Our Teachers
Kyle Conley
Kyle Conley was raised around music from early childhood and began learning blues guitar at the age of 9 under the tutelage of his grandfather, R. E. Conley. Kyle has since performed in various orchestras, bands, and musical projects across many genres for the better part of twenty years and continues daily to deepen his understanding of music theory, guitar theory, and technique.
Dedicated, creative, and enthusiastic, Kyle loves any opportunity to pass on the knowledge he has gained and has poured his heart into teaching guitar to people of many different ages and skill levels. With an emphasis on setting goals and building good habits, Kyle enables students to build a positive relationship with their instrument that they can continue to develop for the rest of their lives.
Dr. Calvin Lee
Dr. Calvin Lee, violin teacher, musician, educator, and orchestral conductor, joined the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts from Education University of Hong Kong in 2014. A native of Hong Kong, Dr. Lee is Post-doctoral Fellow of Violin Instructor, Music Theory, Music History, Orchestral Conductor and Music Education Researcher at The Education University of Hong Kong. He received his Bachelor's and first Master's degrees from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He continued his studies at the Education University of Hong Kong, receiving a Master of Arts and a Ph. D. in Music Education. Other than conducting instrumental class to his students, Dr. Lee gives public lectures and adjudicates all types of music events at the community level. As a musician father, he has been invited to share his parenting experience in a television program. Further, Dr. Lee has been invited to adjudicate in numerous music competitions and he has always been committed to promoting music education.
Christina Chan
Ms. Christina Chan has recently moved from Hong Kong to Houston. She has over 20 years of piano teaching experience and has taught students of all ages and levels in Hong Kong. She holds a Trinity's Associated (ATCL) and Licentiate (LTCL) music performance diploma from Trinity College London. She also holds a Master of Philosophy from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Apart from her teaching work, Christina is often invited to be the adjudicator in different music competitions and involved in music education research on special needs children. She actively offers her students the chance to participate in competitions and festivals. Her students always achieve outstanding results in examinations of the UK Royal School of Music.
Dr. Marie Borillo
Dr. Marie Borillo has been teaching piano for 20 years, with students, beginners to advanced, ranging in age from 4 to 70 years old. Among these include local competition winners and participants in the Royal Conservatory of Music examinations, while some students have chosen to continue their music education at the collegiate level. Marie received her DMA in Piano Performance from West Virginia University, studying with James Miltenberger. Her former teachers include Penelope Cecchini, John Couch, James Douthat, Tim Shafer, and Christine Kefferstan. She also studied piano pedagogy under the tutelage of Connie Arrau Sturm. Marie is an active member of the Music Teachers’ National Association and has adjudicated area piano competitions and festivals.
Dr. Yen-Yu Shih
Mezzo Soprano, Dr. Yen-Yu Shih is a multi-talented musician who in addition to being an accomplished vocalist and pianist, has served as stage manager and producer for a wide variety of musical productions including music festivals, musical theaters, operas and concerts. Her performance experience is extensive, having worked with several philharmonic orchestras and chamber groups and as a guest soloist to even more. After completing her degrees, she served as faculty at the Sierra Music Academy, Sacramento, and held her own voice and piano studio in Pasadena(CA). She has offered professional vocal clinics, private lessons and group classes to students, choirs, musical theaters, churches and schools throughout her teaching career. In 2010-2012 she established and served as the music director of National Taiwan University Alumni Chorus, South California, which performed several choir concerts under her direction. In 2012 with her husband, Dr. Ding-Shyue Yang and the family, she relocated to Houston(TX). She accepted the position of Music Director for the CAMA Chorus in 2017.
Jungae Lee
Jungae Lee was raised by her father, a music professor and pastor at the Korean Baptist Theological University. She was exposed to music from an early age, starting on the violin when she was 7 years old, but she was fascinated by the sound of the piano and soon transitioned to piano. Music runs in her family. Her younger brother earned a Master’s in Music from Sofia University and plays contrabass. He is currently Vice-Chairman of the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra in South Korea. Jungae majored in Piano Pedagogy and received her Bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University. She has over 20 years teaching experience and has taught a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced piano students. She believes that music has the power to heal the mind and restore enjoyment. Her teaching style was strongly influenced by Professor Paul Reed and Dr. Sylvia Coats, who taught her that anyone can access and enjoy music.
Sonny Lund
Sonny Lund is a professional Guitarist that was born and raised in Houston. He currently travels across Texas to perform music with various artist. His interest in music began at the age of 9 when he decided to become a part of his elementary school’s (Macgregor Elementary) guitar program. Since then, he continued his formal training through private lessons for 6 years under the direction of Joe Carmouche, Roberto Guinea and Steve Steele. Sonny utilizes techniques that he has acquired throughout his career to ensure that his students receive the best instruction possible.
Tommy Scott
Mr. Tommy Scott is an alumnus from Florida A&M and received his bachelors in Piano Performance along with his teaching certificate in Music Theory from Houston Baptist University. Inspired by his musician father, he began to explore music at a young age. He found that playing music was his passion and proceeded to excel in assessments of advanced music theory, piano technique, and mastering the art of classical music. During his school years, Tommy maintained his position as top pianist in his age group. At the age of 16, Tommy was nominated and invited to participate in Rice University’s Summer Program for Musicians. During this program, Tommy enriched his perspective on music and focused on piano to continue through his education. As a performer, Tommy has played in the Brazosport College Jazz Band and various church performances. As a teacher, Tommy brings a fun and thorough learning experience for each of his students. He continues to bring new ideas and fresh perspectives to each student to provide a welcoming and fun piano lesson experience.
Laura Wang
Ms. Laura Wang, a piano teacher, chamber music member, accompanist. I began learning piano at 6 years old all the way to receive my master’s degree from Illinois and become a pianist as I dreamed of. Every music teacher and mentor in my life has deeply influenced my view of music as weak as teaching philosophy. I worked as a piano teacher to all-aged students. I make study plans for each student, teach and train them in piano performance, and guide and supervise their progress. Each and every little step of my students’ development makes me feel fulfilled and proud. I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association. Being a part of the professional association gives me more chances to communicate with other outstanding musicians and encourages and enlightens me to become a more professional educator.
Siyu Yang
Mr. Siyu Yang is a classical pianist who pursued a three-year non-degree study in Philosophy and French at the University of Dallas. He is currently earning a paralegal certificate and applying for a two-year collegiate program in piano performance to further his musical pursuits. Siyu has been playing piano for over 20 years and teaching for more than 5 years. He studied with the renowned piano pedagogue Eleanor Sokoloff of the Curtis Institute of Music until 2020 and under Andrey Ponochevny at the University of Dallas until 2024. He also has a vocal background, focusing on classical and Gregorian chant. Fluent in the Russian methods of piano playing, Siyu enjoys teaching students of all levels. He believes teaching music helps nurture the students' character by allowing them to develop their natural talents and evoke their inner emotions and morals to become better citizens in society. His life is enriched by music, volunteer work, and military service.
Faith Fobeneh
Mrs. Faith Fobeneh is an operatic Soprano. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Houston Christian University (2020) and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Kentucky (2022). Her academic achievements underscore the commitment to excellence in musical education. With over 5 years of teaching experience, Faith has successfully worked with diverse students, ranging from age 5 to 65 years old. Her approach accommodates all levels of musical experience, ensuring growth and confidence in each student. Ms. Fobeneh teaches a variety of singing styles such as Classical, Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, Gospel/ Contemporary Christian, and more. Students of Faith have performed lead roles in school Musicals and have been selected for prestigious choirs such as All State Texas . Faith also specializes in teaching beginner to intermediate piano Lessons which are focused on helping students develop good technique while increasing their musical knowledge and piano literature. Faith’s love for music started at a young age singing gospel songs and playing the piano in her parent’s church. She started training as an Operatic Soprano in 2016 during her undergraduate studies at HCU. Since then she has participated in many performances. Opera roles include Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Mimi and Musetta in La Boheme, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Plaintiff in Trial by Jury, and La bergère Louis XV in L'enfant et les sortilèges. Faith has performed in international festivals such as the International Summer Opera Festival of Morelia in Morelia, Mexico. Summer 2024, Faith Performed in the Vienna Summer Music Festival in Vienna, Austria. She was featured in the Generation Next recital hosted by renowned Opera soprano Angel Joy Blue. In 2019, Ms. Fobeneh won first place in the Houston Gilbert and Sullivan Inaugural Vocal Scholarship Competition.
Letícia de Oliveira
Letícia de Oliveira is a Brazilian cellist and dedicated music educator passionate about inclusive and student-centered music education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Cello Performance from the Federal University of Santa Maria and a graduate degree in Artistic Production from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (Brazil). Letícia completed a Certificate in Musical Performance at the University of Houston and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Texas State University.
A certified Suzuki Method instructor, Letícia has over 20 years of teaching experience through private lessons, group classes, and youth orchestra programs. She has taught students of all ages, with a strong focus on violin, viola, and cello, emphasizing music education as a means to develop sensitivity, discipline, and collaboration. Her teaching approach values technical development, musical expression, and a supportive learning environment that encourages confidence, curiosity, and lifelong engagement with music.
Kristi Chen
Ms. Kristi Chen was born in Florida before moving to Texas when she was 3 years old. She was a former student taught by Mrs. Cixi for almost 7 years. She is 15 and a sophomore at Dawson High School. Kristi Chen is a music loving, quick piano learning teacher. She began her journey of playing the piano when she was 6 years old. Since then, she has played advanced piano pieces daily, completing Piano Performance ABRSM level 7 and 8 in 2023. Kristi loves to serve and is currently the pianist for her Youth’s worship team. She is also part of the Orchestra club at her school where they perform for others at different places. Kristi loves learning about people from different backgrounds and adapting to how they learn best. She is patient but firm with teaching and will enable students to feel comfortable with her.
Otilia Calin
Mrs.Otilia Calin is a dedicated and enthusiastic piano teacher. She began her music journey at age 7 when she started playing piano and later, she received her bachelor's degree in music education and Piano Pedagogy from the National University of Music at Bucharest, Romania and her master's degree from Musikhochschule Luebeck, Germany, under the guidance of acclaimed professors as Manfred Fock, Carmen Manea, Smaranda Murgan. Also, she performed solo and as an accompanist on important stages in Romania, Germany and Chicago. With over 14 years of teaching experience, her goal is to give students a lifetime understanding and appreciation of music and to make lessons and group classes enjoyable and fun. As a teacher she applies both traditional and Suzuki Method which brings together the cooperative relationships between teacher, parent and student, a relationship that is going to be treasured for a lifetime. Mrs. Calin's students perform regularly in recitals, festivals and competitions, having superior ratings and winning prizes.
Joseph Mack
Joseph Mack is a music educator with over 32 years of teaching and performance experience. He holds degrees in Music Performance from SUNY Purchase College and Brooklyn College, as well as a Master's in Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is certified in all-level music education in both New York and Texas.
Mr. Joe teaches and performs on violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano, and voice. He has mentored students to success in competitions such as UIL Concert and Sight Reading, Regional Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble, TMEA, and TSSEC. He grew an orchestra from six to 300 students.
Mr. Joe is a performer in classical, country, rock, and reggae genres. He played Judas in four productions of Jesus Christ Superstar and has taught at South Bronx schools, Taft ISD, Corpus Christi ISD, Del Mar College, and Alief ISD.
Outside of music, he enjoys gardening, is a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) committee member, and enjoys BBQ and karaoke. He is also a proud grandfather.
Emil De Veyra
Emil De Veyra started learning violin at the age of 3 under Rosemary Hatch. Emil has experience in both band and orchestra for many years in middle school to university. He concentrated on honing his skills on violin and is avid about learning more than violin to increase his skills in music teaching. He studied violin at the University of North Texas under Philip Lewis and graduated with two bachelor's degrees in music education and music theory. Emil has performed with the University of North Texas Concert Orchestra, UNT Opera, Millennial Choirs and Orchestra, St. Mary Magdalene's Church Orchestra and has performed in gigs and various chamber ensembles. Dedicated to his love for music, he wants to pass on his knowledge and expertise in music and help students appreciate music at a deeper level. As a firm believer that anyone can learn music given time and effort, Emil follows a philosophy where teaching strong fundamentals and a good sense of music theory are important to one's understanding of music. Emil also makes compositions and arrangements and has created works for different musical ensembles.
Mark Zhang
Mark Zhang is a committed and talented young pianist who has studied under Mrs. Cixi for over eight years. He began taking piano lessons at age seven and has since developed a solid classical foundation and a profound understanding of musical expression.
Mark has achieved a merit on his ABRSM Grade 8 exam and his ARSM diploma.
Along with studying the piano, Mark also plays the flute and is a freshman at Dawson High School, where he currently serves as the third chair in the Symphonic Band.
He aims to use the discipline, patience, and attention to detail he has learned from his musical journey to future collaborative and educational settings.
