (5 years)

Professional Experience:

Guitar, bass, vocals, organ and piano, I have been performing professionally in rock, metal, blues, original and cover bands since 2009, and continue to presently. I’ve been teaching for over 5 years.

Accomplishments:

• Nominee for best guitarist in Fort Worth Weekly Awards 2013.
• Nominee for best album and best heavy metal band in 2012 and 2013.

How long have you been playing mandolin?

I have been playing mandolin for over 13 years.

Professional Experience:

I have played mandolin in bands for the last 5 years ranging from: original world music, gypsy jazz, bluegrass, Latin/flamenco, rockabilly, roots, Americana and country.

How many years have you been playing and teaching guitar?

I have played guitar for over 50 years, and have been teaching for over 40 years.

I currently teacher guitar lessons in Fort Worth, TX. I began learning to play the guitar as a teen. I’ve spent the last five decades studying and performing with guitar as my primary instrument. I began my professional performing career in 1970 and have continued to study, record and perform. I have played with touring acts including Townes Van Zandt, Gary P Nunn, Rusty Wier, Cowboy Johnson among many others. I have worked for years in recording studios. Currently I lead a dance band called Swing Alley. I teach beginner to advanced levels of players. I use the CAGED method of guitar organization. This method provides the structure to learn music theory, ear training, chord formation, rock, blues and jazz improvisation.

• Mikhail Berestnev’s international performances include concerts at the International Music House in Moscow, Sydney Opera House with Sydney Symphony, Municipal Theatre of Rio de Janeiro with Symphony Orchestra of Brazil, Flagey Theatre in Brussels with Chamber Orchestra of Wallonia as well as with San Angelo Symphony (San Angelo, USA), Symphony Orchestra of Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas, USA).
  
• Being participant of concert programs by the International Music Fund under Maestro Vladimir Spivakov he performed in different part of Russia as a soloist and with Orchestra. Also he took part in Master Classes and concerts by Saint Petersburg Music House under Maestro Sergey Roldugin.
• Mikhail’s teachers were such musicians as Irina Grebenkina, Andrey Khitruk, Lyudmila Alekseeva, Alexey Skavronsky, Vladimir Tropp, Leonid Block, Olga Kondratieva, Elena Strikovskaya, Tamás Ungár.
• His Competition awards include: Gold Medal on the International Delphic Games in 2008; Second Prize on International Stanislav Neuhaus Piano Competition 2010; Fourth prize on 58th Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona and 10th Sydney International Competition of Australia in 2012; Second Prize on 3d BNDES International Piano Competition in Rio de Janeiro in 2012; Overall Winner on 53 Sorantin International Competition in 2013; Semifinalist on Queen Elisabeth Piano Competition 2013 in Brussels; He is prize winner of Texas, South Central Competitions by American MTNA Organization – both 1st Prizes and 3d prize winner of the National Competition in New York.
• Mikhail Berestnev also active in Chamber Music. In 2012 he got his Judith Solomon Piano Award in Chamber Music from Texas Christian University. Appeared with “Seraphim Trio”, San Paulo City String Quartet. Regularly performs with Japanese violinist Ayako Tanabe, Marina Dichenko, Cellist Laura Ospina as well as with different musicians from Bolshoi Theatre, Ensembles “Moscow Virtuosi” and “Musica Viva”. Took part in Master Classes with Hugo Wolf Quartet, Midori, Dmitriy Berlinsky, Elisabeth Adkins, Veda Kaplinsky, Nikolai Petrov. 
• His performances were broadcast on WQXP Radio, ABC Classic FM, WRR Classic 101.

How long have you been playing drums?

I have been playing the drums for over 9 years.

Professional Experience:

I have played in all types of performance settings including: drum line, symphonic bands and percussion ensembles, but most of my experience comes from my studies at TCU.

Accomplishments:

How long have you been playing drums, piano and bass guitar?

Drums – 16 years

Piano – 5 years

Bass – 1 year

Mitchell Albers is a musician and drum teacher in Dallas, TX originally from Indiana who moved to Texas to Study Jazz at UNT with Ed Soph. After over a year of study he finished a Bachelor of Science at UNT while teaching at Julio D. Perfecto School of Music since October of 2014. He now performs professionally as a drummer at various restaurants and bars around Denton, Dallas, McKinney, and Ft. Worth. Mitchell teaches Drum set, Piano, and Bass guitar.

Professional playing experience?

As a drummer;

Western country bands around Dallas: The Gypsy Playboys (https://www.facebook.com/The-Gypsy-Playboys-784802608238701/ ) – 6 months

Mikki Daniel and the Texas Wildfire(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005836686167)

Since last October

Intersect Church In McKinney (http://intersectchurch.org/ ) – since January 2017

• Type of band experience (cover/original/symphonic):

Member of The Clubhouse based in Denton, TX. (https://theclubhousemusic.bandcamp.com/ )

• Accomplishments:

Teaching at Julio D. Perfecto School of Music for 3 Years and running with high student retention rate.

Mixed and Mastered an album for a band that I am also a drummer for (the clubhouse)

Self-taught bass

Finished proficiency tests for Piano at UNT

Completed a Bachelor B.S. degree at UNT – Integrative Studies w/h emphasis in Ethnomusicology, Psychology, and English

How long have you been playing piano and flute?

Piano: over 20 years

Flute: over 18 years

Accomplishments:

Master of Arts in Music Composition at University of North Texas (UNT)

Bachelor of Arts in Music at Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Flute Diploma of the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Grade 8 in Flute Performance, the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Grade 8 in Piano Performance, the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Grade 8 in Music Theory, the Associate Board of the Royal Schools of Music

Teaching Fellow of Aural Skill Class at UNT

Grader of Theory Classes at UNT

Original orchestral work selected for Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Composer Collaboration 2020

Presented compositions at Synthesis 2019

Performed at the 25th Annual Music Festival at Walnut Hill

Bio:

Nicole Tse is a Hong Kong composer, pianist and flutist, and she is also an active piano teacher in Carrollton, TX. She graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where she studied composition with Prof. Wai Kwong Chan, Prof. Wendy Wan-Ki Lee, and Dr. HauMan Lo. She also studies the flute under the tutelage of Ms. Izaskun Erdocia Uranga, Mr. Olivier Nowak, and Ms. Ivy Chuang. She is pursuing a master degree in composition at the University of North Texas, where she studies composition with Dr. Sungji Hong and Dr. Andrew May; flute with Dr. Elizabeth McNutt and Dr. James Scott. 

Tse wrote music in a diverse styles, often demonstrating her imagination and philosophical thoughts on humanity. She is currently exploring the cultural expression in music, and is a piano teacher in Carrollton, TX. Interested in collaboration, Tse is active in multi-media art productions, including those with sculptors, poets, videographers, filmmakers, and actors.

How long have you been playing drums?

Over 20 years.

Professional Experience:

• I have been performing regularly at the top venues in Dallas/Ft. Worth since 2011 including: House of Blues, Trees, South Side Ballroom, Gexa Energy Pavilion
• 11 years of private drums lessons
• Played in original bands since age 16
• Studio intern for over 4 years
• Won Round 1 of the “Guitar Center Drum Off” in 2012
• Performed at Mayhem Festival and Summer Slaughter 2012 and 2013
• Taught an electronic music class (Intro to LogicPro) 2008-2010
• Assisted in dozens of recording sessions, including a 2-day session with “Death Cab For Cutie“
• I operate live sound at Tomcats and The Rail Club (Fort Worth)

Patrick is a Music By Ross certified guitar teacher providing exceptional guitar lessons in Prosper TX and surrounding areas! With the guidance of giants like Stevie Rey Vaughan, Mark Knopfler, and Eric Clapton, Patrick has wealth of musical genres. Patrick is eager to share this great joy with others as the journey can be challenging and rewarding.

At age 14, Patrick began to practice simple scales and melodies in his spare time. Eventually, he began to learn more challenging songs and practice more intentionally with scales and modes. Patrick’s dedicated hours learning guitar paid off! In college, Patrick met other talented musicians and formed a band called Screwtop, which performs annually for University of Dallas’s homecoming “Groundhog” celebration. Post graduate, Patrick found great joy in working with fellow bluesman at local jams and have formed his own blues band Crossfire. Additionally, Patrick is a studio musician recording guitar solos and writing music with a band called Sage Graye in DFW. Patrick loves teaching and the opportunity to apply the discipline of guitar in a creative atmosphere, and is happy to share the experience of music by teaching guitar lessons in Prosper TX!

How long have you been singing and playing drums?

I’ve been singing since I could talk and have been studying voice for over 16 years. As for drums, I have been playing since I could hold sticks, but seriously studying for over 18 years.

Professional Experience:

I play drums and sing in two gigging bands, I’m the back-up drummer for two churches, and I just recently wrapped up playing drums for the University of North Texas University Players production of A Very Potter Musical. I have sung in several choirs, an auditioned acapella group, and also sing with the University of North Texas opera.I have also sung and played drums in cover bands, original rock, funk/rock, and pop bands. I have also sung in choirs, operas, and have been a soloist for St. Andrew UMC and at UNT.

Accomplishments:

• Sung in the UNT opera’s productions of Lucia Di Lammermoor, Romeo et Juliette, and Pirates of Penzance, as well as The Living Opera’s production of L’elisir d’Amore.
• Sung as part of the choir for the International Church Music Festival in Bern, Switzerland, and in Carnegie Hall for an anniversary performance of John Rutter’s Requiem
• Was a featured soloist in concerts of the UNT Men’s Chorus twice
• Drumming has been featured as part of a band on the Bling Johnson Show

How long have you been playing violin?

17 years

Professional Experience:

Currently enrolled in the Music (Bachelor of Arts) in the University of North Texas. In my many years that I spent in Hong Kong, I had numerous teaching positions, including being a violin teacher and viola teacher, and an administrator at a local education center.

MUSIC (BACHELOR OF ARTS)

University of North Texas , Denton, Texas Graduating in 2024

ASSOCIATED DEGREE Hong Kong Baptist University-College of International Education , Shek Mun, Hong Kong | Graduated in 2019 | 3.26 GPA. Studied one year in CIE (HKBU) and I was admitted into Bachelor of Arts in Music for the degree program in HKBU.

Violin/ Piano teacherJanuary 2021-present | Coppell Music Academy | Plano Music House

VIOLIN/VIOLA/MUSIC THEORY/ENGLISH/HOMEWORK GUIDANCE TUTOR Jun 2018 -2020| Hong Kong Teacher Association , Hong Kong-English/Homework Guidance/Violin/Viola/Music Theory Teacher.-Homework guidance tutor teaches students all sorts of subjects that they are struggling with, including English, Chinese, Mathematics, Liberal Studies and so on.

ADMINISTRATOR Sep 2020 -Jan 2021 | The Lutheran Church Hong Kong Synod-Life Heritage MentoringAssociation , Hong Kong

EXPERIENCE VIOLIN/VIOLA TEACHER Sep 2018 -Dec 2020 | Musicfriendly , Hong Kong-This company recruits professional-to-be musicians, especially music students in Hong Kong seeking for a music degree in local universities.-Teach music lessons in both primary and high schools. Over the 2 years of working in this company, I have taught a few schools continuously, including P.L.K. Leung Chow Shun Kam Primary School, Sharon Lutheran School, in which I taught 2 classes, junior and senior one. Moreover, the position also carries the responsibility to communicate with the school and parents, this gain me administrative skills which I can apply to when I work.

VIOLIN/VIOLA/MUSIC THEORY TEACHER Jul 2018 -present | Private Music Teacher , Hong Kong-Self-employed to teach violin/viola/music theory to various students in Hong Kong.-At least 20 students since I start teaching in Hong Kong. Some of the students have achieved brilliant scores in their ABRSM music exam. -A few students who took the ABRSM grade 3 violin exam and got distinction scores.

CERTIFICATIONS UNT COLLEGE OF MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP Financial Aid Scholarship: in-state tuition for international students.RECOMMENDATION LETTER FROM LIFE HERITAGE

How long have you been playing drums, guitar and bass?

Guitar/Bass – over 12 years
Drums – over 8 years

I specialize in teaching drum lessons in Dallas, TX to aspiring musicians of all ages. I also teach guitar and bass guitar.

Professional Experience:

I began playing guitar when I was 13, beginning with basic lessons on chords and scales. I quickly formed a band, began writing songs, and played my first live performance that year at Across The Street Bar in Dallas, TX in April of 2004 in a 3 piece rock band called For Years Ahead. After that, my next performance with a band would be at Eisenbergs Skatepark in Plano, TX with a 5 piece post-hardcore band called The Rivalry (later “Beware The Ides of March”) in July of 2005; launching what would be a lifelong span of consistent live playing. Between 2005 and 2015 I have had the pleasure of playing on average 2-3 times per month with small pockets of time in between bands.
In the summer of 2008 I purchased my own drum kit, having a fascination with drums my entire life. I began playing daily, and became very disciplined with the metronome and with my own technique and posture. In 2010 I began studying rudiments on my own, and have since adapted many different exercises into my warm up and my playing. I have a strong focus on making my playing tasteful, yet imaginative as well as providing confidence to the audience. I specialize in double-bass kick drumming, as well as fast, precise, technical playing. I also enjoy the opposite side of the spectrum, and often play swing and groove whenever I’m practicing.

Accomplishments:

I have had the opportunity to play shows and events constantly in Deep Ellum, including Trees and Curtain Club on several occasions. Fort Worth also has been filled with opportunity, ranging from the Ridglea Theatre to being nominated in 2010 for Best Metal Act by the Fort Worth Weekly Music Awards. Denton, TX was home for me for a couple years, so venues all over town such as Andy’s, Hailey’s, and The Drink(now the Public House) were some places I was fortunate to have a consistently growing crowd.

More recently, I joined Bow Prometheus in July of 2013, and signed a contract with Swimming With Sharks Records in the following months to release our single “Athena’s Plague” which composed and performed the drums.
In July of 2015 Bow Prometheus was voted Best Deathcore band of 2015 by Maxima Distorzion, a Houston TX based PR group. As well as all the members, I was nominated for my category as well, and I was fortunate to have been voted Best Deathcore Drummer among Texas bands in the same genre.

In November of 2014 I joined a second full-time band called Take The Reigns, recently we have performed at the Curtain Club at a showcase for Sumerian Records. Take The Reigns will also be performing at the Summer Slaughter Tour, a national and highly recognized event.

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 7 and a half years.

Accomplishments:

Roger Hunt a Music By Ross guitar teacher in Highland Village, TX. Roger currently attends the University of North Texas in Denton obtaining his degree in guitar performance. He has performed in churches throughout DFW and also performed in many solo and collaborative projects since he started playing guitar.

• Super 400 Guitar Ensemble
• 9 o’clock Lab Band
• 8 o’clock Lab Band

Saul Sanchez is an emerging jazz pianist and piano teacher in Lewisville. Some of his major influences include Wynton Kelly, Red Garland, and J.S. Bach. Sanchez received his associate of arts in Music from Dallas College North Lake campus and his B.M. in Jazz studies/performance from The University of Texas at Arlington. He recalls a moment when attending a live jazz performance and seeing the musicians perform with complete freedom as the moment in which he chose to pursue music professionally. When Sanchez is not performing he is actively teaching all throughout the DFW.

How long have you been playing piano?

Over 8 years

Accomplishments:

• Completion of Seoul Jazz Academy in 2009
• 2^nd prize at the Jazz Competition of University of Honam Shinhak in Korea 2010
• Permission of Berklee College of Music in 2010

• Completion of Intensive English Language Institute in August 2013

• Bachelor of Jazz Studies (Piano) – Expected Graduation: May 2017 University of North Texas

• Scholarship from Dean’s Camerata –Evelyn Barthold in 2015 (until 2017)
• 9o’clock & 8’o clock big band member 2014-2016
• Performed many jazz piano departments 2014-2016
• Performed in Denton Jazz Festival two years in a row
  
• Member of West End (the Jazz Singers group) 2015
• Keyboardist at the Well Church 4 months
• Substitute from several church gigs
• Played the piano at several festivals in Korea

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 20 years.

Professional Experience:

• SXSW Music Festival (2007, 2008, 2009)
• Austin City Limits (2009)
• 500+ Live Shows in over 30 states

Accomplishments:

• #18 on  Billboard Top Heatseekers “Nelo” – Original Composition
• BMI Artist – Compositions appeared on Clear Channel Radio, National Geographic Channel, 97.1 The Eagle
• I have played in original rock acts, solo guitar, jazz combos, blues/Motown cover bands and country bands

How long have you been playing drums?

I have been playing the drums for over 12 years.

Accomplishments:

Stephen Segura is currently a senior at Texas Christian University. While at TCU he has accrued a number of Awards and Accolades. In 2009, Stephen was awarded the Clara Freshour Nelson Scholarship for Music Education. In 2010, he traveled with TCU’s Percussion Orchestra and Wind Symphony to New York City, performing at Merkin and Carnegie Halls. During the summer of 2010, Stephen had the opportunity to perform with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps playing tenors. In 2011, he traveled with TCU’s award winning Percussion Orchestra to PASIC where he performed with the group during their showcase concert. While at PASIC in 2011, Stephen received second place in the PAS Marching Percussion Festival Individuals Keyboard Competition. Also in 2011, Stephen was hired to work for North Crowley High School where he served as the main percussion instructor. In the summer of 2012, he worked for Timberview High School (tenor consultant) and Paschal High School (drumline instructor). In the Fall of 2012, Stephen served as the TCU Drumline section leader while they received first place at the PASIC Marching Festival. The group was awarded first place in the college division, best snare line, best tenor line, best front ensemble, and the Fred Sanford award which is given to the overall highest scoring drumline. Stephen recently performed his senior recital and has plans to finish his degree in May 2014.

How long have you been playing guitar?

I have been playing guitar for over 30 years.

Professional Experience:

I have played nearly every style of guitar for the last 25 years in various projects throughout my career.

Accomplishments:

EDUCATION

Master of Music, Classical Guitar Performance, University of North Texas, 1991.

Minor – Music Composition.

Bachelor of Music, Jazz Guitar Performance, University of North Texas, 1987.

Minor – Music Theory. 

AREAS OF EXPERIENCE:                                          

·                     Arranged lesson schedules for 10-15 students per semester, including management of administrative add/drop records.

·                     Constructed lesson plans for university classes and private students.                     

·                     Devised grading criteria and administered classroom testing.

·                     Set goals and objectives in individual and classroom instruction at all undergraduate levels.

·                     Evaluated skills and capabilities of private students and adapted methods for each.           

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Private Studio

1994- Present;  Taught guitar and theory to over 120 students of ages 7 through adult in rock/pop, jazz, classical, and folk/bluegrass styles.

Brookhaven College

August 2009 – December 2010, August 2013 – Present;  Taught Applied Guitar as adjunct instructor.

Tarrant County College Southeast

Spring 2005 – May 2012;  Taught applied guitar, Beginning Guitar, Music Appreciation and Music Reading classes as adjunct instructor.

El Centro College

August 2006 – December 2006; Taught Applied Guitar and Jazz Ensemble as adjunct instructor.

Tarrant County College Northwest

Spring 1995 – Spring 1997;  Taught Applied Guitar at beginner through intermediate levels as adjunct instructor. Chose repertoire and prepared each student for semester end recitals.

University of North Texas

Fall 1988 – Spring 1991;  Taught over 90 students in undergraduate guitar classes and private lessons as Graduate Teaching Fellow.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Performance

Played solo classical guitar and as a member of several rock and jazz ensembles at regular club, cafe and corporate/society engagements in Southwest region as well as single appearances in New York and Los Angeles.

Studio

Logged over 250 hours in 12 recording and mastering facilities as composer/performer/producer through completion of six CD releases.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Fulbright Scholarship Candidate, Fall 1990.

Awarded Graduate Teaching Fellowship, September 1988 – May 1991.

How long have you been playing guitar?
Over 21 years, teaching for over 16 years

Professional Experience:

• 1999-present – Privately taught hundreds of individual private lessons for Guitar, Bass, Snare Drum, Theory,
  Composition, and Arranging
• 2001-2003 – Taught five semesters of folk guitar, West Texas A&M University
• 2007-2012  – Taught 13 semesters of Aural Skills I-III, University of North Texas
• 2013-present – Recording artist for the radio program MMA-UNCHECKED featured on Velocity Radio, Herb
  FM radio, and Mountain Outlaw Radio
• 2014 – Recording artist for Mountain Outlaw Productions, write/perform commercials and advertisements
• 2014-present – Sponsored by RJ Audio Research as their principal recording/performing artist

Education:

Bachelors Degree in Music Composition, West Texas A&M University – December 2003
Masters Degree in Music Theory, University of North Texas – August 2013
(Thesis-Deconstructing Webern’s Op. 25 Drei Lieder: A Multidimensional Assessment)

Accomplishments:

Recordings can be heard here: http://www.mountainoutlawradio.com/morgeson-recordings2.html & rjguitars.net
Other – Proficient with Sibelius Music Engraver, Studio One 2 Digital Audio Workstation, EZ Drummer 2
2011-Present Textbook Editing: created the music examples, exercises, and edited select parts for the first and
second editions of Melody Harmonization at the Keyboard: Functional Skills for the College Music Student by Gene
Cho and Laila K. O’Sullivan.

How long have you been studying voice and playing guitar?

Over 14 years

Professional Experience:

I’ve been playing professionally for over 10 years

Accomplishments:

Education

September 2008 – May 2012

-B.A. of Music Business from Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA)

Studio Work

February 2013 – March 2013

-Singer & songwriter for record at Audio Dallas Recording Studio

-Produced by Jeff Howe (Max Stalling)

-Album credits include Lloyd Maines on pedal steel guitar

Songwriting

-Licensed song for use by a national charity organization

-Winner of the 25^th annual B.W. Stevenson Memorial Songwriting Contest

Live Shows

– Tour of Norway (2012)

– 9 performances including stops in Oslo and a major festival

– Played NYC (National Underground), Boston, Vermont, NJ (2012)

– Opened for locally and nationally acclaimed acts including Band of Heathens, Mark David Manders, and Blacktop Gypsy.

General Business Bands

– Men In Black; Lead singer and guitar player

– Performed over 30 Shows for weddings and corporate events

– Business Time; Singer and guitar player for multiple dates in MA and NH

– Freelance; Singer and guitar player for multiple Live Karaoke dates, played in an acoustic duo for Murray Hill Talent.

Instruction

-10+ years of experience; have taught hundreds of individual lessons since 2006

-Studied under some of the nation’s top songwriting, vocal, and guitar instructors at Berklee College of Music (Including Pat Pattison, whose formers students include John Mayer and Gillian Welch).

-Specializing in songwriting coaching, guitar, and basic voice instruction

Accomplishments:

I’ve been an Audio Engineer for the past 8 years, and graduated for Collin College with an associates in applied science in Commercial Music and Audio Engineering. I completed my internship at Track Recording Studio in Plano Texas where I gained roughly 1000 hours practical experience in the Commercial Recording Industry. I am the official Audio Engineer for the Texas Tornado Siren Dancers, I also produce all of the audio for their dance competitions.

How long have you been playing guitar?

Over 9 years, and professionally for 3 years

Accomplishments:

How long have you been playing piano?

I have been playing piano for over 18 years.

Accomplishments:

With a spontaneous vibrant personality and communicative artistry, 20-year-old pianist Xuesha Hu has recently won first prize both in the 2013 53rd Jefferson International Concerto Competition, Colorado, as well as the 2013 Lennox Piano Competition in Dallas, Texas, playing Prokofiev Piano Concerto No.3.

Xuesha Hu was born in Ganzhou City, China, to a musical family. Starting piano lesson at the age of four, her talent soon blossomed when she won the Gold Medal at the 2003 China Pearl River Youth Piano Competition. Then at age 12, she embarked on a serious piano study with Xiaoxue Hu at the pre-college music school affiliated with the China Conservatory. Soon she achieved further success including the first prize of the 2007 MSCC “Dance with Black and White” Piano Competition; second prize of the 2009 Beijing International Piano Festival Concerto Competition; second prize in the 2010 Steinway & Sons China Regional Piano Competition; and first prize at the 2011 Oberlin Cooper International Piano Competition, China. Abroad, she was a finalist both at the 2008 Eastman Young Artists Competition, NY and the 2009 Liszt International Piano Competition for Young Musicians in Weimar, Germany.

Xuesha Hu has had abundance of performing experience, and has given many concerts in various cities of China including the Yamaha Concert Hall in Beijing. In 2010, she was invited to perform at the Beijing Music Hall with prominent pianist Liu Shikun, himself a silver medalist of the First Tchaikovsky Competition. She also performed at the Forbidden City Concert Hall and the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. During the year 2011, in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Chinese-Austrian diplomatic relationship, she was invited to perform at the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna and at the “Mozarteum” in Salzburg. In 2012, Xuesha was selected to appear with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performing Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No.1 under the baton of Leon Fleisher.

Xuesha Hu is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree at the School of Music at Texas Christian University on a full scholarship, under the guidance of Dr. Tamás Ungár.

How many years have you been playing and teaching piano?

Playing/Learning – Over 14 years

Teaching Piano – Over 7 years

Professional Experience:

University of North Texas – Jazz Big Band and the Jazz singers (West End)
Many kinds of performance skills – Church band, Small group and solo piano

Accomplishments:

Yuan Liu was born in Taiyuan City, China. Yuan entered the elementary school affiliate of Central Conservatory of Music to focus on piano at the age of eight and studied with Prof. Pingguo Zhao. During high school, Yuan was invited to play together with renown Chinese pianists Mr. Wenyu Shen and Mr. Lang Lang.

Currently, Yuan is currently a senior student majoring in piano performance at Texas Christian University with a full-scholarship. At TCU, she is under the guidance of the Chair of the Piano Division Professor John Owings. Yuan performed the complete 24 Chopin Etudes at the school, which is made up of technically challenging pieces, at the age of 17. “Very impressive performance of the Chopin etudes, with wonderful clarity and incredible technique,” the comments from the artistic director Dr. Kaplinsky from The Juilliard School. Yuan has also performed in many recital halls, including St. Petersburg Philharmonic Hall, Hong Kong City Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Hall, Oklahoma Central Boathouse, PepsiCo Recital Hall at Texas Christian University, Greenfield Hall at the Manhattan School of Music, Helen Bader Recital Hall at Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Mitchell Hall at University of Central Oklahoma, and the Carnegie Weill Recital Hall.

Besides performance, Yuan is also passionate towards teaching. Yuan’s first student, made her realize helping people to achieve their musical goals and to promote their love for music is very satisfying. Yuan is currently an active piano teacher in Fort Worth, TX.

Major Performances

• Rachmaninoff Concerto no. 2 (mov.1) with St. Petersburg Orchestra, 2009.
• Chopin Etudes Op. 10 & Op. 25 at Texas Christian University PepsiCo Recital Hall, 2015.
• Performed Petroushka by Stravinsky in the Award Ceremony of New York International Piano Competition at Carnegie Hall, 2016.
• Solo Recital as an invited artist at University of Central Oklahoma, 2017.
  Prominent Awards Second Prize – Culture and Talent Contest, Taiyuan, China (2003) Third Prize – East Juvenile Art Stars Competition, Beijing, China (2004)
• First Prize – 16th Art and Education Piano Contest, Taiyuan, China (2006)
• Best Performance Prize – 2nd Cadenza Cup Juvenile Piano Competition, Beijing, China
  (2007)
• Third Prize – 14th U.S Oberlin International Piano Competition (China Division), Beijing,
  China (2008)
• Excellent Award – 7th Juvenile International Piano Competition “Step Towards Master,” St
  Petersburg, Russia (2009)
• First Award and the Best Performance Prize of Bach – 16th Hong Kong Asian Piano Competition, Hong Kong (2011)
• Sixth Prize – 5th TOYAMA Asian Junior Competition, Hong Kong (2012)
• First Prize – Kuleshov International Piano Festival and Competition, Oklahoma, U.S. (2016)

Accomplishments:

• Fifth Prize – New York International Piano Competition, New York, U.S. (2016
• Four Year Full-Scholarship at Texas Christian University, 2014-2018.
• Texas Christian University Dean’s List for Excellent Students with Academic Scholarship,
  2015

Related Experience:

• Piano Activity Award from TCU School of Music, 2016.
• Pianist at Richland Hills Christian Church from 10/2016 to current North Richland Hills, Texas.
• Piano Accompanist at Texas Christian University from 9/2015 to current.
• Pedagogy Program at Texas Christian University, Fall/2017, and Spring/2018. Fort Worth, Texas.

How long have you been playing violin and viola?

Over 23 years.

• 2nd Medalist for China Grand Violin Competition (2000)
• Winner of La Sierra Concerto Competition (2011)
• Performed in China Philharmonic Symphony (2009-2010)
• Dallas Live Orchestra (2013 – present)
• Richardson Symphony (2013 – present)
• Invited from Chinese Government to perform for Barack Obama in Beijing (2009)
• Published first album with Beijing String Quartet (2009)

Ms.Yuan, was born in Dalian China, began studying the violin at the age of five and went on to study at the Central Conservatory Of Music in Beijing. In 2010, She moved to Los Angeles and got her Artist Diploma and has lived in Dallas since 2013. Yuan was invited to play concerts with Michal Buble, Diana Ross, Kenny G, Ben Folds, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Celtic Women. Ms.Yuan has participated in a number of major competitions including: winner of China’s National Violin competition, and second prize of Country Grand Violin Competition, winner of La Sierra Concerto Competition. In 2009, Ms.Yuan released her first CD with Beijing String Quartet and Dulcimer. Yuan recorded cinematic music with Chinese composer Dun Tan. The movie score was nominated for a Grammy in 2008. Ms.Yuan is also a composer/performer writing music for the violin and piano, cello, viola and vocals.
As with her musical talent, Ms.Yuan, is also a renowned young calligrapher in China. She released her first work in 2002 and has won more than 30 international awards for her skill.