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About our Faculty

From decorated recitalists to award winning composers including members of the Dallas Symphony and National Touring Artists, our faculty is dedicated to learning about your personal musical goals and helping you to achieve them. We are confident that we have the right teacher to meet your music lesson needs. Our faculty have instrument specific university degrees from prestigious institutions such as Universtiy of North Texas, Berklee College of Music and many others.. In addition, faculty members have warm personalities and are dedicated to teaching you the style and genre of music that you want to learn.

Michael P.

When Michael sang Come Together at a sixth grade concert and heard whoops and hollers of appreciation he knew he wanted music and performance to be a big part of his life. Michael comes from a musical family, with a dad who’s a professional musician, a brother who’s an award winning pianist and percussionist, and a sister who sings and performs on guitar. Michael started on bass (thanks to Paul McCartney as well as his dad’s promise that bass players work a lot) and has held down the bottom in his own band MP3 and the Jeh Horton Band as well as lending his talents to area schools’ music departments. Fascination with music theory and chord structure brought Michael to guitar a few years later. A versatile guitarist, he plays both acoustic and electric in all styles. Michael has applied his guitar talents to MP3 and held the guitar chair in his high school Jazz Band. He has also performed duo/solo gigs as a guitarist/vocalist. Peterson is also a vocalist in many styles, including classical, opera, and rock and roll. He studied under the esteemed TCU voice professor Dr. Scott Ferrell, learning the voice mechanics and techniques necessary for any genre of vocal music. He is the lead singer of his own classic rock group MP3 and has solo and ensemble experience in choir and Broadway musical styles. Michael loves teaching as much as performing: “Besides sharing my love of music I enjoy seeing a concept finally click in a student’s mind,” says Peterson. “I know the thrill of that feeling when something you thought was impossible becomes possible, and I like to see that thrill in students.”

David

With a music degree from the Conservatory of Music in Havana, David is one of our internationally acclaimed musicians, having toured all over the world with multiple artists and a broad range of venues. His positive outlook, upbeat and encouraging attitude is contagious to our Creative Soul Team and an inspiration to his students. As a Band Leader, music producer, drummer & percussionist he has traveled the world touring with International Jazz Artist Brooks Giles & British Rock Band Contraplans, China artist Lee Rong Hao, Amanda Wood from Canada the Groove System Drum Clinics, shows in Beijing with Trina Johnson Finn, singer from Sly and The Family Stone, the Green House Studio, Bertie Higgins, Jackson Twins. He performed on the TV Show with the Pianist from Germany Joja Wendt at BTV. He's also performed at multiple international festivals such as the Shanghai Jazz Fest with Artist Jay-Dub and Donghai Music Festival with Nancy J Brown, the Beijing Music Festival, also teaching Drum Clinics at Beijing School of Music, and helping produce album projects for Amanda Wood in Beijing.

Johnny

Drums/Student Bands Born and raised in Texas, Johnny Garcia started his musical passon at the ripe age of 13. With musical influence ranging from jazz to country to metal, his vast musical knowledge has allowed him to confidently persue the craft of audio engineering as well as the art of music production. Studying the drum set under jazz director Philippe Baugh and marching snare/tenors, Johnny learned the discipline of drumming which catipulted him to play with numerious well know artst in the metal industry ranging from, All That Remains , Memphis may Fire, Of Mice and Men and many more. With over 11 years of musical experience and 6 years of live performance experience Johnny believes everyone has the ability to create music with a little bit of dedication and practice.

Alan

Alan is an established musician with performance and educational experience in virtually all genres of music from blues to classical to modern pop to his specialty—jazz. He began training in piano at the age of 5, eventually taking lessons from McLennan Community College music professor Bill Howard and University of North Texas prestigious One O'Clock Lab Band alumni Richard Thomas, from whom he received much of his jazz influence. He continued his educational career at UNT, receiving a Bachelor's of Science degree in 2015 in Learning Technology with specific studies in Music Production and Sound Design and a minor in Music. Alan also completed the UNT College of Music Theory and Aural Skills requirements to become Theory Proficiency Exam (TPE) Certified. After completing his degree at UNT, Alan enrolled in Point Blank Music College in London and received accreditation (Edexcel Level 3 Certification) in Electronic Music Production and Ableton Live DAW software. Alan has been performing in solo acts and with his twin brother, Nash, since they were 5. Alan has expanded into venues across Texas including Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Paris, Tyler, and Waco. In 2010, Alan and Nash collectively won the Student Musicians of the Year award from the Music Association of Central Texas (MACT). The same year, the duo took first place at the "Heartland's Got Talent" competition at the Heart of Texas Fair. Although Alan specializes in piano, he has also been trained in voice (solo and choral work), trombone, melodica, various percussion, music notation, and music production. He has helped lead many different worship groups throughout Texas, particularly at Church Under the Bridge in Waco, serving for many years as an accompanist. He has worked and still collaborates with many musicians/groups throughout Texas, while taking in students under his wing who want to learn the same unconventional yet effective mixture of ear training and music theory with practical piano pedagogy or any other available proficiency of preference.

Aidan

Aidan has taught at Creative Soul for nearly 9years and has a true love for teaching, performing & recording. He has performed locally with his band that has gotten acclaim in the Star Telegram & shares a Recording Company with his brother Johnny (who also teaches with us!). Aidan teaches Guitar/Bass/Drums/Trumpet/Uke & leads several of our Student Bands!

Erica

Completing her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education this Year, Top 10% of her Class, Received Honors for University Singers, 9 years of (classical) vocal training

Phebe

Phebe has her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Mississippi College. She has been featured in a wide variety of musical productions including Showboat, Songs for a New World, Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart’s The Magic Flute. She also has served as soloist and soprano section leader at Fondren Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. She has taught classes in music appreciation and music theory, as well as voice and piano lessons. She teaches voice and piano at Creative Soul. She believes in the importance of teaching each individual student in the way that’s best for them! Feeling comfortable, learning to perform, and having fun are all very important parts of becoming a musician!

Traysa

Traysa has been playing violin for 17 years, and has been teaching for nearly 10 years. She enjoys teaching all ages the joy of learning to play violin. To optimize performance ability, she strives to teach the proper techniques and music theory as well as encourages the student to work on trouble areas, while moving them along when they are ready to do so. Traysa teaches the traditional method, and uses fiddle music as well as folk and classical. She also plays violin at her church, and plays in a local orchestra. She loves to watch her students grow musically, and see how much they have progressed.

Jake K.

With a Music Production Certifcation from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Jake is a great addition to our Creative Soul Team! Jake enjoys applying elements of music theory to create musical tones and structures, including harmonies and melodies. He enjoys making music and sharing it through performance and improvisation. He has a passion and drive to succeed and wants to inspire others in their success as well.

Matthew G.

Matthew is currently earning his degree in Music Education from UTA. Some of his honors include: NBC 5 News Interview ( 2016), String Quartet Performances at Dallas Heritage Village ( 2019 ), Performances at Bass Hall with Fort Worth Youth Orchestra UTA Music Department & his Yearly Scholarship at UTA. Mathew has a love for helping others achieve success in their music education & We're excited to have Mathew on our top notch Creative Soul team!

Gordon

Studying Education at the Musicians Institute and working as a Youth and Young Adult Music Director at Shield of Faith Christian Center for 8 years, Gordon has a love for learning, teaching & directing kids and adults alike. He enjoys helping students develop a love and appreciation for music and joy into becoming into the musicians they aspire to be. We're excited to have Gordon on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Charlene

A member of the Motown Records family, performing & co-writing with Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson & other greats, & with a #3 Hit on the Top 100, Charlene's bio is best read on here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlene_(singer) Early recording career She was born as Charlene Marilynn D'Angelo, which was later shortened to Charlene for her record label. In 1973, she signed with Motown and, using the moniker "Charlene Duncan", released two unsuccessful singles: "Relove/Give It One More Try" (M 1262) in July 1973[1] and, in January 1974, a cover of "All That Love Went to Waste" (M 1285) from the film A Touch of Class.[2] Charlene sought to find her niche at Motown by writing her own songs, doing demos for other artists (including Michael Jackson's "One Day in Your Life") and working with different producers and writers before finally being teamed-up with Ron Miller.[3] When her self-titled debut album (P6 10015S1) was released in November 1976 on Motown's Prodigal label, Charlene had dropped her surname (but, confusingly, the album still had "Charlene Duncan" printed on the spine).[4] In March 1977, the first single "It Ain't Easy Comin' Down" (P 0632F) went to #97 on the Hot 100 (and #23 on the AC chart). In May 1977, an album entitled Songs of Love (Prodigal, P610018S1) (with cover artwork by Patrick Nagel) was issued. It was a repackaged version of the Charlene LP with "Freddie" (an apparent tribute to Freddie Prinze, who had died that year) replacing "Shake a Hand" and the songs re-sequenced. Also, there is no spoken bridge in "I've Never Been To Me".[5] "Freddie" was released as a single (P 0633F) and reached #96 in the Hot 100 (and #40 on the AC).[6] A third single from the Charlene-Songs of Love collections would turn out to have not only an unusual lyrical evolution but also an unexpected chart odyssey. The lyrics to "I've Never Been to Me" were originally written by Ron Miller from a male perspective, but he rewrote them from a woman's viewpoint for Charlene, and on her debut album the ballad was recorded with a controversial narration to underscore the song's sentiment. On Songs of Love, the track omitted the spoken bridge; however, when this take was released as a single (P 0636F), it spent only three weeks in the Hot 100, peaked at #97 in October 1977 and then bounced off the chart.[7] When the song was revived in 1982, the rendition with the monologue (from the Charlene LP) was being played on the radio, so it was the version that Motown reissued. In 1978, a Charlene recording entitled "Are You Free", again produced by Ron Miller, appeared as a promotional single for the music label Ariola Records America. In addition to the Charlene/Songs of Love project, Charlene recorded a full album's length of material for Motown that was never even issued. In June 1980, Motown released one more single, "Hungry / I Won't Remember Ever Loving You" (M 1492F). The track "Hungry" was taken from the stage musical Daddy Goodness[8] and both cuts on the single were from the same collaborators of her biggest hit; however, this attempt failed and Motown decided to release the singer from its label.[9] Success of "I've Never Been to Me" Charlene recorded "I've Never Been to Me" in 1976, and the single reached #97 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart in 1977. When released again in 1982, the single (1611 MF) spent 23 weeks in the Hot 100, peaked at #3 and stayed there for three weeks.[6] It also reached #7 on the AC and #60 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The song has been her only Top 40 hit. In 1982, Scott Shannon, a disc jockey then working at Tampa radio station WRBQ-FM, began playing the version from the Charlene album (with the original spoken bridge) at the behest of his girlfriend, and response from local listeners was such as to motivate Shannon, a former Motown employee, to alert Motown president Jay Lasker of the track's hit potential. By this time, Charlene had lost her recording contract, moved to England and was working in a sweetshop in Ilford near London. Upon locating Charlene, Lasker personally telephoned her to invite her to re-sign with Motown in order to facilitate the re-release of "I've Never Been to Me". In 1976, Charlene's legal name was Charlene Duncan from her marriage to record producer Larry Duncan; by the time the song was re-released in 1982, her name was Charlene Oliver by her subsequent marriage to Englishman Jeff Oliver. The song's video was filmed at Blickling Hall, Norfolk, England, with Charlene appearing in her actual wedding dress. "I've Never Been to Me" was one of the year's biggest hits and experienced international success, reaching the #1 spot in the UK, Canada (4 weeks), Ireland (3 weeks), and Australia (6 weeks). It was also a Top Ten triumph in Norway, Belgium, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.[10] In addition, "I've Never Been to Me" became Motown's first Top Ten hit by a white female singer. (Only after leaving and suing Motown Records did Teena Marie score in 1985 with "Lovergirl".) Charlene even became one of a handful of artists on Motown Latino when she issued a Spanish-language cover of her hit called "Nunca he ido a mi" (1624LF). The concurrent release of her album, I've Never Been to Me (Motown 6009 ML), was also relatively successful, peaking at no. 36 on Billboard's Top 200. The LP mixed previously recorded tracks with some new material and featured two different covers: one showed Charlene in an elegant white dress with a bow and the other used her image in a moody pastel rendering. Over the years, memorable performances of "I've Never Been to Me" have appeared on TV shows such as Will & Grace and Desperate Housewives and in movies such as Shrek the Third in 2007 and You Were Never Really Here in 2017.[11] In the 2018 episode of Splitting Up Together entitled "Asking for a Friend", Jenna Fischer's Lena longingly begins singing the song to her children, prompting her youngest son, Milo, to question aloud if his mother is having a nervous breakdown. A popular choice for female impersonators, "I've Never Been to Me" was spotlighted as the opening number to the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The cinematic satire showed Hugo Weaving lip-syncing in drag to Charlene's vocals. Charlene's original version of the sentimental ballad is also included on the soundtrack. Subsequent recordings and releases "It Ain't Easy Comin' Down" was recycled on the I've Never Been to Me LP and re-released as its second, follow-up single (1621 MF). The 1982 bid bubbled under at #109 and affixed an ending harmony, "It ain't easy without you," which is not on the album version. This rendition (with the extra harmony) was also used in the 1982 film, The Last American Virgin. Although the original Virgin compilation did not contain the cut, it has since been added to extended editions of the soundtrack, including 2004 and 2012 re-issues. When Charlene re-signed with Motown in 1982, Motown agreed not only to the mainstream production of a brand new album of material but also to the US release of a religious set she had already started with Chapel Lane Records in England.[12] The 1982 outing, The Sky Is the Limit (Motown 6024 ML), offers reflective gospel music with several songs penned by Charlene herself plus a cover of Lionel Richie's "Jesus Is Love". Toward the end of the year, Charlene also released a new single, "Used to Be" (1650 MF), a duet with Stevie Wonder which the authors-composers of "I've Never Been to Me" also wrote and composed. But it stalled in the Hot 100 at #46 (and reached #31 on the AC and #35 on the R&B). However, "Used to Be" did go to #13 on the Swiss Hitparade charts in December 1982.[13] The controversial lyrics of "Used to Be", which lamented an uncaring, self-centered society, caused some radio stations in the U.S. to refuse to play the single and facilitated its actual ban in the U.K. The lines deemed most unacceptable were delivered by Wonder in the song's first verse: "Have another Chivas Regal/You're 12-years old and sex is legal."[12][14] Peaking at #162 on Billboard's Top 200, Charlene's corresponding Used to Be album (Motown 6027 ML) was not as successful as the I've Never Been to Me LP. Highlights of Used to Be included a rendition of "You're Home", which had previously appeared in the stage musical Daddy Goodness[8], and a cover of "Heaven Help Us All", originally popularized by Stevie Wonder. Whereas Wonder's version of "Heaven" used the terms "black man" and "white man", Charlene's take altered the words to "poor man" and "rich man". Both "I've Never Been to Me" and "Used to Be" were ranked the third and fourth worst records of all time by Jimmy Guterman and Owen O'Donnell in their 1991 book The Worst Rock n' Roll Records of All Time. In 1984, Charlene co-produced a new LP, Hit & Run Lover (Motown 6090 ML), which showcased primarily up-tempo dance music and separated her from perennial producer Ron Miller and the Miller-Hirsch writing team responsible for much of her catalog. Although Charlene was offered the power ballad "We Belong", which soon after became a big hit for Pat Benatar, the song's inclusion on the album was opposed by executive producer Ray Singleton.[3] Motown furthered its attempt to revamp Charlene's image to appeal to new audiences by highlighting her in a segment of the film The Last Dragon, which was under development by Motown founder Berry Gordy. She and other Motown artists, including DeBarge and Vanity, were strategically placed in the film to appeal to the MTV craze of the time. Charlene's catchy pop song "Fire" was used along with a music video depicting her as a goddess. Although the film managed to improve some of the other artists' notoriety, by this time, Motown was turning to artists that were offering up the New Jack Swing sound that would dominate the late 1980s and early 1990s, leaving Charlene and many Motown artists behind. Charlene's appearance in the film did not improve her popularity, and she was dropped from the Motown roster once again in 1985. Attempted career revivals and most recent updates As of 2012, Charlene was residing in her native California with her family, and she was still recording. Under the name Charlene Oliver, she launched a website where her new dance/club/house music could be downloaded,[15] and which included such new releases as "Broken Women," "California Dreamin' (Dance)," "Emotional Scars," "I Wanna Be A Woman," "I Was You," "I've Never Been To Me (Dance)," "Oh Cecilia," "Sea of Tranquility," "Spirit of Woman," "Symphony For A Broken Piano," "There I'll Be," "(Why Can't) Time Stand Still" and "Used to Be," the last of which featured Stevie Wonder.[citation needed] In 2012, Charlene revamped a new video, attached to her club mix of "I've Never Been To Me", which could be found on media outlets such as YouTube. Charlene also wrote two books, which she also sold via her website. In 2013, Charlene was scheduled to release a new album through Gotham Records after a single called "Heard You on the Radio" became available on iTunes on October 22, 2012.[16] Legacy Because of her one big hit, Charlene became known as a high-profile one-hit-wonder. In 2002, she was featured on VH1's 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders show, where she ranked #75. It was stated in the program that her entry "expresses the post-'70s hangover." In 2006, "I've Never Been to Me" was released on SingStar Anthems, one of the popular SingStars.[citation needed] Charlene has re-released the song in the form of a downloadable dance remix.[17][18] Pandora Radio features a "Charlene" channel that includes songs such as "Johnny Doesn't Love Here Anymore", "If I Could See Myself", "Can't We Try", "Hey Mama" and others. Personal life Charlene has been married twice. She has three daughters.

Brady

Studying Music Education at the University of Guanjuato, Brady is bi-lingual (Spanish/English) and has a passion for teaching & music. He won the Jazz Choice Award 3 years in a row in High School and was All Region Band. As a Percussion Section leader for the Jacksboro Purple Pride Band, Brady's excitement for drums continued. He also won a Battle of the Bands competition with his local band. He can't wait to help cultivate a love for learning an instrument in our students.  With an upbeat, engaging personality and fire to teach music, Creative Soul is ecstatic to have Brady on our top rated Teacher Team!

Christy

Christy has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the prestigious Music Program at the University of North Texas. With a love for kids and teaching, she taught Middle School & Elementary Choir. With an engaging personality, students love, Christy is excited to be a part of our Creative Soul Faculty Family!

Jackson

A musician & performer at heart, Jackson loves teaching music & training students in pushing themselves to the next level in their lessons. Performing in choirs & bands since he was 8 years old, Jackson brings the elements and importance of performance as well to his instruction. He was vocally trained in everything from opera to scream and enjoys teaching a variety of musical genres tailored to each student's goal sets. Studying at University of North Texas, we are excited to have Jackson on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty!

Roland

Having spent decades in as a Music & Band Director in School ISDs, Roland is excited to continue to help our students meet their musical learning goals at Creative Soul! With experience teaching all instruments - from piano to wind instruments to trumpet, flute, clarinet, oboe, tuba you name it! - Creative Soul is ecstatic to have him on our top notch Faculty Team!

Kelsey

Currently majoring in Music from Texas Woman's University, Kelsey is working towards her Bachelor's Degree in Arts & Music. With a love for teaching & all things Violin, Kelsey has worked with students of all ages, including from Pre-school through High School. She performed locally as an Orchestra Member for the Arlington Youth Symphony Orchestra (2012-2016). She also attended the Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy. We love having Kelsey on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Erik

Studying Modern Music in Drums from Visible Music College, Erik is a professionally trained drummer with 15 years experience in stage performance. As a Musician and drummer for worship team at Munger Place Church in Dallas, Christian Ministries Church & Plymouth Park Baptist Church, he also performed worship nights with a Dallas Jazz Quartet. With experiences in most playing styles, including Rock/Pop, Alternative, Jazz, Latin, Hip-Hop/Rap, and Worship, Erik has mastered the 40 drum rudiments, as well as having the ability to sight read drum charts in the genres listed above. He also enjoys transcribing drum charts using Finale. He is excited to help more young musicians develop their craft on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Morgan

Morgan has a love for singing & music and is currently earning her Bachelor's in Music at the University of Arlington. She is part of University Singers at UTA, with performances as the lead role, songwriting & contributions to arrangements for RISE A Cappella, I'll Live Project, Ragtime! The Musical, & Google It. She's also worked on composing for TCC Choir. Her other achievements include: TMEA Two Year College All State Choir 2015-2017, 2nd Place Quarter Finals ICCA 2018, 1st Semi-Finals ICCA 2018, 4th Nationals ICCA 2020, 1st Place Quarter Finals ICCA 2020 & A&R Team for UTA Student Records. We're excited to have Morgan on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Allison

With a heart for teaching and working with kids, Allison is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Texas of Arlington. She was a Supplemental Instruction Leader at Tarrant County College. She also has a love for other performing arts in directing,stage management and other technical aspects of theatre, acting as Elsa in English Children's Gala Musical with Korean Musical Company in Busan, South Korea. She also had professional acting experience at Hardin-Simmons University & other venues such as Casa Manana. She was awarded All-Star Cast and Honorable Mention All-Star Cast by UIL One-Act Play & a Superior rating on multiple UIL State solos and ensembles. She also was part of the audition-only TMEA All-District and All-Region choirs.

Graham

Graham has Bachelor's Degree with Secondary Teaching Certification from University of Texas at Arlington. He enjoys tutoring kids one on one, and has worked in FWISD teaching a variety of ages and areas. We're ecstatic to have Graham on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Donicio

Donicio has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Wyoming. He has a Teaching Certification in Music for K-12, and a love for all things teaching music! He worked with UW Presents, a cultural presenting series at the university - overseeing audience and performance logistics, accommodating performer and patron needs, and helping to make the performances a success. As a Music Theory Instructor at the University, he taught and reviewed material for aural theory at a collegiate level. He has also counseled 6th-12th grade music students, and worked with the Grand Teton Music FestivalStage Crew. He also served on the University of Wyoming Student Advisory Council, was President of the Jazz Advocates of Wyoming, Vice President of the National Association for Music Education, & performed as a Musician for the Wyoming Jazz Ensemble (2016 - 2020), Dizzys Club Coca-Cola: WJE with Terell Stafford (2017), WJE: Winds of the Snowys (CD) (2018), Jazz Educators Network: WJE with Terell Stafford (2019), New Image Band (2012 - current), Basmati Band (2017 - current), Whitney Center Jazz Orchestra (2019), UW Wind Symphony (2016 - 2019). We are ecstatic to have Donicio be a part of our top notch Creative Soul Faculty Team & Family!

Luke

Luke has a love for all things Drums, teaching & music! Currently studying at TCC, Luke has a positive attitude that is inspiring to his students. He started Percussion through Marching Band in Middle School and loves to team with others to help them achieve their goals for success. We are excited to have Luke on our Creative Soul outstanding faculty!

Patrick

Patrick has a Bachelor's Degree from the prestigious Texas Christian University. He has a love for everything Guitar & Bass and has experience in training & teaching on those Instruments for 15+ years. He loves to improv and composing in any key. We are excited to have Patrick on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Mark

Mark studied Music Education at the prestigious University of North Texas. With a heart for people and teaching, Mark is classically trained. He also taught Elementary Piano at The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. His other achievements include THCA Activity Professional of the Year (2015). We are excited to have Mark on our Creative Soul Team!

Leigh

Leigh received her BFA from Carnegie Mellon Institute and her Masters Degree in Music from the University of Texas. She is a founding member and first violinist of the Tosca String Quartet. She has toured the world twice with David Byrne and the Tosca Strings. She has performed and recorded with David Byrne, Ray Benson, Bob Schneider, Dixie Chicks, Kip Winger, Blondie Chaplin, Heather Greene and Susanna Baca, and has played on the soundtracks for Waking Life (2001) Ladron, Borderland, and El Cantante and the PBS documentary Last Best Hope. She is also a member of Govertango, BARBWIRE, American Repertory Ensemble, Golden Hornet Project, Erik and the She-Wolves, Austin Lyric Opera, and the Austin Chamber Music Center. An avid tango violinist, she has participated in master classes in Buenos Aires by renowned tango violinists Mauricio Marcelli and Raul Gallo. She was nominated for the Austin Critic’s Table Award for her performance of Augusta Read Thomas’ Spirit Musings. Creative Soul is ecstatic to have her on our top notch faculty team!

Tanner

Having graduated from the famous Berklee College of Music with a Degree in Guitar Performance/Jazz Composition. Tanner is also an experienced Professional Musician, Bandleader and Composer with 7 years of training and extensive performance experience. With a love for teaching, he has a strong desire for students to succeed.  He skillfully balances maintaining discipline with warmth during rehearsals, leading Contemporary Worship Bands at First United Methodist Church in Arlington. He also composes and performs in many musical genres and styles. We are ecstatic to have Tanner on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Micah

Micah is a Multi-instrumentalist with 6+ years of teaching experience to all ages in private and group lessons geared towards developing a passion, interest and inspiration for music. With a Bachelor's Degree and Music Minor in Performance for Cello from Northwestern State University, Micah has also enjoyed teaching in various music programs, childcare centers and Academy for the Arts. Micah loves to build confidence in our students by encouraging them to overcome stage fright by preparing them to play or sing in front of an audience. He also loves incorporating life lessons and skills using creative, age-appropriate songs alongside individually tailored curriculum to make learning more interesting and adventurous. He believes in helping students push through "mental barriers using self-composed songs to create a stress-free environment for education" that is fun and engaging. We are ecstatic to have Micah on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Cody

Cody is a diverse and skilled musician in a multitude of instruments including guitar, violin, bass, mandolin, banjo, dulcimer & singing! He has a Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts, graduating with Honors from Western New Mexico University. With a warm personality and heart for teaching, he also enjoys Songwriting and Composition and performing locally with other musicians. We're excited to have Cody on our top notch Faculty team!

Martin

Martin has a Bachelor's Degree from the University of North Texas and an Associate in Arts in Music & Jazz Piano. He is a Church Musician and Audio Engineer at the Templo De Celebracion, where he collaborates with musicians and singers and the rest of the media team to carry out impactful worship services and events. He also manages their audio and sound production for livestream. Spanish Speaking & with a love for teaching, we are ecstatic to have Martin on our Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Cara-Lee

Cara has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Missouri State University. Her theatre debuts include: Oklahoma in Concert, Rimers ofEldritch, Heart in the Ground, at Missouri State University,  Spring Awakening at Spectra Theatre Co.,  Hairspray at Plaza Theatre Co. & Bye Bye Birdie at Artisan Center Theatre. We are excited to have Cara-Lee on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty!

Raquel

Raquel is currently earning a Bachelor's Degree in Music with Teaching Certificate from UTA and an Associates of Music from Tarrant County College. Her emphasis is All-Level Instrumental with Orchestra emphasis. Her other achievements include: Dean's List for College of Liberal Arts & is a Texas Music Educators Association Member. We are ecstatic to have Raquel on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty! 

Spencer

Spencer has a Bachelor's Degree in Music & Business from the world renown University of North Texas. He has a passion for all thingsmusic performance, production, and jazz history. From Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington to Roy Hargrove and Maria Schneider, Spencer has extensive knowledge of the evolution of jazz and its recorded history. In 2017, Spencer worked alongside the Toshi Clinch Big Band in recording Vesuvius, a 10-track jazz album recorded at Echo Labs in Argyle Tx. In his teaching, he loves to focus on establishing solid fundamentals (reading, tone, basic theory, history, and technique) while still making it engaging to young students and intermediates. In 2017, Spencer spent 3 days at Echo Labs to record Vesuvius, a 10-track jazz album with UNT alumni. Led by the arranging talents of Toshi Clinch and Drew Zaremba, this 26-piece band recorded a professional quality product covering various styles of jazz. While studying at UNT, Spencer was able to study under some of the best trumpet instructors in the country. This includes Jay Saunders, Mike Steinel, Rodney Booth, Tonya Darby, John Holt, and Allen Vizzutii. Spencer has also performed with multiple jazz ensembles including several lab bands, Latin Jazz, the Zebra Fusion Band, and several non-university bands. Spencer is looking to give back to the music community and is interested in teaching the next generation of musicians. With the knowledge gained by some of the finest, he hopes he can prepare young musicians with the skills they will need for college and a career in music. We are ecstatic to have Spencer on our Creative Soul Faculty!

Amaryah

Amaryah is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree in Songwriting from Visible Music College.  With a love for teaching & education, Amaryah focuses on cultivating a productive, compassionate & engaging learning environment. She thrives in building and developing young minds to strive for success through msuic. She also served on the team at the Memphis Rock N Soul Museum - an exhibition about the birth of rock and soul music, created by the Smithsonian Institution. We are ecstatic to have Amaryah on our team!

Isaiah

Isaiah has a Bachelor's Degree from Ferris State University and has a love for music and all things piano, guitar & bass. We are excited to have Isaiah join our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Bradley

Bradley has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. His honors include Best Performer at the Grammy Museum's 3rd Annual Soundstage Showdown (2018), Best Jazz Jury Performance (2017), and Runner up for AGD Song of the Year (2020). He is an enthusiastic musician excited to help students succeed through music. He also lead the University of Arkansas at Monticello's project ensemble band, performing at various university events and currently as a local performing musician. He served as recruiting ambassador for the Jazz Band across Southeast Arkansas. We are ecstatic to have Bradley on our fantastic Creative Soul Faculty!

Ashton

Ashton has a BM in Worship Studies from Liberty Univsersity, with honors including LU Dean's Lister from 2015 to 2019, Hall Leadership from 2016-2019, Mathena Family Worship Scholarship, & Honors Student from 2015-2018. Ashton's goal is to help students achieve their vocal goals frombeginner to intermediate in almost anystyle. She prioritizes healthy singing anddeveloping the singer's artistic style in her instruction. She enjoys seeing grow their talent and hone theirskill, helping themachieve even greater things in the future. We are excited to have Ashton on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Tess

Tess is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the prestigious and world renown University of North Texas Music Program. It is such a joy to have Tess on our Creative Soul Faculty since she has been a Creative Soul student for the past 3 and a half years as well! Her other accomplishments include: Mustang Jazz Choral Ensemble where she earned 1 out of only 16 spots. She also was in her Varsity Mixed Choir, the Second highest choral ensemble offering in the GHS Choir Program. In the Concert Women Choir (2017-2018), she participated as the highest ensemble honor for freshmen.  Other Musical Accolades: TMEA Texas Music Scholar (2018-19,2019-20. 2020-21), Exemplary Musicianship Award, UIL Soloand Ensemble (2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20), Grapevine HS Choir & Outstanding Junior(2019-20). We are ecstatic to be inspired by our very own Creative Soul students achieve their musical goals & give back to our Creative Soul community by teaching with us! We love having Tess on the team!

Rowan

Rowan is currently earning his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas. He is a Junior Radio Reporter at RAM Radio, doing sound board, editing & live event productions. He also has a love for teaching and is a Preschool Teacher at First United Methodist Church. He enjoys performing with his Band locally, and finds great joy in sharing musical abilities and inspiring others to do the same. We are ecstatic to have Rowan on our Creative Soul Faculty!

Gladis

Gladis is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Texas Christian University. She has a great enthusiasm and passion for music, learning and making an impact on younger generations through music education. Also having Music Performance studied at the University of Southern Mississippi, she completed her Bachelor of Science and Humanities with music orientation from Honduras National School of Music. She has various orchestral experience as well in the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra at the University of Southern Mississippi as the Second Flute & Piccolo Player and also First Flute at the Philharmonic Orchestra of Honduras (2016-2018). She also enjoyed participating in The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band at the University of Southern Mississippi. She took part in the Flute Intensive and Orchestra Program at Masterworks Festival at the Music Festival at Converse College in South Carolina, and also was a member of the Youth Symphony Orchestra in Honduras National School of Music. Her other accomplishments include performing in:  II, III Central America Philharmonic Encounter Gala Concert. ( 2015 and 2016), III and IV Youth Symphonic Camp YOA (2016 and 2018, International Flute Festival 2014, 2016 and 2018 all in Honduras, International Flute Festival (2017) in Panama, Southern Flute Festival (2019 and 2020) University of Southern Mississippi, & Mid-South Flute Festival (2020) University of North Alabama. We are ecstatic to have Gladis on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Cedtrese

Cedtrese is currently earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dallas Baptist University and has an Associates of Arts Degree as well. She has a robust background in Music, including theory, performance, composition, arrangement and a passion for education and teaching. She received the Musician As Entrepreneur Internship at Bible Way Community Baptist Church in Irving, where was involved with the Music Ministry and Praise and Worship Teams there. We are ecstatic to have Cedtrese on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Lyn

Lyn is currently earning her B.M. in Performance from Texas Christian University and has a love for all things music and teaching. She participated in the TCU Flute Festival as a studio member, demonstrating improvisation in a baroque pop workshop as well as performing in a small ensemble Full Symphony Orchestra. She was Principal flutist for the Martin High School Symphony Orchestra and Performed for the Midwinters Superintendent Conference January 2020. She also performed in the TMEA Convention as the Full Honor Orchestra(2019) & Wind Symphony Principal flutist for the Martin High School Wind Symphony. She was head section leader during marching season and concert season. She received Honors & Awards 1st division in Martin High School Solo contest (2017-2019) and was 1st division in UIL Solo and Ensemble (2017- 2019). She is also a recipient of the John Phillips Sousa Award (2020) & Silver Feather Band Award (2020). We are ecstatic to have Lyn on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Jesus

Jesus is currently earning his Bachelor's Degree in Music from the prestigious and world renown Music Program at University of North Texas. With a love for all things Guitar and Bass, Jesus has an excitement for learning and teaching. We are ecstatic to have Jesus on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Reynaldo

Reynaldo has a Bachelor's in Music Education from Texas Wesleyan University with an emphasis on instrumental teaching. His awards include: Texas Wesleyan Music Scholarship, UIL Region Orchestra, UIL Solo and Ensemble Division I, & the Fort Worth ISD Gold Seal Program: Fine Arts Award Recipient. We are excited to have Reynaldo on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Alice

Alice has a BMA in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. She graduated with Distinction. She is currently an incoming graduate student at the University of North Texas and has a love for teaching and all things strings! We are ecstatic to have Alice on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Naikai

Naikai has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Texas Woman’s University and an Associate’s Degree in Art Field of Study Music from Hill College. She thrives in the areas of Musical Theatre style singing, Classical style singing, and Sight reading/singing. She also share a love for Composition - turning poetry into song and performing as a local musician. Her other awards include: Who’s Who in America (2017) for excelling in arts while maintaining above average GPA and Dean's List 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020. She enjoyed her time in a Music Fraternity as the President 2016-2017 & Vice President 2015-2016. We are excited to have Naikai on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Bo

Bo loves to teach music. He believes that music is a language, a useful form of communication as well as an artform. With 10+ plus yearsof teaching experience from private instruction as well as classroom K-12, he enjoys teaching a variety of instruments to a multitude of ages and skillsets, helping students accomplish their musical goals. He attended Prescott College in Arizona, composing music over zoom for Prescott Project. His music was played over the radio in Phoenix, AZ. He studied Individualized Studies with Music Ed Concentration at the Virginia State University as well. He was also founder of the UPhi Band Organization there. We are ecstatic to have Bo on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Eric

Eric is an experienced Studio and Performing Musician in the DFW area. With a love for music and theatre, he also is a Theatre artist, set designer and builder. As a freelance Audio and Video editor, he brings a collaboration of production and sound to film and recordings. We are ecstatic to have Eric on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Matti

Matti is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree in Music from the world renown University of North Texas Music Program. She has much Choral experience in her educational career in Mixed Junior & Senior Varsity, Treble Ensemble, Jazz Choir. Her awards and achievements include Director's Award, 9/10 Region Choir, Region Choir, Outstanding Solo in Solo Competition, Choir Council Member, and Advanced to pre-area All State & National Honor Society. We are ecstatic to have Matti on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty!

William

With a Bachelor's Degree from Lincoln University, William has a love for all things drums! He can't wait to inspire our students learning in our uniquely engaging music school atmosphere, see them perform at big recitals locally and move up our fun Musical Ladder System! We are excited to have William on our top notch Faculty Team!

Kate

Kate is currently earning her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the world reknown music program at University of North Texas. With a love for teaching music, Kate has taught children of all ages to develop their love of learning. She enjoys establishing strong music foundations with students byincorporating basic music theory into weekly lessons, and preparing individualized lessons to accommodate eachstudent’s unique goals and interests. We are ecstatic to have Kate on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Caelan

Caelan has a a love for all things drums and percussion! He enjoys teaching students how to learn basic fundamentals and build on those skills to succeed as a musician and performer. He enjoys teaching kids and adults alike one on one to guide them through their musical pursuits and help them achieve goals. He also studied at Amarillo College. We love having Caelan on our oustanding Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Shirley

Shirley is a Board-Certified Music Therapist Clinician & Educator. She has a Masters Degree in Special Education (Emphasis: Emotional/Behavorial Disabilities) from the University of Southern Mississippi & a Master of Music in Music Therapy from the University of Miami, Florida. Her Bachelor's Degree of Music in Education from Jackson State University & she's currently a Graduate Seminary Student from The King’s University, Southlake, Texas. She works in Systematic Music Therapy Healthcare Ministry and was a Special Educator for Holmes County School District for many years. As a Special Educator, she worked with children and youth challenged with emotional/behavioraldisorders/disabilities and mild/moderate disabilities. She also taught High school and elementary general music education withinclusion students including music therapy perspectives. As a Music Minister, she served in different areas, including congregational music,choral music and singing, piano instruction perspectives, and musical special events. Her other recent activities include her focus as seminarian withextended ministry work in chaplaincy based on graduate practicums through clinical pastoral education, Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc.Her leadership of School Choir and General Music classes provided a comprehensive program that offered students opportunities to create, perform, listen to and analyze music. Special events in the classroom curriculum and seasonal events in the gymnasium. Her work in Elementary Music classes included participation in singing, instrumental performances, music reading, music theory and analysis. Special events in classroom and seasonal events in the gymnasium. As a Music Therapist, she has worked in Adult Psychiatric Men’s Unit: Planned, conducted, and evaluated music therapy groups through treatment plan goals and documentation in collaboration with the interdisciplinary treatment team. Creative Arts Therapy Supervisor: Organized and implemented an innovative program that integrated music, art, dance, and drama. Supervised creative arts therapy assistants. Therapy Supervisor: Planned, implemented, and evaluated music therapy programming for chronic psychiatrically challenged patients on one unit. Participated in music therapy special events in the hospital gym. Supervised activity therapies. We are ecstatic to have Shirley on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Bert

Idalberto was born and raised in Habana, Cuba and began his love for drums and percussion when he was a child. He studied at different prestigious schools of music where he majored in Drums and Percussion. At the young age of 21 he starts his professional carrier recording and touring with well known Cuban artists both inside and outside of the country. He preformed shows in places like El Tropicana Night Club, The Capri Hotel, and many others while continuing his drum and percussion studies at Escuela de Superacion Professional “Ignacio Cervantes” as well as taking private lessons from prestigious world wide known artists like Enrique Pla, and “Changito” (Jose Luis Quintana). In January of 1993 he relocates to the United States of America where he begins teaching drums and percussion to beginners to advanced students, including professionals, and performs and records with several artists like Xavier Cugat Big Band Hall of Fame, No Regrets (X-members of Miami Sound Machine), The Gipsy Kings, Jazz Legend Paquito de Rivera, Afro Cuban All Stars, and more. He participated in recording sessions with musicians that formed part of the Gladys Knight’s Band as well as Gary Puckett and The Union Gap. He also performed in shows in Las Vegas and other parts of the country. In 2010 after a successful audition he was listed in the Cirque Du Soleil’s Bank of Talent, and performed with Ryan Shaw (Grammy nominated funk and R&B singer). Perdomo says, “Technique should be in function of the groove not the other way around”. “One of my greatest joys is witnessing when the student finds their passion for their musical instrument.

Jose

Jose is currently earning his Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance from Texas Wesleyan University. His other achievements include his performance in the President's Honors conert at Texas Wesleyan 2017-2017 & 2019-2020. He also won the Calvin Coolidge Award and won  UIL Solo/Ensemble awards 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 and 2014-2015. He also was All State Solo/Ensemble in 2014-2015 and All region Orchestra 2010-2011. We are ecstatic to have Jose on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty team!

Audrey

Hailed by critics for possessing a lustrous voice of extraordinary beauty and artistry of great dramatic depth, American soprano Audrey has performed in opera houses and concert halls around the world in opera, oratorio, recital, concert, and sacred music. Most recently, Audrey toured Russia with Opera Noire of NY in collaboration with The US State Department. Under the baton of Maestro Anatolia Chepurnov and Maestro Sergei Kondrashev, she performed in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnoyarsk and Dubna with the Orpheus Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Krasnoyarsk Philharmonic. As a music ambassador,she also had the privilege to perform in concert at The US Embassy in Moscow, Russia. She was a featured artist for world renowned opera tenor, Marcello Giordani's concerts entitled: Marcello & Friends in Catania and Augusta, Italy. She also sang Rossini's Stabat Mater with The Choral Society of the Hamptons, Mimi in Puccini's La Boheme with The New Britain Symphony Orchestra, the title role in Verdi's Aida with both Opera of the Hamptons & New Rochelle Opera, Vaughn Williams' Dona Nobis Pacem with The Rockland County Choral Society, and Bennet's Porgy & Bess suite with Richmond Symphony. Other notable performances include singing the role of Betty Shabazz in Davis' X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X for NYC Opera's series 'Opera Matters' at Harlem's Schomburg Center, the title role of internationally renowned African-American soprano Ellabelle Davis in The Gentle Lark of New Rochelle in NY, Bess in a United Kingdom tour of Porgy & Bess, Tigrana in Puccini's Edgar with DiCapo Opera, and Micaela in Carmen with both Houston Ebony Opera and Connecticut Opera. As an avid recitalist and concert performer, Audrey has sung with the Gerda Lissner Foundation at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, the Orchestra of St. Luke's at Harlem's Apollo Theater, 'Summer Concerts in the Park' with the New Rochelle Opera, Opera Noire of NY's gala concert at NYC's Manhattan Center, The Source of NY sponsored recital, The Breast Cancer Society of Barbados sponsored recital in Barbados, a September 11th remembrance ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC., The Marcello Giordani Foundation Gala Concert at Merkin Hall, and as a soloist on tour with The American Spiritual Ensemble. She also sang with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for both the premiere of Wynton Marsalis' mass: 'Abyssinian 200: A Celebration' and the occasion of Wynton's 50th Birthday celebration broadcast on PBS. She has won numerous competitions and vocal awards. A few to note are The Marcello Giordani Foundation International Competition (Italy), New Jersey Verismo Opera Competition, Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition, Harlem Opera Theater Vocal Competition & Audience Award, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions- Eastern Region District, Opera Index Foundation Vocal Competition, Florida Grand Opera Vocal Competition, Palm Beach Opera Competition, NFAA Competition, & NAACP National Vocal Competition. Audrey has extended her talents for such foundations as: Yele Haiti (Founded by Wyclef Jean), Helping Hands Bring Sunshine, Stroke of Hope, Saved for Life, PepsiCo Foundation, Midnight Run, and The American Red Cross. She has also shared her music extensively with younger generations through numerous outreach programs. She recently recorded a classical/ inspirational collection of beloved hymns of faith called Testimony, which is available on Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and Spotify. A native of Miami, Florida, she is a graduate of the New World School of the Arts and The Juilliard School in NYC.

Caroline

Caroline is an experienced Vocalist, Performer, and Vocal Teacher dedicated to encouraging creative expression through music. Trained in proper singing techniques and versatile in musical genres as well as stage performance, Caroline attended DFW Performing Arts Conservatory in Southlake, Tx. Her achievements include: Denim and Diamonds Singing Competition 1st Place for Vocal Performance. She is passionate about teaching students of all ages vocal technique such as breath control, warmups,range extension, and overall musicality. She is dedicated to discovering each student's unique goals, needs, and creative expression, and is experienced in teaching stage performance and how to use sound equipment such as microphones and PA systems. She loves accompanying students during recitals and live performances since 2013 and has played live shows all over DFW and Austin, Tx including venues such as the House of Blues Dallas and Los Angeles, Granada Theater, The Rustic, Mercy Wine Bar, and Deep Ellum Arts Festival. We are ecstatic to have her on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty Team!

Lucas

Lucas is currently earning his Music Theory/Compostition Degree from Texas Christian University here in Fort Worth. He is a composer from Atlanta, Georgia who is studying music theory/composition in his second year at Texas Christian University. Looking to write soundtracks and do freelance composing, he wrote his first piece for publication titled Titan that will serve as the test piece for the 2023 British Open Brass Band Championships. Although not yet performed, it is set to be premiered by the University of Florida Brass Band in the spring of 2022. Lucas has also been offered and will undertake a two-month long internship in Hollywood under world-renowned composer Timothy Williams to further his skills as a composer. His most recent project is another upcoming performance of a nine-movement suite titled The Biomes. This piece will be performed in the fall of 2022 by the TCU Symphony Orchestra and is in discussion with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. He is a 6 Week Trumpet Institute Graduate and attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Interlochen, Michigan. He also studied under Vince DiMartino in a 6-week trumpet intesive program at one of the top performing arts high schools in the country. His other achivements include:Four years in the highest ensemble out of four (two years as principal trumpet), five years of acceptance into region bands, and two years of acceptance into All-State bands Four years marching lead trumpet, one year as a section leader and brass captain, one year of Drum Corps International experience with the Mandarins in 2019Four years performing as the lead trumpet and soloist in jazz band, one year of District Honors Jazz Band, and two years of jazz saxophoneThree years participating in a student-led brass ensemble while arranging music for the group, one year of conducting the ensembleTwo years of high school symphony orchestra (principal), one year of Georgia Youth Symphony OrchestraEarned the Walton Marching Band scholarship and Cowles scholarship upon graduation

Michaela

Michaela has a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental and Vocal Performance from Columbia College. Her accomplishments include being the Background Vocalist for the Gospel Radio Awards in April 2020 and her Single Project Release she composed, produced and performed in Sept 2014/Jan 2020. As a performing musician, she enjoyed her performances as the Guest Soloist for Grammy Award Winner Ricky Dillard in 2008 and for the Opening segment for Grammy award Winner Tye Tribbett in May 2007. She has a love for teaching and engaging children of all ages from 9months of age through adults. As Praise and Worship Leader for United Worship Center in Chicago, she organized music for the worship services and served as a pianist, bassist and drummer for her local church services.  She performs locally in DFW as a Psalmist and Musician for Worship Events, Weddings and Birthday Parties, and was a Youth Choir Director at 5th Illinois Jurisdiction in East Chicago. She's also performed at Chicago's Gospel Music Festivals in 2007 and 2014. We are so excited to have Michaela on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Kate B.

Kate has a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance from Baylor University. With a heart for working with children, she has served as a Youth Care Specialist at Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home where she cared for and maintained the dafety of foster children in an open and trauma-informed care environment. She also enjoyed her time as a Youth Group Leader for the YMCA. She has also served in various Teacher Aide roles at Southmont Baptist Church and as a Vacation Bible School Aide. We are ecstatic to have Kate on our amazing Creative Soul Faculty!

Santeri

Santeri just graduated a Bachelor of Music Degree in Performance and Jazz Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also studied Jazz Studies at Northeastern State University. With a love for teaching and all things Guitar and Bass, we are excited to have Santeri on our Creative Soul outstanding Faculty Team!

Alex

Alex has his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Texas Wesleyan University. He is a Member of the Greater Fort Worth Community Band. With a love for teaching a variety of instruments, Alex was the Principle Baritone Saxophone Player for the Texas Wesleyan Jazz Combo and Principle Bass Clarinet at Texas Wesleyan University. He also attended Tarrant County College from 2014-2016. As a Marching Tech, at South Hills High School he taught and instructed the band on the field in marching technique and playing technique and taught Region cut and proper practice methods for clarinets and saxophones. He is also bilingual and proficient in Music Theory and History. We are ecstatic to have Alex on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Kim

Originally from Korea, Kim is a Board Certified Music Therapist with her MT-BC earned in 2021. She worked at Southwestern Music Therapy where she focused on all age groups in various disorders. Her various achievements include: A.B.D. Music & Medicine and Information Science from the prestigious University of North Texas, and M.M. in Music Composition from UNT, an M.M.E.D. in Music Education from Yonsei University and a B.M. in Music Composition from Sookmyung Women's University in Seoul, Korea. She completed 1200+ hours of supervised training in her Music Therapy experience and programs. She is also fluent in Korean, Japanese & German. We are ecstatic to have Kim on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Savannah

Savannah studied Music Education and Vocal Performance at the world renowned University of North Texas music program. With a heart for teaching, she enjoys creating a fun engaging learning environment for our students. Her other musical achievements include: Two-Time TMEA All Stage Member UIL Soloist with Ratings of 1. We are ecstatic to have Savannah on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Luke

COMING SOON!

Jeff

Jeff is a seasoned musician and local performer who enjoys teaching a variety of instruments including Drums, Violin, Guitar and Piano. He has taken lessons since a child, and joined his first band in Jr High and High School. He is a professional locally performing musician, leading various Bands such as Sahara Cross, playing for people all over the DFW area. He has performed at hundred of festivals, events, restaurants, coffee houses and private events over the past 30 years. His last band played in Cleburne and surrounding towns. He loves to teach a variety of genres including country music, rock music and other styles. He has an Associate of Arts from Tarrant County College, where he studied Jazz Guitar. He also has Recording Studio experience.Most recently he collaborated on a jingle for Tanya Tucker. His teaching styles range from musical styles of C&W, Rock, jazz, fusion, techniques like, alternate and sweep picking, arpeggios, pentatonic shapes and modes on guitar. He likes for aspiring to attain musical theory goals while having fun, where players to be able to know the difference between a major 7th and a dominant 7th. Although he's a proficient player of many instruments, his motto is to "always learn and adding things to your box of tools. Teaching opens up a door to his own further learning and understanding of music, just as much as to his students." We are ecstatic to have Jeff on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Guy

COMING SOON!

Kiara

Kiara is currently studying at Tarrant County College Sound Recording Technology, studying Radio, TV, Film Production through Theory and Application. She has a love for working with kids and a high energy engaging personality. She enjoys playing and teaching a variety of instruments including Piano, Voice, Trumpet and French Horn! We are ecstatic to have Kiara on our Creative Soul top notch Faculty!

Matthew E.

COMING SOON!

Michael B.

COMING SOON!

Taushey

Taushey has her Associate's Degree in Music Performance from McLennan Community College. She is a Grammy Award Winning Recording Artist, Songwriter, Vocal Producer and Vocal Arranger. She has a love for developing artists, worship teams and emerging singers. She have worked with Gifted Entertainment for the past 4 years, working with John P. Kee, LeAndria Johnson, Melvin Crispell, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, to name a few. She has written and released several songs such as “You Never Left Me” “All I Am” and “Great Things”. She has a love for all things music! Her teaching motto is "to help my students find The Perfect Solution For their Vocal Growth”. We are ecstatic to have Taushey on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Mark B.

Mark is a professional drummer, who performs locally in a fun Rockabilly trio group called "Vinyl Stripes" that performs all over Texas and beyond. He received a Grammy Nomination for his work on 2006 release "Rio Grande Blood"! We are ecstatic to have Mark on our Creative Soul outstanding Faculty!

Maria

Originally from Venezuela, Maria has a Bachelor's Degree from Catholic University Andres Bello, Caracas, Venezuela. She has a love for teaching with extensive knowledge of vocal technique and musicalinitiation. She enjoys dedicated planning of detailed lesson plans and monitoring of individualstudent progress in an innovative classroom settings like Creative Soul. Her inspiration to teach is "that her students fall in love with music!" For the past 3 years she has been a Vocal, Lesson & Preschool Music Teacher in Columbia and is ecstatic to be a part of our growing Creative Soul Music Community!

Tiffany

Tiffany has always had a love for music and teaching. She has an Associates in Arts in Music from Tarrant County College with an emphasis in voice. She has been classically trained vocally since she was 14. She performed at TMEA’s All State Choir for 2 year university in San Antonio. Her friends call her the “child whisperer” because of her uncanny ability to nurture and connect with children. She says that “Music is her Life” and she wants to share it with everyone. She has a bubbly and outgoing personality.

John

John is a Pianist/Percussionist from the DFW metroplex. He attended The Texas Tech School of Music in Lubbock, TX, where he also was a member of the “Goin’ Band from Raiderland Drumline.” He is experienced in theatre/musical Piano accompaniment, including the musicals: Suessical, Fiddler on The Roof, and Horton Hears a Who! John Thomas works assiduously to provide a fun and engaging learning environment for students of all ages. Communication, listening, empathy, adaptability, and patience are the cornerstones of a reputable instructor. The lessons provided by John Thomas are structured to promote achievement, discover talents, and build confidence. He has a diverse drumset/percussion background, including multiple years of teaching and performing experience in the DFW area, and is a former member of the Dallas Cowboys Drumline, Texas Tech “Goin’ Band from Raiderland Drumline,” Texas Tech Jazz band, Texas Tech Symphonic Orchestra, and Texas Tech Steel Pan Ensemble. He works zealously in providing a fun and engaging learning environment. With a heart for people, John enjoys teaching a variety of musical genres tailored to each student. Learning drums will enhance your life well beyond your first few lessons, and students never stop learning. Playing the drums can help people express themselves creatively and emotionally, and enhances our sense of empowerment. His lessons are structured to promote achievement discover talents, and build confidence. We are ecstatic to have John on our top notch Creative Soul Faculty!

Torrey

Torrey was born in Lawrence, Kansas on April 8th, 1994. In 2007 he moved to Baton Rouge Louisiana where he stayed until 2016. In 2012 he began his studies at Louisiana State University, getting a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance, emphasis on trumpet, while also taking jazz piano lessons. In 2018, he was accepted to the University of Texas at Arlington where he received his Master’s in Jazz Piano Performance. While studying at the University level, in his free time Torrey began to pick up both the guitar and the bass. After graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington, Torrey began focusing on music production. Hoping to use his knowledge on multiple instruments and his educational background, Torrey hopes to produce and help artists change the game and leave a lasting mark on the music industry. We love having Torrey on our outstanding Creative Soul Faculty!

Bro

Bro has played Bass Guitar for many years in many bands and enjoys all kinds of music. He started playing when He was about 18 and studied Bass Guitar and Music Theory in Boston at The School of Contemporary Music. Bro plays Rock, Jazz, Blues, Pop, World, and Baroque, and has recording and performance credits in all of these styles. Currently Bro is performing with the Gary Devlin Band in and around North Texas and can be found on various social media platforms. He is also an accomplished composer and writer and incorporates composition and writing skills into his lesson plans. Music is a language and every person can learn it. "Being You" is what qualifies you to play music. Bro’s teaching method begins there and expands within the particular desires, passions and individuality of each and every student. His method is to teach the whole student, mind and body, the fundamentals of Ear Training, Technique, Notation and the number system in equal proportions. Students will learn songs and performance will always be a focus of the lesson. The beautiful sound of the bass guitar can be warm and sweet, or strong and funky. It's truly the glue that holds the music together. It's a great instrument and Bro is excited to share it with the curious and the ambitious at Creative Soul. Get in the groove ASAP with Bass Guitar lessons from an experienced player and teache

Meet Travis

INSTRUMENTS I PLAY:
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums

I ALSO ENJOY:
Drawing/visual art, playing video games, and astronomy!

FAVORITE RESTAURANT, CANDY OR BEVERAGE:
Japan House, Reese’s, and tea!

WHY I PLAY MUSIC?:
Getting to collaborate and experience music with other people.

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO TEACH:
The music lessons I took when I was young were a cherished experience that led me to wanting to provide the same thing for others.

IF AN ANIMAL PLAYED MY INSTRUMENT:
An octopus would be the best at playing drums on account of all their tentacles!

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD’S MUSICAL JOURNEY AT HOME:
Showing a deep interest in children’s hobbies is the best way to give them encouragement to build their skills.

Meet Cody

INSTRUMENTS I PLAY:
Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Piano, Organ, French Horn

I ALSO ENJOY:
Science, sports, and technology

FAVORITE RESTAURANT, CANDY OR BEVERAGE:
Kit Kats

WHY I PLAY MUSIC?:
Being a part of a group that makes music for others.

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO TEACH:
Wanting to share my knowledge and experience with others.

IF I COULD CHOOSE A STAGE NAME OR NICKNAME FOR MYSELF, IT WOULD BE:
C Sauce

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD’S MUSICAL JOURNEY AT HOME:
Check in with your student and ask how everything is going. Make sure you are hearing them practice and don’t make the mistake of making it hard for them to practice like saying it’s “too loud”. Be encouraging! It won’t sound good right away.

IF AN ANIMAL PLAYED MY INSTRUMENT:
Probably a moose!

Meet Zoe

I ALSO ENJOY:
Cooking,Watching Movies

FAVORITE RESTAURANT, CANDY OR BEVERAGE:
Mango Juice

INSTRUMENTS I PLAY:
Vocals, Piano, Bass, Ukulele

IF AN ANIMAL PLAYED MY INSTRUMENT:
Probably Whales!

WHY I PLAY MUSIC?:
Evoking specific emotions with sound

WHAT INSPIRED ME TO TEACH:
I hope to create pivotal moments in the musical journey of each of our students

IF I COULD CHOOSE A STAGE NAME OR NICKNAME FOR MYSELF, IT WOULD BE:
My stage name is Zoë Luna, but some of my friends call me Zorb