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.

(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, Theory, Piano, Guitar)

Devin Matthews is a professional drummer, singer/songwriter, distinguished teacher, and multi-instrumentalist with a love for all music and instruments. Known for his work with Mt. Pool, he has played countless shows both with and without the band in various jazz bands and combo groups. He studied under Jeffery DeSeriere and Tyler McGeough at California School of the Arts until 2020. Along side his work at school, he has spent time under many world class private instructors, including drummers Dave Tull and Gabriel Grinta. His love for music goes far beyond playing and listening, as he has been teaching since middle school and has always had a love for working with and getting to know new people. No matter your age or experience, Devin will inspire and encourage you to pursue and exceed your musical goals, all while consistently bringing a smile to your face! 

Elisa Gonzalez

(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.

Lilit (Lily) Baghdasaryan 

(Voice, Piano)

Lilit (Lily) Baghdasaryan was born in Yerevan, Armenia. She started her piano and singing career at the age of eight. She graduated from T. Chuxajyan Music School in Armenia. Later she received her Bachelor's Degree from R. Melikyan Music College in Vocal and Piano Performance. She performed as a featured artist at "Alex Theater" several times. From 2008 to 2016 she was part of an Armenian Apostolic church choir.

Her first music video was released in 2010 and she's well known pop singer and a pianist in Armenian art. In 2016 she received her degree in Associate of Arts from Los Angeles City College, majoring in Music. In May 2015, she received an "Outstanding Achievement Award" in Voice Performance. At the same time she received a Robert E. Wilkinson Memorial Scholarship Award from Los Angeles City College.

In December 2015, she received a Commercial Music Skills Certificate as Vocal Performer and Instrumental Performer/Piano. She is currently studying in CSULA majoring in Music to retrieve her Master's degree. She has been teaching Vocal and Piano since 2008.