About Us

About my Studio

My Background

I have a Bachelor's Degree in music from Florida Southern College and over 25 years of teaching experience. I am a third generation Matthay student with training in highly skilled techniques that can help you become an artist at the piano. I am an avid performer with both my church choir and in the Volusia Community Symphony. As an instructor, advancing my own performing skills is key to being a good teacher.

Sharing my Passion

I am a strong believer that everyone should be able to have a life of music. That's why I studied to became a teacher. Whether you're a just a beginner or an advanced student needing guidance, let's explore music together.

My Classes

I offer both group and private lessons, both in-person and virtual. I work with each student to develop a personalized plan for lessons including theory, technique, improv, and performance.

My Students

I work with students of all ages and levels, from preschool to adult. I teach beginners as well as advanced pianists and can prepare students for college auditions. I also work with many students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, processing disorders, and autism. I am also a provider for the Gardiner scholarship.

Our Teachers

Sharla Mercado

Sharla provides superior piano lessons for students at the studio. Sharla has a BM in piano performance from Stetson and a MM from Conservatory at UMKC. She has a minor in voice and organ from Stetson. Sharla has served as an officer for the Volusia County Music Teachers Association for many years and takes an active role in performing throughout the community.

Joe Gilabert

Joe is our awesome guitar instructor. Joe is a graduate of both Musicians Institute and of Berkeley College of Music. He has been a guitar teacher and performer for many years. He will be bringing classical theory and technique as well as popular repertoire to every student!

Evan Hernandez

Evan is our resident violin instructor. She is a recent Stetson graduate and performs actively with Volusia Community Arts in both their symphony orchestra and the Jazz ensemble. Evan brings lots of enthusiasm and compassion to every lessons and has a great time working with every student.

Iris Lancaster

Mrs. Iris is an exciting addition to our teaching staff and will be teaching piano. Iris is a degreed instructor with a Bachelors Degree in secondary education with a music education focus from Crown College in Tennessee. She has taught music for over 10 years. She has been an accompanist since she was in middle school, accompanying choirs, soloists, and ensembles.

Sims Kline

Sims Kline, an Orlando native, has extensive experience playing the piano in restaurants, retirement centers, churches, and other venues in Volusia county. He studied piano with Iris Daniel Engel and Don Sellers and has performed frequently with jazz bands and vocalists. Sims coaches students on basic methods of playing popular songs, emphasizing the chord approach and improvisation. He served as Reference Librarian and Director of the Stetson University Library.

Hannah Bochette

Hannah recently moved to DeLand from Aiken, South Carolina, and she is currently attending Stetson University for violin performance. She was concertmaster of the Aiken Youth Orchestra and spent a lot of time helping beginner violinists improve both their technique and their love for the instrument. Hannah adores working with learners of all ages and she fosters a passion for music in every student!

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