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Joe is a multi-talented individual with diverse achievements across music, education, psychology, and academia. He studied music composition at FSU and The Prague Conservatoire, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from FGCU. 

With 12 years of teaching music and over 20 years of industry experience, Joe brings a unique perspective to his lessons. He has toured with national acts, featured his compositions in various media, and spent a decade in event entertainment.

Joe's academic contributions include research published in the American Journal of Psychology. This background shapes his cognitive approach to teaching, emphasizing not just skill acquisition, but also instilling a love for the learning process.

Notably, Joe excels in teaching students with special needs, including ASD and Down's Syndrome. His expertise in this area ensures a tailored and empathetic approach to instruction.

Joe's passion for teaching and commitment to inclusive education makes him a valuable and inspiring instructor.

Juan  started his musical education with guitar, piano, solfeggio, music theory, choir, and music history in the Vocational School of Arts. He graduated from the from the professional school of Music of Holguin in 1996 and Instituto Superior de Artes (University for the Arts) in 2002 in Havana. Since then, he has worked as a music teacher and professional musician, touring Cuba and Europe and playing in churches. Has played in concerts and music festivals, and received awards in international guitar contests – he says it's all because he loves the feeling of being on stage and worshiping God through music, as well as seeing the results of good work done by his students with his guidance.

He is always looking for new ways to grow as an educator and developing new curricula that are exciting for both students and parents alike. He teaches children, youths, and adults both advanced and beginning students. He can teach both in English and Spanish. He has an eclectic teaching style where he combines techniques from different countries and his own ideas developed through years of experience.  He is very proud that some of his former students are playing in professional bands, and others are now music teachers!

Lucille Foster is an accomplished musician and teacher with an impressive list of achievements. She holds degrees from Edison College and Florida State University, where she played clarinet with the symphonic band and even joined them on tour. Lucille's musical talents didn't stop there, as she also played with the Fort Myers Symphony Orchestra and taught music in the Collier County School District. Her students won top awards at music contests under her guidance. Lucille directed the Lake Trafford Elementary School chorus and showcased her skills on both flute and clarinet with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. In 2007, she led the chorus to a remarkable performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center for a holiday concert. 

Scott is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Conservatory where he received his Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance. While attending Peabody Conservatory he had the great honor to study with guitarists Manuel Barrueco, Julian Gray, and lutenist Ronn McFarlane. 

Before teaching at Fort Myers School of Music he was a faculty instructor at Howard Community College in Columbia Maryland where he taught private classical guitar lessons, class guitar, functional guitar for music therapy students, and guitar ensemble. Scott was the founder and director of the Gumbo Jam Bands; a multi-ensemble exploration of various styles including rock, pop, blues, bluegrass, country, and jazz tailored to local area musicians from the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area for over ten years. 

During his tenure at HCC, Scott was essential in the development and implementation of the AMTA-recognized Music Therapy program at HCC.

Scott has played many roles in his 35-year career dedicated to music. As an educator, director, performer, and multi-instrumentalist, his primary passion is the passing on of his knowledge to his students regardless of age or skill level. Mr. Goriup specializes in teaching to his student's goals and interests while exploring music in a fun and collaborative manner. He often incorporates ensemble opportunities into his lessons to keep the lessons fresh and creative. As a testament to his commitment to education, many of his students have received scholarships to prestigious musical institutions and have gone on to have successful musical careers. 

Scott is very familiar with special needs students and enjoys adapting the curriculum to meet their specific challenges. 

Fun Fact:
Scott is an avid cyclist so don't be surprised if you pass by him riding his bicycle around town!

Alex is a seasoned musician who has been in the industry for over 20 years. He began his musical journey in music school, mastering the accordion and classical guitar, before transitioning to playing drums in rock and metal bands. Alex's love for music led him to become a jazz guitarist during his college years, and he has since performed with various professional pop and rock bands as a drummer, guitarist, and even as a singer in a church choir. He is also an expert in transcribing music and creating highly precise music scores.

But what truly sets Alex apart is his dedication to teaching. He believes in sharing his knowledge and experience with his students at the Fort Myers School of Music. By encouraging his students to play together, he helps them achieve a professional sound and look. Alex's expertise and passion for music make him an exceptional mentor, and under his guidance, you will learn from the best and become the best in the industry.

Jason attended Berklee College of Music and the University of Wisconsin. He feels that music theory often takes a back seat during music lessons and incorporates theory as part of each lesson.

Jason spent years teaching in the public school system and transitioned to teaching at a private school so he could actually teach music! He has a passion for helping students achieve their musical goals and has been with the Fort Myers School of Music since 2017.

Jason has played in numerous working bands as a guitarist and bassist. He currently plays electric guitar in local SWFL rock bands. His preferred genres to teach include: Rock, Metal, Blues, Country, and Pop.

Jason is very mild-mannered and has a quiet personality that blends well with younger children who may be timid.  

Paul is a retired educator, having taught at the secondary and post-secondary levels for over 30 years. As a performing musician/guitarist, Paul has played with a wide range of highly successful bands in genres for over 50 years. He is known for his ability to take what was learned in today's lesson and show real-world examples of how it applies to songs heard on the radio today.

Paul has been teaching private and class music lessons for over 25 years. He takes a fun approach and teaches to the students specific skill and interest levels. He builds a love of music in his students and feels that learning guitar and being able to express oneself should be fun and rewarding. Most importantly, students of all ages love him as a teacher!

Sean is a composer at heart. His parents purchased him a piano and by 13 he was winning regional piano competitions. At this age, he expanded his musical abilities and played guitar, bass, and drums.

Sean teaches classical, Rock, and jazz styles. He incorporates current music into his lessons often going as far as learning the student's favorite song (if he doesn't already know it) to use in the lessons. His focus on technique, not just musical knowledge, creates better musicians. 

Sean is active in the local music scene and has been a member of many successful local bands over the years. 

Steve is a musician & creative artist with a diverse set of skills and experience. He graduated with a bachelor's in music composition from Baldwin Wallace University and composes orchestra music & electronic music. He has performed in classical and popular music groups on a variety of instruments. He has taught music lessons for 7 years and enjoys teaching classical, jazz, and pop music.

Steve uses a relaxed but goal-oriented teaching style to encourage all students to feel comfortable with their abilities but to push their boundaries to achieve new things. It is important to Steve that his students are introduced to many styles of music and they become aware of the endless possibilities music can lead to. He encourages students to excel on their instruments and also to explore their creativity by learning music theory and even writing their own songs/compositions. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking, watching movies, and hanging out with his cat.
 

Beatrice has been teaching piano and guitar for over 30 years. She graduated from CW Post college and has been active in the local music scene for years. She teaches all ages with a more traditional approach utilizing classical pieces with some modern music.

Bea gets to know each of her students on a personal level and students of all ages like her southern charm.

Colette is an avid lover of music, a teacher of music, and a professional musician. She now has 40 years of experience in vocal and instrumental instruction for various age groups and learning levels, as well as performing professionally in voice, piano, and guitar. 

Colette earned a Bachelor’s degree from Morehead State University in music education; a piano major and voice minor, also studying acoustic guitar, jazz, choral conducting, music arranging, and composition.  Her Master’s degree in music education is from Eastern Kentucky University. Her doctoral work at the University of Kentucky gave her the opportunity to learn and explore in-depth vocal techniques and develop a new focus on the deep connections between music and literacy, both with language and math. 

Colette enjoyed performing in a top hits multi-genre cover band, Paradox, with her bass-playing husband, while she played keyboard, guitar, and sang lead vocals.

Colette is passionate about finding the best way for each student to learn and succeed.  She has many years of experience in both public and private schools; elementary, middle school, high school, and college. Her teaching experience at the University of Kentucky, and as a professor at Berea College, gave her the deepest insight into successful vocal techniques, as well as led her back to teaching all age levels, one on one. She is also an advocate for teaching those with different learning styles. Usually labeled as disabilities, Ms. Colette prefers to view them as different abilities, seeking the best way for each student to learn. She enjoys all styles of music and encourages students to pursue what they love while exploring new genres. 

Alex studied music at the Los Andes University in Venezuela, and pipe organ from Father Jose Maria. He has been writing and performing live his music since 1982.

Alex can teach in English and Spanish a lot of different styles of music including Metal, Rock, Blues to Latin Bolero, and is well-versed in Pop and Folk as well as international styles. He feels that “Every Student is Different so using the same book or teaching technique is not effective for everyone.” He, therefore, creates a unique curriculum for each student.