Teaching Philosophy
In Virtuoso Academy and Agency, we believe in fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment where students can explore, grow, and flourish as musicians. Our teaching philosophy centers on the following core principles:
Individualized Approach:
Comprehensive Musical Education:
Cultivating Passion and Love for Music:
Encouraging Creativity and Expression:
Fostering Discipline and Commitment:
Emphasizing Performance and Collaboration:
Cultivating Musical Appreciation:
Lifelong Learning and Growth:
Piano Online only
Anu Uranchimeg
Originally from Mongolia, Anu is an accomplished classical pianist with an impressive 24-year musical journey. Her life has been intricately intertwined with the world of music, having received comprehensive training in both Russian classical music and American musical traditions.
Anu’s educational pursuits began at the esteemed Mongolian Music and Dance Conservatory, where she honed her skills until 2012. Subsequently, she pursued her passion for piano performance and attained a Bachelor of Music from Augustana University. Taking her expertise to even greater heights, she further excelled by earning a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. Notably, Anu has continued to sharpen her abilities, obtaining a Pre-doctorate degree (Advanced Certificate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy) from New York University in 2022.
Throughout her illustrious career, Anu has demonstrated her musical prowess on international stages, earning recognition and acclaim from prestigious competitions. Her love for teaching is equally profound, boasting extensive experience in guiding students of various age groups, ranging from two-year-olds to adult learners. As an educator, Anu aims to serve as a mentor, inspiring and motivating her students to discover their unique strengths while nurturing their innate talents, ultimately fostering their growth and flourishing as musicians
Cello and Piano
Elis Ramos
Elis Ramos, a talented cellist born in Havana, Cuba, completed her bachelor’s degree studies at the Superior Institute of Art in Havana, under the guidance of Professor Vladimir Drobatschewsky from Germany. She earned recognition in various competitions in her home country, including winning the first prize in the National Competition “Amadeo Roldán” for her outstanding interpretation of Cuban music, as well as the first prize in the UNEAC competition in 2001. Between 2001 and 2005, Elis performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Havana, Cuba, and in 2005, she became a member of the Ars Longa baroque music ensemble, showcasing her skills on baroque violoncello, viola da gamba, and violone. This opportunity allowed her to perform in countries such as Venezuela, Slovenia, Spain, France, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy, participating in festivals and concerts.
Elis received a significant invitation in 2002 from Claudio Abbado, a prominent international conductor, to play with the “Simón Bolívar” Youth Orchestra in Venezuela. In pursuit of further education, she completed her Artist Diploma in cello at Lynn University, Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida, in 2012, under the guidance of Professor David Cole. She later attained her doctoral degree in Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Florida, in 2017. Additionally, she completed her master’s degree in music at the University of Akron, Ohio, studying under Paul Kushious, a member of the Cleveland Orchestra, and was recognized as the best string player at the university during her master’s studies.
Elis has performed with several orchestras in the United States, including Symphony of the Americas, Palm Beach Orchestra, Miami Symphony, and Puerto Rico Symphony. Currently residing in Dallas, Texas, she is a valued member of the Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra. Her career aspirations include furthering her journey with a symphony orchestra in the United States while pursuing opportunities as a music faculty member at a university. Elis incorporates a diverse teaching methodology, influenced by the Cuban and Russian music school traditions, and further enhanced by her knowledge of Kodaly and Suzuki methods, acquired during her studies in the United States.
Piano, Cello and Guitar
Patricio Gutiérrez
Described by the Chilean Newspaper, El Centro, as “a bright young talent”, Chilean cellist and conductor Patricio Gutiérrez has performed in Canada, United States, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. A dedicated cello instructor, Gutiérrez has taught in several youth orchestras in Maule and Bio-bio regions in Chile between 2009-15, as well as in the DFW area from 2018. Patricio is also an active arranger, organizing pieces for cello duets, trios, quartets, and string ensembles.
Born into a non-musical family in Santiago, Chile, Gutiérrez began studying classical guitar at the age of eight and cello at the age of ten. Patricio graduated from Universidad de Talca in 2012 under the guidance of Alejandro Tagle. In 2013 Patricio was the recipient of the Universia Scholarship of Santander Bank in Chile, which allowed him to spend one semester as an exchange student at University of Connecticut, taking cello lessons with the cellist of the Penderecki Quartet, Katie Schlaikjer.
In 2018, Patricio graduated from The Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory in Toronto where he finished his Artist Diploma, working with both cello teachers Desmond Hoebig and Andrés Díaz. In 2020, Patricio graduated from his MM in cello performance under the guidance of Andrés Díaz at SMU. In 2020, Patricio graduated from his MM in orchestral conducting under the guidance of Dr. Paul Phillips at SMU. During 2020 to 2023 Patricio served as assistant conductor for the Meadows Symphony Orchestra at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Currently, Patricio is pursuing his DMA in Orchestral Conducting at University of North Texas. An avid photographer and enthusiastic hiker, Patricio enjoys capturing moments and getting to know places as much as practicing cello and conducting.
Voice and Piano
Chrysta Maricelli
Born in New Orleans, LA, music has been a part of Chrysta Maricelli’s life since as long as she can remember. As the daughter of a pastor, she was raised amidst a world of music, leading and performing in musical productions from an early age. With a focus on vocals, piano, rhythm and percussion, she found a passion for practicing and teaching the art of music to those of all ages.
Awarded a music scholarship from Southeastern Louisiana University, she went on to study classical music and complete her Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance degree in 2003. Among the most rigorous in the performing arts programs, Chrysta gained a proficiency in five languages, piano performance, music theory and history, pedagogy, diction, composition and conducting.
As a vocalist, she has been trained in various forms, styles and languages from around the globe. Her vocal pedagogy extends beyond the modern language barrier, to include English, Latin, German, French and Italian. Trained in vocal anatomy and physiology, her aural understanding extends beyond the book into composition, performance, arranging and orchestration.
From composing music and leading musical productions at a young age, Chrysta Maricelli was brought up studying and performing instruments from percussion to the strings and beyond.
Versed in the classical arts, she transitioned from the sacred to the secular arena and continued her studies into the contemporary performing arts and other nonwestern musical art forms.
Throughout her studies and practice, Chrysta Maricelli found a passion for teaching and extending her knowledge to those eager to learn. As a lover of the art and people as a whole, she found the grounds to marry her two highest endeavors and customize learning to any age and stage. She used her foundation in technical and performing arts to train and mentor both amateur and veteran musicians who continue to inspire and mentor her today
Voice and Piano
Isabelle Arriaga
Born and raised in Dallas, TX, Isabelle’s journey in the music industry is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. As a young woman navigating the industry, Isabelle was determined to master every aspect of her craft. Embracing unconventional methods of learning, she dedicated countless hours to research, transforming her passion into a full-time career.
Not content with merely honing her skills, Isabelle took her dedication a step further by building her own studio from scratch, which she later made portable. This remarkable achievement reflects her resourcefulness and commitment to her art. Her talent for utilizing her voice as a gift became evident as she graced renowned venues like the House of Blues and TX Live.
Isabelle’s mission extends beyond her personal success. She aspires to create a safe haven where people from all walks of life can express themselves through the magic of music. Her inclusive approach embraces diversity and provides a platform for individuals to share their stories through song. Additionally, she passionately guides aspiring musicians on the path to success, offering invaluable knowledge on placing their original compositions in television and film, navigating music publishing, and developing their songwriting and recording skills independently.
Through her experiences in the industry, Isabelle discovered a profound purpose alongside her husband. Together, they established Oh I Like That Music LLC, a music library and production company. This venture allows them to showcase the limitless possibilities and miracles that unfold when people collaborate, support one another, and utilize their voices for good.
Isabelle’s passion for teaching extends beyond music. She is also a dedicated swim instructor and yoga practitioner, cherishing the opportunity to empower others through education and physical well-being.
Guitar
Ivan Duran
A Fort Worth native, Guitarist Ivan Duran Aguayo is very passionate about teaching students to create their own path and with a busy schedule of teaching and performances, Ivan brings quality of work and knowledge to everything he does. Armed with powerful knowledge from top-tier performers and achievements, Ivan strives to impart that knowledge to others.
His musical training began at the age of 11 and had gained state-level achievement later focusing in and obtaining a BM of Performance in Classical Guitar Southern Methodist University under the instruction of Robert Guthrie. Ivan comes from a family of musicians and has participated in various masterclasses and high-level instruction of guitarists like Sergio Assad, Michael Morey, and Martin Pedreira (A former student of Leo Brouwer), and more.
Ivan has musical training in Jazz, Flamenco, Rock, Mariachi, and Classical Guitar as well as Music Composition. He has had premiere of his composition works with the SMU and TCC Guitar Ensemble and performances in honor recitals and a semi-finalist in a Concerto Competition at SMU against all other instrumentalists.
Ivan is also the co-founder of the Texas Guitar Society, a fast-growing community of Guitarists in Texas that strives to create a super-network that connects musicians to resources to create opportunities for performers, sellers, luthiers, and more through the power of music throughout Texas
Guitar
Kyle Kersey
A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, tutor, linguaphile and smitten dog owner, Kyle Kersey is a Virginian-born, Texas-raised ramblin’ shake who has spent the majority of his life attempting to express himself with a 4-string bass guitar. As a teacher of all age groups, he is devoted to helping students understand and nurture their own creative potential.
Picking up the bass at age 14, he played in his local church band and was awarded the $10,000 Rock Workshop scholarship from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA at age 16. He went on to complete undergraduate studies at both Berklee and University of North Texas, receiving his B.A. in Psychology with a minor in music from the latter in 2015.
Kyle then moved to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in 2015 where he performed and recorded with many local and international artists, most notably Skeleton Goode. He performed in Cambodia, Thailand and Malaysia and taught guitar at the Auftdart Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Saigon.
He is fluent in Vietnamese as a result of self-study and immersion. During his studies, he asked himself, “What and Why is my facility with my native language, English? Could Vietnamese and even music theory seem the same?” This questioning completely refocused and inspired him and it is the reference for everything he plays and teaches.
Since returning to Texas in 2021, he has been active playing various styles of music from country to rock and gospel/rnb. He endorses Vintage Guitars. He is very excited to be back home making music and always looks towards bright horizons to be shared with new friends.
Kyle is a generous and friendly teacher. He is delighted to design a lesson plan for each student that will foster proficiency, confidence, and a playful understanding of music. Each student has their own unique talent and inclinations. Kyle passionately respects this and seeks to provide the most relevant, motivating and frustration-free instruction to each and every student. Assignments and expectations are always clear and encouraging.
Kyle teaches bass and acoustic guitar as well as theory and ear training. He lives in Bedford, TX
Violin
Xiaotong Wang
Xiatong is a violinist originally from China who is now based in Dallas, Texas. Xiatong’s violin journey started at the age of four. She got her Bachelor of Music degree in Violin Performance from East China Normal University in Shanghai, China in 2019. She pursued her higher education degrees at the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX where she received her Performer’s Diploma in 2021 and Master of Music degree in Violin Performance in 2023.
Xiatong had the privilege of performing with orchestras and chamber ensembles in the United States and in China, enriching her grasp of music’s diverse aspects. Besides performing, Xiatong is a passionate teacher with eight years of teaching experience. She aims to guide students of all ages and levels in developing their musical talent. Xiatong’s teaching philosophy includes building strong foundations and nurturing creativity. Whether the student is starting out or seeking to improve, she is dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring learning
environment.
She believes that music speaks beyond words, therefore she encourages her
students to express their own interpretation through playing. Xiatong acknowledges that each student is unique and she tailors her teaching methods to cater to the student’s specific learning style and goals. Most importantly, she believes that learning music should be enjoyable,
therefore, she creates a positive environment that fosters growth and a true love for music
Violin
Lucas Raulino
Lucas is a violinist and violin teacher that started his musical journey in a social project for orchestra in 2005. Since then, he has been participating at music festivals around the world, as Campos do Jordao Winter Festival, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Brevard Music Festival in North Carolina, USA and playing in orchestras as a section musician and teaching social projects. Lucas also had a unique experience going to France in the 2011/2012 season as part of an intercultural program of studies.
Also he got the chance to play in masterclasses for the Leipzig String Quartet and
Messages quartet, for instance. Currently, in Texas, Lucas attends an Artist Diploma Certificate, at Texas Christian University
Piano
Hannah Kim
Hannah O. Kim is a Korean American free-lance pianist, collaborator, and private piano lesson instructor originally from South Korea, is now based in TX, United States, where she started her musical journey with piano at the age of six. During her primary school years, she had her first public performance and made debut as a classical pianist performing ‘Kuhlau’s complete sonatas Op.55’ for a young artist piano competition in South Korea. Subsequently, she has also participated in various intensity piano competitions that include MTNA (Music Teachers National Association) and achieved several notable accomplishments. Throughout her lifetime and during her time at the university, she received musical training under the guidance of Drs. Carl Anthony, Kazuo Murakami, Tomoko Kashiwagi, and included Naoki Hakutani. She has recently completed her undergraduate studies and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in music, specifically keyboard, from Texas State University and has delved into the world of music continuously. In the past, she excelled not only as a classical pianist but also was an active member of the jazz band for several years, and showcased her skills as a violinist, singer, and harpsichord player. Additionally, she participated in various events such as university and church choirs as a soprano singer, obtained several all-state recognitions, attended medieval festivals, and performed in school orchestra concerts. She has recently been appointed as a piano instructor at Virtuoso Music Academy in Dallas, TX. Hannah will teach piano as well as fundamental music theory at Virtuoso Academy. Currently, she resides in the DFW area, TX.
As a piano lesson teacher, Hannah implements a teaching approach that focuses on instilling a passion for music, inspiring students, setting goals together, providing encouragement, and doing her best to ensure their musical growth and success. She believes in creating a positive and supportive learning environment where students can explore their musical potential. Her teaching methods encompass a diverse range of resources, materials, and books customized to cater to varying levels of proficiency, with a focus on prioritizing students’ preferences. By offering comprehensive instruction and personalized guidance, Hannah aims to empower students to become well-rounded musicians
Flute/Saxaphone/Piano
Cameron Bilek
Flutist and saxophonist Cameron Bilek is from the Chicagoland area and currently resides in Denton, Texas. She received her bachelor’s in Flute Performance from the University of Louisville in 2023 where she studied with principal flute of the Louisville Orchestra, Kathy Karr, and is currently pursuing a masters in Flute Performance at the University of North Texas where she is studying with Regents Professor of Flute, Mary-Karen Clardy. Bilek has performed all around the country before turning 18 and branched out internationally while at U of L.
Bilek has twelve years of experience with contemporary, jazz, and classical flute, six years of jazz and classical saxophone, and seven years of teaching experience including lessons, masterclasses, and sectionals.
She has had students win spots in honor ensembles at the middle school and high school levels, win division 1 in solo and ensemble competitions, and college scholarships to major in music. She has also worked with adult flute students looking to learn and improve their flute playing.
Bilek’s passion and enthusiasm for music and teaching creates a fun and interesting environment in lessons that offer the student the freedom to pursue their specific interests and goals in music while also working on life skills that go beyond their music study. Although her main instrument is flute, she enjoys teaching piano and saxophone as well.
Piano/Guitar/Voice
Ariel Glassman
Ariel Sha Glassman is a composer, arranger, jazz guitarist and educator based in the DFW area. She completed her Bachelor’s in Jazz Guitar at DePaul University in Chicago and her Master’s in Jazz Arranging at the University of North Texas. She has been a recipient of the DCASE Individual Artist Project Grant in 2020 as well as receiving Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer’s Award in 2019 and 2021, as well as the Phoebe Jacobs Award in 2019. She was also the 2023 recipient of the ISJAC/USF Owen Prize.
While at the University of North Texas, she had the honor of writing for the esteemed One O’Clock Lab Band with her writing being featured on Lab 2021, Lab 2022, and Lab 2023. Her writing can also be heard with the Blueshift Big Band and the Parton E9+ Ensemble. While her main instrument is guitar, she teaches piano, bass, voice, composition and theory. She enjoys teaching lessons to students of all ages.