All Instructors in Claudia's School of Music are highly educated, have extensive experience in their profession, and they are highly motivated and passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills with music students.
Mr. Taccati has enjoyed teaching and helping students of all ages for 25 years in achieving their goals in learning to play their instruments. He received his Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Music Education from Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. He has performed professionally with big bands including the Cavaliers in Columbus, Georgia and The Notables in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also founded and directed bands in both the business sector and in churches. A former band director in the public schools, he teaches many instruments including piano, guitar, including Classical style, flute, saxophone, clarinet and even banjo. For the past 20 years, Norman has enjoyed working one-on-one with the novice musician, giving them a solid foundation in instrumental technique and musical knowledge, as well as those who have some experience on their instruments and who are looking to advance. His goal for every student is to experience learning their instrument in an environment that is encouraging and rewarding. He uses various published methods depending upon the individual student’s needs and desires in playing their music. Mr. Norman stresses learning to read music notation so that every student can approach with confidence any piece of music that he or she would like to play. He enjoys helping students prepare for auditions such as All-State band, and to help students who are preparing for evaluations. With the proper dedication, Norman believes every student can enjoy making music in a short period of time, always improving along their musical journey.
Ms. Bickley studied classical piano from age 5 until age 21 at Springfield Conservatory in Springfield, MA. and with Dr. Carole Lee at Eastern CT State University for 4 years. She was first-chair clarinetist in High School Band and All Eastern Band. During her music education she received multiple scholarships for piano performance; John Phillips Sousa Award and Outstanding Music Award at Eastern CT State University. Beginning in 2004, Ms. Rivera began studies and performance of Steel Pan, mentoring with respected steel pannists from the Caribbean Islands and locally in Florida. Her journey led to her own full-time Music Performing and Publishing company in 2008 and successful recording and performing career. She has performed in Florida, Bahamas, Trinidad, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio and Michigan. In her recording career, she teams with Radio-station managers, promoters, world-renowned musicians, producers and engineers globally and has released 3 charted music albums and multiple singles. Her music is heard on over 100 radio stations in US, Canada, UK, Africa, Japan and other countries as well as National TV (The Weather Channel & Music Choice), Pandora, iHeart, Spotify and more. Ms. Bickley has performed in the international Panorama Semi-Finals under arranger Andy Narell in Trinidad. She is also the Music Orchestrator for Pro Comm Theatre in Spring Hill, FL with director and playwright Dr. Martha Velez. As a steel drum player and vocalist Ms. Bickley combines unique way to teach and have fun with her students.
Mr. Gabriel is a student in the USF School of Music, taking private lessons with guitar professor Erol Ozsever. He is focused on a music performance studies, major specializing in both classical guitar and popular music, and currently part of the USF guitar studio, as well as the Popular Music Ensemble. Teaching is also his passion and he hopes to continue to be an instructor as well as continue performing and writing music. He also has a previous experience in the Pasco High school marching band, where he played various percussion instruments, as well as a member of jazz band. His teaching skills include guitar, bass, ukulele.
Mr. Emory graduated with his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the University of South Florida where he received a Merit Award for Outstanding Percussionist in 2001 and served as graduate teaching assistant from 2005-2007 where he taught private lessons and directed the USF percussion ensemble. Mr. Emory serves the music community as both a performer and educator. His performance credits include live performances with Marie Osmond, Aretha Franklin, Mannheim Steamroller, Michael W Smith and Dennis DeYoung as well as serving as a substitute percussionist and timpanist with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. In summer of 2003, Emory toured and performed with the 7 time world champions, The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corp. As an educator, Mr. Emory has served as a front ensemble technician for various high school groups across the Tampa Bay area and the greater Houston area where he was also an Adjunct Professor of Music at San Jacinto College. Mr. Emory also has recording credits as a featured soloist with the McCormick Percussion Group under the Ravello Records label. He also teaches piano and music theory to students ages 5 and up.
Mr. Alex was born in Honduras as a son of a singer and he studied music from an early age. It wasn’t until he was 13, however, that he found his real passion: percussion. He further developed his passion and studied under percussion teacher Adalid Galvez at the music FRDZ Conservatory in Honduras. Upon graduation from the conservatory he started working with the Banda Surpemos Poderes of Honduras, a professional concert band, as well as the Philharmonic of Honduras. He also toured Central America while playing Latin Percussion in festivals such as Festival de Navidad, Costa Rica; Festival de Navidad y Año Nuevo, Guatemala; Festival de el Aniversario de la Capital de Managua, Nicaragua; Music Missions in Colombia, and Masterworks Festival in Indiana, US.
After six years of studying in Latin America, Mr. Alex decided to pursue studies in the United States at The University of Southern Mississippi with a bachelor's in classical and world percussion under the guidance of Dr. John Wooton. He is currently attending the University of South Florida, studying for a Master in Jazz studies with an emphasis on Drum set performance and holding a title of teaching assistant. He worked in different academies teaching congas, timbales ,bongo, samba percussion and afro-caribbean.
In 2016, Yi graduated from The School of Art of China Three Gorges University with first place in the university program of piano performance. During the four academic years, She participated in various competitions and won first prizes, including the provincial college professional group competition, municipal competition, and Hong Kong Golden Purple Golden Flower University Group Piano Competition. Participated in large-scale municipal performances, which were broadcast on CCTV, and was invited to accompaniment with these instruments like ErHu, Guzheng, Sheng, and other Chinese Musical Instruments, as well as piano accompaniment for vocal music concerts. Yi was also a graduate of piano performance at the University of South Florida in May of 2022. 2018-2021 Aug With Dr.Dharshini Tambiha.
Mr. Danny is a student at USF’s College of Arts and Sciences and is currently studying Integrative Biology and Theatre. His aspirations include furthering his scientific career by enrolling in medical school as well as a molecular biology master’s program. Mr. Danny began playing guitar at the age of 8 years old, first taught by his father, and further taught by retired Nashville session musician Joe Rhodes until the age of 13. Once enrolled in high school, Mr. Danny began playing guitar for the Pasco High jazz band, for his freshman and sophomore year before quitting to join the country and southern rock band, 17th street, in Dade City. While playing with 17th street, Mr. Danny assisted in teaching the introductory guitar class at Pasco high, as well as acting as a tutor for freshman biology and environmental sciences. Upon enrollment in USF, Mr. Danny quickly found multiple musicians to partner, perform, and write with, finding a permanent spot in one of the on-campus rock bands known as Hybris. He regularly performs with his band, works in laboratories, and teaches students at Claudia’s School of Music. Mr. Danny has fostered a love for teaching and utilizing any method he can think of, to help a student succeed and not only learn, but enjoy the study of music, regardless of the instrument. His teaching skills include Guitar, Bass, Ukulele and Piano.
Mr. Michael is a student at Hillsborough Community College who studies music under the music pathway program. Mr Michael is always pushing himself in his studies to become a better musician learning all he can about music. Mr Michael’s passion for music started in choir when he was a part of the Fmea All-state Men’s choir and as well as Fmea All-state Mixed Choir. Mr Michael as well received private piano lessons by his teacher Eli and quickly learned about jazz and improvisation with his background knowledge of Music theory. Mr Michael specializes in making music theory simple for students of all ages, and finds that he is able to adapt his teaching methods based on age, capabilities, and as well as requests. Mr Michael finds teaching very rewarding and loves to spread his passion for music with each one of his students and hopes to develop their endless love for music.
He is highly knowledgeable in musical theater and often prepares students for various auditions and talent shows.
Mr. Jazz is a voice and piano teacher from Puerto Rico. At the age of 16 he started his music career pretty soon after, he has been in many productions like Steven Sondheim's "Sunday in the park with George", "Sweeney Todd" and lin Manuel Miranda's "In the heights" and has also worked with local choirs and worked with composers like Joan Symko, Jake Runestad, among others. He's diverse in teaching very young children teenagers and adults, teaches piano, and combines a variety of methods to achieve successful learning experience. His warm and friendly personality is a great asset and always positive mindset attract students to have fun and learn in the same time.
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Phone: (813) 926-1188
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