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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Marvin McNew
Marvin McNew is a seasoned music educator, producer, and performer with a Master's in Education and ongoing Ph.D. studies in Music Education. Known for his genre-spanning production work, university teaching, and middle/high school instruction, Marvin combines technical expertise with leadership skills, inspiring students and elevating every project he undertakes.
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.
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.
Gunnard Doboze
With over 20 years of industry and nine years of academic experience, I am a professor and composer specializing in film music. I teach at the Academy of Art University, designing courses on film music history, production, and scoring. My scores have featured in Oscar and Emmy-winning projects for clients like HBO.
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.
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.
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.
Dontrell Kelly
I am a producer and musician who teaches how to express musically. I have been playing piano and teaching music for over 15 years. The peace, confidence, and joy I feel when playing the piano is unmatched, and my goal to teach others how to have this same experience.
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.
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.
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.
Mike Shear
I started teaching guitar in high school and studied music production at the Hartt School. After college, I worked for Aftermath Records, SST Records, and Charleston Sound. Since 2016, I've taught music production and film sound design while completing a Master’s in Instructional Design from Full Sail 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.
Chelsea Dandrea
I am a music educator of 9 years. I received my Bachelors in Music Education from Eastern Kentucky University and my Masters in Music Curriculum and Instruction from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. I have spent my years in education teaching in small schools and have experience in Preschool, General Music, Band, Choir, Music Technology, and Music Theory.
Thomas Palmatier
Colonel Thomas Palmatier is a distinguished military musician with a career spanning over 37 years. He served as Commander of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” the largest military music unit in the U.S. He also commanded the U.S. Army Field Band, becoming the first officer to lead both premier Army bands. After retiring from the military, he became an adjunct associate professor at Old Dominion University and a sought-after clinician, guest conductor, and consultant. His academic credentials include a Doctor of Music (Honorary), a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College, and a Master of Fine Arts in Music Education.
Brandon Kelley
Brandon Kelley, a seasoned saxophonist and educator, has presented masterclasses at UNT and the North American Saxophone Alliance. He has performed at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, and is a faculty member at Dallas College. A winner of multiple music competitions, Brandon blends performance, teaching, and research in his career.
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.
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.
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.
Vincent Du Beau
Vincent S. Du Beau, Director of Bands and Choirs at Delsea Regional High School since 2010, also teaches Music Technology. At Rowan University since 2011, he directs the Concert Band and teaches conducting, music history, and theory. A seasoned conductor, educator, and musician, he's worked with various ensembles, conducted notable performances, presented clinics on wind band programming, and authored for TEMPO Magazine. Additionally, he's heavily involved in music technology education and is a dedicated member of ASCD, NAfME, NJMEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
