Get to know our piano instructors! Scroll down to read each instructor’s background and biography, and choose the teacher that best fits you and your needs.
“I have a passion for bringing out the best in my students and making instrument learning an exciting and enjoyable experience.”
My love of music started by learning the violin at the age of 5 in Daytona Beach, FL. Inspired by my grandfather, an avid violinist, I played in orchestras throughout middle and high school. In my teens, I developed a keen interest in the piano and taught myself how to play by ear. I went on to study classical piano under the tutelage of Dr. Frank Contreras and Wendy Bramhall at Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, and earned a B.A. in Piano Performance in 2006. While in college, I played and performed in many venues and also developed an affinity for teaching others. After graduation, I returned to Sanford, FL and continued my music career by playing and directing music at several Central Florida churches and teaching private piano lessons. Over the years, I have played with the Seminole State College Jazz and Gospel ensembles. I am also part of a touring band which has been featured at several local events with keynote speakers such as Condaleezza Rice, former Secretary of State, and Channel 9 news anchor Vanessa Echols. I have taught music at the Pre-K, elementary and Junior High
levels and have taught private piano lessons for 15+ years to students from ages 4-80. In addition to the violin and keyboard instruments, I also play acoustic and electric guitar. I have a passion for bringing out the best in my students and making instrument learning an exciting and enjoyable experience. I look forward to being part of the Mindful Music Center team.
Teaching Stats:
- Over 23 years of classical piano training.
- Over 20 years of jazz piano training
- Taught over 100 piano students
- Degree in classical piano performance with training in church music liturgy
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
Desirae Salas
Owner of MMC
Piano and Voice
Instructor
“My greatest desire has become to share with my students the musical passion that I have been so fortunate to experience, while facilitating their overall growth and development.”
My passion for music was awakened when I first began receiving classical piano lessons at age five. My love of music and desire to create and learn continuously grew as I achieved my Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University. It was there that I also realized my passion for teaching! After completing my bachelor’s degree, I enjoyed two years of teaching pre-k through middle school music, elementary choir, and percussion ensemble as the music teacher at Summit Christian School, while also giving private piano and voice lessons. Although I loved teaching music to typical students, I began to realize that the need for music education went much deeper. So, I decided to continue my path in the field of education by obtaining a Master of Education degree in Exceptional Student Education at the University of Central Florida (2014). It was through my classes and internships at UCF, but most of all my experiences as a classroom teacher for students with autism, that I began to more fully understand the important role that music plays in the lives of all children — especially children with autism and other related disabilities. Now my greatest desire has become to share with students, with and without disabilities, the musical passion that I have been so fortunate to experience, while facilitating their growth and development not only musically, but physically, socially, emotionally, and academically as well.
Teaching Stats:
20+ Years of classical piano training
15 Years of classical voice training
Over 75 voice/piano students
Certified in Music Education and Exceptional Student Education
Certified in Early Childhood Development
Specializes with students with Autism and Down Syndrome.
“It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. “
My Teaching Philosophy is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment where they can grow mentally, emotionally, and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential.
My journey to world of music started at theage of 6 in Yerevan,Armenia. I received my undergraduate education at the Tchaikovsky Special Music School for Talented children. I was accepted to the Yerevan state Conservatory where the admission office decided to enroll me without any tests/exams due to the successful performance in the international competitions and was granted a full scholarship, where I completed a master’s degree in piano performance. In 2000 I moved to the USA to continue developing my proficiency. I hold a Performance Diploma from Longy School of Music (Boston, MA).
I was a prizewinner in several competitions, national and international including. “New Names” special scholarship, Tchaikovsky International Competition of Young Musicians special diploma (Moscow, Russia), Amadeus Competition of Young Performers First Prize and Gold medal(Yerevan, Armenia), Fourth International Competition of pianists Grand prize (Ettlingen,Germany), National Concerto Competition First Prize( Yerevan,Armenia). I performed solo recitals in Armenia, Russia,Georgia,Germany,Paris and USA.I appeared in concerts as a soloist with Armenian Symphony Orchestra. I taught piano at Longy School of Music, Russian Virtuosos Piano Academy. I have been teaching piano performance and theory for the past 20 years.
Elizabeth Morris
Piano Instructor
Woodwinds Instructor
“As a teacher, I focus on growing a love for music along with the technique early on.”
I discovered a desire to help and teach others at an early stage and found music after joining a band in middle school. The beginning of my musical journey was through flute and clarinet, but after about 2 years in the band, I was able to add classical piano lessons. I went on to play clarinet, saxophone, piano, and bassoon as well as direct ensembles through high school and into college. After high school, I studied Music Education and Performance in Clarinet at Stetson University, in DeLand, Florida. Working with professors like Lynn Musco, Kristi Born, Dan Ferri, Douglas Phillips, and Gregory LeFils I refined my performance and teaching skills while also getting a lot of hands-on experience with students of all ages and needs. These focuses included woodwind performance, piano pedagogy, special needs education, and ensemble conducting.
Throughout college, I played with the Stetson Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Saxophone Choir, and Clarinet Choir. After college, I started playing full-time with the LCO Clarinet Choir and Big Band, the Orlando Concert Band, and the Forza Wind Ensemble and Community Symphonic Band directed by Frank Taylor. Over the years I have also volunteered and performed on piano with local churches, and am always looking for a new musical gig to flex my woodwind doubling chops.
The core of my teaching has always been individuality. Each student deserves their own lesson plans, goals, instruction, and interaction. Every person is different, and those differences should be celebrated and embraced. Some students may have more specialized needs than others, but everyone deserves a chance to have music impact them. As a teacher, I focus on growing a love for music along with the technique early on. Combining scales and exercises with games to help younger kids stay engaged, or bringing in songs that the student chooses to help with motivation, I really prides myself on finding unique and different solutions to help each individual student.
I found a passion for music as a classically trained pianist of currently over a decade. Music has been a major part of my life ever since I can remember, and I am grateful for this opportunity for me to help provide the same experience for others! From playing violin in orchestra to playing percussion for the first time this year, I have had a variety of musical experiences. I am currently a pianist at my church, school jazz band, and an officer for my school’s music club.