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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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.
Bob Walker
I have experience with Public, Private, and Charter School Teaching from grades 6-12 as well as Higher Ed. I have a strong dedication to the creation and live performance of original music in all genres. I also believe in continued practice and learning, as well as experimenting with the blending of styles and working in unique musical collaborations.
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.
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.
Lisa Dolcy
Lisa Dolcy was born in Jamaica, and her early musical influences range from the local sounds of the Caribbean to music sung by church choirs under her father’s direction. As she grew older and migrated to the United States, this love of music only grew now accompanied with a strong desire to share it with others. She graduated with a B.S. in Music (Vocal Concentration) from Southern Adventist University and a Masters in Music Education (Choral Conducting) from Florida State University.
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.
Elektra Schmidt
Award-winning pianist Elektra Schmidt performs solo and in chamber groups in the US, France, Greece, and the UK. She has played with the Santa Rosa Symphony and Golden Gate Symphony. Founder of Artist Migration, Elektra curates festivals in Europe and San Francisco and has over 20 years of teaching experience.
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.
Gene Baker
Gene V. Baker is a composer blending jazz, contemporary classical, experimental, and popular music. An adept trumpet, piano, and jazz organ performer, he also produces and engineers. With 10 years of band directing experience, Gene is a DMA student at Frost School of Music and has performed at renowned venues worldwide.
Michael Ford
I have over 20 years of experience as a teacher and professional musician. I've taught grades 6-12, designed curriculum, led music departments, and started music programs. Currently, I tutor woodwinds and run a private studio for clarinet, saxophone, and flute students. I also served as a military musician in the U.S. Army Bands.
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.
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.
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.
Brandon Kurzawa
Brandon Kurzawa, founder of Music Notes Academy, has over 24 years of music education experience, holds a B.A. in Music and M.A. in Education, and directs the MAMTG Student Music Festival. A percussionist, he’s recognized for his recording credits and contributions to music education through publications.
Brent Rose
Brent Rose, a music educator for 24 years, teaches instrumental music at Kelly Walsh High School and directs the Wyoming All-State Marching Band. He’s earned numerous accolades, including Wyoming Music Educator of the Year, and serves as Executive Director of the Wyoming Music Educators Association.