Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone Lessons

Alexander Kao is an Atlanta based clarinetist who has over 10 years of performance and teaching experience. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe as a member of multiple ensembles. Raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Alexander began studying clarinet at the age of 10 and made his international debut at the age of 17 in London, England at Cadogan Hall. 

He began his professional studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan where he earned a BA in music, studying under a variety of teachers including Georgiy Borisov and Ellen Glick. During this time he performed and recorded with a variety of ensembles throughout southwestern Michigan such as the Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra and the Academy Street Winds. After completing his undergraduate studies he decided to further his musical education and began studying under Chanse Morris. 

Since relocating to Atlanta to begin his graduate studies under Kenneth Long at Georgia State University, he has continued to teach as a member of the Ztunes Music faculty and perform throughout the Atlanta area.

Anne Richardson has over 30 years experience as a performer, composer, and music instructor. She earned her Bachelor of Music in composition and flute from the Oberlin Conservatory, and a Master’s degree in composition from the San Francisco Conservatory. From 1994 to 2005, she served as director of Neighborhood Music Schools, a community music school based at Georgia State University. ​

Ms. Anne has performed with artists such as the Indigo Girls and Michelle Malone, and has written music for numerous artists, including contemporary music ensemble Thamyris. She composed the music for the silent film, Claire, and toured with the film, conducting the orchestra in live performance at venues all over the United States and Europe.

John is a professional saxophonist and music educator with over 15 years of performing and teaching experience on piano, saxophone, clarinet, and flute. He received his Bachelors of Music from Florida State University and obtained his Masters of Music from the Manhattan School of Music both for jazz saxophone performance. 

During his time at MSM, he studied directly under many jazz legends and was fortunate to perform in some of the biggest jazz clubs in New York City. Over the years, between playing on cruise ships for a year, and moving between NYC, Miami, and Atlanta, John has had a lot of amazing musical adventures: from teaching summers in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, to playing lead alto for an international Broadway Tour, to holding a weekly Bossa Nova Brunch in South Beach Miami, and touring Canada with a NYC-based funk band. He’s got plenty of stories to tell, and more importantly, many life lessons to share! 

As an educator, John is influenced by his work as a contemporary musician with conservatory training. Because of his education and varied performing experience, John puts the focus on practical, real-world techniques that are rooted in traditional methods. This way, you’re not only learning all the “classical” skills like reading music, analyzing theory, and technical mastery; you’ll also develop your ear so you can play without sheet music, you’ll learn about songwriting and improvisation so you can write your own music or jam with others, you’ll study current music styles/trends, so you can understand not only the foundations of music and how to play your instrument, but how to play music like today’s top performers, and how to have all the tools necessary to do anything you want musically!

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.

Her musical studies began on piano at age 8 and continued with the saxophone, flute and clarinet. She holds a B.M. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, M.A. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City and a D.M.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park in saxophone performance.

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. She has shared the stage with Branford Marsalis and locally, she performs with the Sombra Suave, a chamber music group that features the music of South America.

Since 1995 she has taught students ranging in age from 4 to 64 in private studio, university and master class settings. Dr. Paula tailors each lesson to the needs of the student based upon their goals such as preparation for competitions, auditions and recitals or simply to play their favorite songs in an environment of curiosity and fun.

Teresa Feliciano, originally from Puerto Rico, began her musical journey with the piano at age six and flute at nine. She earned her Bachelor of Music in flute performance from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and later completed her Master of Music at Georgia State University. While studying, she performed with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra and other respected ensembles.

Teresa has played professionally in Puerto Rico, Georgia, New York, and Washington, D.C. She has been teaching private lessons in flute and piano to students of all ages since 2004. She also leads flute sectionals in middle schools and high schools across the metro Atlanta area.

Teresa is passionate about inspiring a love for music and helping each student grow through music. She teaches at Ztunes Music, serves on the board of the Atlanta Flute Club, and performs with the Flûture flute quartet. Outside of music, she also works as a Spanish interpreter and translator.