Our Team
Our mission at Rock 101 NM is to empower ABQ through music and build a community of talented and professional musicians by providing exciting and engaging opportunities for our students to grow individually and as a team.
Kevin Herig
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER
Master of Inspiration
Values: Community, Connection, Well-Being
First Concert / Best Concert: Britney Spears / Brett Dennen
Musical Collab Bucket List: Jack Johnson
Theme Song: Allstar by Smashmouth (Always absently humming this song!)
Check out: Barcelona
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When Kevin began guitar lessons at the age of 11, he had no idea it would lead to a lifelong love of all things music. He played with friends, starting his first band Asper Kourt in high school, and came to understand that music is a connector. Music and songwriting is a bridge between Kevin and the world, his feelings, and other people. He fell in love with teaching music because of those powerful moments when he sees something “click” for a student. Knowing that he played a role in opening that door for someone feels humbling and empowering.
Kevin earned a Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurial Studies) at UNM and founded Rock 101 Music Academy in 2011 immediately following graduation. He continues to write music as a solo artist and has produced 5 studio albums with more on the way. You can find him building community at Rock 101, rock climbing with friends, or playing his music at a show around town!
Brittney Cavit
SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
Chaos Wrangler
Values: Community, Inclusion, Family
First Concert / Best Concert: Toby Keith / Voodoo Music Festival in New Orleans (specifically Yelawolf)
Theme Song: Wildflowers and Wild Horses by Lainey Wilson (because no matter what, I’m going to get things done!)
Bucket List: To own a homestead or farm
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Brittney became hooked on music when she picked up a saxophone in middle school. She spent ten years playing in marching bands, honing her skills, and has carried the love of music with her ever since. As a mother of four, she brings not only an appreciation of music but also an understanding of holistic development to her role as Scheduling Coordinator.
Brittney earned a Bachelor degree in Emergency Medicine from Central New Mexico Community College as well as a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education from Ashford University. She is passionate about nurturing young minds and advocating for inclusive and supportive educational practices. When she is not caught up in all of the scheduling fun, you will find her hanging out with her kids, her chickens, or both!
Kayla martinez Herig
BRAND MANAGER
Protectress of the Vibe
Values: Respect, Well-Being, Authenticity
Creative Process in One Word: Evolving
Theme Song: “Barcelona” by Kevin Herig (“She puts out the good fruit, never weighs your worth.”)
Artistic Collab Bucket List: Frida Kahlo (Her ability to use art as a source of healing amidst great pain is inspiring.)
Check out: Eleven Design
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Kayla’s favorite musical moments involve witnessing positive transformations in students as they walk off the stage after a performance. These moments fuel her passion for building a vibrant community and providing a pathway to music by expanding Rock 101’s reach. She does this by combining innovative design, communications, and marketing principles.
Kayla is a graphic designer, branding expert, and marketing professional. She received her B.A. in Mass Communications from UNM in 2011. Aside from Rock 101, Kayla has worked for numerous New Mexico-based businesses including Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm, MediaDesk NM, and Albuquerque Community Foundation. She owns and operates Eleven Design, a creative marketing & branding company, through which she has had the opportunity to collaborate and elevate a diverse group of small local businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and musicians. When not bringing creative innovation to others, you can find her working on a puzzle or playing with design, printmaking, and a variety of crafts.
Athena Escoto
STUDIO ASSISTANT
Dean’s List
Values: Authenticity, Community, Accountability
First Concert / Best Concert: Pitbull / TV Girl
Creative Process in One Word: Manifestation
Musical Collab Bucket List: Radiohead. They create such emotionally conveying music and can tell a story purely through performing.
Check Out: Juice at Launchpad
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Athena has been part of Rock 101 since 2013 when she participated in Summer Sessions as a 6-year-old. Everything grew from there! One-on-one lessons and specialty classes led to forming her first band, The Owls, which eventually evolved into Juise, a band created through her adventures in Band League.
Athena is currently a student at UNM, working towards a degree in nutrition and dietetics. She credits Rock 101 with teaching her everything she knows in regards to music. She is grateful for the support and compassion she has experienced from Rock 101 instructors through the years, and she is excited to be part of something she feels so deeply connected to.
INSTRUCTORS
Allison Sherrill
GUITAR / BASS / UKULELE / DRUMS / BANJO
The Rock Jock
Values: Openness, Authenticity, Freedom
Creative Process in One Word: Curious
Stage Presence in One Word: Contingent
Theme Song: Taming the Dragon by Brad Mehldau (I was born in the year of the Dragon, and have a little obsession with Dragons. This song is the story of a Dream, where in the end the dreamer finds out the point of life isn’t to kill the Dragon inside you but to harness the voodoo it gives you, and to make friends with the dragon parts of you.)
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Growing up in a musical household, Allison started singing before she could talk. She was one of the first students of Rock 101 in 2011 and has been working with a variety of instructors and fellow students ever since. Transitioning from student, to intern, to instructor, Allison treasures the opportunity to inspire and empower others through music.
Allison studies music theory, composition, and technique in a variety of genres, working with professional musicians in New York and Nashville. She enjoys creating and collaborating with local friends and fellow New Mexican musicians. When not being musical, Allison loves rock climbing, writing, and reading.
Dustin Harvey
GUITAR / BASS / UKE / PIANO / DRUMS / FREEBIRDS
Big Bird
Values: Dedication, Learning, Sincerity
First Concert / Best Concert: The Green Chile Jam Band / Interpol (Mostly because I got to meet them as they snuck out the back of the venue)
Creative Process in One Word: Loose
Musical Collab Bucket List: Daft Punk (I want one of those helmets made for me!)
Check out: Albukaraoke
Read more on the blog: The Intriguing Case of Dustin Harvey
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Growing up with family members who all enjoyed different genres of music, musical variety was a constant in Dustin’s life. Mesmerized by the sounds of guitars, Dustin received a Yamaha guitar as a gift when he was 13. Mostly self-taught, he played with various bands throughout his high school and college years. As an instructor, Dustin aims to instill a deeper connection, love, and curiosity in his students while cultivating their individual ability, musicality, and "feel" for the music.
Dustin worked previously for Albuquerque Public Schools in early childhood education. He uses the skills and patience learned in the classroom and applies it to helping students of all ages discover their musical genius. In addition to teaching, he is a member of Albukaraoke, a local karaoke band. A new dad, he loves taking care of his daughter, Luci, as well as playing games, doodling, and walking his dogs.
Adam Hooks
FREEBIRDS / GUITAR / VOCALS
The CowPunk Professor
Values: Open Mind, Open Heart, Open Arms
First Concert / Best Concert: Aerosmith “Nine Lives” Tour / Billy Strings (BOL Center, Tulsa, OK)
Creative Process in One Word: Explosive
Musical Collab Bucket List: Craig Finn of The Hold Steady. He’s a master of lyrical storytelling with an eye for detail that would make Sherlock Holmes jealous.
Check out: Sandia Sunrise by Hooks & the Huckleberries
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The setting is the rural midwest in the 90s. For the kid who never felt like he fit in, hearing Nirvana on the radio for the first time changed everything. Later that year, Adam was gifted a guitar and he never looked back. Since then, he has been writing his own music, performing, and helping the next generation find their voice, hone their skills, and build the confidence to perform.
Adam Hooks has years of experience touring across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He has released several albums of original, cross-genre music and has performed as both a solo artist as well as the frontman for several bands, including Russian Girlfriend and Hooks & the Huckleberries. Originally from South Dakota, he has lived in Albuquerque since 2003 where he creates musical magic, hikes in the mountains with his dogs, and takes road trips with his wife.
Donny Kruse
SAXOPHONE
Values: Compassion, Honesty, Nature
First Concert / Best Concert: Kiss with Aerosmith / Tool (Denver 2019)
Stage Presence in One Word: Happy
Musical Collab Bucket List: Nate Smith -- An incredible jazz musician and composer of contemporary jazz
Check out: Hypotheticals - NeoChops Cover
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Donny has been exploring music since he was a child when he enjoyed listening to recordings of different instruments. Donny started playing clarinet and trumpet in middle school and continued to explore from there with saxophone being his current area of expertise. Throughout life’s natural shifts, music is a consistent element that brings beauty to all things for him.
Donny has a Master of Science in Mathematics from UNM. He has also accumulated a long list of musical experiences, including composing for jazz groups and gigging with funk bands, big bands, and jazz combos. He currently has four years experience in jazz and classical saxophone and currently plays in Bethany’s Garden, a contemporary jazz ensemble. When he’s not making music, you will find Donny reading, going to the gym, and playing video games.
Issac Trujillo
GUITAR / BASS / DRUMS / SAXOPHONE / PIANO
Rock 101 Papa
Values: Willingness to Learn, Honesty, Patience
First Concert / Best Concert: KISS, Ted Nugent, Skid Row / Metallica in Tucson, 2006 (tickets were $30!)
Creative Process in One Word: Flow
Musical Bucket List: I would like to write, record, and produce an album of music with all of my musical friends.
Check out: Regicide by Accidental Damage
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Issac has always been fascinated with the practice of creating music. Some of his earliest memories involve watching musicians fabricate music out of thin air. This inspired him to start saxophone lessons in 4th grade. He has been playing music and learning additional instruments ever since! In college, he started teaching music lessons. He loves contributing to others’ passions for learning by giving them musical tools with which they can create.
Issac earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition. He has been a Rock 101 instructor since 2012 as well as an active musician in several local Metal and Country bands. Issac enjoys working in the entertainment industry and is involved with a variety of concerts and events, including the New Mexico State Fair.
Jabez LADRES
BASS / GUITAR
Most Likely to Succeed
Values: Kindness, Humility, Ambition
Stage Presence in One Word: Energetic
Theme Song: Fly as Me by Silk Sonic (Because when you look good, you play good. That goes for everything in life!)
Musical Bucket List: Go on a North American tour!
Check out: The Mango Cakes Live @ The Launchpad 2024
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Growing up in the Philippines, Jabez was first exposed to music as a child when his mom purchased a CD player. He listened to a variety of music, from classical to jazz with some MTV punk rock sprinkled in. He started his musical career by playing bass for his church at the age of 14. Immigrating to the United States in 2009, music became his way of communicating and finding his place in rural North Carolina. Now an instructor, Jabez teaches music from the perspective of universal language, using the building blocks of rhythm, melody, harmony, and dynamics, elements to which every human being can relate.
Jabez earned a B.A. in Pre-Occupational Therapy and Wellness with a minor in Psychology from University of New Mexico in 2017. With more than a decade of musical experience, he is part of The Mango Cakes, a local Albuquerque band. He has also written and produced music for ESPN’s broadcast of the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals. When not teaching or rocking, he can be found building Legos or finding mental balance by going to the gym.
Jameson Ray
DRUMS / GUITAR / BASS / PIANO / TRUMPET
Pun Master Flex
Values: Fun, Play, Creativity
First Concert / Best Concert: Yanni / Sir Paul McCartney
Creative Process in One Word: Collaboration
Musical Collab Bucket List: Ringo & Paul McCartney
Check out: Gumshoe by Crime Lab
Read more on the blog: Pun Master Flex: Introducing Jameson Ray
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Jameson has been hooked on music ever since his older sister started taking piano lessons when he was 5 years old. After watching her practice and then trying to mimic her, Jameson’s parents consented to send him to piano lessons despite his young age. The rest is history! As an instructor, Jameson strives to awaken the fire, hunger, and curiosity in his students that will help them to feel the joy of music.
Jameson earned a B.A. degree from the University of New Mexico. He has formally studied and played music for 27 years, with 20 of those years spent recording and touring with various acts. Jameson has been an active member of the Albuquerque music community for over seventeen years, playing with Crime Lab, Kevin Herig, and other musical adventures. When not teaching or playing music, Jameson can be found practicing his pinball skills or reading a good book.
Brandon Cordova
DRUMS
Eats Drums for Breakfast
Values: Kindness, Positivity, Respect
First Concert / Best Concert: Red Hot Chili Peppers with Snoop Dogg / Bonobo
Creative Process in One Word: Flow
Stage Presence in One Word: Attitude
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For as long as he can remember, music sparked an interest in Brandon. As a child he would listen to music while pretending to play along with a variety of instruments. After becoming friends with a drummer, he honed his interest and learned how to get involved with drums at school, eventually participating in marching band, jazz band, concert band, percussion ensemble, and drum corp.
Brandon holds great respect for the teachers he has had along the way. He recognizes their ability to motivate him in such a way that it kept him going through the years. He is excited to motivate students in this same way, helping them not only to learn and to feel good about what they are doing but to also feel inspired as they proceed on their journeys. When Brandon isn’t teaching or playing in local bands, you will find him cooking, flying his drone, and skateboarding.
Kat Racca
FREEBIRDS / GUITAR / PIANO / VOCALS
Born to “Rock-a”
Values: Authenticity, Consistency, Kindness
Creative Process in One Word: Spontaneous
Theme Song: As It Was by Harry Styles (This song makes me so happy. It is the energy I try to emulate on a daily basis.)
Musical Bucket List: To write a musical!
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Kat was drawn to music from an early age, spending hours with the family keyboard. After she started piano lessons, she was hooked! At this point, Kat has played the piano for 18 years. She has also taught herself guitar, ukulele, and organ. As a FreeBirds instructor, she is excited to be part of the beginning of children’s musical journeys. She strives to make these early experiences positive, nurturing lifelong musicians.
Kat graduated from Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, majoring in Communication Arts with a concentration in Digital Broadcast and Production and a minor in Music. From playing the piano at her sister’s wedding to playing organ at her grandfather’s funeral, Kat feels most fulfilled when she can use her talents and passion for music to help others and bring joy. When Kat is not molding musical young minds, you will most likely find her running, hiking, swimming, and spending time with her family.
Ken Broyles
DRUMS / GUITAR / BASS / PIANO / UKULELE
The Melomaniac
Values: Honesty, Understanding, Patience
First Concert / Best Concert: Eagles / Herbie Hancock
Stage Presence in One Word: Personified
Musical Bucket List: To be a member of The Late Show Band
Check out: Clutter by Brush Strokes
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With a drummer for a dad, Ken became interested in drums at an early age. Later, while on a vacation to Hawai’i, he purchased a ukulele and proceeded to teach himself uke and piano. His musical repertoire has only expanded from there. Ken’s favorite part about music is collaborating with friends and local musicians. He has experience in folk, jazz, rock, rap, electronic music, and more. Ken loves to pass his passion for musical theory on to his students.
Ken studied music theory and composition at the University of New Mexico. He also sang bass in the UNM Dulce Suono choir. He is currently a member of several local bands: Coalesce Blue, The MumboJumbo Jazz Band, Albukaraoque, and Ugly Robot. When not playing music, chances are you’ll find him practicing martial arts, playing tabletop games, or hanging out with his cat.
Kendall Jones
GUITAR / BASS / PIANO / DRUMS
Golden Ear Engineer
Values: Creativity, Belonging, Self-discipline
Creative Process in One Word: Oops
Stage Presence in One Word: Chill
Music Bucket List: To have some of my music pressed to vinyl!
Check out: Little Hours by Dollar Store Queen
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Though he grew up with a love of music, Kendall’s parents ignited his passion when they purchased a guitar for him in 6th grade. Kendall worked diligently to learn the instrument, later adding on the skills of bass, piano, and drums. Now an instructor, Kendall focuses on spreading his expertise and joy to others.
Kendall earned a B.A. in Music, spending time at both the University of New Mexico and the University of New Orleans. He has been performing and recording professionally since 2012, recently expanding his skillset to producing, tracking, and mixing. With years of experience in the music industry and expertise in multiple instruments, Kendall enjoys sharing his extensive knowledge and love of music with his students.
Ken Easton
GUITAR / PIANO / VOCALS / BASS / UKULELE / MANDOLIN / LAP STEEL / ORGAN
The Yay-Sayer
Values: Commitment, Compassion, Connection
Creative Process in One Word: Reactive
Musical Collab Bucket List: Noah Kahan (to pick his brain about songwriting!)
Theme Song: "Rock and Roll Doctor" by Little Feat, because nothing beats the line "two degrees in bebop, a PhD in swing, he's a master of rhythm, he's a rock & roll king."
Check out: Someone Else by Hooks & the Huckleberries
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Ken has always been fascinated by musical instruments. He was often found experimenting with music around the house as a young child and he started playing piano for his church at the age of 5. Music has been a constant in Ken’s life. It is something that helps Ken to make sense of his life and the world around him. He joined Rock 101 as a student and an intern at the age of 15 and he’s been here ever since! His specialty is in jazz and blues, focusing heavily on learning through repertoire, improv, and theory.
Ken has studied music education under Dr. Olivia Tucker, classical voice under Professor Jamie Flora, and blues guitar under Bob Margolin and Fiona Boyes. He currently plays in several local Albuquerque bands: Hooks and the Huckleberries, Jimmy Deveney and the Hold Fast Union, JD Nash and the Rash of Cash, Justin Nunez, and Grey Star Ghost. When not playing or teaching music, he loves to rock climb and to read a good book while snuggling with his cats.
Eddie Richard Brewer
PIANO / GUITAR / VOCALS / MUSIC PRODUCTION
Music Monk
Values: Stewardship, Sportsmanship, Giving Back
Musical Collab Bucket List: I love 1980s music and always wanted to write and produce a song for Tears for Fears! I love the synthesizers, musicality, and production of their songs!
Theme Song: Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears because it is a song that makes me feel like I’m in a movie and like I am fully engaged in my life.
Musical Bucket List: I want to buy lots of vintage synthesizers and vintage drum machines so that I can make more amazing modern sounding 1980s stylized music.
Check out: Eddie Brewer - Valentine
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Eddie’s musical adventures started at the age of four when his parents signed him up for piano lessons. By the age of eight, he was writing his own songs! Fast forward to the age of ten and he had learned guitar and singing as well. From Eddie’s perspective, the greatest joy is giving away what you have learned. He is here to do just that.
Eddie has a B.A. in Music Production from Griffith College in Dublin Ireland. In addition, he spent time at Windmill Lane Recording Studios, also in Dublin, where he received training in music production, composition, and arranging. He has played in several bands, including
Eddie Brewer & the Manic Episodes, The Despots, and The Atomic Rangers. He had a residency playing piano at Vernon’s Speakeasy and completed a big band recording project with the Eddie Brewer Jazz Orchestra. When he is not working in the world of music, you will find him at church, doing yoga, and hiking.
JaY Forsythe
GUITAR / BASS
The Hardcore Superstar
Values: Honesty, Hard Work, Open Mindedness
First Concert / Favorite Concert: Judas Priest / Tom Waits
Creative Process in One Word: Constant
Stage Presence in One Word: Wild
Check out: Cobra vs Mongoose: 66 Guns
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With a grandfather who was teaching music in Liverpool, England, at the age of 14 and an uncle who played punk rock, opening for The Ramones in 1977, music is in Jason’s blood. It was a constant in his household. As a teenager, he discovered heavy metal and knew this was his path.
Jason has been performing in large venues since the age of 16. A veteran of the NY music scene, he has played legendary venues such as CBGB’s and The Roseland Ballroom. As a teacher, Jason feels strongly about sharing what he loves best in the world with others. In particular, he treasures the relationships he has made along the way. When he is not creating or teaching music, you will find him day trading, running, and spending time with his family.
Justin Salazar
DRUMS
Stealing the Show
Values: Creativity, Collaboration, Communication
Musical Collab Bucket List: I would want to work with guitarist Paul Gilbert. He can and does play a diverse range of music really well, and I think the process of creating something would be as much fun as the finished product.
Creative Process in One Word: Exciting
Stage Presence in One Word: Wild
Check out: Red Light Cameras - Fire (Live on BOE)
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At the age of 15, Justin did not make the baseball team. Although this may be sad for the world of sports, it is an ecstatic development for the world of music. He turned from baseball to the drums, wanting to hang with the punk rock kids at school. Turns out drumming was something that he not only excelled at but that he absolutely loved.
Justin currently plays drums for three bands, including Red Light Cameras and Dirty Brown Jug Band. He enjoys working with a variety of genres, such as rock, metal, country, and reggae. Music is that thing in Justin’s life where he feels most like himself. When he is not passing on his knowledge and inspiration to the next generation of drummers, you will find Justin involved in his other two loves: baseball and fishing.
Nick Aragon
GUITAR / BASS / PIANO / DRUMS
Values: Creativity • Consistency • Adaptability
First Concert / Best Concert: Paul McCartney / Immanuel Wilkins
Stage Presence in One Word: Relaxed
Music Bucket List: Collaborate with Ron Carter
Check out: Still I Caught Up - Zivi
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Nick Aragon has been immersed in music for as long as he can remember. Starting piano at just four years old, he quickly developed a fascination with learning every instrument he could get his hands on. Over the years, that curiosity evolved into a deep love for musicianship, creativity, and the collaborative spirit of music. With strong jazz influences and a passion for exploration, Nick brings a thoughtful and adaptable approach to both performing and teaching.
As an instructor, Nick loves that teaching challenges him to see music through new perspectives. He believes every student learns differently, and he enjoys helping young musicians discover confidence, consistency, and creativity in their playing. At Rock 101, he teaches bass, piano, and guitar, and is inspired by the school’s commitment to the local music scene and the next generation of artists.
Outside of teaching, Nick enjoys traveling, discovering new coffee shops, and staying connected to Albuquerque’s vibrant music community. His dream is to one day perform at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club, and if given the chance, he’d love to collaborate with legendary bassist Ron Carter.
Ricardo Sanchez
DRUMS
Values: Family, Drive, Thrive
Creative Process in One Word: Free
Stage Presence in One Word: Explosive
Musical Collab Bucket List: The RZA. I would love to work on some fat beats with the legend himself.
Check out: Blue Heron - Push the Sky
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At the age of 10, Ricardo earned his first drum set by working on his uncle’s farm in Tome, New Mexico. He has been drumming ever since! Though he has played all genres of music, his personal favorite is heavy rock. Music has always been an important part of his life, and he is excited to pay this forward as a drum instructor.
With 25 years of professional experience as a drummer, Ricardo has played all over the country with a variety of bands. He enjoys teaching because of how much he learns from the experience. Every topic he teaches helps him to walk away with a better understanding of the concept. He also learns something new from every student he teaches. What a joy to share in this way! When not drumming, you will find Ricardo spending time with his family and mountain biking.
Sofia Beals
PIANO / VOCALS
Melody Alchemist
Values: Humility, Emotion, Determination
Creative Process in One Word: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Musical Collab Bucket List: I would love to work on a movie score with Joe Hisaishi! He is my favorite composer of all time, and brilliantly translates introspection and human vulnerability through his music. I want to be him when I grow up.
Theme Song: Fuyu no hanashi by Given. This song is my alarm, I have awoken to this song for almost 4 years and have strangely never gotten tired of it. I doubt I ever will.
Check out: The Boys Room - Here to Stay
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Sofia has been surrounded by music for as long as she can remember. With a grandfather and uncles who all played music, her entire family was musically inspiring to her. Following her attraction to piano and singing, Sofia took lessons from an early age. She has found music to be an outlet for therapeutic expression, and she is passionate about helping others discover this within themselves as well.
Sofia graduated from UNM with a minor in Music, with a focus on applied piano. She is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Public Administration from UNM. Sofia is the lead vocalist and pianist for the band The Boys Room. When she is not sharing her passion for music, you will find her watching anime/ghibli films, reading manga, playing DnD, and painting!
Gabe Gambino
GUITAR / BASS
Values: Determination, resilience, exploration
Creative Process in One Word: inescapable
Stage Presence in One Word: JOYOUS
Musical Collab Bucket List: Joshua Homme. He awakened whatever it is I got going on inside. Since I was 14, he's been someone I look up to musically because he takes risks and puts himself out there fully. He is cool because he doesn't try to be.
Check out: manhigh. - Sorry Doll
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Gabe’s love for performing started when he attended a performing arts school in San Francisco as a child. Years later, while serving in the army, he enjoyed spending his downtime with others in his group, singing and playing his acoustic guitar. After returning home, he moved to Albuquerque and found his way into the music scene. It’s now been 20 years, and he is still in love with the process!
Gabe, a Licensed Barber Instructor, had his first experience helping others evolve in their craft through the form of barbering. This is where he fell in love with those “a-ha!” moments where you help others make new connections in their skillset. He is currently a member of two Albuquerque bands: Manhigh and Violet Rising. Gabe feels very fortunate in how the local music scene has treated him, and he is excited to pay this kindness forward to the next generation of musicians.
Emily James
PIANO / VOCALS
Values: Humility, curiosity, uniqueness
First Concert / Best Concert: Dustin Lynch / All American Rejects
Musical Collab Bucket List: I would love to play with Miranda Lambert. All her music is so fun to play and sing. Adding harmonies to what she already brings to her music would be a dream come true.
Theme Song: What Do I Know? By Ed Sheeran. I believe the world could be changed with a piano.
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Emily has been singing for as long as her family can remember. Her earliest musical memory consists of watching Singing in the Rain with her dad. She was mesmerized! She started voice lessons at age 14, and began exploring all of the genres. From the Eagles to Eminem, Nirvana, Taylor Swift, and Ella Fitzgerald, she loves them all!
Originally from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Emily has an Associates of Music from North Idaho College and studied music education at Eastern Washington University. She has experience working as stage manager for several productions, including RENT. Her teaching philosophy can be summarized by this quotation by Beethoven: “To play a wrong note is insignificant. To play without passion is inexcusable.” Emily is passionate about building community while helping others to continue learning and growing. When not teaching and singing, Emily can be found reading, hiking, swimming, and - of course - hanging out with her corgi, Russell.
Sharon Eldridge
DRUMS
The Calm Before the Storm
Values: Compassion, Creativity, Dependability
First Concert / Best Concert: Emerson, Lake and Palmer / The Yellow Jackets
Creative Process in One Word: Thoughtful
Musical Bucket List: To play a concert with Sting!
Check out: Easy Steps to Independence, excerpt from Modern Drummer Magazine, March 1991 (Featuring Sharon’s excerpt on pgs 58-59)
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Sharon remembers the exact moment when drums pulled her into their world. She was 9 years old, watching a parade. She could feel the vibrations of the drum section move through her body as the band marched past. How incredible! That was it - she signed up for lessons and was hooked.
Earning a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, Sharon has a long list of musical accomplishments. She participated in the Kansas City and New York City Women’s Jazz Festivals. While in Boston, she played percussion for several musical theater shows. Here in Albuquerque, she has played with a variety of bands, from Jazz and Latin to R&B and rock. She has taught improv classes at The Outpost Performance Space and mentored students at Taft Middle School. When not playing drums, you will find Sharon creating geometric abstract art and spending time outdoors with her dog.
Lucy Wang
VIOLIN / KEYBOARD
Making Impressions
Values: Community, Self-development, Activism
First Concert / Best Concert: Mark O’Connor / Opeth
Creative Process in One Word: Flow
Stage Presence in One Word: Reserved
Musical Collab Bucket List: My favorite band in the world is Camel. They're a prog rock band from the 70s. I would kill to see them and especially collab with them!
Check This Out: Irish Folk
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Lucy grew up surrounded by music. She sang in the church choir with her mother and learned piano and violin from an early age. While her interest in piano set in quickly, it wasn’t until she joined the orchestra in middle school that she developed a passion for violin, due to a teacher who instructed her in a variety of alternative styles. She carries this experience with her today, teaching classical violin as well as folk and fiddling styles.
Lucy is currently working towards a Bachelor of Music Education degree at UNM. Outside of school, she studies Irish Folk, Jazz, and Bluegrass music as well as being a marching percussion instructor at local high schools. Lucy finds teaching to be a joyful endeavor, one in which she strives to provide her students not only with knowledge but also with tools for emotional growth, a desire to connect with others, perseverance, and self-efficacy.