Avalon School of Music Staff Bios, Orlando, FL | Music School near me in Orlando, FL

Piano, Guitar, and Bass Guitar
Music has been my passion for many years. To be a musician is a privilege for the society of arts, it's even more of a privilege to share my gift of music with students of all ages to progress musically and be intrigued in all the intellectual and physical benefits that music can provide. Throughout all of High School, I was involved in various musical ensembles such as Jazz bands, Pit orchestras, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensembles, Trios, Duets, Choirs, Soloing, Improvisation, Big Band and more. I've had the privilege to audition for all county Jazz band and make it as a member of the rhythm section playing string bass and bass guitar. Due to my great involvements in the musical world, I was awarded the Woody Herman Jazz Award 2017, and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award 2018. Up to present time, I am still involved in individual ensembles and continue to learn every day. It will be more than a pleasure to share my appreciation for music and the musical arts

All levels and styles of guitar and beginning piano

Hailey is originally from Northern California, and has enjoyed living in Central Florida since 2014. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree Music from Rollins College with a concentration in Voice. She got the bug for teaching her Junior year of college in a Vocal Pedagogy course, and has been teaching students ever since. Hailey is passionate about teaching others music in a way that reaches them. Each person is unique and has different needs when entering music lessons. Her goal is to assess each individual's particular gifts and skillsets, see their potential as artists and musicians, and encourage and support them to grow towards their goals. She specialize in teaching voice, and has experience in classical, musical theater, and Jazz performance.

Violin, Viola, Cello & beginning Piano

Melinda has been an active musician for ten years, and is proficient in voice, piano, and clarinet. She is currently a student at Rollins College, studying music education. Although she's still in school, she has been actively teaching within her church, and has been teaching privately for four years now. Melinda has a love for all students, no matter where they are in their musical journey, and is excited to expand and enrich the lives of others studying music.

Voice, Ukulele, and Beginning Piano

Guitar, Beginning Piano and basic vocal with guitar

Teaches all level of Drums and Beginning Piano!

Guitar and Beginning Piano

Beginner Electric guitar, Beginning-Intermediate Acoustic, Beginner Ukulele, Beginner Piano

Violin, Suzuki Group Violin Ages 4 and up, and beginning Piano (has certifications in Early Childhood Education

Christina is currently a percussionist in the University of Central Florida Percussion Studio pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance. Christina graduated from Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Fl with a focus on classical percussion and jazz drum set. During her years at Douglas Anderson, she studied with Kevin Garry, percussionist and drum set player for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Christina has had the privilege of performing in Carnegie Hall twice and toured Europe and the East Coast with the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. She has been the drum set player in the pit orchestra for two musicals at Douglas Anderson, Ragtime and Violet, as well as multiple performances of Godspell, Spring Awakening, and It’s A Wonderful Life with Apex Theatre Studio, and Heathers with Limelight Theater. Christina held the role of principal percussionist in the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra and had the privilege of performing with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra during her time there. She currently performs regularly with UCF percussion, symphonic, and jazz ensembles. Christina also continues to play drums every Sunday at her church in Jacksonville. She plans to obtain her masters and doctorate degrees in music and continue to pursue her dream of playing percussion and drum set professionally around the world.

Begining to Advanced Piano

Beginning Piano and Voice

Lauren is currently a student in the University of Central Florida Percussion Studio pursuing a degree in Music Education. She graduated in 2017 from University High School in Orlando, Florida which is now currently a magnet school for the musical arts. Her music performance experience consists of the UCF symphonic band and wind ensemble, UCF percussion ensemble, UCF Black Steel, Ancient City Ensemble for indoor drumline, marching band, and many more. She also has experience of recording music videos with The Grid Book Series(a company with a large emphasis on percussion education), UCF, University High School, and Full Sail University. Lauren is currently a percussion instructor at Colonial High School and has experience teaching ages 4-12 from her time volunteering at the Orlando Drum Camp over the summer. She was also awarded Most Valuable Player in Ancient City Ensemble and Best Percussionist at University High School in 2017.

Lauren’s passion has always been playing music and teaching students. Her goal in the future is to be a music teacher or a band director after graduating from UCF and also might consider getting a Masters degree in music as well.

Begining Piano and Voice

Clarinet, Sax and Piano

Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass. AN

Jamielee Page, Mezzo-soprano, received both a Bachelor and Master of Music Degree from New York’s Purchase College. In addition to learning voice from soprano, Bonnie Hamilton while at Purchase, Ms. Page studied the languages of Italian, German, and French, as well as studying and performing three years of art song. Relishing in the opportunity to attend a “learn to perform by performing” university, most notable performed roles included Prince Orlofsky from Strauss’ die Fledermaus, Oberon in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, La Madame de la Haltière in Massenet’s Cendrillon, and Mercédès from Bizet’s Carmen, to name a few. Ms.Page has performed as a soloist at the West Point Cadet Chapel and for dignitaries such as Governor Jeb Bush. Ms. Page believes in teaching that draws upon experience, and she frequently uses her time in New York to shape and accent a lesson with a student. She believes that compassion and positivity are the conduits to growth in music. Ms. Page is thrilled to be a teacher at the Orlando School of Music and is eager to help her students achieve their visions and dreams.

Guitar and Bass Guitar

Maria Picado is one of our Assistant Managers and occasionally teaches the clarinet. She is originally from San Jose, Costa Rica, where she started her clarinet studies at the age of 13, in a community school of music in Aserri; after two years, Maria won her first job at the age of 15, playing first clarinet in the local government band. She also participated in the Festival Internacional Costarricense de Clarinetes 2015.

In September of 2015 she moved to United States to continue her high school and musical studies, she was first chair of the Concert and Symphonic band at Colonial High School. During her time there, she participated twice in the Solo and Ensemble Competition, performing the Second and Third movement of the Mozart Clarinet Concerto Kv. 622. In which she earned Superior rating at the County Competition, taking those to the State Competition and earning Superior with Distinction. She also participated in Festival of Winds at USF for two consecutive years, she was also a member of the Orange County Honor Band and the Youth Band of Orlando. During her high school years, she studied with Nikolay Blagov, the principal clarinetist from the Orlando Philharmonic.

Currently, she is getting her Bachelor’s degree on Clarinet Performance at the University of Central Florida, studying with Dr. Keith Koons. Maria was principal of the Symphonic Band, she was also a member of the Marching Knights, Jammin’ Knights, UCF Clarinet Choir and is currently part of the Wind Ensemble, and the New Music Ensemble.

Ms. Julia's love for the arts and music began when she started taking violin lessons at the age of five. She has studied violin with some of the most prestigious violinists in Florida, including Dr. Ayako Yonetani, Routa Kromovitch, and Dr. John Enyart. She has performed at a variety of venues, such as: the Dr. Phillips Center with the UCF Symphony Orchestra, The Grand Ole Opry with the Annie Moses Band, and all around South Florida with the Academy Orchestra. In high school, she began broadening her horizons and learning other instruments such as viola, piano, mandolin, and guitar. She also studied a variety of genres such as bluegrass from Darol Anger, Celtic fiddle with Hanneke Cassel, jazz violin from Zach Brock, and Mediterranean music from Mike Block. She began teaching one, single private violin lesson from her home in her junior year of high school. By senior year, she had developed a small studio of about 12 students, learning violin, viola, and piano. Her students went on to win first and second places in regional and state competitions. She graduated from University of Central Florida, with a Bachelors of Music Performance.

Piano (Beginning to advanced Intermediate)/Drums (all Levels)/Guitar (Beginning Levels)

Adam Milan has been with us teaching since 2004, making him among the longest-teaching instructors at both the Avalon School of Music and East Orlando School of Music! Adam tailors every lesson to fit the learning style of each student, and he strives mold his students into well-rounded musicians. In addition to using method books, Adam teaches special tricks, tips, and methods not found in traditional material. He also encourages students to bring songs to the lesson that they’re interested in learning. Adam is open to all genres of music, and has instructed hundreds of students throughout his career on styles ranging from Classical, Jazz, Contemporary, Pop, to Rock, Christian, and Latin music. He also teaches song-writing, improvisation, and helps the student develop an excellent musical ear. Adam has years of performance experience under his belt and has performed with bands such as Curb 60, Stone Throw, The Radio Suitcase, 86Cheese, The Brett Lieberman Project, Classic Albums Live, The Tina Nicole Band, and Bob Greene. He also performs with the Oktoberfest Musikanten at the German Pavilion in EPCOT, and plays guitar, piano, and drums for the nationally-touring band Europa. He also recently recorded and released his solo album entitled “Looking For” which can be found on his website www.adammilanmusic.com. Adam is a classically-trained pianist/percussionist with extensive instruction from world-class teachers such as Vierka Kleinova, Mark Golberg, and Danny Gottlieb to name a few. Adam also studied music and earned his degree from Valencia College in Orlando, FL. Today, Adam takes all of his experience and applies it to every lesson he teaches. In addition, his dedication, patience, knowledge, and love for music makes Adam Milan the perfect teacher for your son, daughter, friend, loved one, or maybe even YOU! Call to set up a trial lesson today!

Clarinet
Andrew is currently a student at the University of Central Florida completing his undergraduate degree in music education. In his time there he has studied under the guidance of Dr. Keith Koons. Andrew has been playing the clarinet for over ten years and has had the privilege of playing in several honor bands such as The All County and Intercollegiate Band as well as being a part of the UCF Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra.

Drums & Percussion

My name is Anthony Ferrara, I began my drumming career here at Avalon as a student 11 years ago and have been playing drum set, marching percussion and world percussion for over 10 years. I have had the pleasure of being under the direction of great instructors like Adam Steff, Oliver Molina, Jeff Schiller, and Tim Wood, to name just a few. I have won first place in WGI on marching snare drum the winter percussion group “Infinity Percussion” and will be competing for Gold again this year. I have taught at the local high schools within the area (University High, Lake Howell, and Freedom). In 2014 teaching a group of students at Lake Howell lead them to win first place percussion in the State! I also participate in studio drumming for local bands within Central Florida and create groove tracks for local bands that don't have a drummer.

Piano/Beginning-Intermediate Violin

**Bilingual Spanish**

Artemis Tursi Otaiza started her musical studies at a very early age at the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. She received her degree as Performing Pianist and Music Educator after a vast number of solo performances including concertos for piano and orchestra, ensemble and choral accompanying, and work as a piano instructor. She was a member of the Youth Symphony Orchestra as a violin player. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree, Magna Cum Laude in Piano Performance from the renowned school of music at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN under the instruction of Maestro Zadel Skolowsky. She continued her professional development as the piano accompanist for the Ballet School at the Indiana University receiving the invitation to be the pianist for the ballet school and performances for the summer programs in Vermont. She received her Master’s Degree, Magna Cum Laude in Piano Performance from Indiana University where she was also assigned as one of the Assistant Instructors for the Theory of Music and Piano departments. She completed her Doctoral academic work from the University of Miami in Piano Performance.
Ms. Artemis Otaiza has also worked as a private piano instructor, music teacher and organist at Blessed Trinity Church in Miami, FL and Good Shepherd Church in Orlando, FL for the last 30 years. She has travelled to New York and Europe as the piano accompanist for the Miami Choral Society, including performances at the Carnegie Hall.

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele

Brett started playing guitar at the age of 10 after being inspired by 80’s metal music. He joined the high school jazz band and explored not only jazz, but blues and fusion as well. After high school he attended the Berkley College of Music in Boston. There he studied classical and contemporary theory and continued to practice and played an average of 10 hours every day! Lieberman took lessons from Joe Stump to master neo classical and metal guitar styles. He also grew interested in recording and obtained his degree in Recording Arts from Full Sail College. After graduation, he entered an engineering position with the well acclaimed Audiovision Studios in South Florida. There he received several platinum album credits for engineering. Brett’s vast background and love of music has made him an excellent instructor! He has been teaching guitar and bass since the age of 15. His proficiencies in advanced techniques i.e. sweep picking and economy picking are notably attractive and he also specializes in 8 finger tapping and chord melody solos. He is a walking encyclopedia of chords! In addition to teaching, he enjoys playing live, writing, producing and recording music. His independent record label is called Beeleepro. Lieberman’s first album is titled “I Before E” and he is currently working on his first instruction book. His advice to all his students is to make time for practicing! Brett still devotes 4 hours a day solely to practicing.

Guitar (all levels), Electric Bass (beginner-intermediate), Rock Shop

Bryan Mays teaches beginning to advanced level guitar in a wide range of styles. Over the past 15 years as a guitar instructor, he has shown a true passion for the development of all his students. His teaching style is unique in that he customizes his teaching methods to each student’s individual needs and interests while instilling strong music fundamentals. He teaches Rock (& sub-genres), Blues, Jazz/Fusion, Funk, R&B, Reggae, Classical (finger style), and others. Bryan graduated Magna Cum Laude from the world renowned Berklee College of Music (Boston) in 2007 with a degree in Contemporary Music Performance. In addition Bryan teaches Jazz improvisation, music theory, composition, and arranging to intermediate to advanced level students of all instruments.

Carlos Sandoval is currently in his first year as a trumpet and piano instructor at the Oviedo School of Music, and brings years of teaching and performance experience with him. As a middle and high school trumpet student, Carlos has performed with several of the top honor bands in Florida, including the District 14 All County Band, Florida State University’s Tri-State Honor Band Festival, and the University of Miami’s Frost Honor Band Festival. In 2015, Carlos was selected to play co-principal trumpet with the Youth Pride Band of South Florida and perform under the baton of world-renowned wind band composer Frank Ticheli. Following high school graduation, Carlos immediately earned his first professional teaching job as a music teacher and camp counselor at French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts, one of the leading performing arts summer camps in the United States. His tasks at French Woods included performing and assisting in the top ensembles, playing lead trumpet in pit orchestras for the theater department, and managing his own studio of private students. Carlos is currently an active brass clinician for middle schools and high schools in Orange and Palm Beach County. He is also a fanfare trumpet player with the Toy Soldier Band at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom during the holiday seasons.

Carlos is a proficient pianist and has been playing for over fifteen years. He is a six-time winner of the hobbyist, jazz, and memorized programs of the Piano Guild Division of the American College of Musicians. In 2005, Carlos and two other pianists were selected to compete and perform a piano trio for the Florida Federation of Music Clubs Junior Convention in Jacksonville, FL, ranking at second place in their category. In 2012, Carlos was accepted into Julliard’s summer jazz program in South Florida, where he began to dive into the world of jazz for the first time and play jazz piano in a small combo alongside members of Julliard’s jazz faculty. Carlos frequently played piano during his high school years in the Jazz Ensemble and currently plays concert piano with the University of Central Florida Concert Band. Carlos’ primary piano instructors include Jamile Nogueira, Joyce Gast and Matt Johnson.

Carlos Sandoval is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Central Florida. He has performed at various venues across Central Florida with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Pegasus Brass Quintet. He studies with trumpet professor Luis Araya and is expected to graduate soon with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Carlos is also a music theory tutor for other college students majoring in music at UCF, and a collegiate member of the National Association for Music Education.

Drums, Guitar (Acoustic & Electric),Piano (Beginning)

Colby started teaching professionally at the age of 19 and has since taught over 2,500 drum lessons of all levels to students ranging from 5-80 years old. Through his years of teaching, Colby has learned that connecting with the student is vital for a successful private lesson experience and passionately strives to do so every time he sets foot in the teaching room. As a musician, Colby was a founding member of original groups Phoenix Falling and Galia Social. He has recorded with Brett Hestla (Framing Hanley), Lee Dyess (From First To Last, Mayday Parade), and most recently Tom Denney (A Day To Remember, Pierce The Veil). He has also played with numerous cover acts and played his first corporate event at the age of 16. In 2011, Colby was the Sam Ash “Best In Drums” runner up for the state of Florida. He is currently writing for the debut Galia Social EP and recording demos for his solo project, Cloudless.

Guitar, Bass Guitar
David's musical journey began when he fell in love with the sounds of the guitar at age 10. Originally a die-hard rocker, David's extensive listening habits led him to explore many different styles of music, eventually leading him to study at Boston's prestigious Berklee College of Music. There he was afforded an intense exposure to jazz and classical along with a variety of more modern progressive music.

After completing his studies at Berklee, Dave landed in New York City where he used his writing and arranging skills to drive his band and solo performance as well as providing his students with well rounded lessons.

Relocating to central Florida over twenty years ago, David continues to enjoy teaching, performing, and recording. He can be heard almost any weekend with Florida's busiest blues/rock band “Mud Rooster,” or playing a solo gig either as a singer/guitarist or as an instrumental guitarist.

Piano, Guitar, Ukelele & Voice
Erin Wagoner is a Rollins College graduate with B.A. in Vocal Performance. She has been singing and performing for most of her life. Aside from a passion for teaching, Erin also enjoys writing her own music and frequently performs at small local venues. Erin participates regularly in community theatre as well, and has recently begun performing in the local stand-up comedy circuit. Erin has experience working in vocal styles that include jazz, pop, musical theater, and classical. In addition to her skills as a singer, Erin also plays piano, guitar, and ukulele.

Greg Zabel has been involved with music since about eight years old, beginning with piano. Playing the trumpet and guitar in various ensembles throughout middle and high school, he eventually landed on the upright bass in the tenth grade. Greg studied bass under Richard Drexler (jazz) and Michael Hill (classical) at the University of Central Florida and was the bassist for the Flying Horse Big Band and the Jazz Workshop led by Jeff Rupert. In addition he has performed with the UCF Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band. After graduations, Greg spent twenty-one months touring the U.S., Canda and Japan as the bassist for the Glen Miller Orchestra. Comfortable on both upright and electric basses, Greg has played gigs with the likes of Marty Morell, Nicholas Rodriguez, and Davis Gaines. He can be seen performing at Orlando venues such as Blue Bamboo Center for the Arts, the Timucua Arts White House, and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort.

Henry Spears has been teaching at The Avalon School of Music since 2018.

Latin American Guitar, Classical Guitar, and Tiple from Columbia.
Humberto was born in Colombia and his musical studies was realized in the Music School ''Pedro Morales Pino" of Cartago Columbia and in the Arts Faculty of the University of Antioquia in Colombia. He has realized presentations as guitarist in different places and in some television and radio programs in Columbia and in The United States.
He is a Classical, Classical- Popular, Modern, and Latin American Guitar Player; He has also played his own musical transcriptions with which he identifies himself with.
For 25 years he is dedicated to the music teaching part with children, youngsters, and adults and has complimented his activities with the musical accompaniment of groups and festivals.
Humberto has been certified by the United States as a Music Teacher .
Finally, Humberto said , “Discipline and love for what we do, leads us to obtain good results. ”

Piano, Cuatro, Ukulele, Guitar (Beginner), Voice

**Bilingual Spanish**

Jean Carlos was born in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela in 1980. He has a bachelors in music, bachelors in education, and masters in music with composition emphasis. He studied piano and musical language in the Jose Luiz Paz music conservatory (Venezuela). Jean Carlos has received numerous awards and honorific acknowledgments as a composer, musical producer, and teacher. He has taught harmony, counterpoint, and musical analysis at university level. As a manager he has developed, administrated, conceptualized, executed, and supervised artistic and cultural projects. Jean Carlos has developed investigation works that have been exposed in countries including Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Spain and Venezuela. He Is also a co-author of two specialized books of popular music in Venezuela.

Voice/Beginning Piano
Raised in sunny Orlando Florida, Jessica Delacruz is a classical singer and songwriter who sings in various styles including Classical, Opera, R&B, Soul, Blues, and Pop. She studied Classical music and Opera at Seminole State College of Florida and at University of Central Florida where she was trained to learn vocal technique, sing in different languages, Piano, and music theory. She also was involved in Seminole Sound where she studied Jazz and also Gospel Choir. The training was rigid and demanding, but she enjoyed the experience, fell in love with classical music and was able to travel to Italy for the summer to sing and learn more about Italian Opera through Scuola Italia’s Opera Program. During and after her time at University of Central Florida, she sang in the Chorus with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra for Beethoven’s 9th, Mahler’s 3 and 4, Tosca and more. She is currently teaching and performing original music around Florida.

Drums

Orchestral Percussion

**Bilingual Spanish**

Jessie comes from a musical family. She began playing piano at age 4. then guitar at 7, clarinet at 9, percussion at 13, and bass at 16.
Her awards consist of All County 2015/2017; Festival of Winds 2015/2016; Tri-state 2016; All State 2017. Jessie also receive a state level rating of Superior with Distinction 3 years in a row (2015-17).
She served as instructor at the Orlando Drum Camp since 2017.
Jesse currently serves as a percussion major at the University of Central Florida on a scholarship. She made UCF's top Wind Ensemble as a first year college student. She is dedicated to teaching and loves working with her students at The Orlando School of Music!

Piano
Originally born and raised in N.Y.C., Joe has a successful music career that extends back to the 60's performing in the ski-loges of Vermont, with a band called “Trans Atlantic Stagecoach”. By the 70's he was a member of Joey Dee and the Starliters. During that time, he enjoyed the pleasure of backing up and working with many famous 50's + 60's acts, Including Dick Clark, the Drifters, the Coasters, the Platters and many more! In the 1980's Joe led the band that was called “the Starliters” and made the transformation into a power trio known as “Curiosity”, a small group with a big sound! They did very well in Atlantic City, Aruba, and up and down the eastern seaboard. In the 1990's Joe made a living as a soloist, and was also the keyboard player for a band called “Pleasure” that worked at the Kookaburra lounge of Lake Buena Vista. In recent years, He's performed with a local, and quite successful band call “Cut and Dry”, and throughout nearly all of this, he was the bandleader/businessman, keyboard player, lead vocalist, and front man. At the start of the Millennium, he was employed at Universal's Islands of Adventure, where he worked for a full season as the audio tech' for the Beach Bash 2001 show. In fact, was instrumental in the creation of the SOP. Form for that event. Joe has also had some acting experience, and he has developed his vocal abilities as well. He's been on TV many times, and he even stared in a commercial for the Concord Hotel/Casino of Aruba. Joe's had a great deal of studio experience singing, playing the keys, and mixing both live and recorded performances. Joe has managed to change with the times in order to have a solid understanding of current professional music/recording hardware/software, and thus he can be helpful in the editing room of almost any studio. Joe Sardone is also an experienced “MC” public speaker, and he's been known to get a crowd motivated to the good when it's called for. While carrying the flag for so many important projects, Joe Sardone has developed very competent leadership skills, and may someday return to Universal Studios, to once again handle the reins of an ASM, or Coordinator/Facilitator with confidence. In 2005, Joe was teaching music, giving piano lessons, and also teaching Chess several days a week at a local private school known as the “Better Way Christian Academy”. To this day, Joe also makes a part-time living through his “Chess oriented” website. At this present time, Joe teaches piano several days a week at the Orlando School of Music. He has also taken on the role of band leader once again, as he carries the flag for a high-caliber Country/Variety band called “The Rustlers ”. Joe would love to have you as a new student at The Orlando School of Music and start learning piano!!

Piano

Joy Abbad’s journey in music began at the age of six, in the Middle East, when she got a piano keyboard as a gift. Those beginning steps were the foundational steps in leading her to continue this journey all the way to college, where she is currently studying piano at University of Central Florida. Joy traveled to many different parts of the world as she was growing up, and was involved in many choirs and musical activities as well; she is also fluent in both the Arabic and the English language. When she was living in Lebanon, she was a part of a selected choir group known as “CTI Cantores”, and was also learning the piano at the Conservatory of Music located there. Joy was finally able to travel to the United States in the year of 2014 to continue her education in Florida.
At the end of her junior year in high school, Joy experienced her passion in teaching, and decided to take that route as her career. Joy’s main outlook or goal as a teacher is to inspire this generation of students in the art of music, as it is one of the
most beautiful and rewarding skills to learn.

Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Clarinet, Cuatro, Guitar, Violin (beginner to intermediate), Guitar (beginner to intermediate)

**Bilingual Spanish**

Venezuelan baritone, born in Carora, Lara, Juan Martinez has an extensive international career as a singer of opera, zarzuela, oratory, recitals and musicals. He began his musical training in his childhood with his father in voice and clarinet. In 1978, he started his voice education in Caracas with Isabel Palacios at the Juan José Landaeta Music School. He made his debut that year with the Simón Bolivar Symphony Orchestra in the Mozart´s Vesperas Solemnes de Confesores. In 1983 he won a scholarship to continue his studies in the United States, where he studied singing, clarinet, choral and orchestral conducting and obtained a degree in music from The University of Madison, Wisconsin in 1988. In 1995 Juan Tomás Martínez won the Latin-American Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition and had an important participation at its Philadelphia Final. During the period 1995-1999, he performed many lieder recitals, oratory and lots of Zarzuela (spanish operetta) titles in America (Gavilanes, Luisa Fernanda, Maravilla, Leyenda del Beso, etc.). His Opera career has taken him to Perú, Ecuador, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Venezuela, The Dominican Republic, The United States, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria and Korea. In 2004 he sang Beethoven´s 9th Symphony with the Murcia Symphony Orchestra, Germano (Rossini´s Scala di Seta), Lescaut (Massenet´s Manon) at the Teatro Villamarta de Jerez and Bizet´s Carmen in Lérida and Montilla. He has sang Rossini´s Scala di Seta at Lugo´s Rossini Festival (Italy), Bach´s Cantata nº82: Ich habe genuch in Pamplona, Simone Boccanegra in the Gran Canaria´s Opera Festival, L´Elisir d´Amore (Teatro Teresa Carreño-Caracas), Opening Opera Gala with Aquiles Machado at the VI Edition of Galicia International Music Festival, Beethoven´s 9th Symphony in Santiago de Compostela with the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, Germont, Sharpless and Escamillo at the Madrid Summer Festival, and a Latin American Tour with a Zarzuela Anthology. He has sang Massenet´s Werther at Palacio de Festivales de Santander Teather, Falla´s Retablo de Maese Pedro at Rotterdam, Carmina Burana at San Sebastian and a Lyric Concert in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Among his recent engagements, he has sang Rigoletto in Venezuela with the scenic direction of Aquiles Machado. He is also singing Sharpless (Madama Butterfly) in a Spanish tour. He has been critically-acclaimed in the VII Edition of the Galicia International Music Festival, in the role of Roque, in the Spanish opera Marina. He has sang Malatesta (Don Paquale) in Irún, Spain. Later on, he has an important participation in the Mercadante’s Pelayo in Jovellanos Theater in Gijón, Spain. Among his next engagements he will sing Marcello (La Bohème) in the Palacio de Festivales de Santander. Father Capulet ( Romeo è Juliette), Michonet( Adriana Lecouvreur), Don Giovanni and Leporello , Conte and Figaro ( Nozze di Figaro), are some of his most interpreted opera roles.

Voice/Beginning Piano

Natalia Valdes-Molina, originally from the great white North we know as Canada, has lived in Florida since she was six years old. She grew up singing in church productions and family gatherings. When asked by her Kindergarten teacher what she wanted to be when she grew up, Natalia immediately replied, “I want to be a Singer!” and that was the beginning of her life in music. Currently, Natalia is a student at the University of Central Florida studying Classical Voice under Dr. Jeremy Hunt and working towards her Bachelors of Music Education, with an emphasis in elementary music education. She has been actively involved in choir throughout her secondary school years, having the honor of participating in several Florida All-State choirs. She finds that singing is an experience that moves the soul and creates emotions that cannot be solely expressed through words. She participated in the UCF Women’s Choir and Ensemble under the instruction of Dr. Miller, who were invited to perform at the 2016 Florida State ACDA conference this past November. She has also been an active member of UCF’s University Choir, Chamber singers, the UCF Opera Workshop, the Collegiate Chapter for the National Association for Music Educators (CNAFME), and Sigma Alpha Iota. Natalia performed the role of the Spirit in UCF’S 2015 production of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and is looking forward to performing in UCF’s spring 2017 production of Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss II. This Holiday season, she will be singing with the Women’s Ensemble in several Disney atmosphere performances, and with her Church at Disney’s Candlelight. During the summer, Natalia also volunteer’s for Joyful Music therapy. Natalia has taken classes specializing in vocal pedagogy and instrumental techniques, which have helped in her development as a teacher. She also has a passion for languages, as she is bilingual in Spanish. Natalia hopes to become an elementary school music teacher and eventually work towards becoming a music therapist. One of her main goals is to ensure that her students understand the basics of the vocal mechanism so that they may sing any genre in a healthy manner. She also believes that each student learns in their own unique way and hopes to tailor to the needs of each individual student. She believes music is an essential part to the lives of all students, and that it should be available to students of any age and background. Being new to the Orlando School of Music, Natalia hopes to instill in her students a passion for music, because to live a musical life is to live a beautiful one.

Guitar, Piano (beginner to intermediate), Drums (beginner to intermediate)

Nathan Fraze is a musician that has had a strong musical passion his entire life. Ever since he was born he has had a love for music and musical performance and has been performing since he was 3 years old. When Nathan was in 4th grade he was playing clarinet in his soon to be middle school band. He then went on to learn saxophone, harmonica, guitar, piano, drums, bass guitar, and ukulele but has a proficiency in teaching guitar, piano, and drums. By 6th grade he was in a band performing concerts around the city of St. Pete. He entered a song writing contest and as a 6th grader won 3rd place in the state of Florida grades 6-12. In order to be a better musician, he became the main sound mixer for his high school. He then went on to set up all sound for performances. He has gone on to work with people such as piano teacher and music director Dr. Diane Cardarelli, and Grammy award winning producer Mike Walker helping put on shows and teach childeren how to play and be comfortable performing. Nathan himself started helping people locally learn music and perform together as a band and learn how to mix music professionally for live musicals and concerts. Nathan has done events such as The Hurricane, Valencia College, both helping put on and perform shows, high school benefits and musicals, and weddings. Nathan currently attends UCF studying both music and biomedical science.

Paolo Tursi -Drums/Percussion Teaching at The Orlando School of Music

Paolo first encountered his passion for music and percussion as a very young child. As a toddler, he would often pull out pots and pans and play on them with spoons. At the young age of five, he had his first public performance, when he played “The Little Drummer Boy” on his small drum during a Christmas Eve Mass in front of more than 600 people. At the age of ten, Paolo received his first drum set. One year later, he started playing the drums every Sunday at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Two years after that, Paolo was asked to play the drums for a Christian album. After several requests, he decided to start giving drum lessons at the age of 14. By the age of 15, he had won one drum solo competition and placed in two more. During his high school years, he participated in the Colonial High School marching band. As a sophomore, he was chosen to be the percussion section leader, a rank which he kept until his senior year. As a senior, Paolo not only obtained the rank of section leader for his third consecutive year, but also achieved the highest student leadership position: band captain. During his high school musical career, Paolo performed in several different locations, won talent shows, achieved several distinguished superior awards at state competitions, and won prestigious musical awards including the John Phillip Sousa and Louis Armstrong awards. He was also hired to play as part of the pit in multiple local musicals, and even had one of his compositions published by Hamar Percussion Publications. Upon graduating from Colonial, he was immediately asked to be the percussion instructor for their marching band. During his two years as percussion instructor and arranger, the percussion section has achieved superior ratings at exhibitions and competitions nationally. Paolo is currently a student at the University of Central Florida, after having earned scholarships to study music performance. He is pursuing jazz studies for the drum set and continues to teach and perform locally.

Paul grew up in Northern Virginia where he attended Chantilly High School, a DownBeat magazine National Award winner for best high school jazz ensemble for multiple years. Paul won numerous awards for both classical honor district band as well as jazz ensemble solos. Upon his senior year, upon the recommendation of saxophonist Chris Vadala, Paul was granted a full out of state music scholarship to the University of North Florida program of jazz. Paul also won a full scholarship to the six week Berklee College of Music summer music program in 1989. By his sophomore year, Paul made the lead alto saxophone chair in the prestigious 1:30 jazz ensemble. During his tenure at UNF, Paul received the outstanding music student of the year and UNF Alumni association student of the year awards in 1993. Paul also competed with the UNF combo 1 at the University of Colorado – Boulder jazz combo competition and won 2nd place. The same year Paul auditioned for the lead alto chair for the United States Navy Commodores jazz ensemble and received runner up. During his time at UNF, Paul taught woodwinds privately at multiple schools in Jacksonville such as Landon Middle School, Orange and Mandarin High Schools, and Suzuki School of Music. After his tenure at UNF, Paul auditioned and made the 1994 Walt Disney World All American College Jazz Band as the lead tenor saxophone chair. Paul then moved back to Washington D.C. in 1995 to concentrate on composition as well as performing around the D.C. area. During this time, Paul was the lead tenor chair for the Dee Dee Bridgewater Big Band. In 1997, Paul moved to Los Angeles to pursue music performance. During this time, he performed around the L.A. area with his acclaimed contemporary jazz group, the Paul Brandenburg Project. In 2000, Paul went to Qingdao, China to perform for the theme park circuit consisting of U.S. musicians and vocalists, and dancers and performers from other countries. After sixteen productive years in L.A., Paul moved back to Orlando, where he currently teaches woodwinds at Orlando School of Music and Avalon School of Music. Paul also performs in his cover band ‘Cherry Thump’ at The Back Stage at the Rosen Plaza as well as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Prior artist collaborations have included: James Moody, Eliane Elias, Michael Brecker, Pat Metheny, John Williams, Dianne Schuur, Eddie Daniels, Arturo Sandoval, Maynard Ferguson, Manfredo Fest, Dr. Billy Taylor (PBS video aired in 1991), Louis Bellson, Mercer Ellington, Bunky Green, Marcus Printup (Blue Note recording artist), and Loston Harris II.

Guitar

Bass Guitar

Drums (beginner)

Piano (beginner)

“Z" Paul a native New Yorker best recognized as an all around talent writing, producing and performance he is known for portraying iconic guitarist Zakk Wylde in the band “exZakked” as well as various projects and ventures live and in studio.

He discovered music at age 5 picking up melodies on the home piano and began playing rock music by 13. Studying music throughout junior high his talent for bass guitar caught the attention of the schools music conductor adding the instrument to the school orchestra for the first time. Shortly guitar had become his primary instrument and continued his musical practice with some of New York's top musical instructors at the American Institute of Guitar/American Studio of Music.

At 18 Paul became head instructor for King James Music Store in Brooklyn NY and in college earned an A.A. in Performing Arts and B.A in Music Education from Brooklyn College. Through the millennium his musical ventures saw him playing New York's top venues on a regular basis, tours on the east and west coast and South America. His well diverse love of music and teaching are unlimited no matter the style. His past students have gone on to great heights performing on there own at young ages and becoming teachers themselves.

Playing music must become an outlet of enjoyment and lifelong passion to some degree. Experience is the only thing that truly prepares ones ability to perform under any circumstances. We must always be aware of the world we live in and how music relates to it. I'm excited to come aboard and ready to make musicians out of people here in Orlando!

Violin/Viola

Dr. Pepina grew up studying music and violin in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. She received her master’s degree from both the University of the Arts in Belgrade, Serbia and Georgia State University and doctorate degree from Florida State University. Dr. Pepina has performed with the Belgrade Symphony Orchestra as well as numerous orchestras around the United States and currently performs with the Orlando Symphony Orchestra. In 2002, she received the “Atlanta Music Club Award,” from Georgia State University and also received honors at the Georgia State University recital competition in 2003. In 2003, she participated in a Masterclass with world renowned violinist Midori Goto. She is very passionate about teaching and loves to see her students excel at the violin.

Voice/Beginning Piano

Ron grew up in the inner city of Detroit, Michigan. He started his musical dreams in a 3rd grade music class at Cooper Elementary School. While attending the school, he participated in many school talent shows, also performing for friends and family. At the age of 8, he became interested in the art of playing drums and “Glee Club” singing. He began to venture off into different ways of writing music in Borroughs Middle School. When he attended Kettering High School, Ron learned other styles of music like Pop, Rap, and R&B by ear, while playing drums in the marching band. Ron later went off to college at Ferris State University. Ron began to write some gospel music, but stayed rooted in R&B and Pop. He pursued a degree in Computer Information Systems, leaving his passion for music until Ferris State finally opened up a program for Music Industry Management. Ron was in line to receive a new start in music. Producing music became the new goal for Ron while he was in his sophomore year of college; learning by ear on the piano, and writing songs privatively. This lead him to one day hear a college act of three young men who had an appealing sound. The group was local and was growing very popular among the college students. The exposure became evident of raw talent with Ron being the vocal arranger and producer of their music. The group lead singer had success locally and there were talks of “potential back up singers for Usher”. Ron began to voice train privatively in dorm rooms, and produce music for local groups on campus. While learning to become better in piano and voice at Ferris State University, he studied piano and voice along with choir style singing at Ferris State University. After college, an internship opened up at Unscene Entertainment. This was Ron’s first time working in the Music Industry. Ron had a chance to learn from the sound of the second lead vocalist and producer of a group named 7 mile. While interning as an A&R representative, and Marketing Manager for the small label. Ron learned a lot hard lessons, but new passions begin to blossom with his free time at Unscene Studios. Ron learned to sharpen his production skills in voice, piano, and audio sound production while interning. A major record deal for Ron became unreachable after he received his degree in Music. He never knew the plans of success, until he gave his life to God. The calling of the Lord Jesus Christ on his life was evident of the grace and peace he found in worshiping God with music. Ron has found God blessings to teach and share with the world. Ron has now put everything at the feet of God, and is willing to serve him in helping others praise and worship in song. Ron had been blessed to be with the Orlando School of Music, and hopes to be for years to come!

Piano

Will has been fervently engaged in the study and creation of music since he was five years of age. He has had such a fulfilling experience through the journey that he is filled with the desire to share it with others. He has been active as a musician through the years, advancing to the finals of the National Fine Arts Festival in piano and sax in middle and high school, participating in All-State Concert Band on alto sax, winning the Arts Alive senior scholarship competition in Osceola County on piano, receiving other various awards from festivals and competitions, and being involved in church worship music and gigs around town. He then attended Florida State University on scholarship, majoring in Jazz piano. He continuously wrestled with pursuing classical versus jazz piano, and then decided within his freshman year at FSU to transcend both into studying music composition. After a year of Jazz studies, he changed his major to Composition, and began studying with a composition teacher and classical piano teacher. Staying active in the jazz ensembles, this change allowed him to pursue music holistically, combining all his musical interests in composition, improvisation, rigorous study, and performance. In his senior year he was a finalist in FSU’s Young Artist concerto competition, and has continued to advance his piano studies and practice faithfully. He was awarded his Bachelor of Music degree in Composition in 2014. Will’s primary goal in teaching music is to enrapture every student in a personal and unique love of music. He believes music is an innate passion that anyone can harness through proper education, dedication, and practice. He encourages all of his students to be diligent, to engage personally with the music, and to pay attention to every detail. He makes every attempt to expose the student to new and helpful ideas; tutors them in understanding the music on all levels, including theory, expression, and aesthetic; all while ensuring the development of impeccable technique.

I love working with the youth in music and in sports. My goal is to make sure each students gets the best musical training they can so they can achieve greatness in their future/current music programs. I am an alumni of the Colonial high school band program and I’ve performed with all county jazz band and obtained multiple superior ratings in my state/district solo and ensemble performances. Currently I am preforming with the Florida symphony youth jazz orchestra and fulling my role as first chair drummer. I look forward to working with all of my students!

I uncovered my passion for music when I sang on top of a chair in a restaurant when I was 3 with my dad! From that point on, I was involved in Voice, Piano, Guitar & Drum Lessons, Choir, Musicals in School and Song Writing.

I followed my dream and am now performing in several groups including my own Solo Show "Songs of Women Artist 60/70/80's, Weddings - both Ceremony and Reception, Praise Band at Summit Church, and the International German Folk, Pop & Rock band “Europa”, I cover many Female Artists and write my own originals, with music, lyrics and produce my songs. I also teach at the Avalon School of Music!

I find inspiration all around me and God has touched my heart. I try to make the music I perform my own and make it representative of myself and my generation. Growing up in a musical family, my dad exposed me to all the great female artists of the 60's 70's and 80's that I have incorporated in my show!

I specialize in teaching young beginners on Piano and Voice and can also coach song writing! I look forward to teaching your child and bringing the joy and love of music to all my students!

Avalon School of Music

Music School in Orlando , FL