PRIVATE LESSON STAFF
These teachers are master teachers and specialize in one-on-one teaching on their instrument.
Each teacher has been cleared and checked through CISD.
FLUTE
Laurea Cooley
Email: laura@stoneoakflute.com
Phone: 210-439-9299
Website: http://www.stoneoakflute.com
Bio: Hello! I’m Laura Cooley, and I’ve been teaching flute and piccolo lessons to students of all ages and ability levels for about 20 years now! As a college student, I studied both education and performance, and earned my Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the State University of NY at Fredonia in 2001, with a Performer's Certificate. I continued on to grad school at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where I earned my Master's degree in Music Performance in 2004. While in school and in the years since, I've attended many workshops and master classes, and have been a winner of two National Flute Association competitions (Convention Performers and Professional Flute Choir), as well as continuing to play as a freelance flutist. No matter what I do, I am always learning more about playing and about pedagogy (the study of teaching)! I love working with the students at Smithson Valley, where I’ve been teaching since 2013, and am looking forward to this new year, where I can resume in-person lessons and master classes. In my studio, the focus is ALWAYS on growth. Students work on foundations from the get-go, where they learn that building basic skills is the key to improvement. We set attainable goals and reach them together, which builds confidence and leads to RESULTS! Working with young people is the mission of my life. I love making a difference in your life, and every single student I teach makes a difference in mine. No matter why you want to take private lessons, as long as you’re ready to work, you are in the right place. Let's get fluting!
Interested in lessons? Fill out this Google form, and I will get in touch with you!
FLUTE
Stephanie Hulsey
Email: hulseyflutestudio@gmail.com
Phone: 713-725-1530
Website: www.stephaniehulsey.mymusicstaff.com
Bio: "Hello, hello! I have taught flute since 2009 and since then, this hobby and passion has become my career! My two bachelor’s degrees are from McNeese State University for Music Education and Music Performance and my master’s degree is from Texas State University in Music Performance, as well. During my studies, I focused on pedagogy: the art of teaching! My goal is to help you achieve your goals; to meet you at your level and show you how to climb higher. In my studio, you can expect to learn more about new flute-specific exercises, music theory (why music works the way it does), duets, sight-reading, and of course, your band music! We juggle both lesson assignments and band materials while discovering new and engaging ways to practice."
OBOE
Gracie Fowler
Email: oboeprof@gmail.com
Website: https://theoboeprof.com/
Bio: Gracie has been involved in some form of music, teaching and performing since childhood, culminating in a music degree in education and fine arts, and a master’s degree in educational technology. Gracie maintains a heavy schedule of performing, rehearsing and teaching private music students as well as teaching full-time at Palomar College in San Marcos, California in the music department and the graphic arts department, and at Miracosta College as the applied oboe professor.
BASSOON
Angela Moretti
Email: angelabassoon1@gmail.com
Website:
Bio: Coming Soon!
CLARINET/SAXOPHONE
Aissa Maese
Email: aissa.maese@gmail.com
Website: https://www.aissamaese.com
Bio: Aissa Maese is a multi-woodwind instrumentalist and current keyboardist at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. She received her Master of Music degree from Indiana University and her Bachelor of Music degree from Texas Lutheran University.
Along with maintaining an active performance schedule, she teaches private lessons and masterclasses in Comal ISD, Boerne ISD, and Schertz-Cibolo ISD. She enjoys helping students find ways to achieve success and build confidence through their musical studies.
TRUMPET
Rick Thomas
Email: forejazz@icloud.com
Bio: Coming Soon!
FRENCH HORN
Roger Carillo
Email: rcttuhorn@gmail.com
Bio: "As an 8th grade-'late starter' with no horn instruction available to me through high school, I felt driven to be self-taught. Immediately by my sophomore year, I reached the competition ranks at the TMEA Area level. In my final two years, I consistently garnered 1st chair placements at both Region and Area competitions advancing to TMEA All-State, placing 4th overall my senior year. I then attended and majored in music at Texas Tech University, where I began my formal horn studies under my very first horn instructor, professor Anthony Brittin. Under his tutelage, I eventually earned principal and section leader positions in several ensembles, and won my first professional audition with the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra at the age of 19. It is not only through my own hard work, but with the dedicated, patient instruction and inspiring guidance of my horn teachers, that I was able to resume my musical career after a 10 year hiatus. It is that very dedication and patience, along with my invaluable early self-learnings and experiences, that I wish to unselfishly share with our youth."
TROMBONE
Jett Walker
Email: jettwalkertrombone@gmail.com
Website: https://www.jettwalkertrombone.com
Bio: Jett Walker was born and raised in San Antonio, TX and currently holds the position of Lecturer of Trombone at Texas State University. He teaches undergraduate applied trombone lessons and is the associate director of the Texas State Trombone Choir. Mr. Walker has recently achieved candidacy for the degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and will complete this degree in Spring 2023.
Outside of his duties at TXST, Mr. Walker is equally passionate about both teaching and performing. He served as a middle school band director for five years (2013-2018) and has since garnered a highly successful private teaching studio. In lessons, Mr. Walker approaches each student as a unique individual and helps ensure they have the proper instruction to both improve their musicianship and equip them with skills that will enhance their enjoyment as a member of the SVHS band. As a performer, Mr. Walker has had the opportunity to perform with ensembles such as the Cincinnati Symphony, Cincinnati Pops, Dayton Philharmonic, Kentucky Symphony, Brazos Valley Symphony, Blue Wisp Big Band, and the Joe Rogers Big Band, among many others. He has also performed with such acclaimed performers as Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., and most recently, The Who.
TUBA/EUPHONIUM
Edwin Brown
Email: edwinjamesbrown@gmail.com
Bio: Coming Soon!
PERCUSSION
Travis Sutton
Email: travisjamessutton@gmail.com
Bio: Coming Soon!