Emily Jensen, Department Head, Piano
Emily Jensen, a dedicated piano teacher, brings a unique view of music and learning to each lesson.  As well as being an accomplished pianist, Emily holds a double degree in Music Education and Music Therapy. Emily began studying piano at age 4, and emphasizes a high standard of performance for each of her students.  Emily also strives to make each lesson an opportunity for her students to discover the joy of music and learning, and to develop self expression and self esteem.  Emily is a Board Certified Music Therapist and specializes in adaptive piano lessons for individuals with disabilities. In addition, Emily plays the clarinet and guitar and has both taught and performed in instrumental and vocal ensembles.

Tim Doyle, Department Head, Guitar and Bass Guitar
With his engaging and fun personality, Tim Doyle finds real enjoyment in teaching and helping students succeed.  Tim earned his Bachelor’s degree in guitar performance with a focus in jazz from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  He has been teaching for over 10 years and has been trained in the Suzuki guitar method.  Tim teaches guitar and bass guitar and can teach classical, jazz, rock, R&B, improvisation and theory.  He performs in several ensembles that range from jazz to Latin to funk.  For Tim, being able to share something that he has such a passion for brings him great joy, and he seeks to surround himself with musicians and those who aspire to become musicians. 

Carol Nelson, Director of Special Programs
An inspirational teacher, Carol Nelson has been teaching for over seven years.  Carol has her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas in voice performance and has performed with the Austin Lyric Opera for three seasons in operas such as “Madame Butterfly” and “Carmen.”  Carol is the creator and the driving force behind Albertson School of Music’s Broadway Gala program, which provides voice students the opportunity to perform in a high-level performing arts environment.

John Skoczen, Department Head, Percussion
A true force of nature, John Skoczen has an incredible passion for music and for teaching.  John is the percussionist for the Mosaic Latin jazz group and the Cabo Bay Latin jazz group and is also the leader of both the Bokoso West African drum ensemble and the Afro-Cuban bata ensemble.  John has a bachelor’s degree in music education and performance, and worked for 2 years as a public school music teacher. As a teacher of both percussion and piano, John guides each student to grow in confidence and pride as well as musically.  John is in the process of publishing an instructional drum book, “Foot Coordination for the Conga Player.”

Christine Boone
A friendly and encouraging teacher, Christine Boone teaches both voice and beginning piano.  Christine has a Bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Indiana University and a Master’s degree in music theory from the University of Texas.  Christine has studied pedagogy extensively and uses this knowledge to guide her students.  She enjoys getting to know her students and helping them make the most of their talents.  Christine has performed in many musicals, with her favorite roles being Anna in “The King and I” and Mabel in “The Pirates of Penzance.”  She is currently working on her PhD and plans to become a professor of music theory.

Megan Pachecano
An enthusiastic teacher and an accomplished musician, Megan Pachecano finds nothing more gratifying than hearing her students’ unspoken feedback in their playing letting her know that her teaching is successful.  Megan has worked with children for many years in a variety of jobs from camp counselor to church choirs.  Megan teaches both piano and voice and has a bachelor’s degree in music performance from the University of Texas.  Megan has performed around the world and hopes to become a professional opera singer in the future.

Nick Nolden
Nick Nolden is a versatile musician, teaching electric and upright bass, guitar, voice and low brass.  Nick is a graduate of Lamar University with a bachelor’s degree in music, cum laude.  While at Lamar, Nick performed music of every style in every major performing ensemble.  A teacher for over 5 years, Nick embraces the opportunity to share the best in art with young, excited minds as well as mature, appreciative minds.  Nick plays with a regional funk/reggae band, “Champagne with Friends.”  He also plays with a variety of jazz and rock bands both live and in recording sessions.

Gaelan Bellamy
Gaelan Bellamy is a true music lover who sings and plays guitar, electric bass, drums, trumpet and baritone.  Gaelan has been teaching guitar, bass guitar, trumpet, drums and music theory for seven years and has  a degree in guitar performance from the University of Texas.  Both of Gaelan’s parents are professional artists, and Gaelan plans to be a professional performer and teacher.  An enthusiastic teacher, Gaelan relates well to his students and enjoys watching them grow in their love for music.

Sam Marshall
A specialist in electric bass, Sam Marshall also teaches guitar, drums, and piano.  Sam has taught for four years and is currently pursuing a degree in bass performance at the University of Texas.  With knowledge of jazz, rock, pop, and classical music, Sam is a versatile teacher.  Thrilled with the idea of using his passion for music as a career, Sam enjoys making a positive influence on his students’ lives.  Sam performs with the University of Texas Symphony band, the University of Texas orchestra, and the Austin-based rock band, “What We Know.”

Deran Wong
At a young age, when he found himself “the coolest kid in town” because of his skill at piano playing, Deran Wong decided to pursue piano study seriously.  Deran structures his lessons well and paces them to match the student’s learning style.  Deran finds teaching piano so rewarding because he loves to see students inspired and accomplishing their goals.

Amy Sardone
Amy Sardone has been teaching voice and piano for 3 years.  A lifelong Texan, Amy has studied music for almost 20 years.  Amy graduated in 2006 with her Bachelor of Arts degree in music with voice as her principle.  Amy has found real joy in teaching through connecting to her students and seeing their progress.

Susanna Silvestro
Susanna Silvestro has studied piano since the age of 5, and has been fortunate to study with the late Professor Danielle Martin at the University of Texas.  Susanna has her Bachelor’s Degree in music for the University of Texas and has taught piano and voice for 4 years.  She enjoys working with people and uses her patience and perceptiveness to communicate music to others.  Susanna is a church musician and was a member of the University of Texas Longhorn Singers and also attended Berklee College of Music studying jazz and popular music. Susanna hopes to be a recording artist in the future.

Brian Grothues
A pianist with a true passion for pedagogy, Brian Grothues has been teaching piano for three years.  Brian’s Bachelor’s Degree is in piano performance and pedagogy, and he is currently pursing his Master’s Degree in piano pedagogy. Brian’s favorite moment in teaching is when a student is overjoyed at the beautiful sounds they are able to create and his or her realization that dedicated practice yields rewarding results.  One of Brian’s strengths as a teacher is laying a solid foundation throughout his students’ piano study that will serve them well in the future, whether they continue in piano or move to other instruments.  Brian performs professionally in a number of venues.  A passionate sailor, Brian spent three months sailing in the Caribbean Ocean before sailing through the Panama Canal to the Pacific Ocean.    

Paul Miller
A guitar teacher for over 4 years, Paul Miller has studied a variety of musical instruments including piano, trumpet, guitar, drums, and voice for the past 20 years.  Paul has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, classical guitar from West Chester University.  Paul prides himself on being an enthusiastic teacher, no matter what level the student.  He enjoys seeing a smile or an expression of understanding when a student finally understands a topic that once was difficult.  Currently, Paul is also a partner with Slanted Shack Studio where he works as an engineer and producer.  

Josh Miles
Originally from New Orleans, Josh teaches all brass instruments and advanced trumpets.  Classically trained on the trumpet, Josh also has training in instrumental music education from Southern University in New Orleans.  Josh began teaching in 2002 in New Orleans and focuses on the fundamentals of brass methods and reading.  Josh is a member of the Jazz Foundation of American and enjoys composing, arranging, and producing jazz, R&B, electronic, hip-hop, and alternative music.  Josh has performed with artists such as Chico Hamilton, Sam Rivers, John Faddis, and Wynton Marsalis.

Steve Baranowski
A man with a strong interest in music and teaching, Steve Baranowski  has been teaching guitar and bass guitar for thirteen years.  With  bachelor’s degrees in theory and composition and jazz performance as well as a master’s degree in elementary education, Steve is keenly aware of the intellectual and psychological processes involved in learning.  Steve makes a real effort to develop a good rapport with his students and help them to achieve their goals.  In addition to Steve’s calling as a teacher, he plays with a blues band and a latin jazz band.  He is also a parody songwriter for Esther’s Follies.

Leah Knight
A student of voice, piano, and violin since the age of three, Leah Knight has always had a passion for music. Leah has a bachelor's degree in voice performance as well as a master's degree in opera performance from the University of Texas. Leah has taught voice and piano for three years, and enjoys helping people fully develop their gifts. In her teaching, she blends enjoyment of the lessons with proper technique, finding students' "a-ha" moments incredibily rewarding. Leah combines a broad professional experience as a singer with a talent for verbalizing the subtle nuances needed to really bring music alive. Leah is an avid fan of the theater, not only performing in many shows, but also working behind the scenes with costuming.

Jonathan Chaney
Jonathan Chaney has been teaching guitar for over seven years and has a Bachelor’s Degree in music performance from Berklee College.  Jonathan is trained in all contemporary guitar styles and both classical and contemporary theory.  As a performer, Jonathan loves improvisation, jazz and blues.  As a teacher, Jonathan seeks to inspire his students to reach their goals.  In addition, he helps his students to hear what they are playing and make it as musical as possible.  Jonathan plans to continue performing and teaching for the rest of his life.

Johnny Marroquin
Johnny Marroquin teaches guitar & bass guitar, and has his Bachelor’s Degree in Guitar Performance from the University of Texas.  A true music nerd, Johnny has also studied piano and voice.  Johnny believes in having a strong foundation in music pedagogy throughout his teaching and is always striving to improve his teaching and playing.  Johnny has performed professionally nationwide, including on MTV.  Johnny also placed in the top ten performers at the 2004 Young Artists International String Concerto Competition where he performed Mauro Guilani’s Concerto in A major.  Johnny competed against some of the best string players from around the world including competitors from the Royal Academy of Music in London, Julliard, Japan, France, China and others. 

Jonathan Kolm
An award-winning composer of American music, Jonathan Kolm teaches piano.  Jonathan has a Bachelor’s Degree in piano performance and a Master’s Degree in music composition from Virginia Commonwealth University, and is currently pursuing his PhD in music composition at the University of Texas. Jonathan has had music published and has written music for several films and theatrical productions.  He actively performs in the Austin area.

Bryan Breaux
A multitalented musician, Bryan Breaux began studying drums at the age of 5, piano at the age of 9, and guitar at the age of 12.  Bryan studied at the University of North Texas in music theory and percussion, and has been teaching drums, percussion, piano and guitar for over ten years.  With his engaging personality, Bryan is a favorite of many students who eagerly seek to share his knowledge, passion, and love of music.  Over the past twelve years that he has lived in Austin, Bryan has performed with over 70 artists across the musical spectrum:  rock, pop, country, western, jazz and swing.  Bryan’s goals in life are to perform and to pass on the joy of music to the next generation.

Abraham Villanueva
A veteran of Carnegie Hall (high school piano competition), Abraham Villanueva has been teaching piano over four years.  He began studying piano at the age of 8 and is currently working on his Bachelor’s Degree in computer science and music.  Abraham seeks to spark a love and appreciation of music in all his students and gears his teaching to the style and interest of each student.  Abraham plays in a band called Hacienda with his two brothers and his cousin.

Rene Villanueva
A violinist since the age of 7, Rene Villanueva teaches violin and viola.  Rene loves meeting and getting to know new people.  A patient and calm teacher, Rene enjoys sharing his love of music with his students. Rene has played in many orchestras and competed both as a soloist and as an ensemble member since he was in high school.  Rene has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and has taught second grade math and science. Rene also plays guitar and bass and performs in a band called Hacienda with his two brothers and his cousin.

Jorge De Armas
A native of Cuba, Jorge De Armas has been taking drum lessons since the age of 6.  Jorge has a degree in sound engineering from the Center for the Media Arts in New York City and plays drum set, congas, bongos, Cajun hand percussion, and Djin Djin.  Jorge is a patient teacher who enjoys teaching students about instruments and rhythms.  Jorge performs with Mosaic Latin Jazz and the Bokoso African drum ensemble.

Chris Peters
Chris Peters has enjoyed studying and playing guitar for sixteen years. A guitar teacher for four years, he brings patience and thoroughness to his teaching. His favorite moment as a teacher comes when the student feels proud and happy with what he or she can play. In addition to music, Chris loves painting and drawing and worked for many years as an art teacher for children's camps. Chris enjoys writing, performing, and recording progressive music.

Lisa Kelly
Lisa Kelly has a strong educational background, having completed her Bachelor’s Degrees in music performance and music education from the University of Connecticut, and working currently on her Master’s Degree in music at the University of Texas.  Lisa has been teaching private voice and piano lessons for five years, and also taught music in an elementary school in West Hartford, CT for 3 years.  Although born in Connecticut, Lisa grew up in Iceland and Germany.  Lisa sings in the Austin Lyric Opera chorus and the Choral Arts Society at UT and hopes to be a professional opera singer someday.

Wes Haynes
Wes Haynes has a love of all types of music.  Classically trained, he turned his focus to jazz while at college.  Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Wes graduated from the University of North Carolina with his Bachelor of Arts degree.  Wes has been teaching for over 2 years and loves to help his students develop a love for music and grow as musicians.  As a teacher, he excels in relating to the students and helping them express the subtle articulations of music.  Wes enjoys working with various music groups and is currently playing with “Condiment Sandwich” and “The Skinny.”