Meet Our Instructors
Donato McDermott
Donato McDermott
Donato McDermott
(Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Voice, Violin, Ukulele, Production)
Donato McDermott has a background in playing music as well as teaching. Music is Donato’s life, which led him to be the founder of Evolution Music Conservatory. He has been involved in several successful bands (Legs on Sale, Royal Heist, Dondo and the Mothership). Donato is
(Guitar, Piano, Bass, Drums, Voice, Violin, Ukulele, Production)
Donato McDermott has a background in playing music as well as teaching. Music is Donato’s life, which led him to be the founder of Evolution Music Conservatory. He has been involved in several successful bands (Legs on Sale, Royal Heist, Dondo and the Mothership). Donato is a graduate of Musician's Institute, where he studied a multitude of instruments extensively. He has over 15 years experience instructing at professional music schools and loves teaching anyone with a desire to learn. Donato developed his own teaching curriculum which is implemented here at EMC. He teaches guitar, drums, piano, and bass to beginners up to professional levels as well as songwriting, recording, theory, harmony, sight-reading, and ear training.
Nick Bergere
Donato McDermott
Donato McDermott
(Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Violin, Cello, Ukulele, Production)
Nick has been performing and studying classical, jazz, contemporary electronic music and production since 2007. As he splits his time between educating and being an active part of the music industry both on and off stage, Nick will easily be able to help guide you to achieve
(Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Violin, Cello, Ukulele, Production)
Nick has been performing and studying classical, jazz, contemporary electronic music and production since 2007. As he splits his time between educating and being an active part of the music industry both on and off stage, Nick will easily be able to help guide you to achieve any musical goals you have. Whether it's picking up an instrument for the first time, carving out your own unique style, or just jamming just for the sake of jamming, he's got you covered. FSU, BA in Music.
Mitch Guzick
Donato McDermott
Hadassah Meneses
(Piano, Guitar, Music Production, Drums)
Mitch Guzick’s passion for music began at the age of 5 when his grandmother introduced him to the piano through lessons. In 2011, he discovered music production, which inspired him to hone his skills on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, bass, and guitar. With a degree in audio engineerin
(Piano, Guitar, Music Production, Drums)
Mitch Guzick’s passion for music began at the age of 5 when his grandmother introduced him to the piano through lessons. In 2011, he discovered music production, which inspired him to hone his skills on multiple instruments, including piano, drums, bass, and guitar. With a degree in audio engineering and seven years as a church music director, Mitch became proficient in gospel music and playing by ear, but his versatility extends beyond that. He can produce and teach a range of styles, making him an excellent instructor, especially for those who want to learn how to pick up an instrument and play what they hear.
Hadassah Meneses
Hadassah Meneses
Hadassah Meneses
(Voice, Piano, Choir Class, Music Theory)
Hadassah Meneses, studied Vocal Performance at ELAC and Biola University where she was named a winner of the Honors Concerto Competition. She was also a young artist in the Angels Vocal Art Young Artist Program and the Boston Wagner Institute. Hadassah has been part of choir festivals at USC and AC
(Voice, Piano, Choir Class, Music Theory)
Hadassah Meneses, studied Vocal Performance at ELAC and Biola University where she was named a winner of the Honors Concerto Competition. She was also a young artist in the Angels Vocal Art Young Artist Program and the Boston Wagner Institute. Hadassah has been part of choir festivals at USC and ACDA. Throughout the years, Hadassah has enjoyed teaching music to all ages and levels. As she teaches beginning piano and voice, she creates a safe space for students to be themselves and free to master their own unique sound.
Jondren Hwang
Hadassah Meneses
Jondren Hwang
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Voice, Production)
Jondren has been studying classical music since the age of four, heavily involved in the competitive circuit from a young age. He is an experienced violinist, later transitioning into modern music production while becoming a proficient multi-instrumentalist. An experien
(Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Bass, Piano, Drums, Voice, Production)
Jondren has been studying classical music since the age of four, heavily involved in the competitive circuit from a young age. He is an experienced violinist, later transitioning into modern music production while becoming a proficient multi-instrumentalist. An experienced and empathetic instructor, he is passionate about the learning and growth of his students as a whole, but believes the most important part of teaching is cultivating a love for music. Berklee College of Music, BA in Electronic Production and Design.
Will Chant
Hadassah Meneses
Jondren Hwang
(Guitar, Bass, Beginner Piano, Production)
Will Chant is a professional multi-instrumentalist with a passion for teaching new students (and entire families!) how to play guitar. He also enjoys teaching bass, piano, and production and is well versed in translating complex musical theories for students of all ages and abilities.
Luke Broadbent
Luke Broadbent
Luke Broadbent
(Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Beginner Piano)
A recent transplant to LA from Portland Oregon, Luke has been teaching at all levels for over 15 years with extensive experience in a multitude of genres including Rock, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul, and much more. Luke offers lessons on Guitar and Bass beginner to advanced, ukulele beginner to intermediate, and beginner keyboard.
Zach Nazar
Luke Broadbent
Luke Broadbent
(Drums, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Rock Band, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Flute, Voice)
Raised in the suburbs of Chicago Zach Nazar picked up the drum-set at age 8 and took weekly lessons for twelve years before moving to Boston in 2004 to attend Berklee College of Music where he took up World percussion as his primary instru
(Drums, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Rock Band, Violin, Cello, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Flute, Voice)
Raised in the suburbs of Chicago Zach Nazar picked up the drum-set at age 8 and took weekly lessons for twelve years before moving to Boston in 2004 to attend Berklee College of Music where he took up World percussion as his primary instrument. There he began finding a love for traditional music from around the globe. In 2013 Zach began teaching orchestral instruments with El Sistema through the Longy School of Music of Bard College’s Master of Arts and Teaching Program in Los Angeles. Since then, Zach has been teaching all instruments as the Music Director at the Muse school in Calabasas, Our Community Charter School, Guidance Charter High School, and Foothills Music Academy. Incorporating all of his previous experience into his teaching and curriculum, Zach has developed his own unique approach to education with an emphasis on fun! He is also teaching private lessons for all instruments, composing original music, performing, and is frequently called to “sit in” on recordings and performances of various styles. Through this experience, Zach has acquired a unique passion, perspective and ability to adapt his style, allowing him work with a vast range of individuals.
Ben Yasemsky
Luke Broadbent
Ben Yasemsky
(Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Voice, Studio Production, Rock Band, Violin, )
Education/Experience: 15+ years teaching, performing, and recording experience. Well versed in Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Classical, R&B/Soul, Funk, and Latin.
More information: I have been playing music since I was four years old. Over the course of the last 15 ye
(Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Voice, Studio Production, Rock Band, Violin, )
Education/Experience: 15+ years teaching, performing, and recording experience. Well versed in Blues, Rock, Jazz, Folk, Classical, R&B/Soul, Funk, and Latin.
More information: I have been playing music since I was four years old. Over the course of the last 15 years, I have played with several bands as well as written/composed music for many different artists and TV. During this time, I have also taught students of all ages, skill levels and abilities. It has always given me joy to me to share my love of music through teaching and it’s important to me that everyone has an opportunity to learn.
Elisa González
Dexter Matthews
Dexter Matthews
(Voice, Piano, Songwriting, Logic Pro X)
Elisa González is a Colombian singer/songwriter and performer based in Los Angeles, California. She is a professional vocalist with 8 years of music experience with a strong emphasis on lead/background singing, vocal technique and songwriting in contemporary styles. As a graduate from Musicians Ins
(Voice, Piano, Songwriting, Logic Pro X)
Elisa González is a Colombian singer/songwriter and performer based in Los Angeles, California. She is a professional vocalist with 8 years of music experience with a strong emphasis on lead/background singing, vocal technique and songwriting in contemporary styles. As a graduate from Musicians Institute (BM in Performance, AA in Vocal Performance, Independent Artist Certificate) she has been constantly involved in the LA music scene, working with world class musicians and studying under world class pop & jazz instructors, which has led her to be constantly performing with different bands in a variety of genres as well as leading her own personal projects, while also teaching students of all levels and helping them achieve their musical aspirations. As a working musician and music teacher, Elisa believes in cultivating a space where students can feel safe to explore, be creative and enjoy the process of finding their own musical abilities. Elisa teaches beginner to advanced voice and beginner to intermediate piano as well as songwriting, recording, music theory, ear training, sight-reading and music notation.
Dexter Matthews
Dexter Matthews
Dexter Matthews
(Bass and Piano)
Dexter Matthews is a bass guitarist previously with Glendale's beloved band Mt. Pool and is currently finishing his collegiate music education. He teaches bass guitar and beginner piano with a unique proficiency to meet students where they're at while guiding them into a greater musical understanding through his friendly, encouraging, and knowledgable demeanor.
Hunter Lupien
Dexter Matthews
Hunter Lupien
(Guitar, Bass, Beg-Int Drums, Ukulele, Beginner-Int Piano, Ableton, and Protools)
Hunter Lupien is a multi-instrumentalist currently finishing his degree in music. He excels in working with children of all ages and enjoys introducing new musical concepts and methods in an encouraging, relaxed style.