administration
Ms. KarenDirector & Founder
Flute, Preschool Ms. Karen has performed and taught throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She has played with orchestras including the Atlanta Symphony, Vancouver Symphony (Canada), and Orquesta Sinfonica de la UANL (Monterrey, Mexico). Teaching since 2000, her students have been known to place in honors groups, youth orchestras, competitions, and sit first chair in their bands. Many of her students have gone on to pursue professional careers in music at prestigious conservatories and universities. She followed her passion to bring a community of high-quality music making and experiences to students of all ages and levels with the official start of Ztunes Music in 2016. Outside of Ztunes, Karen directs the flute ensemble at Beacon Hill Middle School, is Recording Secretary for the Decatur Music Teachers Association, sits on the Board of the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and the Oakhurst Center, and has presented for the Georgia Music Teachers Association on multiple occasions. She resides in Decatur with her husband, Nathan (trombone, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), and sons Jason (trumpet) and Tristan (french horn). |
mr. taylorManager
Horn, Composition Mr. Taylor began playing horn at age 12, and piano at age 14. He received a Bachelors Degree in Music Composition and a Masters Degree in Horn Performance from Georgia State University. Since completing his degrees, Taylor has freelanced and taught private lessons, masterclasses, and sectionals throughout the local Atlanta area. He is currently a member of the music faculty at Georgia State University Perimeter College, a horn player with Gate City Brass, and a co-founder of the Atlanta Horn Quartet. Mr. Taylor is Manager at Ztunes, where he is in charge of scheduling, studio maintenance, networking and outreach, and social media. He also teaches private french horn lessons. His students have gone to win state-wide competitions, place in All-State and other honor bands, and perform with youth orchestras around Atlanta. Mr. Taylor is passionate about private music instruction because he believes that a foundation in music enriches all other parts of your education and experiences, and instills an appreciation that you will take with you for the rest of your life. |
faculty
Mr. albenPiano, Guitar, Composition, Production
Mr. Alben began studying classical piano at the age of 7 and guitar at the age of 15 at the Rhode Island Philharmonic School in Providence, RI. At the age of 14, he began studying under Dr. Irina Tchantceva, participating in various festivals and competitions around the New England area. In university, he studied under Dr. Sandra Hebert and Dr. Ralf Gawlick for performance and composition, respectively and graduated from Boston College with his B.A in Music with a concentration in Performance and Composition, as well as a degree in Political Science in May, 2019. Throughout his time in university he also found a passion in exposing people to the wonders of music, and began to give private music instruction in the Boston area. Moving to Atlanta after his undergraduate studies, he continues to follow his passion of teaching music, as well as striving to hone his skills as a performer/composer. His goal is to reach as many people as he can through music. |
Mr. AndrewClarinet
Andrew has been serving the greater Atlanta area as principal clarinetist of the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra since 2018. He is also clarinetist and bass clarinetist of Greenville, SC, and Augusta, GA symphonies, and performs regularly with the South Carolina Philharmonic, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, and the Savannah Philharmonic. Andrew has had the fortune of playing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet, Alabama, Charleston, and Charlotte Symphony Orchestras. Prior to moving to Atlanta in 2018, Andrew served on the faculties of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University. He performed regularly with with the North Carolina Symphony and Chamber Orchestra of the triangle. As a private instructor, many of Andrew’s students went on to All-State Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Band acclaim, including the number one student in the state of NC. Andrew’s former students have gone on to continue their musical journeys at institutions such as Interlochen, UNC-G, and UNC-CH. Andrew studied clarinet and jazz guitar at UNC-CH and received his Masters in Music from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Andrew is excited to help you achieve your musical goals! |
Ms. ArletHorn
Ms. Arlet is a passionate musician with 7+ years of experience playing in symphony orchestras and chamber ensembles in Cuba, Ecuador and the United States. During this time, she has worked with conductors like Ronald Zollman, Yuri Sobolev, Zenaida Romeu and José Antonio Méndez (Pepito). She is a founding member of the ensemble Havana Horns which was part of Sarah Willis ́ acclaimed album trilogy “Mozart y mambo”. In the spring of 2023, she was featured as a soloist with the GSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, performing “Lied et Scherzo” by Florent Schmitt under the baton of Dr. Robert Ambrose. She is an active freelancer in the Atlanta metropolitan area and has performed with the Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra, the ATL Ensemble, the MYSO orchestra and the ASO Talent Development Program. |
Mr. cainFlute, Piano, Voice, Glee
Mr. Cain is a multifaceted performer and educator in Atlanta. He currently plays with the Atlanta Philharmonic Orchestra and is a tenor section leader and flute soloist at All Saints’ Episcopal Church. Cain regularly plays and sings in venues across the city with some of Atlanta’s most acclaimed organists, pianists, and vocal ensembles. Cain is a passionate teacher of many musical styles and understands the importance of being a vehicle for conveying the art of sound. He believes that inspiring technique and dedication to practicing an instrument or voice is inevitable if the student is immersed in exciting instruction and a teacher’s vibrant playing examples. Cain teaches that the language of music is a universal form of communication and enriches the lives of all. |
mr. danielGuitar, Ukulele
Mr. Daniel is a professional guitarist, composer, and educator known for adapting to various genres of music; notably Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk, R&B, Gospel, and Metal. Daniel graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. During his time at Georgia State he studied music overseas in China and played alongside the GSU Jazz Band with jazz greats Donny McCaslin, Joey Defrancesco, Paquito D’rivera, Bobby Shew, and Mike Abene. He currently performs all around the Atlanta area with the Ray Howard Band, CHOPS, Onstage Atlanta, Mr. Bighead, and plays Gospel on Sundays. Daniel is very passionate about teaching and strives to find ways to excite creativity and curiosity in his students. He believes retaining the mind of a beginner and always striving to learn and hear new things is the key to being a successful musician. |
Mr. GregDrumset
Greg Washington was born in Mobile, Alabama and began playing the drums at age fifteen. In his teenage years, he created his own drum set, using a variety of materials from his parent’s garage. He participated in the high school band, and was able to earn a full scholarship to community college. While there, his appreciation for drumming heightened, and he eventually left Mobile to study at the Atlanta Institute of Music. Greg has also studied at the world famous Collective School of Music, known by some as the "Drummers Collective", in New York City. He has worked with the award-winning rap group, Outkast, and was featured on their album Stankonia, which sold over five million records worldwide. In addition to Outkast, he’s worked with legendary rapper Chuck D from the group Public Enemy. Greg now teaches providing drum lessons to studens of all ages. In addition to teaching, Greg continues to perform and perfect his craft by expressing his versatility in various genres of music including, Gospel, R&B, Rock, Hip Hop, Funk, and Reggae. He has also branched out into music production and recording, using his creative skills to collaborate with musicians and vocalists. |
Mr. JordanTrombone, Euphonium, Tuba
A native of Acworth, GA, Jordan Milek Johnson began his musical studies with Atlanta Freelance musician, Hollie Pritchard. In 2018, he began studying with Dr. Bradley Palmer at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University, where he participated in ensembles of various genres and performance opportunities throughout the country and internationally. After graduating in 2022, He won a position as an Inaugural Atlanta Symphony Fellow, where over the course of two seasons, he will perform with the ASO and receive guidance and lessons from musicians within the orchestra. Jordan has made appearances with orchestras throughout the Southeast including the Atlanta, Alabama, and Albany (GA) symphonies. Outside of music, Jordan lives in Atlanta with his fiancee, Jakasja and daughter, Jacklyn. |
mr. jordiCello, Double Bass, Electric Bass, Guitar
Mr. Jordi is an educator, performer, and session musician based out of Atlanta. He received his Bachelors Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Georgia as well as a minor in Jazz Studies (electric/upright bass). During his time at UGA, Jordi furthered his classical studies on the cello under the instruction of Dr. David Starkweather while developing his technique and jazz idiom on bass under the guidance of Professor Dave D’Angelo of the UGA Jazz Program. Outside of academia, Jordi has explored a wide range of non-classical and contemporary styles on cello and bass. His work on both instruments includes live and studio performances and compositions, primarily with his Athens-based band Canary Affair. He is a strong advocate of the advancement of the cello outside of its classical role and enjoys exploring extended techniques and playing styles. As a teacher, Jordi believes in implementing a strong technical foundation as well as productive practice habits and routines. He encourages his students (of all ages and experience levels) to be students of music as a whole and to not be limited by the traditional roles of their respective instruments. He believes in reaffirming that at the heart of this exchange of information and techniques is individual growth and expression. |
ms. maggiePiano
Originally from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Ms. Maggie started her piano studies at the age of four. She attended Secondary Music School “Dobrin Petkov” from 1st – 12th grade. After graduating with honors, she continued her studies at Florida State University, pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance. Maggie graduated with her Masters of Music in Collaborative Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2012. Ms. Maggie has accompanied world-renowned musicians at the Summer Brass Institute for four years, and at the International Euphonium Institute for twelve years, including international brass soloists and brass members from the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet Orchestras, as well as the Chicago Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra. |
dr. paulaSaxophone, Clarinet, Piano
Dr. Paula is "a virtuoso saxophonist that possesses excellent technical attributes and a deep understanding of the music [she] performs" (Ovación). Based in Atlanta, Georgia she enjoys a career as a chamber musician, soloist and educator. In her previous appointment as Interim Professor of Saxophone at Universidade de Brasília, Dr. Paula was the first American to teach saxophone within the federal university system in Brazil. In recent performances, Paula has shared the stage with Branford Marsalis and the Orquestra Sinfônica do Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro in Brasília and presented at the 2018 World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia. As a Selmer-Paris Artist and Clinician she has toured and lectured throughout Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, China, Croatia, France, Italy, Mexico, Peru, Scotland, Ukraine and the United States. |
ms. sarahPiano, Ukulele, Preschool Music, Music Therapy
Sarah went to Converse College, where she studied Music Therapy and Composition. Though her primary instrument is piano, she also sings, plays guitar and ukulele, and composes. Her education in Music Therapy gave her experience working with a wide variety of populations of all ages, ability levels, and needs. This has allowed her to provide a well-rounded educational experience uniquely tailored to each student and their individual goals! She loves seeing the "lightbulb moments", when a new goal has been reached, and is enthusiastic about sharing her passion for music with others! When she is not teaching, Sarah also enjoys swing dancing, playing on the worship team at church, and hiking! |
ms. shannonViolin, Viola
Shannon has been studying and performing music for 32 years. She began studying when she was 5 and graduated with her bachelors of Music Performance from Cleveland State University in 1999. She immediately began teaching classical violin studies out of her home as well as at schools such as The Galloway School, The Lovett School, Sandy Springs Music, and out of her home. Though she believes classical studies is a necessary basis for the mastering of the instrument, she has a profound passion for weaving the voice of the violin into other genres. Shannon founded and fronted her own Atlanta based rock band, Dynagroove, for years. In addition to her teaching duties she currently performs with local rock bands, classical quartets, and as a soloist around Atlanta. "I believe music is a vessel for self confidence, exploration, and communication. I have an insurmountable passion to introduce music to students that may not have anyone else in their lives to encourage them to explore the unknown, the less traveled. To encourage them to embrace their idealistic dreams and passions, that in fact, it is a gift." |
ms. sidneyPiano, Guitar, Music Therapy
Ms. Sidney (MT-BC) has been a classically trained pianist since the age of 7. She studied piano with Dr. Owen Lovell at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. She graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Music Therapy as a piano primary. Sidney also plays guitar, percussion, and accordion. During her music therapy experiences, Sidney served clients with a wide variety of diagnoses in different settings and specialized in adaptive piano lessons. She also has a passion for pedagogical research and has presented at the National and Georgia Music Teachers Association (MTNA and GMTA) conferences as well as the National and Southeastern American Music Therapy Association (AMTA and SER-AMTA) conferences. Sidney lives in Douglasville and has privately taught her own piano studio for two years. Sidney’s goal through piano lessons is to help cultivate the student’s musical potential in an engaging and encouraging atmosphere. “Instilling a love of music through piano instruction builds a musical foundation, which will translate far beyond the world of music and into the daily routines of life.” When she is not playing or teaching piano, Sidney loves hiking, traveling and adventuring (skydiving is the best!), reading mystery novels, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog Copper. |
ms. stephanieTrumpet, Piano, Jazz
Ms. Stephanie began her musical studies at age 6 on piano and began studying trumpet at age 10. She attended the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she received a Bachelor of Music Performance in Trumpet under the instruction of Prof. Joey Tartell. She continued her music studies at the University of Michigan under Prof. William Campbell, and received her Master of Music Performance in Trumpet in 2013. Ms. Stephanie has performed professionally with a number of organizations, including the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra, the Saginaw Choral Society, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. She has performed as a solo artist with the Dekalb Youth Symphony, and was invited to perform at the 2012 National Trumpet Competition. One of her most cherished accomplishments is the three seasons she spent performing with the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps, an organization to which she credits much of her current musical knowledge and personal motivation. Stephanie enjoys and has experience playing in a variety of styles, including orchestral, concert band, jazz and commercial music and is constantly looking to expand her musical boundaries. Stephanie makes her living as a freelance player and teacher, and regularly performs with groups such as The Atlanta 13, 120 East, The Son Jazzy Orchestra, and the Outfront Theater Company. |
Mx. StevieGuitar, Drumset, Electric Bass, Ukulele, Production
Stevie (they/them) is an Atlanta-based music teacher and multi-instrumentalist originally from Miami, Florida. Having played hundreds of shows throughout the past decade with various bands based in both in Miami and Atlanta, as well as producing several rock and metal albums, Stevie has acquired an extensive amount of real world experience playing live music of various styles including Rock, Metal, Pop, Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, Bossa Nova, and Musical Theater. In addition to their live performance background, Stevie has 6 years of teaching experience through one-on-one lessons and leading summer music camps. Stevie’s teaching style is adaptive and aims to create a positive and collaborative environment for students to develop their ability to express themselves through the language of music. Each lesson is focused around creating and acknowledging victories and growth, learning to embrace mistakes, and being resilient in the face of challenges. |
ms. teresaFlute, Piano
Teresa started her music studies when she was 6 years old playing the piano and then the flute when she was nine. She received her B.M. from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and her M.M. from Georgia State University—both in flute performance—and has played with numerous ensembles in Puerto Rico, Georgia, New York, and Washington DC. She enjoys performing multiple genres, but mostly loves to play for musical theater. Her mission as a teacher is to nurture the enjoyment of music-making, and to pass on the incredible fulfillment that learning an instrument brings. Teresa believes that through the structure that comes from conscious practice and dedication, any student can achieve their full potential and apply these concepts to all aspects of their life. |
ms. zeyaViolin, Piano, Ukulele
Ms. Zeya grew up in Maryland and has been playing violin since she was 8 years old. She attended Georgia Tech and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. Ms. Zeya played in the Georgia Tech Symphony Orchestra every semester, serving as concertmaster and president. Since graduating, Ms. Zeya has continued her musical career through playing violin, singing in her band, and doing session work for other local bands. |
Ms. ZhenyuPiano
Ms. Zhenyu, originally from China, began her piano journey at age 6. She received her B.S. degree in Business Management and B.A. degree in Music from SUNY-Stony Brook University in 2017. At Stony Brook University, she studied piano with Dr. Jacob DeHoyos and Dr. Pablo Lavendera. Continuing her musical education, Ms. Zhenyu furthered her education under guidance of Dr. Lora Deahl and Dr. Nataliya Sukhina at Texas Tech University, where she received Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance in 2019 and Piano Pedagogy in 2020. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy at the University of South Carolina, where she is studying under Professor Phillip Bush. Ms. Zhenyu has had the opportunities to share her music as both a soloist and chamber musician in the United States and Europe, performing at various venues. She has been honored with scholarships and awards during her academic and musical journey. In addition to her musical pursuits, Ms. Zhenyu actively contributes to the music community as a member of MTNA and has presented at conferences, including MTNA conference, NCKP, and SCMTA. Her dedication to her art and sharing of musical knowledge is a testament to her commitment to piano and pedagogy. |