I am a vocal educator, performer, songwriter and musician. I am from Philadelphia where I studied jazz at Temple University with a concentration in voice. I have been lucky enough to have worked with incredibly successful jazz musicians such as Kim Nazarian, Carla Cook, Terell Stafford and many more world renowned first class names in New York and Philadelphia jazz. I have been given the opportunity to perform in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center as well as local Jazz Clubs in Philadelphia such as Chris’ Jazz Cafe and South, both of which have brilliant legacy. I first fell in love with teaching in New York when I studied at the Ithaca College Conservatory of Music with famous Countertenor John Holiday; while simultaneously teaching a rock band at the local New Roots Charter School. I was involved in the local music scene in Ithaca because of this job opportunity and had the honor of meeting the band Reel Big Fish which lit the fire in me for performance. I continued to teach when I moved to Philly, first privately and then in music schools and Montessori. I moved to Naples Florida at the end of 2023 to continue my teaching passion, education and to perform with joy again! Music has been an instrumental part of who I am as a person today, and I would not be the person I am today without all of my educators and mentors who have guided me along the way. Because of them, I am who I am musically and have found passion in passing that on.

Lee County native, August Evers found his love for music as early as age 8 in his first piano lesson. He began exploring music through the piano, ukulele, guitar and found wind instruments in sixth grade. August focused on the saxophone through grade school and competed in many FBA Solo & Ensemble competitions, with both solo works and works for saxophone quartet. He studied jazz in the Naples Youth Philharmonic Jazz Orchestra and held the title of woodwind captain in his high school’s marching band. Between studying saxophone, flute, and any instrument he could get his hands on, music remains a part of his life to this day. Now, he is a junior Bachelor of Music Education Student at FGCU, studying saxophone with Dr. Michael Weiss-Holmes at the Bower School of Music and the FGCU Honors college.

Juan Baquero, pianist from Bogotá, Colombia, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Florida Gulf Coast University, where he studied under Dr. Michael Baron. He has been a finalist and prizewinner in international competitions, including the MTNA Stecher and Horwitz Two Piano Competition and the Concurso Internacional de Piano “José Jacinto Cuevas” Yamaha. With extensive experience in both solo and collaborative performance, Juan has worked in opera, chamber music, and vocal coaching. He is also dedicated to music education and community engagement through teaching and outreach projects.