Find Your Mentor.
Whether you’re looking for 1:1 guidance, a clinician to work with your ensemble or someone to host a professional development session, you’ll find them here.
Use the Category filter on the right sidebar to explore by content area expertise.
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When you’re ready, complete the form at the top of this page.
Tara Planeta
Dr. Tara Planeta holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and earned her Master's Degree in Violin Performance with Orchestral Emphasis from Arizona State University in 2003. She has also studied Suzuki and Traditional Pedagogy for numerous years with renowned pedagogues, and her own teaching style similarly reflects a strong emphasis on theory and technique.
Fei Xia
Soprano Fei Xia, with degrees from Xinghai Conservatory, University of Miami, and Montclair State University, recently earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from West Virginia University. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, won numerous vocal competitions, and sung with prominent opera companies. Dr. Xia teaches voice, piano, and music theory in New York City.
Braden Pontoli
Braden Pontoli, a Los Angeles-based film scorer, conductor, and sound healer, blends classical training with multimedia collaborations, crafting meditative and invigorating compositions. Credits include collaborations with producer Peter Rafelson and extensive work with independent film directors and modern dance companies. With an MFA in Music Performance and Composition, his expertise spans genres.
Joseph Lewis
Joe Lewis is an experienced music educator with a decade in teaching, specializing in musical theatre, choral music, SEL/DEIB, and middle school music. A Jeff Award nominee, he is also a renowned actor, singer, and recording artist in Chicago. Joe holds degrees from Illinois Wesleyan University and VanderCook College of Music.
Shalom Miller
Shalom Miller is an award-winning American record producer, songwriter, and audio engineer who teaches music technology, songwriting, and music business in Nashville and online. Originally from New Jersey, he began his career with a co-production deal at Missy Elliott's label.. He's collaborated with artists like Missy Elliott, Beyonce, Gwen Stefani, and more. Shalom graduated from SAE Institute and is the founder and CEO of Power Move Management Group in Nashville, TN.
Eileen Guevara
Eileen Guevara holds a Master of Music in Oboe Performance from the University of New Mexico, combined with 16 years of elementary music teaching experience. Her time spent working in Title I public schools, a Spanish immersion program, and a private international school, has given her a deep appreciation for the great extent to which music represents, defines, and reflects community.
Jessica Peresta
Jessica is the elementary music teacher and curriculum coordinator at The Hill School in Fayetteville, AR and is the founder and CEO of The Domestic Musician, LLC, where products include the Curriculum Design Roadmap course, the HARMONY membership site, and the Elementary Music Teacher Blueprint course.
Tami Williams
Passionate about kids and music education, Tami has strong planning and organizational skills. In 2021, she wrote the Summer Music Curriculum for Broward County Public Schools, trained other educators on Nearpod, and were a guest clinician at Barry University. She also served as Broward County Elementary Music Teachers' Association (BCEMTA) President from 2015-2017.
Marisa Sardo
Chicago-born guitarist Marisa Sardo, a dual-citizen of the US and Italy, is an internationally active musician known for diverse programs. She has won major competitions, including the 2022 New York Laureate and 2021 Twisted Spruce. Marisa holds degrees from Northwestern, Indiana University, and New England Conservatory.
Robert Vandergriff
Music Educator of 24 years, Choral director, Theater director, Instructional Designer, Voice Teacher, Professional Voice Coach, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Guitarist, Electronic Musician, and DJ. I am currently running a choral program in Michigan and directing musicals.
Calvin Sexton
Artist, musician, and performer with 20 years of experience as a music teacher. Holds a Master of Music from NYU. Experienced in collaborative teaching and skilled with various music and audio software. Touring artist with Inner City All-Stars.
Erin Zaffini
Dr. Erin Zaffini (DMA) is the Director of Teacher Education for Longy’s Master of Music Education programs and faculty at the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in music education for students with disabilities, and is an active clinician and consultant. Dr. Zaffini has published extensively and received multiple teaching awards.
Suyá Nascimento
Suyá, a visionary composer from Salvador, Brazil, crafts music that transcends traditional norms. Blending analog and digital sounds, her immersive performances captivate audiences. With a unique approach born from childhood experimentation, she mentors young creatives and inspires transformation through her music and teaching.
Monica Pickard
I am a NBCT in Music Education and serve as a test writer and scorer for Pearson. When I am not in the classroom, I serve my church as the Director of Music Ministry, and play professionally for various events. I have experience in band and choir, and enjoy theory and composition. Piano is my instrument of expertise.
Asherah Capellaro
With degrees in classical piano and voice, I sing, act, educate, and conduct across diverse styles. I perform in operas, musicals, and concerts on the East Coast and teach voice in my private studio and at the university level, seeking innovative approaches to traditional art forms.
Nicola Barbieri
Nicola Barbieri, a Music Performance graduate, has a 25-year career as a performer and educator. He has played with prestigious orchestras worldwide and teaches at international schools. Nicola trained in Europe and the USA, and now serves as Learning Leader at the International School of Turin, Italy.
Cierra Nicole Gooden
Cierra, an SFSU alumna with a Master's in Music, has led the Music Student Alliance, taught over 300 children, and contributed to E.D.I initiatives. Currently teaching at Antelope Valley College and DNA STUDIOS USA, she has participated in numerous productions and loves mentoring and inspiring future generations.
Steve Giddings
Steve is a public school music teacher, columnist for the Canadian Music Educator Journal, and author of award-winning books, including "Rock Coach" and "Creative Musicking." He advocates for popular music ensembles and creative practices in music education. He runs StevesMusicRoom.com, a blog and resource hub. Follow him on socials @StevesMusicRoom.
Melynda Morrone
Melynda Morrone is a music educator and aspiring curriculum supervisor in Southern New Jersey. She has taught at Whitehall Elementary School and Swansboro High School, achieving leadership roles and honors. Melynda co-created "Mini Musicians" classes and holds degrees in Music Education and School Leadership. She enjoys family time, nature walks, and singing.
Vanisha Evans
With over 20 years in arts administration, nonprofit management, and music education, I have developed successful, sustainable programs tailored to organizational needs and budgets. My engaging music lessons inspire students' curiosity and passion. I perform regularly and specialize in neo-soul music, particularly Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, as well as classical and jazz.

