Music Teachers that Combine Passion and Progress

Bryce graduated from SMU with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and obtained his certification from TEA. Bryce has a wide array of music experience from playing in full orchestras to teaching privately. Since graduating in 2017, he has been teaching with Zera Music Company, started to grow in record production, and perform with local bands. He also works as a substitute teacher with Plano ISD & Richardson ISD.

Stephanie has been with us since the summer of 2019. Music is an integral part of her life and nothing makes her happier than to share her love and passion with eager students. She received her B.A. in Music Performance from Lubbock Christian University, and has been using her degree to teach privately and publicly since 1991. She is currently the Choir Director at Lake Dallas Middle School and is celebrating her 20th year teaching music with Lake Dallas ISD. She has two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter who are also musically inclined!

Caden is a talented, hardworking musician from Houston Texas that has been with us since March of 2020. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2017 with a Degree in Music Business with emphasis in Songwriting and Worship Leadership. Caden started learning the guitar in 2007 and also has 10 years of piano experience. With this experience, he also hasn’t shied away from applying these skills to a plethora of other instruments. Caden is a singer/songwriter, releasing music under the name Water & Bone. He has a passion for music and people, in hopes of spreading his love and understanding of the language of music.

Kyle is a percussionist, pianist, bandleader, and dedicated instructor from Santa Barbara, California with experience in every genre from jazz to metal. He began studying drums and learning the language of music in 2008, and since then has been part of bands, drumlines, and orchestras as a percussionist. In 2010, Kyle began studying piano and developing his skills further as a musician. Currently, he is a Drum Set Performance student in his second year at the University of North Texas and has been with us at ZMC since May 2021. Outside of music he enjoys exercise and spending time with his family. He is dedicated to helping others improve their musicianship and increase their love for the art of music.

Harli is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas in Denton with a career goal of being a professional opera singer. In high school, she began her pursuits of piano and voice, and qualified for the Texas All-State Choir two years in a row. Harli has been with us since April 2022 and her teaching technique centers around creating strong music readers with impressive problem solving strategies.

Minnesota native, Jacob has his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Jackson State University and has been teaching with us since August 2022. Throughout college, Jacob was a member of the “Sonic Boom of The South” Marching Band where he was a saxophone section leader for three years and was awarded 2nd and 1st prizes in the James E. Hefner HBCU Piano Competition held at Tennessee State University in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Upon graduation, Jacob moved back home to St. Paul, MN to work as the Assistant Music Director at his home church, and was soon promoted to the Minister of Music. Throughout his time in St. Paul, Jacob had the privilege of working with the Minnesota State Baptist Convention Choir, and also collaborating with an eclectic background of artists such as Stokley, Dottie Peoples, “The Voice’s” Jesse Larson, and Kierra Sheard, to name a few.

Angie B has taught students at all skill levels and ages for over 35 years. Her musical journey started in high school when learning piano, and in 2001, she picked up an acoustic guitar and hasn’t put it down since. Angie loves serving at her church where she helps write worship songs and plays acoustic and electric guitar as well as mandolin. Music is her passion, and in her spare time, she enjoys learning as many classic rock songs as possible, and attending her grandson’s t-ball and soccer games.

FUN FACTS: Angie loves eating out at J. Macklin’s Grill, Ole’s, Tex Mex, Anamia’s and Salt Grass Steakhouse, and her favorite snacks include Sun Chips, Spicy Trail Mix, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and Paydays.

Caleb is a multi-instrumentalist from southern California. He is currently pursuing a Masters of Music in Worship Leadership and also works as the Music Director at his church in Fort Worth. He began his musical journey at the age of 7 when he started learning classical piano, and expanded his expertise when he started leading worship at church. Since then, he has continued to refine his musicianship in studying guitar, bass and voice. Throughout his journey, Caleb has played in churches across the nation and for a brief period led a church worship team in Frankfurt, Germany. He is dedicated to sharing his passion for music with his students and hopes to equip them to love music for a lifetime. Aside from his love for music, Caleb enjoys cooking homemade tomato sauce, going out to sushi with his fiancée, and snacking on sour patch kids while watching Spiderman.

Riley is a passionate music educator from Mississippi who loves to help students achieve their personal musical goals. He and his wife Katie come to the DFW area from the Houston area where he worked as a middle school choir director in La Porte ISD. Riley earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from the University of Mississippi where he gained a wealth of vocal knowledge and experience studying under multiple award-winning and nationally recognized professors and conductors. Riley is thrilled to work with aspiring musicians and help them grow in both their musical abilities and their passion for music!

Peyton is a committed musician currently undertaking a Bachelor’s degree in Piano at the University of North Texas. His musical journey began at the age of 14 when he discovered a profound passion for music within various forms of media, including video games and movies. Motivated by this newfound love, he promptly transitioned into formal lessons, focusing on classical piano. In high school, Peyton not only excelled in piano but also showcased his musical versatility by actively playing the guitar and drums. Looking ahead, Peyton aspires to leverage his acquired skills and knowledge upon obtaining his degree by dedicating himself to full-time teaching and composing for media. Fun Facts: Peyton loves fishing, traveling, and cooking, and his first piano song was from “The Legend of Zelda”!

Coleton Harris is a musician based in Frisco, Texas. His love for music started at an early age, beginning with piano in 2006, and eventually moving towards a variety of other instruments. Coleton has a passion for teaching and pouring into the next generation, with a focus of making things fun/engaging. He is excited to partner with Zera Music Co. and their mission to make it easy for young musicians to grow in their unique gifts and callings for music.

Luke is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from Brookings, South Dakota. He spent much of his younger years exploring choral music and musical theatre, but has since found a profound love for jazz, which he performs with his quartet around the DFW area. Luke is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, and continues to explore all sorts of contemporary musical genres. In his free time, he is very passionate about nature, philosophy and history. Luke’s ideal evening involves a relaxing novel, chocolate, and some soothing tea!

Josh is a multi-instrumentalist performer and composer originally from Portland, Oregon who recently graduated from the UNT College of Music with a degree in Jazz Studies. He has been performing professionally in the DFW area since 2018 and has experience in many musical styles on multiple instruments. Josh was a member of the Oregon All State Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band for multiple years as well as lead trombone in the All Northwest Jazz Band in 2019. He specializes in brass, piano, and guitars but will rise to any occasion to share his joy of music with his students.

Justin is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance at the University of North Texas. He holds both a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree from West Texas A&M University. Justin has participated in numerous opera productions, including The Pirates of Penzance, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Postcards from Morocco. He is also passionate about musical theater, having performed in A Little Night Music and the outdoor musical TEXAS! located in Palo Duro Canyon. Additionally, he has been a featured soloist with the Amarillo Symphony. As a performer, Justin recognizes the confidence that learning music can instill, which positively impacts all areas of life. Outside of his musical pursuits, Justin enjoys cooking, spending quality time with family, and crocheting.

Brent started formally learning music at the ripe age of 8. After playing in local bands and teaching music throughout high school & college, Brent spent over a decade as a professional recording and international touring musician, releasing several top charting albums and playing in front of hundreds of thousands of music fans worldwide. Following his time in the professional Music Industry, Brent embarked on his music teaching journey. With his extensive knowledge of Drums, Guitar, Bass, and Music Theory, and strong foundation in Piano & Keyboards, Brent seeks to enhance and broaden the music skills and talents of students of all ages and backgrounds, which continues to be his driving passion.

Rocio has been a music educator and professional singer for over 15 years. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from UTEP and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Florida. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music Education from Liberty University, and teaches choir and modern band classes at T.A. Howard Middle School in Mansfield ISD. Rocio’s commitment to her students is evident in their remarkable achievements. Her choirs have graced the stages of prestigious events like the TMEA and TCDA conventions. Her students consistently excel in local and national competitions, earning well-deserved recognition for their talent and dedication. Beyond the classroom, Rocio’s passion for music shines through her involvement with the Dallas Symphony Chorus and her role as a worship member at Crossroads Christian Church. She actively shares her love of music with her family, inspiring her children to pursue their musical journeys. Rocio’s dedication, expertise, and inspiring spirit make her an invaluable asset to the music education community, and she empowers her students to reach their full potential, fostering a lifelong love of music and setting them on a path of artistic excellence.

Originally from Mississippi, John moved to the Dallas area to pursue a doctorate at the University of North Texas. His music teaching career began in 1994, and he has experience working with students of all ages. John has served as an adjudicator at various district and region auditions, as well as solo and ensemble festivals in the DFW area. He also served as percussion coordinator for the Dallas Winds Invitational Festival for many years and percussion coordinator for Texas All-Region bands. John’s articles have been published in The Instrumentalist and Newslink (an MENC publication), and many of his sheet music publications are on state lists, such as the Prescribed Music List in Texas, and state lists in Florida and Missouri. John’s performance experience is quite diverse, ranging from wind band literature to jazz and Caribbean music, with professional performances including the Lone Star Wind Orchestra and a performance at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention with the University of North Texas Advanced Steel Band.