We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Jazz Voice, Isabella Mendes, to share insights into her connection to singing and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Isabella reflects on the creative freedom that draws her to jazz voice, how she supports students with diverse musical interests, from the American Songbook to modern jazz, and the thoughtful structure of her in-person and online studio.
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 Accordion, Jason Fawks, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Jason reflects on discovering the accordion through a unique teaching opportunity and falling in love with its versatility across genres. He emphasizes enjoying the musical journey, synchronizing hands and bellows, and fostering creativity and curiosity in his students.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Harmonica, Federico Linari, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Federico reflects on the importance of patience in learning the harmonica, the value of enjoying the learning process, and creating lessons that spark curiosity and joy in making music.
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 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 Brazilian Portuguese, Monica Fischer, to share insights into her connection to the language and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Monica reflects on her passion for sharing Brazilian culture alongside language learning, and how she structures her virtual classroom to create a clear, goal-oriented, and engaging experience.
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 Russian, Helen M., to share insights into her background, teaching philosophy, and approach to helping students build real-world confidence in the language. In this Q&A, Helen reflects on growing up in a Russian-speaking region of Ukraine, discovering her passion for languages, and shaping a calm, student-centered online teaching studio.
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.
