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.
Ellen Johnston
Ellen Johnston is a Texas born classically trained violinist, pianist, teacher, and performer. She first started the piano at the age of six and picked up the violin at age nine, and has been teaching and performing for well over a decade. She went on to study at Loyola University, New Orleans, on a music scholarship where she studied violin with Nadja Salerno-Sonnenburg and Amy Thaiville. Ms. Johnston concentrated her studies in chamber music and solo performance, as well as college-level piano. In 2019, she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Music Performance. Ellen has performed with the Romero Quartet, the Loyola Strings orchestra, and the Chamber Orchestra of Music In the Mountains. She has taught all age ranges of students and believes music is an essential part of education. During her time in New Orleans, Ellen worked with the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra to spread her love of music to the community and taught privately. She now resides in Houston, Texas, where she continues to teach and perform.
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.
Alexandra Garza
Alexandra Garza has been a classically trained pianist from five years of age and has continued to improve her performance level. She has graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a Master’s in Piano Pedagogy. During her studies within the piano pedagogy program, she has taught at the music prep division, taught class piano to undergraduate music students, performed studio, duet, and solo recitals, and has accompanied vocal and instrumental soloists. She had her students perform at local festivals and recitals and is also a member of TMTA and MTNA. She studied piano performance at Stephen F. Austin State University during her undergraduate and graduate studies with Dr. Andrew Parr and Dr. Minhae Lee. In addition, she studied piano pedagogy with Dr. Mario Ajero, an active member and presenter of TMTA and MTNA.
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.
Darius Barnes
Mr. Darius Barnes is a classically trained vocalist from Tyler, Tx. His passion for singing music started at an early age and he had the opportunity to sing at the Stellar Music Awards Youth choir as a tenor finalist in high school to perform before many known artists in the Gospel industry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Prairie View A&M University with a concentration in voice. With his extensive experience as a voice teacher, recording artist and songwriter his teachings for his students will focus on vocal concentration, posture, ear training, vowel pronunciation, diction, breath support, vocal range and register, exercise/warmups, and singing repertoire. Darius is elated to teach the next generation of young and adult students to reach their fullest potential at Cixi Music Studio.
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.
Joe Mazzola
Mr. Joe Mazzola has over 25 years of experience playing in bands, live music, and teaching. He can cover and teach you all genres and styles of guitar, acoustic guitar and bass including country, classical, rock, metal and jazz. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or have been playing for years and looking to sharpen your skills, he can help you reach that next level. There is a great beneficial relationship with our brain’s cognitive function and learning to play a musical instrument. As his student you will learn not only how to play and the basics but also music theory, history, and science of guitar and music. Also, you will learn understanding intonation and the proper maintenance and care of your instrument which is vital to your musical progression. Mr. Joe invites you to join him as your Guitar teacher on your next musical journey and endeavors. With practice and patience he can guarantee success for you.
Anita Kuo
Ms. Anita Kuo is a California Bay Area native and recently moved to Houston to continue her love of teaching after graduating from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with her Master of Music degree in Violin Performance. In 2022, she completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. She has dedicated the past decade to teaching budding violinists of all ages and helping them to develop lifelong skills in music proficiency, both in recital performances and ABRSM tests. Outside of her musical devotions, diversifying her plant collection is a high-priority. When she is traveling, graphic animation is her go-to hobby to help time pass on the plane!
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.
Leilani Lawton
Leilani Lawton has been sharing the joy of violin for the past 20 years. She has a strong belief in Dr.Suzuki’s philosophy that talent is learned and that anyone and everyone is capable of learning. She is committed to nurturing her students with love, which she believes is a key ingredient in music and life. For her, being a violin teacher is much more than giving violin lessons- it is about changing the student’s life. She received her Bachelors from Brigham Young University, where she studied violin performance with Dr.Alex Woods and Dr.LeeAnn Morgan. She is also a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas and has done Suzuki training with David Strom and Armand Der-Antonian. Leilani strives for excellence and helps her students to do the same. In addition to teaching violin, she combines her passion for singing and children by giving toddler music classes, as she knows it is never too early to start music education. She says, “Education for music is education for life!”
Letícia de Oliveira
Letícia de Oliveira is a Brazilian cellist and dedicated music educator passionate about the transformative power of music. She earned her bachelor’s degree in cello performance from the Federal University of Santa Maria and a graduate degree in artistic production from UFRN-Brazil. Currently, Letícia is enrolled in the Music Certificate program at the University of Houston, studying with Dr. Eunghee Cho. Letícia, a certified Suzuki Method instructor, has more than 20 years of teaching experience encompassing private lessons, group sessions, and conducting youth orchestras. She has taught students across all age groups, focusing on violin, viola, cello, and double bass, while highlighting music's importance in nurturing sensitivity, discipline, and collaboration. As a performer, Letícia has collaborated with leading Brazilian ensembles. Since moving to Houston, Letícia has been actively integrating into the local music community through organizations like the Houston Young Chamber Orchestra. She is passionate about providing inclusive and collaborative music education to inspire people of all ages.
Oscar Penaloza
Oscar Penaloza is a proactive, responsible and dynamic music teacher from Colombia. He is a musician specialist in woodwind and brass, with more than 20 years of experience teaching and performing music in Europe, Colombia, and the United States. Oscar’s passion is to teach, perform, and transfer all his knowledge in music to help musicians improve in music skills, while at the same time, enjoy the process of learning music with good values, principles, and discipline. He graduated from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory Music in Rome, Italy. He also has attended multiple master classes from international musicians from France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Germany, India, Africa, Colombia, Brasil, Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and the United States (Berklee College of Music). He has taught professionally in universities and private schools, while also providing private lessons. Oscar’s teaching approach for learning and improving music skills is through new technologies, harmony, rhythm, and music theory. He is always attentive to details when developing music skills and enjoys the process of learning.
CiLong Wang (David)
Mr. CiLong Wang (David) is from Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China. He is a member of the Shandong Musicians Association. David began learning the violin at the age of six under the tutelage of the renowned violinist and educator, Mr. Dong Jiting. At the age of eight, he was accepted into the attached primary school of the Central Conservatory of Music, but due to an upcoming national political movement, he was forced to discontinue his studies. David has previously served as a violin performer with various orchestras, including the Jinan Youth Art Group, Jinan Song and Dance Ensemble, and Shandong Song and Dance Ensemble. He has been teaching violin in the United States for nearly two decades, and his teaching experience spans from six-year-olds to adults. Throughout his teaching career, he has nurtured students who have received various prestigious awards, including National and Regional accolades.
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.
