We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Upright Bass, James Hunter, to share insights into his connection to the instrument and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, James reflects on what first drew him to the upright bass, how he creates an encouraging and organized studio environment, and the values he emphasizes in his lessons.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Bass Clarinet, Alexander Cha, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Alexander reflects on discovering the clarinet at a young age, his journey toward becoming a professional musician and educator, and the personalized, goal-oriented structure of his teaching studio.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Artist Development, Jenessa Castano, to share her perspective on guiding singers and musicians through the artistic journey. In this Q&A, Jenessa discusses her passion for helping artists discover their unique voice, build confidence, and develop a sustainable, individualized path in music.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Drawing, Anthony Galati, to share insights into his connection to art and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Anthony reflects on drawing as a lifelong practice and a powerful, cathartic creative outlet, as well as how his eclectic, art-filled studio supports exploration and focus.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Beatboxing, Paul Arnett, to share what first drew him to the art form and how he approaches teaching it today. In this Q&A, Paul reflects on discovering beatboxing through friends and early online influences, his decades-long journey of continual learning, and the calm, focused environment he creates for students.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Songwriting, Sean Shea, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Sean reflects on the profound impact that songs had on him during moments of personal reflection and how that inspired his own songwriting journey. He emphasizes creating an encouraging, hands-on studio environment where curiosity, playfulness, and process take priority over rigid outcomes.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Korean, Chiwon Chon, to share her approach to language teaching and student growth. In this Q&A, Chiwon discusses creating a thoughtful, student-centered learning environment rooted in structure, warmth, and flexibility.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Clarinet, Liz Ramirez, to share insights into her connection to music and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Liz reflects on discovering the clarinet by chance in junior high and immediately falling in love with the instrument.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Spanish, Carolina Amoruso, to share her perspective on learning and teaching one of the world’s most widely spoken languages. In this Q&A, Carolina highlights Spanish as a gateway to global communication, culture, and connection.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Gospel Piano & Mountain Dulcimer, Rhonda Clark, to share insights into her connection to music and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Rhonda reflects on her passion for piano as a foundational instrument, the accessibility and joy of the mountain dulcimer, and the rich, instrument-filled environment of her teaching studio.