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Emily Ward is a highly enthusiastic, qualified private vocal, woodwind and piano instructor. Her passion for music started with her love of Jazz; playing the saxophone and singing at a young age. She has since become proficient in various instruments including clarinet, flute, and piano. Emily received her bachelors from Northern Arizona University's renowned Choral Education program in Flagstaff, Arizona. Upon receiving her Bachelors of Music Education, she gained  invaluable insights into music pedagogy and performance techniques. Her performing experience as a vocalist includes international performances in Estonia, Latvia, and Sweden. In addition to her quality musicianship, Emily holds an Arizona Professional Music PreK-12 Teaching Certificate and has taught at Leman Academy of Excellence in Oro Valley over the past 5 years as a K-8 music teacher. During her time teaching, she also instructed one-on-one private lessons and coined the school's first choir ensemble for 2nd-8th grade scholars called "Treble Makers".

Emily's teaching approach centers the student’s musical goals at the heart of each lesson. She customizes lessons to address the individual’s needs and aspirations by fostering creativity and building confidence. Emily has a keen eye for detail and has her students focus first on making excellent performance technique habits as a strong foundation for their music learning. As a seasoned music instructor, she believes a solid technical base is essential for artistic growth and enjoyment of music learning. Additionally, one of her core values is making learning enjoyable and engaging, infusing lessons with enthusiasm and playfulness. Whether it's nurturing beginners or honing the skills of more advanced musicians, Emily will guide her students with expertise, passion, and empowerment to reach their full potential to develop a genuine love for music.

Professional training and performance experience:
Eric Ashley is a “born and bred New Yorker and proud of it!” Singing professionally from the age of 8, Eric has been entertaining audiences from coast to coast and Europe! During his High School and College years, Eric studied Music/Theory and was taught privately by James Carson, one of New York’s Premier Voice Teachers. Jim has helped many seasoned Broadway performers save their voices!

Eric developed his vocal and band-leading skills while a vocalist with industry names such as Steven Scott and Hank Lane, leading to performing at all of New York’s 5-Star Hotels, including the legendary Rainbow Room and Rainbow and Stars. As a result Eric created Eric Ashley Productions, where he continued to book and perform all throughout New York.

Theatre has always been in Eric’s heart. Whenever on hiatus, Eric performed in both Summer Stock and Dinner Theatre, in such shows as “They’re Playing Our Song”,
“The King and I”, “My Fair Lady” and “Sugar” (the musical version of “Some Like it Hot”).

Eric and his wife Robyn have made Tucson their home over the past four years. They have 2 children, Carole and Ricky, who were also bitten by the show business bug in early childhood. Eric started to work with them on their voices and they went on to perform in Off-Broadway and Broadway productions. At this time, Eric began giving voice lessons to his children’s friends in the industry. Currently, Carole and Ricky write and record music as well. They both work in the music industry in NYC, where they live.

Since working at Allegro, several of Eric’s students have been cast in many shows around Tucson and even sing with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra Chorus, as well as local bands in the area. Out of 50 plus students Eric will proudly be taking 13 of his students to perform at Carnegie Hall/Weill Recital Hall in June of this year. This is a major event for not only the Allegro School of Music but for Eric and his students, as well!

Teaching approach:
Teaching voice has always been more than teaching someone to read music and hitting notes on a page. I start out by getting to know the student getting them to relax and open up as to why they want to sing in the first place. From there, we talk about what they want to sing. Before they know it, they are singing and enjoying the process! I take a vested interest in every student I teach, as if they were my own family. Singing is an emotional process, not just technical. You are dealing with every day variables, I help them around these variables to get them to where they want to be vocally in a relatively short amount of time. I always look forward to getting to know them and THEIR VOICE!

Fun facts about Eric:
⁃ Eric has been an avid movie buff from the age of 12, especially films prior to 1950 and of course, musicals!
⁃ Eric is obsessed with vacuum cleaners! No kidding, just ask his wife!

Me siento comodo ensenando a estudiantes que habian espanol.

Mary teaches:

Piano ONLY on Thursdays
Voice ONLY on Fridays

Hi! My name is Mary, and I have been teaching music for over three years across various locations in Tucson. I am classically trained and fluent in multiple instruments, including piano, vocals, violin, viola, and ukulele. With more than a decade of experience in vocals and piano, and eight years in both violin and viola, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to my teaching.

I genuinely love working with students of all ages and skill levels, whether you’re a first-time beginner or an advanced musician looking to refine your technique. While classical music is my primary focus, I enjoy exploring a wide range of genres with my students. I believe that exposure to different styles not only enhances musicality but also fosters creativity and personal expression.

I am a huge music theory nerd and am excited to dive deeper into the intricacies of music with my students. I value a student-led approach in my lessons, adapting my teaching methods to suit each individual's learning style and abilities. This personalized attention helps students build their skills effectively and keeps it engaging and fun. 

I emphasize the importance of reading music and encourage my students to push their boundaries, aiming for new heights of musical excellence. My goal is to create an engaging and supportive environment where you can thrive and reach your musical aspirations through proper technique and improving on skills such as sight reading, self correction, practice habits, and learning new approaches. I look forward to embarking on this musical journey with you and helping you achieve your goals!

​​​​​​​Mary teaches:

Piano ONLY on Thursdays
Voice ONLY on Fridays

South Korean baritone Yongjae Lee is acclaimed for his remarkable versatility and profound artistry across an extensive repertoire, encompassing operatic and art song works from the Baroque era to contemporary compositions. Celebrated for his commanding stage presence and richly expressive vocal timbre, Lee has mesmerized audiences on some of the distinguished stages.

A laureate of numerous prestigious competitions, Lee’s accolades include First Prize at the 5th New York International Music Competition, where he was honored with the Edward C. Braunstein Award and has graced Winner’s concert at the Lincoln Center’s Bruno Walter Auditorium. And garnered recent distinctions such as a Platinum Medal in Classical Voice from the Quebec Concours International de Musique et des Beaux-Arts, First Prize at the 2023 London Classical Music Competition, Second Prize at the Charleston International 19th Century Music Competition, and Third Prize at the Vienna International Classical Singing Competition. Additionally, he claimed the First Prize in the Dr. Larry Day Memorial Voice Competition and was a distinguished winner in the University of Arizona President’s Competition, earning the Distinguished Baritone in the Voice Area Concerto Competition Award.

Lee’s operatic repertoire reflects his artistic breadth and depth, featuring a range of iconic roles, including Gianni Schicchi (Gianni Schicchi), Leporello (Don Giovanni), Grandpa Moss (The Tender Land), Peter (Hänsel und Gretel), Marcel (Beauty and the Beast), as well as Betto (Gianni Schicchi). As an Arizona Opera Ambassador Artist, Lee has brought operatic repertoire to audiences, notably portraying Marcel in André Grétry’s Beauty and the Beast as part of the OperaTunity program, serving as an Arlyn M. Brewster OperaTunity Teaching Artist. With an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence and an innate ability to connect with audiences, Yongjae Lee continues to redefine the boundaries of vocal performance, breathing vibrant life into both timeless classics and contemporary masterpieces.

Academically, Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in Voice Performance from Seoul National University, a master’s degree in Classical Voice from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice and Opera from the University of Arizona, where he distinguished as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. 
 

Elizabeth teaches:
Piano/Voice on Mondays (Eastside location)​​​​​​​
Piano/Voice on Tuesdays (Eastside location)
Piano/Voice on Wednesdays (Eastside location)
Piano on Thursdays (Foothills location)
Guitar & Guitar/Voice on Fridays (Foothills location)
 

Elizabeth is a passionate music educator, who draws inspiration from a profound belief in the transformative power of music. Armed with a background in Vocal Performance from the Music Conservatory at Ithaca College, a B.A. in Music from CUNY Hunter College, and a recent Master’s in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  

Elizabeth sees music as a universal language that helps unite and inspire. Apart from composing, songwriting, and instrumental studies Elizabeth has dedicated years to developing and creating a pedagogical style that encourages a supportive, open, and safe classroom, and applied studio environment for aspiring musicians of all ages. Elizabeth’s teaching philosophy, emphasis is placed on helping to foster and cultivate a willingness to learn within each student.  This willingness sets a foundation and is seen as the cornerstone for students' growth—academically, emotionally, and technically. 

Elizabeth cultivates an open and supportive classroom environment, encouraging both musical exploration and the development of critical thinking skills. Advocates for breaking down traditional educational hierarchies to better foster collaboration within the learning process that becomes a guide for students to thrive on their musical journeys. The overarching goal is to assist students in recognizing their unique gifts and potential and the impact they can have on the world around them. Through this approach, Elizabeth aims to create an environment where the willingness to learn flourishes, opening doors to endless possibilities for academic and personal success.

Jiayi teaches:

Voice ONLY on Wednesdays (Foothills location)​​​​​​​
Piano ONLY on Fridays (Foothills location)
Piano ONLY on Sundays (Eastside location)

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from Sichuan University, a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Sichuan Conservatory of Music, and a second Master's in Music Education from Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Music Education with a minor in Applied Interdisciplinary Arts-based Research at the University of Arizona.

In terms of my professional performance experience, I had my graduation solo recital in 2007 at Sichuan Conservatory of Music in China. In 2019 and 2020, I performed my M.M. Vocal Recitals at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, presenting both Western classical pieces and Chinese traditional folk songs. Most recently, in 2024, I gave a soprano solo voice recital at the University of Arizona, showcasing my learning journey here.

Regarding ensemble performance, I participated in the Boston Conservatory Chorus and performed at Old South Church. In 2020, I was part of the virtual orchestra for "What the World Needs Now is Love," featured in CNN’s ‘The Fourth in America.’ I also performed as a soprano in the celebration song for the 50th Anniversary of the NAEYC’s “Week of the Young Child.” In both 2019 and 2020, I led the music of China team in performing Chinese Beijing opera and folk music at the 33rd and 34th Berklee International Folk Festival. Additionally, I performed as an alto in the a cappella/BGV group for the concert of Mexican famed singer Aida Cuevas at Berklee College of Music.

Teaching Methods:
With over a decade of experience teaching private piano and voice lessons, my primary motivation is to have a long-term impact on students' lives and positively influence their growth and development. I am passionate about music education and committed to encouraging students to fall in love with music and enjoy life through it.
At the beginning of the learning process, I establish clear objectives and communicate expectations with students and their parents to foster a shared understanding of respect, accountability, integrity, and compassion. This approach optimizes knowledge acquisition and active engagement. I value various learning styles and employ diverse teaching methods to maximize my students' potential.
In piano and vocal instruction, I emphasize technical aspects in practice, helping students develop good performance habits from the start. While following a customized curriculum to achieve mutual objectives, I incorporate students' personal interests, such as their chosen repertoire, to engage them and create a joyful learning environment. My step-by-step approach focuses on theory, technique, and performance, and includes interactive activities to engage young learners. Additionally, I use scientific methodologies such as scaffolding to offer assistance and structured guidance as students acquire new skills.

10 fun facts about me:
I love swimming.
I dream of having a Maltese dog in the future.
I’m obsessed with coffee every day.
I enjoy music and am fascinated by exploring different cultures through their musical expressions. I learned Chinese folk songs and opera genres, also broadened my horizons by learning Western classical pieces, and am eager to explore more multicultural music and arts.
Pink is my favorite color.
I enjoy watching movies and reading
I love traveling and exploring new places.
I am fluent in Mandarin and English, and I am currently learning Japanese.

​​​​​​​

Jiayi teaches:

Voice ONLY on Wednesdays (Foothills location)​​​​​​​
Piano ONLY on Fridays (Foothills location)
Piano ONLY on Sundays (Eastside location)

Nikky Douglas earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in music from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, where she immersed herself in the study of art song, opera, jazz improvisations, theatre, and actively participated in the gospel choir. She is a professional singer and music artist with a passion for both performance and education. Nikky further honed her craft by pursuing Vocal Performance in the graduate program at The University of Arizona, under the guidance of esteemed Professor Faye Robinson. During her time at the university, she not only immersed herself in the study of vocal pedagogy, diction, art song, oratorio, and opera scenes but also had the opportunity to share her knowledge by serving as a student teacher. 

Professionally, for the past 17 years, Nikky Douglas has captivated audiences both locally and nationally with her remarkable vocal talent. Her diverse skillset and repertoire span across various musical genres, including jazz, R&B, hip-hop, neo-soul, funk, reggae, gospel, pop, and spoken word. Nikky brings a versatile wealth of professional performance experience, infusing her performances with a unique blend of artistry and soulful expression that resonates deeply with her audiences. Nikky Douglas’ teaching approach is open, friendly, energetic, and dynamic with a focus on meeting the unique needs and interests of each student. She specializes in but is not limited to Classical, Commercial contemporary Music, interdisciplinary approaches and Alexander Technique. 

In her spare time, the things that Nikky enjoys are: 

1. Playing her trumpet. 
2. Being a traveling performing artist. 
3. Mentoring the youth. 
4. Cotton Candy Grapes 
5. Creating music on her MPC Live II

Sebastian Rodriguez Alameda is a lyric tenor who enjoys exploring the boundaries of how music reflects the emotions of the human soul. Sebastian hopes to use his passion for music to explore ways he can introduce music to people from all walks of life. Sebastian enjoys his continued growth as a vocalist and works to gather the tools necessary to teach the next generation of singers. Sebastian has completed his M.M. in Vocal Performance and minor in Vocal Pedagogy. He was a student at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University under the tutelage of Dr. Carl Dupont. He received his B.M at the University of Arizona where he studied with Dr. William Stuckey. Sebastian has been an active performer throughout most of his life. Growing up as part of the church, Sebastian was asked to participate many times leading the congregation and singing with the worship team. He also has experience in musical theatre and opera, with classical music being his main mode of performance. Sebastian has worked as a freelancer performing at weddings and even coordinated and performed at a fundraiser for the arts. Sebastian has performed in several locations around the United States including Carnegie Hall with his undergraduate choir. Sebastian currently lives in Tucson, Arizona, and is teaching voice.

1. I love streaming on Twitch to my Online Community
2. My go-to coffee place is Dunkin Donuts
3. I played Shrek's dad and a Duloc guard in Shrek the Musical
4. I have vocals recorded for a cover of the video game Ace Combat. The album is called Anthems of Liberation.

Christine Wright is a classically trained vocalist and performer with a strong foundation in musical theater and operatic styles. With over six years of experience in both performance and vocal instruction, she has trained extensively through private vocal coaches in classical solo, choir, and musical theater techniques. Christine has performed across Tucson and surrounding cities with local theater companies, taking on both ensemble and lead soloist roles. Her performance skills include a wide range of vocal styles, from head voice and belt to mixed voice, as well as the unique skill of dancing while singing—essential in many musical theater productions.

Christine’s teaching approach is rooted in building confidence and unlocking each student’s unique sound. She tailors her lessons to fit individual vocal strengths while helping students expand their range and find consistency in tone. With a warm, encouraging style, Christine emphasizes theatrical choices, vocal support, and character connection in every piece. She has taught theater basics and group singing to children ages 5–8 through Christian Youth Theater for four years, and has also worked one-on-one with high school vocalists on audition prep and technique development.

10 fun facts!

My eyes are two different colors(black/brown)
I have flown a plane
My favorite color is silver
Summertime at dusk is my favorite season/part of the day
I think the best animal is the octopus 
I worked on Narnia: the exhibition and designed many of the layouts!
Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite movie franchise 
I have been skydiving 
I once scuba dived to the bottom of a crater.
Lilies are my favorite flowers 

Gena grew up in the Tennessee mountains and possessed a desire to teach from a young age. She received her BS in Music Education from Tennessee Tech University, where she studied clarinet, voice and piano. A teacher of 18 years, she is comfortable both in and out of the classroom. Gena has experience with classroom teaching, audition prep, church music, college prep, accompanying, group classes, ensembles, and one on one instruction. She specializes in vocal and piano instruction. She loves working with all ages, experience, and ability levels. Her background includes familiarity and comfort working with individuals with special needs. She enjoys teaching multiple musical and personality styles. Her performance opportunities include
both solo and ensemble work in a variety of professional settings. Gena prioritizes good technique, theory, and musicality in her teaching. Her philosophy of education founded itself on the belief that anyone can learn and anyone can improve. It is her joy to work with students to achieve their goals. She is resourceful, methodical, and organized. She loves people and enjoys
meeting and getting to know them. She believes that a teacher’s efficacy hinges on a good rapport with students and works toward that end with every student she teaches.

Fun Facts

• Gena is a classical homeschooling mom of two zany teens.
• She esteems books and tea parties equally high.
• She loves floofers, especially her two pampered rescues named Waverly and Coco.
• She enjoys watching anime with her sweet, nerdy husband.
• She adores all things British baking and is a self proclaimed anglophile.
• Well ordered things are lovely things.
• She firmly believes that Dolly Parton would be a terrific president.
• She will nerd out over vocal technique and pedagogy. You have been warned.
• There really is a Taylor Swift song for every occasion and a musical for every day of the week.
• If she’s ever on the news, it will be because of something her dog Coco did.

Hi, my name is Tori! I have a Bachelor's of Music from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY, where I studied voice. I grew up travelling for band and choir festivals, and then discovered my love for musical theatre. After graduating, I moved to Tucson, AZ, where I've been working as a music director and theatre teacher. I've performed in state, national and college choirs, recitals, and completed demo recordings for various projects. I can sing in numerous languages, and I spent most of my time at school studying musical theatre, art song, and opera. My other favorites are folk, pop, rock, and indie music... Or really just anything that is fun to sing. 

Music is one one of our oldest languages as humans. It communicates emotions and messages that we can't always put into words. Music is a skill that every one of us has, whether we know it or not. There is no right or wrong way to make music, but hundreds of different ways that all sound different, serve different purposes, and connect us to each other.  I teach music because I love the power it has, and I truly believe that it makes the world a better place. I have so much fun teaching students how to use and own their voices in a fun, healthy way, and hope that they come to appreciate how amazing music really is.

10 Fun Facts:
1. I am from the mountains of upstate New York, where we have lots of water and lots of trees.
2. I grew up as a competitive figure skater, and still feel less clumsy on the ice than I do on the ground.
3. I have a cute little cat named Twisty - her head is always twisted to the side.
4. I love food - cooking it, eating it, and exploring new restaurants and cuisine.
5. I'm a homebody - I would much rather be cozy at home than anywhere else. 
6. I love a good story, whether it is a movie, a musical, a TV show, or music. 
7. I've driven across the country three times!
8. I love the cold and the snow.
9. I'm a rock climber - I go bouldering a few times a week. 
10. Music is my favorite thing in the world and I couldn't imagine living life without it.