Summary

At TakeLessons, our teachers are our partners in building a business that improves the lives of millions of people. The TakeLessons Advisory Panel serves as the voice of our teacher community to help guide product and service development. The members of the panel represent the diversity, creativity, and ingenuity at the heart of our business and together were building better tools for a brighter future in educational technology and online services.

2013 Panel Members

Rob Bass, Austin, TX
http://takelessons.com/profile/rob-b
Rob has been teaching bass guitar, guitar, piano, classical guitar, flamenco guitar, saxophone, songwriting, music performance, music recording, and music theory with TakeLessons since 2009. Located in Austin, TX, Rob has been inspiring his students to be the best they can be while also expanding his creative horizons with songwriting and writing fiction. With a degree in English and Music from Texas Tech University and an advanced degree from Goddard College in creative writing, Rob is passionate about learning and has helped create new arts education programs within his community at the Lubbock Boys & Girls Club and Buddy Holly Center. Robs teaching style is highly individualized to exceed his students expectations with roots in jazz and alternative rock. Throughout his years teaching with TakeLessons, Rob has been lauded as a rock star by internal staff and his insight into our product and services has been an invaluable contribution to the company.

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Pablo Capote, Pembroke Pines, FL

http://takelessons.com/profile/Pablo_C
Pablo has been teaching bass guitar, guitar, banjo, music performance, and songwriting with TakeLessons since 2009. Located in Pembroke Pines, FL, Pablo specializes in teaching beginner-intermediate students how to rock out with new styles including improvisation and experimental styles. With a degree in Music and Education from Florida International University and an emphasis in early childhood education and elementary music instruction, Pablo is a well-rounded instructor who can easily tune into younger students needs while also staying flexible to making lessons a great experience at any age. In a teaching capacity, Pablo leverages students specific and unique paths to success and, in so doing, he has accrued a history of well-trained students who love to work with him. Pablos communication skills and creativity set him apart as an instructor and musician who offers incredible value on the Teacher Advisory Panel.

Erin Culp, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/erin-c
Erin has been teaching piano, violin, fiddle, viola, and cello with TakeLessons since 2009. With more than 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages the power of music, Erins teaching philosophy is to always have fun while learning. Setting attainable goals while providing discipline and encouragement, in addition to professional expertise, have all contributed to Erins success with TakeLessons in San Diego, CA. Erin views teaching as a privilege and focuses her lessons around each students individual needs and goals. As a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a seasoned TakeLessons instructor, Erin provides valuable insight in her role on the TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel. Erins passion for helping students find their inner rock star remains at the heart of her lessons and her mission as a musician.

Erik Dillard, Decatur, GA

http://takelessons.com/profile/erik-d
Erik has been teaching voice, music performance, music recording, songwriting, and speaking voice with TakeLessons since 2009. Located in Decatur, GA, Erik is a vibrant and skilled teacher who is known for leading invigorating musical workshops online and has also been featured on our TakeLessons YouTube channel. As an international instructor of the arts, Erik has the unique ability to teach strong musical technique while also pushing
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his students across the globe (United States, Norway, the U.K., Japan, and Italy) to unleash their inner performer. Eriks enthusiasm for teaching is unmistakable while his flexibility and forward thinking also complement his ability to inform bold moves within the world of our product. As an instructor with extensive experience in music education, technology, and intuitive communication, Erik is a valuable asset to the TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel.

Beckie Euson, Los Angeles, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/beckie-w
Beckie has been teaching piano, music theory, saxophone, trumpet, french horn with TakeLessons since 2011. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Beckie encourages a standard of excellence in her students while also working as a music teacher in the classroom and as an integral member of the LA Philharmonic. With two degrees in Music Education and Music Performance (French Horn) from Chapman University, Beckies expertise in the performing arts and education has proven integral to her success with TakeLessons. As an advisor for our product, Beckies hard-working, multi-tasking, realistic perspective fills an invaluable role on our Teacher Advisory Panel. Beckies students love to work with her and so do we!

Angela Hall, Hazelwood, MO

http://takelessons.com/profile/angela-h2
Angela has been teaching piano, singing, and music theory with TakeLessons since 2011. Located in Hazelwood, MO, Angela believes in the power of music education and instills in her students the lifelong joy of being a musician. With a Masters in Music Theory from Washington University and extensive experience teaching students of all ages and skill levels, Angela is an enthusiastic and engaging instructor who knows the formative function of music first hand. During her musical upbringing, Angela mastered the theoretical aspect of her field and got an early start (at age 15) sharing that knowledge with others. Now, with a successful music lesson business and valuable experiences to share, Angela insists on continuing the learning process. In addition to Angelas impressive teaching experience and background, her dedication to ongoing learning and development make her an esteemed member of our TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel.

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Jon Hall, North Hollywood, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/jon_h_28
Jon has been teaching guitar, voice (including opera voice), music recording, and music theory with TakeLessons since 2012. Located in North Hollywood, CA, Jons experience as an engaging performer on and off screen has proven invaluable for his students. With a growing list of credits to his namefrom his work as a Warbler on the hit television show Glee to live performances with Christina AguileraJons perspective serves an important role representing members of our teacher population who are actively engaged in performance careers in addition to teaching. With a degree in Music/Vocal Performance from Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo and more than 12 years of extensive experience in music, television, and film, Jon offers a technique-driven approach to lessons that allows students to find their own unique style and uncover their inner artist. Jons passion for mentoring students and helping others, combined with his professional experience and background make him a great asset to the Teacher Advisory Panel as we continue to fine tune our products for our teacher population at large.

Tanisha Hall, Los Angeles, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/tanisha-h
Tanisha has been teaching piano, voice, music performance, music recording, music theory, opera voice, songwriting, and speaking voice with TakeLessons since 2010. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Tanisha has built a career providing developmental support to professional entertainers, recording artists, and actors. In addition to teaching with TakeLessons, Tanisha has enjoyed a successful career in the entertainment industry, working with artists such as Chaka Khan, The Black Eyed Peas, Montell Jordan and Babyface. As a fun-loving, creative graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a degree in Voice & Music Business Management, Tanisha successfully launched her own performance arts training center in 2011, the White Hall Arts Academy. Tanishas abundant success instructing her own students is mirrored in her professional success. Tanishas extensive knowledge of music and business add immense value to our TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel as she also continues to change lives through the power of performance.

Milton Jackson, Corona, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/majorkmusic
Milton has been teaching guitar, piano, voice (Broadway, opera, speaking), classical guitar, music performance, music
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recording, music theory, songwriting, and acting since 2013. Located in Corona, CA, Milton strives to help students find their own soul portals through music. With a Masters degree in progress at the University of Redlands and an undergraduate degree in Ethomusicology from the University of California Davis, Miltons passion for education and roots in R&B, soul, rock, pop, jazz, and acappella are complemented by his eagerness to help others. With experience leading an all-male acappella group at UC Davis, running a popular local radio show, and mentoring students on a regular basis, Milton is no stranger to coming up with creative solutions for students of all ages making their way through lessons. Miltons fresh approach to teaching and technology offer valuable insight in product discussions as part of the TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel.

Tiffini Lopez, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/tiffini-l
Tiffini has been teaching piano, voice (Broadway, opera, speaking), music performance, music theory, songwriting, and acting with TakeLessons since 2011. Teaching in the greater San Diego area, Tiffini has not only collected and maintained a very busy schedule with students, but her insight into our product and services has also impacted the company in major ways. With a Masters in Musicology from San Diego State University and more than 20 years combined teaching and performing experience, Tiffini is one of our most sought after teachers in San Diego. Lessons with Tiffini are engaging and interactive and her students can be found on Broadway, Off-Broadway, on screen, and in professional theaters throughout the United States. Tiffinis encouragement and perseverance have lead many of her students to pursue degrees and careers in music. Tiffini is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), California Association of Professional Music Teachers (CAPMT), and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA).

Priscilla Manion, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/priscilla-m
Priscilla has been teaching piano, voice, performance, and music theory for almost 30 years in San Diego, CA. Since joining our team in 2010, Priscilla has used her specializations in classical music, musical theater, improvisation, coaching, and directing to expand her students skillsets and help them reach ambitious performance goals. With a Bachelors in Piano Performance from Wheaton College Conservatory of Music and a Masters in Piano Performance from the University of Redlands, Priscillas experience coaching and accompanying students of all ages has provided her with valuable expertise in the field of music education.
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Priscillas passion for helping her students express themselves through creativity and proper technique challenges her students to be the best musicians they can be. Goals and milestones are integral to Priscillas teaching process, especially when it comes to building self-confidence in her students. As an instructor and member of the Teacher Advisory Panel, Priscilla provides an established and experienced perspective we can all learn from!

Jason Martin, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/jason-m
Jason has been teaching bass guitar, guitar, ukulele, banjo, piano, music theory, and songwriting with TakeLessons since 2005. As a San Diego-based teacher who also teaches lessons through our Online Lessons program, Jason has developed his own method of teaching to enhance his students dexterity, strength, and technique. As a member of the TakeLessons Teacher Community since the very beginning, Jasons unique perspective on our product and company vision is extremely valuable. With a degree in Music and Business from the University of Alaska-Anchorage and a diverse teaching range, Jason provides his students with the support and resources they need to excel in music. Jason has been praised on the local news media circuit for his outstanding teaching skills in the community and has also been featured in a guitar series on our TakeLessons YouTube channel. Jasons students have gone on to be successful releasing their own albums, music websites, even being featured in Guitar World Magazine. As a member of the TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel, Jason provides a long history of success and creativity to positively impact our product and services.

Jesse Medina, Palo Alto, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/jesse-m
Jesse has been teaching bass guitar, guitar, classical guitar, music performance, music theory, songwriting, trumpet, ukulele, banjo, trombone, tuba, upright bass, drum, piano, and voice with TakeLessons since 2010. Located in Palo Alto, CA, Jesse specializes in classical approaches to musical performance and also excels helping his students find their own pop, rock, and folk styles. Jesses degree in Music Education (with honors) from New Mexico State University and an impressive touring history from Japan to San Francisco have allowed him to embrace and ameliorate the professional performing circuit along with the world of arts education. Jesses classically trained and tech savvy approach to teaching provides us with a voice from the front line of both in-person and online music lessonsa perspective highly valued as part of the TakeLessons
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Teacher Advisory Panel. Jesses experience, skills, and point of view are punctuated by an impeccable track record of happy students on their way to musical success.

Dr. Justin Mih, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/justin25
Justin has been tutoring students in algebra, anatomy, arithmetic, basic math, biology, calculus, chemistry, English, geometry, language, phonics, physics, pre-algebra, pre-calculus, reading, science, statistics, as well as trigonometry and test prep (ACT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, PSAT, SAT, SSAT) with TakeLessons since 2013. Located in San Diego, CA, some have noted that working with Justin is a bit like working with Bill Nye the Science Guy, and his voice as part of the TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel is integral. With a PhD in Physiology from Harvard School of Public Medicine and a Masters degree in BioMedical Engineering, Justin provides his students with an academic perspective during sessions but also caters to each students individual needs. With an impressive background as a Fulbright Scholar and experience running his own business, Justins one-on-one mentorship approach to tutoring provides students with an incredible resource for learning, turning once pedantic subjects into fresh and relevant opportunities for learning.

Anna Parker, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/anna-p
Anna has been teaching piano and voice (pop, opera, Broadway) with TakeLessons since 2010. With nearly 10 years of teaching experience and a love for music that goes all the way back to her strong musical upbringing, Annas enthusiasm for teaching is remarkable. Not only does Anna hold a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from Azusa Pacific University, but shes also an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Music Teacher's Association of California. Anna enjoys teaching students of all ages and helps her students diverse creative voices thrive. While Annas forte is classical music, she also enjoys teaching Broadway and popular music. For Anna, consistency and discipline are crucial for musical success but she also firmly believes in positive reinforcement. Annas perseverance and creativity help her students reach specific, ambitious goals while she provides a fresh perspective on teaching music in the modern age.

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Monet Payne, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/monetp
Monet has been teaching voice (Broadway, opera) and music performance with TakeLessons since 2011. As a current Marketplace Specialist for TakeLessons in San Diego, CA, Monet has a keen understanding of our product and marketplace needs, offering an invaluable perspective as part of the Teacher Advisory Panel. As a Takelessons instructor, Monet instills in her students her own passion for music and the arts, engaging with students of all ages and skill levels. With a degree in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University combined with extensive experience and roots in the performing arts, Monet offers a unique lesson experience focused on helping students reach their musical goals while also fine-tuning their craft. As a current advisor within our teacher Marketplace, Monets approach to our product and company vision is highly valued, and her students love her, too!

Dr. Carol Ritter, Chicago, IL

http://takelessons.com/profile/carol_r
Carol has been teaching piano, organ, music performance, and music theory with TakeLessons since 2009. Located in Chicago, IL, Carols professional perspective and humor provide her students with an excellent resource for beginner to advanced level music students. With a PhD in Music Performance from the American Conservatory of Music, Carol is a true expert in her field and offers a uniquely academic (yet accessible) approach to learning about music and running a business. Carols background teaching in the public school system, working as a production editor, as well as her experience as a choir director sets her apart as an individual dedicated to excellence, hard work, and progress. As a member of our TakeLessons Teacher Advisory Panel, Carols perspective is highly valued as we continue to develop the tools professional musicians and instructors need to run a thriving business.

Bryan Stanton, San Diego, CA

http://takelessons.com/profile/barriomusiclessons
Bryan has been teaching voice (Broadway, opera), acting, piano, trumpet, music performance, and music theory with TakeLessons since 2010. As a San Diego teacher and former Marketplace Support Specialist for TakeLessons.com, Bryan provides a dual insider and users perspective on our product and services. Bryans instructional videos have also
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been featured on our YouTube channel. With a degree in Music from San Diego State University, Bryans teaching style is fresh and engaginghe often encourages his students to join him for open mic nights, recitals, and musical productions to help inspire and fine tune his students lesson progress. Aside from his laudable teaching skills, Bryan has been involved with companies including Legoland, Sea World, San Diego Opera, Lyric at Birch, TAFFEE, as well as local indie films. Bryan is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, (NATS), the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). As a member of our Teacher Advisory Panel, Bryan contributes a creative, seasoned perspective to help inform and guide our services as a company.

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