Our Staff
Joshua Jack, Guitar
Joshua Jack is a 2-time Grammy Award Nominated Music Educator and is frequently noted for his virtuosic skill on the guitar. He has performed all across the United States in Rock Bands, Jazz Bands, Worship Groups, Musical Pit Ensembles, Symphonic Bands, Classical Chamber Ensembles, and as a Solo Classical Guitarist.
As an educator Joshua has taught thousands of students of all ages. Joshua’s students have won the All State category for Guitar in Nevada for several years. Joshua’s students have also won 1st place in the Best in Southern Nevada Guitar Competition for several years as well as a National Mariachi Competition, Battle of the Bands Competitions, and 2 students were finalists in the Dan Stover Instrumental Competition. Joshua’s students have performed at the NAMM Show, a GFA Regional Symposium, the Hard Rock Café Las Vegas, The House of Blues Las Vegas, the Smith Center, the Cannery, the “Extreme Thing” Concert Tour, University of Nevada Reno, and University of Nevada Las Vegas. Several of Joshua’s students have been accepted into universities all over the United States to major in music while many others have begun playing music professionally. Joshua is the owner of Nevada Music Academy and the Music Director at Truth Christian Ministries International. Joshua was also a music teacher with the Clark County School District for 8 years. Joshua has received degrees from the Crane School of Music in the areas of Guitar Performance and Music Education.
Dr. Julie Jack, Violin/Viola/Piano 
Isabel Guerra, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano 
Isabel Guerra is an instructor of violin, viola, cello, and piano. She has been playing the viola for over 14 years, and along the way has studied the violin, cello, and piano. She is a recent graduate from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she received her Bachelors in Viola Performance under the direction of Kate Hamilton and Jason Bonham. During her time at UNLV she was a member of the Chamber and Symphony Orchestras, and she co-founded a student orchestra with the UNLV Honors College. The Honors College String Ensemble became a regular performing group for university events and ceremonies. In addition to her work at the university, Isabel also attended the Hot Springs Music Festival on a full scholarship.
Isabel has been teaching privately in Las Vegas for over 7 years. She currently teaches students of all ages all across the Las Vegas Valley. Her students have joined Las Vegas Youth Orchestra, Honor Orchestra, received superior ratings in Solo and Ensemble, and have become leaders in their own school orchestras. In addition to teaching privately, she also teaches elementary music at the Coral Academy of Science. And her teaching experience extends beyond the music room. Isabel has been regularly teaching and coaching swim and running for many years.
Along with her extensive teaching experience, Isabel also plays professionally around Las Vegas. Notable performances include the Latin Grammys, Latin Billboards, UNLV Galas, and other special events. She continues to maintain her skills as a professional musician so she can impart practical skills to her students.
Isabel has a strong passion for music and teaching. She believes every student has their own unique musical voice. Her mission is to help her students find and nurture that voice.
Derrick Deluca, Drums
Artem Alexanyan, Piano
Artem Alexanyan has shown himself to be one of America’s most promising young pianists, with competition victories and acclaimed performances both in recital and as soloist with orchestra. At just 18 he became a member of the coveted piano studio of Van Cliburn Competition Gold Medalist, Stanislav Ioudenitch at the ICM at Park University. In 2007 Artem Alexanyan made his orchestral debut as a soloist with Nevada Chamber Orchestra playing J.Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D major, studying at that time with his initial piano instructor, Ekaterina Melkamini. In January of 2010 Artem Alexanyan performed L.V. Beethoven’s 1st piano concerto with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Taras Krysa. In the same year he performed Camille Saint-Saens Piano Concerto No.2 with Las Vegas Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2012 Artem Alexanyan was one of the winners of the Las Vegas Philharmonic Concerto Competition and in January 2013 he was invited to give two concerts with the LV Phil at the Smith Center.Throughout the years Artem has participated in several different music festivals to enrich his musical studies. In the summer of 2011 he was invited to study with Stanislav Ioudenitch at the International Piano Academy in Lake Como, Italy. In the Spring of 2013 Artem Alexanyan was invited to take part in the April 11th Cooper Laureate concert which was part of the first-ever Thomas & Evon Cooper International Festival. While at the Cooper Festival, Alexanyan also got a chance to work with the Oberlin piano faculty and record at the Clonick Studio. During the summer of 2013 he was invited and given a full scholarship to participate at the IKIF (International Keyboard Institute and Festival) at the Mannes School of Music in New York.
Aside from performing Artem enjoys sharing his passion for music with his students. Artem has been engaged in pedagogy since his early years in High School, his students have won prizes in competitions such as Legacy and MTNA State Division. Currently, Artem holds a Bachelor Degree of Piano Performance from Park University’s “International Center for Music.”
Michael Rabadan, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Baritone, Euphonium, Tuba, Piano
Arianna Perroots, Piano/Vocal Coach
Known for her poised and dynamic performance, soprano Arianna Perroots brings a vibrant, bell-like voice to every stage. In addition to her position as a Singing Gondolier at the Venetian, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she studies voice with Dr. Kimberly James and piano with Maria Kolesnyk. In 2019, she appeared as a selected member of the Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir, singing with Andrea Bocelli at the Universtas Cantat concert in Poznań, Poland, and the UNLV Concert Singers, singing with The Eagles in Las Vegas, Nevada.As an educator, her chief aim is to inspire a lifelong love of music in her students. She is experienced in popular music styles, opera and musical theatre. Recently, she appeared in Orpheus in the Underworld and Hansel and Gretel with UNLV Opera, Le nozze di Figaro with Vegas City Opera and Candide with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, in addition to productions of The Music Man and Little Women.
A decorated performer, she won first place at the 2019 National Association of Teachers of Singing competition in Nevada, and was a finalist in the 2018 Schmidt Vocal Competition, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2017 Classic Singer Competition, and is the recipient of the 2017 Maddy Summer Artist Award from Interlochen Arts Camp. She attended a young artist program at the Oberlin Summer Vocal Academy and worked with baritone Nathan Gunn and director David Paul.
Nicole Harris, Piano/Vocal Coach
Nicole Harris is from Las Vegas and has been studying voice for 15 years. She is an active performer around the valley. She can often be found performing with Vegas City Opera and Opera on Tap Las Vegas. Productions with Vegas City Opera include The Magic Flute (Third Spirit), La Perichole (Hinoyosa), L’Etoile (Chorus), Pagliacci (Chorus), Seven Deadly Sins (Brother), The Pirates of Penance (Ward), and Das Rheingold and Die Walküre (Wellgunde/Rossweise). She also performed regularly at The Venetian as a vocalist for the Streetmosphere program. She received her Bachelors of Music and Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from UNLV. During her studies, she was able to perform roles such as Third Spirit in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, La Badessa in Suor Angelica, Dryade in Ariadne auf Naxos, and The White Cat and The Squirrel in L’Enfant et les sortileges.
Nicole is also a very experienced choral singer and has been singing in choirs since she was 10 years old. While at UNLV, Nicole had the opportunity to perform major works including Ein Deutsches Requiem by Brahms, Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, and Gloria by Poulenc. Nicole is also an active member of the Las Vegas Master Singers and has been singing with them for 9 years. With them, she has been able to perform alongside the Las Vegas Philharmonic.
Nicole endeavors to help her students succeed no matter their skill level. Her teaching style focuses on building a healthy technique and keeping lessons engaging and fun.
Adam Stiber, Cello 
Active throughout the greater Las Vegas area as a performer and teacher, Adam Stiber is currently on faculty at the College of Southern Nevada and a candidate for the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at UNLV, where he served for three years as the Graduate Teaching Assistant for Dr. Andrew Smith. Born in Louisville, Adam holds his BM and MM degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he was a student of Uri Vardi. His other principal teachers have been Peter Howard, of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Paul Critser, of the Pittsburgh Ballet and Opera Orchestra.
During his time in Nevada, Adam has appeared as principal cellist with the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, held the principal chair in the UNLV Symphony Orchestra, and held the cello chairs in the University’s Graduate String Quartet as well as its nationally-acclaimed Wind Orchestra. Highlights of his freelance work have included performances on the Latin Grammys and in Celine Dion’s music video, “Ashes.” While in the upper Midwest, he held chairs in the LaCrosse and Mankato Symphony Orchestras and played in the premiere run of Theatre Lila’s critically-acclaimed Suitcase Dreams, named among the “Best of the Arts 2014” by Madison’s Capital Times. Currently, Adam can be heard performing weekly as part of a trio in the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes.
Adam has taught cello at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, with one of his students recently taking second place in their division at the Silver State Competition. Adam’s goals as a teacher are to help students explore their individual voices on the instrument develop a reliable technique free from excessive tension.
Jason Guzman, Violin/Viola/Piano
Jason Guzman has played the Viola since 7th grade and has fallen in love with music and the beauty of teaching. Growing up in Vegas, Jason has had the opportunity to share his musical adventures with everyone he comes in contact with. While studying Viola, Jason has also been able to learn other instruments as well such as Violin and Piano. Jason has learned the piano under the direction of Professor Valeria Ore at UNLV for two years and the Violin under the direction of Shelley Burger for over 4 years. Becoming well-versed in all these instruments has allowed him to reach entirely new audiences and students. He is currently pursuing a degree in Music Performance at UNLV under the direction of world renowned violist, Kate Hamilton.
Throughout his musical career, Jason has been able to travel across the country performing and spreading the beauty of music. He has performed at Lincoln Center in New York, the National ASTA festival in Louisville, Kentucky, and the International Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Jason was also involved locally in both the Nevada Honor Orchestra and the Nevada All-State Orchestra for many years. He has studied under many professional musicians such as Shelley Burger, Jason Bonham, Monty Belknap, Matthew Hunter, and Dr. Christopher Kelts.
Jason’s musical dream is to become a conductor so he can bring his own orchestra to countries who are not usually able to experience the beauty of orchestral music. Jason hopes to instill the same love for music in his students that he felt growing up while also helping students become the best version of themselves. His life changed the minute he picked up the Viola and he is excited to see where this journey takes him.
Lacy Daskalova, Piano/Vocal Coach
Lacy Daskalova is a musician who has been studying music for nearly 20 years and began her studies in piano. She grew up in Las Vegas where she was able to perform in various recitals and concerts from the young age of 8 years old. While in middle school and high school, Lacy performed in vocal competitions such as District and Regional Solo and Ensemble and the National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions receiving many superior ratings and honorable recognition.
While at UNLV Lacy continued her study as both a pianist and vocalist, and trained in classical piano and as an opera singer. Lacy received a Bachelor Degree from UNLV with a vocal scholarship. During her 4 years at the University she competed throughout the United States and was honored with many awards. She was often was a top finisher in competitions.
Also, while at UNLV she performed in 6 different operas Including Puccini’s La Bohème and Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Lacy learned and performed principle roles such as Barbarina from Le Nozze di Figaro and Leonora from The Beautiful Bridegroom by Dan Shore, and was given leading roles such as Eurydice and Little Red Riding Hood.
Lacy is also quite experienced in choral music where she has had the opportunity to perform great works such as Mozart’s Requiem and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. She has collaborative piano experience and has accompanied students for competitions and performances.
Lacy has a teaching history that covers over 7 years where she has taught voice and piano to students of all ages. She strives to teach the disciplines of music as well as inspire creativity and passion in her students.
Katherine Kinsley-Garcia, Violin/Viola/Piano
A local of Las Vegas, Katherine has been playing classical violin for twenty-two years. She has become a highly demanded performer thanks to her versatility as a musician and dancer. Katherine has performed nationally and internationally as a violinist, violist and dancer. In addition to performing, Katherine has been teaching professionally since 2007. Her teaching experience is comprised of individual violin, viola and piano lessons, as well as, founding and conducting a twenty-four-piece youth string ensemble. Her students have been accepted to various programs including the Las Vegas Youth Orchestras and CCSD Honor Orchestras.
Some of her musical performance credits include the Henderson Symphony Orchestra, the Latin Grammy Awards, Nevada Pops Orchestra, Super Summer Theater and her own band, Misty Day, an all female cover band. Dance performance credits include the Las Vegas Gladiator Goddesses (an AFL Sports Dance Team), Sin City Salseros, Salsa Las Vegas and Fulano De Tal. She is currently performing with David Perrico’s Pop Strings (Voted Best of Las Vegas) and Bella Electric Strings.
Katherine completed her associate of arts degree, with music emphasis at the College of Southern Nevada where she was concert master of the symphony. She also holds an associate degree in International Language. She is currently studying Instrumental Music Education at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas under the tutelage of Taras Krysa and Weiwei Le.
Thomas Domschot, Guitar/Electric Bass/Banjo/Ukulele/Mandolin/Piano
Thomas Domschot is a Las Vegas native and has been playing music since he was 13. Thomas studied jazz guitar at UNLV and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Thomas has performed in many music ensembles including The Joe Lano Guitar Ensemble, many jazz combos, big bands, and many musicals around town on various string instruments.
Thomas has been teaching music in Las Vegas for the past several years. Thomas integrates his performance experience into teaching his students. He teaches them to be prepared for any situation that they might encounter. Thomas also teaches his students the fundamentals of music and technique so they will have a good foundation with whatever type of music they want to pursue.
Mr. Domschot is also the music specialist at Martin Luther King Jr Elementary.
Brooke Herndon, Piano
Brooke Herndon started studying piano at the age of 4. Brooke continued her studies all throughout her childhood and into college. Brooke studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and received her Bachelor’s in Music Composition with a concentration on piano performance. During her time at UNLV she also provided lessons on piano and music theory to students of all backgrounds. In addition to being an educator, Brooke is also an active performer and an active music composer. She has written and performed for numerous ensembles which include: The TaiHei Ensemble, The Red Rock Wind Quintet, and the UNLV Contemporary Jazz Ensemble. Brooke has written music for numerous films. Her most recent score accompanies the multi-award winning short independent film, “My name is Art,” directed by filmmaker Shahab Zargari.
Brooke has been invited to participate in numerous festivals across the United States, some include: Curtis Institute of Music’s Young Musician Program, The Charlotte New Music Festival, The Composition Intensive at St. Mary’s College, The Hot Air Music Festival at the San Francisco Conservatory, and the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium. In addition to the performances at these festivals, Brooke has had numerous performance opportunities in Las Vegas including multiple performances with NEXTET. NEXTET is UNLV’s own music ensemble that is dedicated to performing some of the best new and unusual repertoire as well as established works from the 20th century.
When working with students Brooke draws from her vast experience and caters the learning experience to each student’s individual needs. She focuses on giving students a solid foundation while also developing each students creativity. Brooke believes that all students can succeed in music.
Christopher Vivas, Violin/Viola/Piano
Christopher Vivas is born and raised in Las Vegas and was greatly influenced by the entertainment around him. Christopher had been studying music since his early childhood and is continuing his education with a full tuition scholarship in Music Performance at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Christopher is versatile teacher specializing in viola, violin and piano.
Christopher Vivas is known throughout the valley for having assisted, coached, instructed, and taught at several musical events, and schools. Christopher has also had several students receive a superior rating at solo and ensemble, participate in the Clark County School District Honor Orchestra, play in the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra and Las Vegas Young Artist Orchestra, and perform in the Nevada All-State Orchestra.
Christopher has performed both nationally and internationally. Christopher was recognized as an artist in residence at Arkansas’ 24th Music Festival in Hot Springs. Christopher has also toured through cities and conservatories in Italy including: The Alessandria Vivaldi Conservatory Of Music, The Milan Conservatory, The State Music Conservatory “Giuseppe Verdi” in Turin, and Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo Boito in Parma, with professors Marcello Bianchi and Claudio Pavolini. His talent was recognized at the famous Interlochen Center of the Arts receiving an award in Excellency of Leadership and Artistry in quartet performance. Christopher has also previously performed with artist Clint Holmes, Paige O’Hara, Frankie Moreno, Suzanne Vinnik, Members of Rock of Ages, and Members from bands Asia, Meatloaf, and Santana. Christopher has studied with notable musicians as Leanoard Schranze, Michael Ouzounian, Jason Bonham and currently studies with Kate Hamilton.
Christopher loves to teach and gets great fulfillment when he sees his students progressing. It is his goal that students will leave each lesson encouraged by the progress they are making striving towards their performance goals. His intent is to give students the highest level of education possible while keeping lessons enjoyable.
Sean Carbone, Guitar/Electric Bass/Ukulele/Piano
Sean Carbone studied Jazz Guitar Performance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and graduated in 2017 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. Sean has been greatly influenced by jazz, rock, hip-hop, and funk. His eclectic musical interests have driven him to create a unique playing style that combines the language of jazz with other genres of music. While Sean performs with many groups throughout Las Vegas, Sean’s main performing group is his band, The Lique. The Lique features a funky, jazz-inspired sound accompanied by bold and clever hip-hop vocals. In 2015, The Lique was named the Best New Hip-hop/Jazz Combo by Las Vegas Weekly. In 2016, the band was honored to appear on the cover of the Las Vegas Weekly as One of the 10 Acts To Watch in 2016, as well take part in the Life Is Beautiful Festival. Currently, Sean is gigging, writing, and recording new music.
As a teacher Sean hopes to inspire his students to find their own creative voice. Sean makes learning to play an instrument fun while also focusing on the fundamentals. Sean structures his lessons in way that encompasses the student’s interests while using solid pedagogy.
Patrick Garcia, Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute
Patrick Garcia is a very talented performer and music educator. His flair for performance on the saxophone and flute have earned him acclaim throughout his career. He is the recipient of multiple scholarships including the Joe William Jazz Scholarship and the UNLV Music Department Scholarship. He also was a regional finalist for the MTNA solo competition. Patrick has recorded five albums which cross both Classical and Jazz genres. All five of his albums have received glowing reviews and widespread acclaim.
Patrick has performed with great artist such as Eric Marienthal, Carl Saunders, Brandon Fields, Wayne Bergeron, Ben Vereen, and Bobby Shew. Patrick has also performed for various shows around Las Vegas, a composers showcase at the Smith Center, frequent appearances on the Zombie Burlesque show at Planet Hollywood and a UNLV sax quartet appearance on The Morning Blend on KTNV channel 13. As an educator Patrick has a passion for bringing attention and awareness to the saxophone and flute. Students taking saxophone lessons or flute lessons with Patrick will be inspired by his passion, while his expertise in performing and his solid pedagogy will help students experience high levels of success.
Susan Diane Howell MBA, Vocal Coach/Artist Development Specialist
Susan Diane Howell’s vocal clients have performed in top venues such as the Las Vegas MGM, House of Blues Hollywood and Las Vegas, The Century Club, America’s Got Talent (FOX), Skin Tight (Lead, Tropicana Resort), Motown Hitzville USA, America’s Most Talented Kids (NBC), the U.S. White House, 2002 Winter Olympics, Las Vegas Cashman Field, NASCAR, and also on the Lord of the Rings Soundtrack. KVVU-Fox 5, Las Vegas has also turned to Susan as a trusted vocal consultant and talent judge for “Gimme the Mike” (Mic).
Susan was a columnist for the Las Vegas Callback News and a recognized voice on KPFK’s “For the Record” where she spoke in behalf of singers. Susan was recruited as Producer and Cast Vocal Coach by the Academy of the Performing Arts Japan for the double ticket seasons at the 2,000 seat Niigata Terrsa Theater.
Susan is also a highly sought after instructor for such popular institutions as Musician’s Institute (MI) and Synthesis Performing Company to share her life-study techniques and professional skills in career management.
Susan Diane Howell pursued her own vocal studies at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory of Music in Rome and the Juilliard School in New York City. She has a BA in Musical Theater from CSU, Northridge, and an MBA from Pepperdine University.
Serhiy Labo, Guitar/Ukulele/Electric Bass
Serhiy Labo is a classical guitarist and an instructor. Serhiy is known for his passionate interpretations of classical guitar pieces and for his dedication to music education. He has been active in musical outreach programs in Las Vegas, NV. He has received degrees from Interlochen Arts Academy, MI and the Eastman School of Music NY.
Serhiy has completed three years of graduate work in Music Education at University of Nevada Las Vegas. He has taught guitar classes and one on one lessons at UNLV for over two years. Serhiy has performed solo recitals and chamber music in USA and Ukraine.In addition to music Serhiy is dedicated to promoting well-being through the Aquastretch therapy program at UNLV.
Mark Goodin, Drums
Mark Goodin is a professional drummer, instructor, and two-time Las Vegas Rock Hall of Fame inductee specializing in drum set performance (rock and metal), classical snare drum performance, and midi programming. Mark began playing drums at age 8 under the tutelage of professional jazz drummer, Irv Kluger. As a teenager, Mark played percussion in numerous school orchestras, ensembles, and marching bands. After high school, he joined the progressive-rock band Ripside (his first “pro” gig) and hasn’t looked back since.
Mark’s teachers include Wally Snow (colleague of Murray Spivack), Chuck Silverman, and Ritchie Garcia. Mark has worked with a variety of rock and metal bands and is currently working on music and soundtracks for film and television projects with platinum-selling recording artist Mark Slaughter.
Mark’s drumming can be heard on the brand new Mark Slaughter single, “Never Givin Up” released on March 18, 2014 on Amazon, iTunes, and FM and satellite radio stations.
Kasey Carmody, Guitar
Kasey Carmody is a professional guitarist, teacher and college instructor with over 20 years of experience. He currently residing on the faculty of the College of Southern Nevada having successfully taught courses in both music appreciation and classroom guitar for 8 consecutive years. He has also maintained a thriving business as a private guitar instructor since 2001 in Las Vegas. Kasey has achieved a presence of being one of the top solo classical guitar performers in Las Vegas performing regularly for corporate events, weddings and private parties at venues such as the Bellagio, Wynn, Paris, Ceasars Palace, The Hard Rock and Lake Las Vegas.
Iryna Volyanyuk Piano/Vocal Coach
Iryna Volyanyuk is a highly talented performer and teacher of both the piano and voice. Iryna has studied and performed music all over the world. Her studies started at an early age and eventually led her to the Music College of Ternopil, Ukraine where she completed a 5 year degree in Piano and Voice Performance as well as Music Education. She also studied and received degrees in Music Education as well as Piano and Voice Performance at the National Music Academy in Kiev, Ukraine. Additionally she has studied Piano at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Notable instructors include Igor Riybov, Iryna Noumova, Mykola Suk, and Luana DeVoel.
As a performer Iryna has performed in some of the most beautiful concert halls all throughout Europe, South America and America. She has performed in Wagner’s Opera in San Francisco as an Opera singer. Iryna was also the winner of an International Piano Competition at Harkov in Kraiynev. Iryna has also worked as a piano accompanist for hundreds of students at UNLV.
As a teacher Iryna’s passion is to expose children and adults of all ages to the beauty and splendor of Classical music. She has taught thousands of students throughout the world and loves the sense of fulfillment felt when a student of hers’ excels. Iryna believes that every person has the ability to learn music and is an advocate of creating custom goals while keeping lessons fun, interesting and exciting.
Amber Asfour, Piano/Vocal Coach
Amber Asfour has been singing for over 30 years and has been teaching for over 20. Amber has received her degrees from UC Santa Barbara in Music and Dramatic Arts. Growing up in the music business gave Amber experience as an artist, as well as insight into the music business itself. She is a professional performer, with many years of training with some of the industry’s finest instructors. She has performed in many clubs, theaters and events as a professional singer, as well as managed her bands in New York City and Los Angeles. She has performed on such shows as: NBC’s“Showtime at the Apollo,” “The Montel Williams Show” and sang the National Anthem for the Los Angeles Clippers.
After purchasing her home recording studio in the 90’s, Amber worked on producing her demo. She had the opportunity to work with some of the industry’s finest recording engineers, some of whom have worked with such artists as Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette. Working around the clock, she quickly absorbed their techniques and was able to engineer many of her songs herself.
Having a degree in Dramatic Arts, she also coaches her students on performance and delivery of the songs, in addition to the technical aspects of singing. This results in a more well-rounded performer for recording, as well as for stage. Amber’s students’ ages range from as young as 5 years, to adult. Some celebrities’ children who have studied with Amber include: Model Cindy Crawford, Singer Pat Benetar and Soap Opera Actor, A Martinez.
Margaret Raine, Violin
Margaret Raine was born and raised in the Chicago area. She began her violin studies at the age of 4, and started piano lessons shortly after. During high school, Margaret was the concert master of a youth symphony and had her first teaching experiences while coaching fellow violinists. During this time, she joined the Fox Valley Academy of Music Performance where she worked with underprivileged and special needs students. Margaret was recognized for her ability to empathize with each student’s needs by creating a custom learning plan to help maximize their ability to learn. Margaret went on to become the coach and conductor of the youth strings ensemble within the Academy, while also actively teaching private violin lessons in the community, and performing with the Fox Valley Philharmonic.
Margaret attended Northern Illinois University for Music Education and Music Performance where she studied under Marie Wang of the Avalon Quartet. She received a music scholarship while at NIU. In 2011, she took and completed the Suzuki teacher training program at the Suzuki Institute in Atlanta Georgia. Her performance experience includes the Fox Valley Philharmonic, Northern Illinois Philharmonic, Denver Philharmonic, and as a wedding and event violinist.
Margaret’s teaching philosophy is that every child can learn music in a nurturing environment. She uses the Suzuki method of teaching, but believes in adjusting her techniques accordingly, as every child’s needs and learning process are different. When Margaret isn’t teaching violin, she enjoys spending time with her son, hiking, and traveling.
Zuriel Santoyo, Double Bass
Zuriel Santoyo, born and raised in Las Vegas, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis on double bass. He’s been passionate for the bass at the age of 12 and gained an extent of knowledge for classical music. He has played with the UNLV Symphony Orchestra and has had the privilege to play with guest star solo Hillary Han. He studied under the direction of Paul Firak (LVPO Principle bass player) where Firak coached him to perform successful recitals at Dr. Rando Recital Hall. Currently Mr. Santoyo teaches string orchestra at Grant Sawyer Middle School.
Mr. Santoyo’s primary focus features a strong solo playing for students. Usually the bass is seen as the foundation for orchestra yet he believes the bass has a unique tone for audiences to hear. Studying under Mr. Santoyo will develop bass an extent of repertoire for solo playing and a beautiful majestic sound for both solo and classical genre music.