OUR INSTRUCTORS
Robert J. Reyna
Founder
Voice: Beginner to College Prep
Robert Reyna earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley in 2016. During his time there, achieved first place in the Southern National Association of Teachers for Singing in 2014 and 2015. He also represented the university's Opera Company at the National Opera Association in New York City, securing a commendable third place in the scene competition with his colleagues.
While in the Rio Grande Valley, Mr. Reyna spent several years providing private lessons and teaching music classes at various Idea Charter schools through a joint program with a local music academy. Additionally, he served as an Assistant Choir Director at Lopez Early College High School and Besteiro Middle School. After relocating to San Antonio, he continued to offer private lessons at various music schools before establishing his own music studio in March 2023.
With extensive experience in teaching all genres and catering to students of all ages and skill levels, Mr. Reyna is passionately committed to nurturing a profound love for music among his students. He is now dedicated to expanding the offerings of his music studio and is eager to enrich the lives of aspiring musicians with his heartfelt devotion to the art form.
Bachelors in Vocal Performance - UTRGV
Piano: Beginner - Intermediate
Jeanann Dara
SPECIALIST
New York University - MM - Performance/Composition
The Juilliard School - BM - Viola Performance
Raised in Texas and spent 17 years performing and teaching in New York City, Jeanann Dara is a dynamic force in contemporary music, seamlessly blending classical training with exquisite sounds. Her innovative approach to the viola, incorporating classical techniques and a modern approach, has garnered widespread acclaim. Dara's musical journey began at age 6 when she started Violin which led her to pursue studies at a young age playing professionally at the age of 13 performing at the Hollywood Bowl. She received her undergraduate degree from The Juilliard School, where she studied under renowned violist Karen Tuttle. She later earned a Master's in Performance and Performance Studies from NYU.
As a sought-after performer, Jeanann has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Joshua Bell, Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, MONO, Max Richter, Nora Jones, Joanna Newsom, Jon Brion, and Björk. She is also a member of several prominent ensembles, such as The Wordless Music Orchestra, SEM Ensemble, and Anthony Braxton's Tri-Centric Orchestra.
Jeanann’s teaching technique is a holistic approach that builds awareness between the instrument, the sound, and the body. For beginners, she uses the Suzuki books for repertoire and approaches the works from a more traditional point of view. Jeanann allows students to build a path for playing to allow for fun and freedom while making music.
New York University - MA - Performance Studies
Kelly Kai Li Yong
Bachelors of Music in Piano Performance, University of Malaya
Associate and Licentiate Performance Diplomas, Trinity College, London
Kelly Kai Li Yong is an active pianist and educator. She performs as a soloist and collaborative pianist, giving solo performances in both Malaysia and the USA. Additionally, she performs duets, including four-hand and two-piano pieces, and has participated in showcases and chamber recitals in both formats. Kelly also performs for student recitals, recordings, auditions, and juries, working with vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, and worship teams.
Actively involved in teaching, Kelly was selected for the FunKey Piano Project at Texas State University. Upon her admission to Texas State University, she was awarded a Graduate Merit Fellowship and a Keyboard Scholarship and currently holds a Graduate Instructional Assistantship. She organized a music workshop at Miri Gospel Chapel Pujut, where she taught youngsters fundamental music knowledge and prepared them to lead church services and the choir. As the president, conductor, and pianist at SMK Chung Hua Miri, she led the choir to multiple championships from 2014 to 2018. She received the Best Conductor Award at the Miri Inter-School Patriotic Song Choir Competition in 2017.
Kelly holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from the University of Malaya, where she graduated summa cum laude under the tutelage of Dr. Poon Chiew Hwa. She earned her Associate and Licentiate performance diplomas with distinction from Trinity College London in 2015 and 2016, respectively. She has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with numerous distinguished pianists from around the world, including Dr. Sungeun Park, Luu Hong Quang, Jacqueline Yeung, Krzysztof Slomiak, Loo Bang Hean, Ng Chong Lim, Sylvia Loh, and Lena Ching. Kelly is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Piano Performance at Texas State University under the tutelage of Dr. Jason Kwak.
Karsten Bennett
New Music Instructor
Karsten Bennett’s love for music began at a young age and was nurtured at the North East School of the Arts, a magnet school program ranked among the top 10 art schools in the nation in 2014. In college, he shifted his focus to IT, which became his profession for the past few years. Now, Mr. Karsten is eager to return to the world of music and pursue his lifelong dream of creating and teaching music!
Adora X. Ysaguirre
Bachelors of Music in Music Education, UTSA
EC-12 TExES Certification in Music Education
Adora Xannifer Ysaguirre received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2018 and has been working in public music education at various schools in the greater San Antonio area for the past 5 years. She is a multi-instrumentalist with skills in guitar, bass, ukulele, drums, keys, saxophone, and clarinet, and performed with various groups around Texas. She regularly performs and listens to many genres, including rock, jazz, fusion, country, pop, and is always looking to grow her experience in other styles of music and performance. During her time in public education, Adora has also taught private lessons and worked with the San Antonio Girls Rock non-profit. Her primary educational philosophy is to grow students’ confidence in themselves and their abilities in creating a self-drive for improvement, excellence, and a desire to perform.