Deborah Love | Accordion Deborah Love has been teaching piano locally for the last six years and has a total of 30 years teaching experience including Suzuki and traditional methods at the Bradley University Preparatory School of Music and Community School of Music in Buffalo, NY. Deborah is a member of the Orlando Music Club and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and her students participate annually in the Jr. Festival and State Convention. The Peoria Journal-Star has called her playing "electrifying" and "mesmerizing"! Deborah has a Master of Piano Performance from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. She has also done graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Deborah has her Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Rochester, and a Performer's Certificate from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She studied the Sydney Foster Method of playing with Dr. Edward Kaizer, Dr. Kenwyn Bolt and Mrs. Lucille Richardson. She has also studied with Mr. Barry Snyder.
Heather Friedman | Voice "Heather Friedman began performing at an early age with Seaside Music Theater and completed ten years of summer stock with SMT by the time she was 20. Music and theatre got under her skin and she has been performing in many different facets ever since. An alumni of University of Central Florida, Heather received her Bachelors of Arts in Classical Voice. Influential voice teachers include Priscilla Bagly and Louis Roney. Grace Masters and and Dr. Steve McCoy are also notable teachers in Heather's ten years of private piano lessons and in New York City, she enjoys acting master classes from Broadway composer and lyricist, Craig Carnelia.
Heather joins us after a five month run in the Off-Broadway show, Toxic Audio at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas. New York credits include Counting Squares Theater's production of Boy's Life at the Kraine Theater and Broadway Sings the Phonebook at Studio 54 in November 2007. Heather has performed in various Jazz and Italian ensembles at hotels in Orlando and at SeaWorld. She is currently a singer for Penguin Entertainment and she also writes and records original music.
About ten years ago, Heather started teaching private voice and piano lessons and found another niche she liked just as much as performing. She specializes in Jazz, pop, musical theatre, and traditional Italian music. Heather loves to teach students with a passion for music and theater and she is thrilled to join the team at Avalon School.
"
Dr. Otto | Trumpet Dr. Otto Gomez already well known in Orlando, is a member of the jazzinorlando.com community. As an accomplished musician, Dr. Otto is also a producer and arranger. His complex arrangements clearly standout and rise above the norm. His knack for teaching musicians, elementary and advanced, has always been a highlight of his ongoing career. The formulation of the colors of music and the correct execution of the same, is what separates him from the rest. Dr. Otto earned his Masters in Music Arranging and Composition at Brooklyn College, before going on to earn a Doctorate in arranging and composition from The Manhattan Conservatory of Music. His musical experience is equally impressive with many performances as a studio musician for CBS where he worked with Donnie Hathaway, Latimore Brown and Roberta Flack. His has also toured with Stevie Wonder and Harold Melvin & the Bluenotes: Composed, conducted and produced the soundtrack to the Daytona spring break movie Girls, Girls, Girls; produced award winning radio commercials, as well as presiding over many recordings and Musical Productions. With his band now established, his attention to detail, flair for Arranging, and consideration for his audience, Dr. Otto continues to transform listeners into fans.
Philip Kolbrich | Piano Philip has been playing the classical piano since he was six years old. He has been teaching at the Avalon School of Music since 2003. "I'm an advocate of student self-discipline and hold each of my students accountable for practicing every week. I reward my students by allowing them to see how they've rewarded themselves by working hard and learning fun and challenging new songs."
Philip is currently working on his Master's Degree in Business Administration at UCF. He is also a member of The Europa Band (theeuropaband.com) where he plays the keyboard, drums, sings, and dances.
Melissa Reyes | Guitar Melissa Reyes teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced piano as well as beginning guitar. She is an accomplished performer, worship leader and singer/songwriter. Melissa studied piano performance with professors from the distinguished University Mozarteum and Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria as part of a summer college program. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music, with piano performance as her main emphasis. Since 2004, she has recorded on various projects with independent record label Justice Road Productions, including one full-length album of original material released in 2004. From 2007 to 2008, she was the back-up vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist for the local indie band the OaKs. In 2007 the OaKs had the privilege of performing in various national music festivals including SXSW in Austin, TX and CMJ in New York City. She performs monthly in local coffeeshops and venues in Orlando and is releasing her first solo album of original songs this fall, on which she sings, plays acoustic guitar, piano, accordion and even the concert ukulele! She currently serves as a worship leader for Real Life Christian Church in Orlando. Melissa enjoys drawing from her diverse background in classical, jazz, pop, folk, indie rock and worship music to create a fun, educational experience for students of all ages.
Kelly Weeks | Guitar - Banjo - Mandolin Kelly Weeks is a talented, young and energetic guitar, banjo and mandolin player. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Professional Music for guitar from Berklee College of Music, one of the most renowned music schools in the country, and recently completed his Masters degree in K-12 Instrumental Music Education. He has been a performing musician and singer/songwriter since the age of 15. He has performed in more than 12 bands playing several genres of music. In fact, he currently has music that is being played on MTV, and one of his original songs was released on a Twin Cities compilation Album. Kelly's true passion, however, is teaching.
Kelly began teaching private guitar, banjo, and mandolin lessons six years ago, and he spent two years teaching music/ band in the St. Paul public school system. He has had students of all ages and musical abilities (i.e. from beginner to advanced). A majority of the students Kelly has taught privately are between the ages of 5 and 17. While many guitar teachers struggle teaching children as young as 5, Kelly believes that there is not necessarily a correlation between age and motivation to learn. Younger children can learn just as much, if not more than older ones, if they have the desire and a teacher with patience and a flexible method.
Kelly's approach to successful guitar teaching for children is variety. He incorporates activities that focus on the fundamental concepts of making music, which are necessary for musicians of all ages. These activities include clapping and playing percussion instruments, singing, playing the xylophone, music analysis, or even moving to the beat of a song. Variety is a fun and rewarding way for young students to learn the guitar and the essential elements of music. Overall his main philosophy is to engage and inspire students by creating and teaching fun yet challenging lessons.
Melissa Reyes | Piano Melissa Reyes teaches beginning, intermediate and advanced piano as well as beginning guitar. She is an accomplished performer, worship leader and singer/songwriter. Melissa studied piano performance with professors from the distinguished University Mozarteum and Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria as part of a summer college program. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music, with piano performance as her main emphasis. Since 2004, she has recorded on various projects with independent record label Justice Road Productions, including one full-length album of original material released in 2004. From 2007 to 2008, she was the back-up vocalist, keyboardist and percussionist for the local indie band the OaKs. In 2007 the OaKs had the privilege of performing in various national music festivals including SXSW in Austin, TX and CMJ in New York City. She performs monthly in local coffeeshops and venues in Orlando and is releasing her first solo album of original songs this fall, on which she sings, plays acoustic guitar, piano, accordion and even the concert ukulele! She currently serves as a worship leader for Real Life Christian Church in Orlando. Melissa enjoys drawing from her diverse background in classical, jazz, pop, folk, indie rock and worship music to create a fun, educational experience for students of all ages.
Justin Kangrga | Guitar - Bass - Banjo Self taught from the age of 11, Justin Kangrga has been playing and composing ever since. He grew up playing blues, classic rock and Americana/folk in Minneapolis. After recording his first professional demo at 15, he recorded his first full-length album of original material at 17. He has been teaching guitar since the age of 18 and has continued for the past decade. He’s fluent in the styles of blues, classic rock, reggae, rockabilly, country, folk/bluegrass and some jazz; as well as being a very accomplished singer/songwriter and slide guitar player. He’s spent time as a studio session player for various artists along with collaborative songwriting. He’s an active songwriter and working musician, playing solo or in various projects almost every night of the week. His original band, the Fling (www.myspace.com/theflingpage) , has received many accolades and recently released its second album.
His approach to teaching is tailored to each individual students goals and learning style. It is geared to giving students the tools to continue learning on their own.
Bryan Mays | Guitar Bryan Mays was born in Fort Myers, Florida 1977 & grew up in neighboring town of Immokalee. He started playing violin in middle school at the age of 13. By the age 14 he made the transition to guitar after being exposed to his older brother’s garage band. After graduating high school (1997) Bryan was able to find work in the South West Florida area as a guitar teacher & freelance guitarist. After meeting & working with percussionist Ayieb Dieng (know for work with Herbie Hancock, Mick Jagger, & Bill Laswell), Bryan found a true mentor. With the encouragement of Ayieb Dieng, Bryan attended Berklee College of Music in 2005. While there he was able to hone his craft with teachers such as guitarist Mick Goodrick (Gary Burton Band, Steve Swallow Band), vibraphonist Dave Samuels (Spyro Gyro, & Caribbean Jazz Project), bassist Dave Santoro (Jerry Bergonzi), & Saxophonist Gearge Garzone (The Fringe). After graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2007 he returned to Florida to continue a career in music. In 2009 Bryan began working with Native American artist Paula Bowers-Sanchez. This allowed him the opportunity to perform at The American Indian Inaugural Ball (one of the 10 official balls for the Inauguration of Barack Obama in Washington D.C.) as well as touring the United States with the Native Music Rocks Tour (sponsored by Seminole Tribe of Florida). In addition Bryan performed on & co-wrote Paul’s debut album Shima Fula. The album includes guest performances by Keith Secola & Martha Redbone. Currently, Bryan performs with a wide variety of musical groups in the Orlando area & continues to perform with Paula Bowers-Sanchez. As of this year (2010) he has formed an original jazz trio entitled the Bryan Mays Trio. He considers himself a life long student of the guitar & the art of music. Showing a true passion for teaching, his teaching style is unique in that he customizes his teaching methods to each student’s individual needs & interests while instilling strong music fundamentals. He teaches Rock (& sub-genres), Blues, Jazz/ Fusion, Funk, R&B, Reggae, Classical (fingerstyle), & others.
Ron Thompson | Department Head - Voice As a college vocal music student, Ron had the incredible opportunity to sing on stage with Jazz Legend Duke Ellington. Years later as a Vocal Instructor, Ron had the incredible opportunity to teach the Queen of Teen, (New York Times) Hilary Duff.
Ron has connected the generations of Popular Music with a fresh modern adaptation of the Art of Vocal Music for the 21st Century.
Modern technology has changed thousands of years of singing by allowing singers to use his or her most natural voice with modern amplification and recording technologies.
Have you seen the movie “The Perfect Man” starring Hilary Duff and Heather Locklear? Remember the song, “I Will Learn to Love Again”? It is sung by Kaci Lyn Bataglia (Curb Records). Yes, she was Ron’s student too!
Other students of Ron Thompson have:
-Sung in Las Vegas as a soloist to an audience of 13,000 people.
-Sung on Broadway in the musical “Hairspray”
-Received a $20,000 a year Voice Scholarship to college.
-Ron is also a Vocal Music Producer.
As a Recording Studio Music Director, Ron wrote and produced Radio and Television commercials and managed the early career of Nashville recording artist, Joy Lynn White who signed with Columbia Records and wrote two songs for The Dixie Chicks.
Ron also produced the CD Karaoke Kids U.S.A. which sold on Amazon.com and included Broadway singer Danielle Ranier who appeared on Broadway as Little Cosette in Les Miserable.
Ron is a Graduate of the top rated Indiana University School of Music with a degree in Vocal Performance. He attended Graduate School at Texas State University where he taught Vocal Class and Voice for the University Preparatory Program. He also taught Vocal Music at a private elementary school in San Antonio, Texas. He owned the vocal music studio, Castle Hills Music, in Castle Hills, Texas.
Blake Dowling | Trombone - Tuba - Baritone Blake Dowling, a Native of Boynton Beach Florida, relocated to Orlando in August 2005 to pursue a degree in Music Education and to study with Gail Robertson. His accomplishments range from solo, small ensemble, wind ensemble, and orchestral performances. Mr. Dowling has won numerous superior ratings at district and state solo and ensemble assessments, as well as numerous appointments in district and state honor bands. He also instructed many students in low brass at his high school, at the request of the director. Currently Mr. Dowling is performing with the UCF Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and the Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble. Blake Dowling uses a Kalison D.S. CC tuba and a Yamaha YEB-321 Eb tuba, both of which have Perantucci mouthpieces.
David Khourshid | Piano
Tom Dietz | Clarinet - Flute - Saxaphone Woodwind performer Tom Dietz studied Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute under Dr. William Prince and Jazz Legend Vernice "Bunky" Green at The University of North Florida's prestigious American School of Music. Graduating in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts including concentration in Jazz Performance, Tom traveled to more than forty countries around the world playing music in countless settings. As an official "Jazz Ambassador" under the auspices of The United States Information Services, Tom's 1988 National Collegiate Champion Dixieland Band "The River City Rhythm Kings" toured Costa Rica, Honduras, and Columbia for three months. Tom next took to the cruise ship industry for ten years as a performing artist and eventually Music Director working with such entertainment luminaries as Jerry Lewis, Phyliss Diller, Fred Travelina, Charro, Peter Marshall, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Spinners, The Fifth Dimension, Hal Frasier, and John Davidson. After moving to Orlando in 2000, Tom toured with The Artie Shaw Tribute Orchestra under Clarinetist Abe Most, The New Xavier Cugat Orchestra, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, and The New Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Tom has performed with such Jazz "Heavyweights" as George Shearing, Neil Swainson, Louis Bellison, Randy Brecker, Nat Adderley, Marcus Printup, Branford Marsalis, James Moody, Sam Rivers, Carl Fontana, Phil Wilson, John Moak, and John Allred. More recently, Tom has returned home from a one year stint in Japan playing with that country's foremost master of the Hammond B-3 Jazz Organ Atsuko Hashimoto and her group Hashimoto Jazz. Tom is now finishing his first year at UCF pursuing his Master of Arts in Music degree.
Michelle Martin | Violin - Viola - Cello Michelle Martin earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the Crane School of Music at the State University College at Potsdam, NY, where she majored in Music Education and Elementary Education. Mrs. Martin is certified to teach Music, grades K-12, in the state of Florida, has nearly 13 years experience teaching public school strings and general music classes at all grade levels, and 20 years experience teaching private violin lessons to students ages 2 through 65+. She has introduced the violin to literally thousands of students, and has seen many go on to shine at All-County and All-State Orchestras, and in the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Florida Young Artists Orchestra. In 2006 she resigned from her position with Orange County Public Schools in order to stay at home to care for her growing young family, and hopes to home school her own children when they are of school age. In addition to teaching private music lessons at ASMC, Mrs. Martin uses her experience and expertise part time to share her love of music with homeschooled children by creating a unique and fun learning experience through the Violin Lab (theviolinlab.com).
Tim Kiesel | Drums & Percussion Tim Kiesel has been teaching percussion and piano since the fall of 2003. He started his musical journey taking piano lessons throughout elementary and middle school. Percussion lessons started in middle school and high school band as he excelled in jazz band, Solo & Ensemble Festivals, All County Band, and All State Band. He used his piano knowledge to study most percussion instruments, including all mallet percussion instruments like Marimba and Vibraphone. In high school, Tim joined the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra and became fascinated by marching percussion. He played marching snare drum for 2001 Teal Sound and 2002 Magic of Orlando Drum & Bugle Corps. These corps were national finalists and toured the U.S. for a whole summer. The combination of marching and orchestral percussion took Tim to the next step in his music career.
While attending Rollins College for Percussion Performance, Tim studied with Beth and Danny Gottlieb. Learning everything he needed to know in the percussion world. He also excelled in Piano Lessons, Theory, Music History, Music Business, and Conducting. He wanted only to be a performer when he entered college and have nothing to do with teaching. This all changed his second year when he started working at William R. Boone’s percussion section and drum line, as he fell in love with the act of sharing music knowledge. From here on out, he put all his extra time towards educating and performing around town for orchestral, drum set, and even snare drum gigs. Tim has recently played with Winter Park Bach Festival Orchestra and Space Coast Pops Orchestra. He has also played with local cover bands, local musicals, plays, churches including the First Baptist Church of Orlando Singing Christmas Trees, NASCAR events at the Daytona 500, and various convention gigs at Disney.
Tim currently teaches at Timber Creek High School during the marching season, Lake Highland Preparatory School year round, Music and Arts in Sanford, The Orlando School of Music, and the two Avalon Music schools. He has been very fortunate and successful in the education department because of his style. Tim is very calm, patient, personable, and determined at what ever he does. In lessons, he gives his students undivided attention and will always put the student first no matter what the situation. Tim’s most important areas he teaches in drumming are technique, coordination, and reading. Of course coordination includes drum set, which is usually played with tracks or music the students pick out. Tim’s philosophy about being a successful musician is to be well rounded. All the instruments in percussion including every other in the music world, speak the same language. Learning more than one instrument lets you discover music from a different perspective, which only makes you more aware and understanding. This can only help your musicality, expression, and flow around the instrument.
Adam Dvorecky | Drums & Percussion Adam Dvorecky, one of the first teachers at Avalon School and Music Center, has been teaching drums and piano to students of all ages for the past 6 years. His passion for music and his unwavering patience makes him not only an ideal music instructor, but an excellent mentor as well. He believes that in order to be successful at his job, Adam must put the student first. “No matter what we do, it’s all about people. Put them first, and you’ll get results.” At the same time, Adam understands that teaching is not a one-way road. “The student is the one that becomes the musician. I can only show them the way. “ Using a personalized curriculum that he created, Adam tailors each lesson to the individual student so that everyone can learn at their own pace. His approach takes the student through various avenues of learning as he teaches the importance of becoming a well rounded musician. In addition to teaching out of method books, Adam likes to go “out of the book” to teach the student special tricks, tips, and methods of his own not found in the method book. He also encourages students to bring songs they like to the lesson to either learn how to play them or analyze their structure. Adam is open to all genres of music and has instructed hundreds of students throughout the years on various styles ranging from classical, jazz, and contemporary to rock, Christian, and Latin music. He also instructs students on how to write songs, improvise in various keys and styles, and helps the student develop an excellent musical ear. Adam has years of performance experience under his belt and continues to gig on a regular basis. Some of the bands Adam has performed with in the past include Curb 60, Stone Throw, The Radio Suitcase, 86Cheese, The Brett Lieberman Project, and Classic Albums Live. Currently, Adam performs with The Tina Nicole Band and tours with Europa. He is also working on his first ever solo album titled “Looking For,” the song of which is available to listen to on http://www.reverbnation.com/#/adammilan Adam is a classically trained pianist/percussionist who has received years of instruction from teachers including Vierka Kleinova, Mark Goldberg, and Danny Gottlieb. He comes from a traditional Slovak family that taught him to value hard work, discipline, and respect. These same values prompted Adam to join the Marine Corps in 2003, where he learned first hand the importance of such values. Today, Adam takes with him all of his experiences and lessons he’s learned and applies them to everything he does. His dedication, patience, knowledge, experience, and love for music makes Adam Dvorecky the perfect teacher for your son, your daughter, or maybe even YOU! Call to set up a trial lesson, or just stop by Mon-Fri (except Tuesdays) at our Lake Underhill location, or Tuesdays at our Avalon Park location to meet with Adam today!
Caroline Bloom | Clarinet - Flute - Saxophone - Oboe - Bassoon Caroline Bloom knew she was going to be a music teacher from the time she was in elementary school. She started playing piano when she was ten, and from then the list of instruments expanded to include woodwind and brass instruments. By high school Caroline had performed on 8 instruments for different music festivals and youth orchestras. After earning the position of Drum Major in high school it was obvious that a college degree in music would follow. Caroline attended the University of Central Florida and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Music Education and now teaches music at the elementary level for Orange County. Ms Bloom teaches general music to grades K-5 and runs the choir and drama club. She loves music, teaching, and children and finds that sharing her passion for music is very rewarding. Caroline taught at the Avalon School of Music several years ago and then took leave while interning at OCPS and to begin her elementary school teaching career. We are proud to have her returning to our school where she will be teaching all woodwinds including Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Sax and Bassoon.
Deborah Love | Department Head - Piano Deborah Love has been teaching piano locally for the last six years and has a total of 30 years teaching experience including Suzuki and traditional methods at the Bradley University Preparatory School of Music and Community School of Music in Buffalo, NY. Deborah is a member of the Orlando Music Club and the Florida Federation of Music Clubs and her students participate annually in the Jr. Festival and State Convention. The Peoria Journal-Star has called her playing "electrifying" and "mesmerizing"! Deborah has a Master of Piano Performance from Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. She has also done graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music. Deborah has her Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Rochester, and a Performer's Certificate from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She studied the Sydney Foster Method of playing with Dr. Edward Kaizer, Dr. Kenwyn Bolt and Mrs. Lucille Richardson. She has also studied with Mr. Barry Snyder.
Diane Parker | Piano Diane Parker has been a private piano and clarinet instructor for over 27 years. She received a B.S. from The King’s College in New York, after a year of studying piano performance/sacred music at Moody Bible Institute and 20clarinet at Roosevelt University in Chicago. Diane teaches piano from a classical approach, but also teaches hymn and chorus improvisation for those who wish to go in that direction. Over the years, Diane’s students have competed in local competitions and have gone on to major in piano performance or music education. Other students continue to enjoy the fruit of their music training by serving in diverse ways in their churches and/or communities. Over the years Diane has held positions as music educator, high school band director, choir director and accompanist in local churches and community events. Presently she is the music director/worship leader for an area church and writes/arranges vocal and instrumental music. She performs locally for weddings and other special events, but her primary love is in mentoring young musicians, instilling in them the love of music, self-discipline and a healthier self-esteem.
Adam Dvorecky | Piano Adam Dvorecky, one of the first teachers at Avalon School and Music Center, has been teaching drums and piano to students of all ages for the past 6 years. His passion for music and his unwavering patience makes him not only an ideal music instructor, but an excellent mentor as well. He believes that in order to be successful at his job, Adam must put the student first. “No matter what we do, it’s all about people. Put them first, and you’ll get results.” At the same time, Adam understands that teaching is not a one-way road. “The student is the one that becomes the musician. I can only show them the way. “ Using a personalized curriculum that he created, Adam tailors each lesson to the individual student so that everyone can learn at their own pace. His approach takes the student through various avenues of learning as he teaches the importance of becoming a well rounded musician. In addition to teaching out of method books, Adam likes to go “out of the book” to teach the student special tricks, tips, and methods of his own not found in the method book. He also encourages students to bring songs they like to the lesson to either learn how to play them or analyze their structure. Adam is open to all genres of music and has instructed hundreds of students throughout the years on various styles ranging from classical, jazz, and contemporary to rock, Christian, and Latin music. He also instructs students on how to write songs, improvise in various keys and styles, and helps the student develop an excellent musical ear. Adam has years of performance experience under his belt and continues to gig on a regular basis. Some of the bands Adam has performed with in the past include Curb 60, Stone Throw, The Radio Suitcase, 86Cheese, The Brett Lieberman Project, and Classic Albums Live. Currently, Adam performs with The Tina Nicole Band and tours with Europa. He is also working on his first ever solo album titled “Looking For,” the song of which is available to listen to on http://www.reverbnation.com/#/adammilan Adam is a classically trained pianist/percussionist who has received years of instruction from teachers including Vierka Kleinova, Mark Goldberg, and Danny Gottlieb. He comes from a traditional Slovak family that taught him to value hard work, discipline, and respect. These same values prompted Adam to join the Marine Corps in 2003, where he learned first hand the importance of such values. Today, Adam takes with him all of his experiences and lessons he’s learned and applies them to everything he does. His dedication, patience, knowledge, experience, and love for music makes Adam Dvorecky the perfect teacher for your son, your daughter, or maybe even YOU! Call to set up a trial lesson, or just stop by Mon-Fri (except Tuesdays) at our Lake Underhill location, or Tuesdays at our Avalon Park location to meet with Adam today!
Christina Montgomery | Piano Christina Montgomery started her musical career at the tender age of 4. Her family knew even before that she was blessed with a wonderful gift. She began studying classical piano and her teachers were amazed at her quick ability to read and learn music. She also began to excel in her ear training. Christina soon enough began to add singing to her career and began singing and playing the piano at church when she was 8 years old. She then began regularly preparing and competing for the Florida Music Federation. At the age of 14 she began taking her piano studies to UCF and started studying with a vocal coach as well. Throughout high school, Christina's musical career blossomed as she participated in several ensembles, musicals, and established herself as an accompanist. She competed with piano at Bach Festival and for two years placed first and second in her division for NAT's Vocal Competition. Since, she has earned many awards/scholarships for her musicianship and leadership. Christina took her college studies to Florida Christian College for two years where she started teaching at FCC's Community Music School and realized that besides performing, she had a gift to teach. In 2005, she transferred to Seminole Community College to finish her Associates Degree. Christina accredits her piano excellence to instructors such as Ruth Reyes at Florida Christian College, Wes Hamrick a regular pianist at the Grand Bohemian, and Laurant Boukobza; Steinway artist, chairman of the piano department at UCF and 5 time international piano winner. For her vocal excellence she accredits Novie Greene, Dirk Donahue; regular performer/lead for Voices of Liberty, Priscilla Bagely from UCF, and most recently John Cavazos; regular performer with Voices of Liberty. From 2005-2008, she took her piano skills to Walker Middle School where she spent time as their Chorale Accompanist under the direction of Nicole Avesani. In 2009, Christina was named: Miss Orlando Non-Finalist Talent Winner for her piano interpretation of “Zanarkand” by Nobuo Umetasu. She also enjoys sub-gigging at The Black Olive located in Downtown Orlando for Heather Friedman. Christina is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and is currently an Equity Performer at Disney for the show Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (Hollywood Studios) and Voices of Liberty (EPCOT).
Christina has been teaching for 6 years and as enjoyed teaching 4 of those years at ASMC! She enjoys challenging her students to always strive to do their best and enjoys the challenges that her students bring to her.
Heather Friedman | Piano "Heather Friedman began performing at an early age with Seaside Music Theater and completed ten years of summer stock with SMT by the time she was 20. Music and theatre got under her skin and she has been performing in many different facets ever since. An alumni of University of Central Florida, Heather received her Bachelors of Arts in Classical Voice. Influential voice teachers include Priscilla Bagly and Louis Roney. Grace Masters and and Dr. Steve McCoy are also notable teachers in Heather's ten years of private piano lessons and in New York City, she enjoys acting master classes from Broadway composer and lyricist, Craig Carnelia.
Heather joins us after a five month run in the Off-Broadway show, Toxic Audio at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas. New York credits include Counting Squares Theater's production of Boy's Life at the Kraine Theater and Broadway Sings the Phonebook at Studio 54 in November 2007. Heather has performed in various Jazz and Italian ensembles at hotels in Orlando and at SeaWorld. She is currently a singer for Penguin Entertainment and she also writes and records original music.
About ten years ago, Heather started teaching private voice and piano lessons and found another niche she liked just as much as performing. She specializes in Jazz, pop, musical theatre, and traditional Italian music. Heather loves to teach students with a passion for music and theater and she is thrilled to join the team at Avalon School.
"
Adam Floyd | Voice Adam Floyd is an award winning multi-instrumentalist and singer performing with the popular Florida band The Coyotes and Towndogs. Floyd plays guitar and violin and was honored to be selected for the National Student Exchange program to California State University. In Los Angles he studied under Andres Segovia's friend Ron Purcell. This renowned school produced guitarists for the Police and The Cars among many others. Floyd graduated in 1992 with a Baccalaureate degree in Music Performance from the University of South Florida under Classical guitarists Adam Holtzman and John Parris. He is also the founding violinist of The Tampa Bay Trio and performs regularly as a blues oriented pop singer. Floyd began performing professionally as a blues guitarist at the early age of 14 and went on to perform in the national Broadway production Big River. He is an avid devotee of all things musical and has taught privately for over 25 years.
Rebekah Nath | Voice Rebekah Nath brings a lifelong passion, dedication and creativity to music education and has been teaching private voice and piano since 2004. She teaches all levels of voice, both classical and musical theater, as well as beginner and intermediate piano. From four generations of musicians, she learned to play piano at age five and has been singing practically since birth. She played nine years of saxophone in the symphonic and marching bands throughout high school and college, winning the John Phillips Sousa award, and acting as drum major. Her continued passion led to a Bachelor’s degree with a major in classical voice from Morehead State University in 2005.
After she graduated, she had the unique opportunity to study classical voice and music history in Salzburg, Austria with Frau Connie Prestle from the Bruckner Institute in Innsbruck, Austria. She also had the great pleasure of studying with the Director of the Naples Conservatory of Music in Naples, Italy. It was while studying in Europe that she developed her immense love of all things opera by backpacking through five countries over two months and watching operas in eight cities, including Paris, Naples, Rome, Munich, Vienna, and Milan. She returned with a renewed musical passion fueled by the actual places where the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Debussy composed and heard their works performed.
Today, she continues to perform opera selections at competitions and festivals and has devoted her life to musical education. She is a member of the local chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Her students consistently compete and win at the local NATS auditions each spring as well as solo/ensemble competitions. Her students have performed in leading roles in productions by the Orlando Youth Theater, The Magic Curtain Theater, Orlando Repertory Theater, and several shows at University High School.
Rebekah lives in Winter Park, Florida and is an avid marathon runner and health/wellness fanatic. When not teaching or running, she loves to cook , knit, and spend time with her fluffy, furry companion, Boo. She thinks, “It’s only appropriate that an opera singer should have a deaf cat.”
Rebekah Nath | Piano Rebekah Nath brings a lifelong passion, dedication and creativity to music education and has been teaching private voice and piano since 2004. She teaches all levels of voice, both classical and musical theater, as well as beginner and intermediate piano. From four generations of musicians, she learned to play piano at age five and has been singing practically since birth. She played nine years of saxophone in the symphonic and marching bands throughout high school and college, winning the John Phillips Sousa award, and acting as drum major. Her continued passion led to a Bachelor’s degree with a major in classical voice from Morehead State University in 2005.
After she graduated, she had the unique opportunity to study classical voice and music history in Salzburg, Austria with Frau Connie Prestle from the Bruckner Institute in Innsbruck, Austria. She also had the great pleasure of studying with the Director of the Naples Conservatory of Music in Naples, Italy. It was while studying in Europe that she developed her immense love of all things opera by backpacking through five countries over two months and watching operas in eight cities, including Paris, Naples, Rome, Munich, Vienna, and Milan. She returned with a renewed musical passion fueled by the actual places where the likes of Mozart, Beethoven and Debussy composed and heard their works performed.
Today, she continues to perform opera selections at competitions and festivals and has devoted her life to musical education. She is a member of the local chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). Her students consistently compete and win at the local NATS auditions each spring as well as solo/ensemble competitions. Her students have performed in leading roles in productions by the Orlando Youth Theater, The Magic Curtain Theater, Orlando Repertory Theater, and several shows at University High School.
Rebekah lives in Winter Park, Florida and is an avid marathon runner and health/wellness fanatic. When not teaching or running, she loves to cook , knit, and spend time with her fluffy, furry companion, Boo. She thinks, “It’s only appropriate that an opera singer should have a deaf cat.”
Christina Montgomery | Voice Christina Montgomery started her musical career at the tender age of 4. Her family knew even before that she was blessed with a wonderful gift. She began studying classical piano and her teachers were amazed at her quick ability to read and learn music. She also began to excel in her ear training. Christina soon enough began to add singing to her career and began singing and playing the piano at church when she was 8 years old. She then began regularly preparing and competing for the Florida Music Federation. At the age of 14 she began taking her piano studies to UCF and started studying with a vocal coach as well. Throughout high school, Christina's musical career blossomed as she participated in several ensembles, musicals, and established herself as an accompanist. She competed with piano at Bach Festival and for two years placed first and second in her division for NAT's Vocal Competition. Since, she has earned many awards/scholarships for her musicianship and leadership. Christina took her college studies to Florida Christian College for two years where she started teaching at FCC's Community Music School and realized that besides performing, she had a gift to teach. In 2005, she transferred to Seminole Community College to finish her Associates Degree. Christina accredits her piano excellence to instructors such as Ruth Reyes at Florida Christian College, Wes Hamrick a regular pianist at the Grand Bohemian, and Laurant Boukobza; Steinway artist, chairman of the piano department at UCF and 5 time international piano winner. For her vocal excellence she accredits Novie Greene, Dirk Donahue; regular performer/lead for Voices of Liberty, Priscilla Bagely from UCF, and most recently John Cavazos; regular performer with Voices of Liberty. From 2005-2008, she took her piano skills to Walker Middle School where she spent time as their Chorale Accompanist under the direction of Nicole Avesani. In 2009, Christina was named: Miss Orlando Non-Finalist Talent Winner for her piano interpretation of “Zanarkand” by Nobuo Umetasu. She also enjoys sub-gigging at The Black Olive located in Downtown Orlando for Heather Friedman. Christina is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and is currently an Equity Performer at Disney for the show Playhouse Disney Live on Stage (Hollywood Studios) and Voices of Liberty (EPCOT).
Christina has been teaching for 6 years and as enjoyed teaching 4 of those years at ASMC! She enjoys challenging her students to always strive to do their best and enjoys the challenges that her students bring to her.
Adam Floyd | Guitar - Bass - Ukulele Adam Floyd is an award winning multi-instrumentalist and singer performing with the popular Florida band The Coyotes and Towndogs. Floyd plays guitar and violin and was honored to be selected for the National Student Exchange program to California State University. In Los Angles he studied under Andres Segovia's friend Ron Purcell. This renowned school produced guitarists for the Police and The Cars among many others. Floyd graduated in 1992 with a Baccalaureate degree in Music Performance from the University of South Florida under Classical guitarists Adam Holtzman and John Parris. He is also the founding violinist of The Tampa Bay Trio and performs regularly as a blues oriented pop singer. Floyd began performing professionally as a blues guitarist at the early age of 14 and went on to perform in the national Broadway production Big River. He is an avid devotee of all things musical and has taught privately for over 25 years.
Adam Floyd | Violin - Viola - Autoharp Adam Floyd is an award winning multi-instrumentalist and singer performing with the popular Florida band The Coyotes and Towndogs. Floyd plays guitar and violin and was honored to be selected for the National Student Exchange program to California State University. In Los Angles he studied under Andres Segovia's friend Ron Purcell. This renowned school produced guitarists for the Police and The Cars among many others. Floyd graduated in 1992 with a Baccalaureate degree in Music Performance from the University of South Florida under Classical guitarists Adam Holtzman and John Parris. He is also the founding violinist of The Tampa Bay Trio and performs regularly as a blues oriented pop singer. Floyd began performing professionally as a blues guitarist at the early age of 14 and went on to perform in the national Broadway production Big River. He is an avid devotee of all things musical and has taught privately for over 25 years.
John Louay Abbara | Guitar As a child, John Louay Abbara fell in love with music. At the age of nine, he enrolled in the Conservatory of Music in the city of Alepo, Syria. He graduated with an Honor’s Degree in Violin and in 1978 he performed in the National Symphony. Abbara then went on to compose musical works, with his first piece for a kids show theme at the age of 17. He then began learning piano, keyboard, and classical guitar. In 1994 John came to Florida to enroll in UCF’s Music Education Dept. in the Master’s Program, where he received an honor’s grade. Today he teaches in numerous music education programs (including ASMC) in Orlando and Winter Park. Currently he is composing a new concerto for piano and violin as well as an entire arrangement for the symphony. Some of his compositions include: The Butterfly Dance (violin), Concerto for Piano and Violin in A (Space Rhapsody) 1-2, The National Syrian Rhapsody #1, and The Infinity Romance (for guitar). Mr. Abbara has plans to achieve a PH.D. in Music Composition.
John Louay Abbara | Violin As a child, John Louay Abbara fell in love with music. At the age of nine, he enrolled in the Conservatory of Music in the city of Alepo, Syria. He graduated with an Honor’s Degree in Violin and in 1978 he performed in the National Symphony. Abbara then went on to compose musical works, with his first piece for a kids show theme at the age of 17. He then began learning piano, keyboard, and classical guitar. In 1994 John came to Florida to enroll in UCF’s Music Education Dept. in the Master’s Program, where he received an honor’s grade. Today he teaches in numerous music education programs (including ASMC) in Orlando and Winter Park. Currently he is composing a new concerto for piano and violin as well as an entire arrangement for the symphony. Some of his compositions include: The Butterfly Dance (violin), Concerto for Piano and Violin in A (Space Rhapsody) 1-2, The National Syrian Rhapsody #1, and The Infinity Romance (for guitar). Mr. Abbara has plans to achieve a PH.D. in Music Composition.
Ross Fengfish | Piano Ross started playing piano at the age of 12. He taught himself for the first 5 years. When he was 14
he became the pianist for his church, where he performed for the next 7 years. All of his sight-reading, improvisation and ear training
abilities came from those seven years of experience. At the age of 17 he began training with Margaret Patten, a master pianist, organist
and flutist and the conductor of the Maitland Symphony Orchestra. He gathered all of his classical, jazz and performance training
from her. He has performed at banquets, weddings and parties all over Florida. Ross has performed in many concerts as a soloist, accompanist and
also was the pianist for the Maitland Symphony Orchestra for 2 years, performing in 4 concerts with them. For the past 2 years Ross has
been working on his first CD inspired by songs he has written for piano, guitar and vocals. The only acoustic instrument he uses is his guitar,
and he lays down the drums, bass guitar, strings, piano and other instruments using a keyboard. Ross is registered with eSessions, ASCAP
and is signed under GivenGrace records as a studio musician and performer for hire.
Ross started his private teaching career in 2004 and has been a full time teacher since then. He brings life and enthusiasm to his students
teaching piano/keyboard, beginning guitar, bass guitar, and drums!
