Meet Our Instructors

(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. 

(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.

(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.

(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. 

(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. 

(Piano, Voice, Music Theory, Music Production)

 Hey everyone! 

 I’ve been playing piano since my dad brought home a Casio keyboard when I was 8 years old. By the time I was 12 I was in love and dived into the world of music, quickly picking up skills in drums, concert percussion, and choral/solo singing, a lot of which was funneled by my different schools. I now want to share my knowledge of different music expertises with anyone who’s looking to learn! I’ve taught private lessons since high school and was then brought on to help teach my high schools piano class for a couple years. I tend to teach with an enthusiastic, outgoing, and compassionate personality to ultimately teach you or your kid the lovely and valuable skill of knowing how to make and play music. I very much look forward to meeting you! 

(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. 

(Drums, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Studio Production, Rock Band, )

Starting his professional drumming career at the age of 16, Joey Marcello has performed for a wide array of ensembles, musicals, studio sessions, and bands. Growing up in a small town from upstate New York, Joey taught himself how to play drums, bass, guitar, and piano from a young age, frequently writing and recording his own songs and burning them onto CD’s with his hand-me-down Tascam portastudio. 

Following his love for songwriting and performance, Joey studied at Berklee College of Music where he performed with high achieving ensembles such as Tia Fuller's Rainbow All Stars Jazz Ensemble and boston-based pop group “BLUSH”. He has also released over fifty independent studio records since 2020 covering a variety of genres. Now based in LA, Joey performs frequently with indie rock band "Membership" and enjoys making music with everyone he meets.

(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.

(Drums, Piano, Ukulele, Guitar, Bass)

Matt Tucci is a professional drummer currently playing in multiple local and successful bands. His background is in audio engineering and music studies and loves to teach children of all ages how to play the drums, piano, ukulele, guitar, and bass. A true multi-instrumentalist, Matt is able to help students transition from any instrument they choose and will often utilize differing instruments to hone complex musical concepts.