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 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 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 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 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 Classical Composition, Antonio Gervasoni, to share insights into his connection to music and his approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Antonio reflects on composition as a deeply personal passion, his focused and minimalist teaching setup, and his belief that composition is accessible to anyone with the right skills, not just a select few.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Ear Training, Jessica Viner, to share why this often-overlooked skill plays such a vital role in musical growth. In this Q&A, Jessica discusses ear training as the foundation for strong singing, songwriting, and composing, and reflects on her commitment to building confidence and keeping learning enjoyable.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Classical Voice & Opera, Denise Bayraktar, to share what draws her to this art form and how she supports singers at every stage of their journey. In this Q&A, Denise discusses the expressive power of the human voice, her highly individualized and goal-oriented teaching approach, and the importance of body awareness as the foundation of healthy, expressive singing.
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.
