I was born and raised in Guanajuato, Mexico and grew up listening to Mariachi. I moved to the U.S. when I was 12 years old and learned to play the violin. Discovering a hidden passion for the instrument made me learn pretty fast and I became attached and affectionate to the violin. I was the top violin player in high school and made it to many great orchestras. I attended Phoenix College in the field of Music Education, played with the Phoenix Colelge Orchestra, and took private lessons to improve my performance. I have performed with many local pianists, organists, and violinists.

Michael has worked with kids for 10 years in schools and arts programs to find fun and their best self through performance. He has taught orchestra, chamber music, jazz band and music theory in the public schools, while performing in local ensembles in and around the city. He also has studied drama, voice and movement and believes all these skills help in expressing yourself--no matter what pieces you want to play!

In addition to working with students K-12, he also loves working with adults. I try to provide a nurturing atmosphere for someone trying revive or discover previously hidden musical interests!

Zachary is a multi-talented teacher and performer. He teaches violin, piano, guitar, voice, mandolin, banjo and more. As a singer/ songwriter, he has released 3 cds, tours nationally with over 100 dates per year and has shared the stage with multiple multi-Grammy award winners. He is an inspirational and motivational based teacher; he will make you or your child LOVE making music rather than dreading their weekly lesson. He has a BA in music performance and has taught for 10 years. He is an exceptionally talented and in-demand teacher and performer.

I love to nurture a love of music in others and watch them amaze themselves with what they can do. I truly believe that anyone can learn an instrument and have fun doing it. I love seeing the look in a person's face when they finally "get it", and they want to show others. I get students there by offering a warm, respectful, and patient experience that is focused on the goals we set together.

I began piano lessons at four years of age, and was blessed to have an amazing piano teacher, who taught me for 14 years. She gave me a passion to teach others and impart to them a love for music. I have carried on that calling and taught hundreds of adults and children over the last 30 years. I am very thorough in my method and customize each lesson around the goals and dreams of each student. I incorporate theory, ear training and technical into all my lessons, regardless of the style of music they are learning. This gives my students an all-round musical education and appreciation for this wonderful gift they have in their hands.

I have experience in the professional music world as a pianist and french horn player, performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Opera Chorus and Orchestra, Sydney Sinfonia, Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, as well as productions of "Cats", "Phantom of the Opera", Sesame Street, and touring all over Australia, U.S.A. and...

As certified teacher in three states and over 30 years of music experience, I am comfortable with students of all ages in developing their musicianship and love of musical expression. Playing violin professionally since the age of 16, my performance background includes symphony orchestra, mariachi, acoustic rock, chorus (alto), and various small ensembles. In college, I studied piano and currently play keyboard with a classic rock group.
My overarching goal is to share the benefit of a lifetime of experience with my students so that they will find their own 'voice' in the wide world of music.