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Richard Elkins - Drum teacher, Vocal Teacher, Producer and Song Writer

Rich has been playing drums and singing since before he was 5 years old and believes first in serving and loving all people of all backgrounds. He first started drumming on pots and pans and would sing with friends and family as his dad's quartet practiced vocal parts. Now Richard is co-writing soundtrack songs for films with the Timothy Lewis band which has now been recognized for having written the title track for a multiple award winning documentary film. "A Voice for Life", in 2011. Richard is also working, co-writing and performing songs for causes and charities gaining awareness for these causes and launching his songs into international websites and events. Throughout his tours in and out of the US, Richard has always mentored new musicians and enjoys sharing new projects, live performances, recordings, and writing down new ideas with his students. Rich's students get a front row seat in music, entertainment and songwriting as they learn new things together while standing on the fundamentals of proper technique, practice, preparation and professionalism. Richard's active work in the entertainment business is often sparked by reinforcing drumming and vocal techniques and sharing tricks of the trade with students. The student-teacher collaborations improve skills and make for a fun professional attitude, which has been the trademark of Richard's and his student's spot-on rocking performances. 

Lowell Lawson - Flute Teacher, Beginning Guitar Teacher

Lowell Lawson is a graduate from the Manhattan School of Music. He's traveled around the world and has performed in such prestigious locations as the Marriot, Grand Bohemian, and Universal Royal Pacific Hotels. Also performing at Disney, Sea World, Rollins College Bach Festival, and has sung in the Orlando Opera. Lowell is a composer, flutist, and a vocalist, and can put together any ensemble of musicians for most occasions.

Jimmy Gilliam - Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass Teacher

Jimmy Gilliam, Jr. has well over 12 years of teaching experience and provides instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass.  Over the years, he has taught privately in St. Lucie, Brevard, Seminole, Orange, and Volusia Counties.  A graduate of Stetson University in Deland, FL, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, Mr. Gilliam has served as guest clinician and director for various music programs in Orlando and across the state of Florida.  He is currently the Director of Orchestras at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando and has helped to train many of the areas young and talented musicians.  Mr. Gilliam is a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the Florida Music Educator’s Association (FMEA), the Florida Orchestra Association (FOA), and an alumni member of the Xi Nu Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a national music fraternity.

Ann Thorsen - Piano Teacher

Ann Thorsen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Viterbo University with specialty in performance and teaching. As an educator, Thorsen has been teaching piano for 13 years. She began teaching at the Keys Music Conservatory in LaCrosse Wisconsin, and was the pianist for her Church orchestra for 6 years. While in Florida, Ann taught at the Master class Academy, Act 3 acting studio, and Music and More. She has played for Broadway productions, Craig Turley Orchestras, and artists such as Connie Francis, and Michael Amante. She is part of many Disney and Universal openings and music events, and has played for many hotels such as the Ritz Carlton. In 2009 Thorsen won the young artist award for the state of Florida, and continues to use her experience through teaching. Ann is also a member of the Florida Federation of music clubs, the National Guild of Piano Teachers, and the Carnegie Hall Royal Conservatory.

Joanne Pepitone - Vocal Teacher, Piano Teacher

Joanne Pepitone has spent her whole life in music. She was raised by two professional singers who took her on gigs as a young child. She plays piano and has taught piano and vocal coached many who are now signed to Major Labels and last year she produced and co-wrote a Number 1 hit: “You Touched My Heart?” by Imarri/ the Unanimous Project which was up for the MP3 award in the UK. Love Will Never Die by Alura is featured on the B Cat Network. She does all the tracking and playing of the tracks in her studio. She loves working with young singers and writers in her studio. Joanne is a talent developer, and her production company is Galaxy Orlando Production (G.O. Productions). She is now working with Wright Stuff and Donna Wright taking the young artist to the world.

Stephanie Copeland - Voice Teacher

Stephanie Copeland, a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a B.A. in Vocal Performance, has been deeply involved in voice instruction for the past 18 years.  She has served as a consultant, clinician, and vocalist around the world.  She has sung professionally with Maranatha! Music, Opera Pacific, and Disney, along with being an accomplished studio session singer.  In addition to her music director position at Winter Haven Christian Church, Stephanie also serves as an Instructor of Voice at Florida Christian College.  She has been married for 17 years to her husband, Jon, who also serves at Florida Christian College as the Head Baseball Coach.  Stephanie and Jon, along with their two children, JD (12) and Sydney (10), reside in Hunters Creek.

Antonio Brett - Piano

    Antonio Brett was born and raised in Cuba, and started learning music in his early teens, the piano in particular. Antonio's love for music took him to study everything in music and after several years he graduated with a Masters degree in Piano Performance.

    Antonio worked as theory instructor in the Habana Conservatory and later as piano instructor. He gave piano recitals at different venues like the Habana University, the National Library, etc. Antonio has also worked at the National Concert Agency, the Superior Institute of Arts, and at the same time has composed and done music arrangements for the Cuban radio and TV ensembles.
    In 1994, Antonio came to the USA and since then has taught at the University of Central Florida, Valencia Community College, Music N More, as well as performed at Disney's Grand Floridian Hotel as part time piano soloist and other venues.
    In Cuba, Antonio was honored an award by the National Guild of Writers and Artists and in USA by the American Society of Composers and Publishers, the ASCAP.
    In recent years, He's been composing, most of the time on requests of fellow performers. This last semester, The Valencia Singers premiered a choral work of his titled “I’ve Known Rivers”, based on the famous poem by Langston Hughes.