A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, Maris holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with a minor in violin and piano. She has performed as a soprano, violinist, pianist, and keyboardist across churches, concert halls, and major events, including for Pope Francis. A multi-instrumentalist proficient in over 25 instruments, she has taught music since age 18, covering voice, violin, piano, and theory. She joined Family Music in 2019 and continues to inspire students through her diverse background in performance and education.
Maris Camana
Piano & Strings
A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, Maris holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance with a minor in violin and piano. She has performed as a soprano, violinist, pianist, and keyboardist across churches, concert halls, and major events, including for Pope Francis. A multi-instrumentalist proficient in over 25 instruments, she has taught music since age 18, covering voice, violin, piano, and theory. She joined Family Music in 2019 and continues to inspire students through her diverse background in performance and education.
Eric Zellner is a Las Vegas native who began playing trumpet in middle and high school band, later adding piano and guitar to his repertoire. After performing with local rock bands, he went on to study jazz at UNLV, where he developed strong piano technique and a solid foundation in classical and jazz theory. Eric has performed with jazz big bands and in Legends as part of an Elvis tribute. He also works as a producer and recording engineer. Eric has been teaching privately since 2020, specializing in piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Eric Zellner
Guitar & Piano
Eric Zellner is a Las Vegas native who began playing trumpet in middle and high school band, later adding piano and guitar to his repertoire. After performing with local rock bands, he went on to study jazz at UNLV, where he developed strong piano technique and a solid foundation in classical and jazz theory. Eric has performed with jazz big bands and in Legends as part of an Elvis tribute. He also works as a producer and recording engineer. Eric has been teaching privately since 2020, specializing in piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Gina Eckstine is a Las Vegas–based vocalist whose career began at age 7, performing alongside her father, legendary jazz singer Billy Eckstine. As a teen, she studied voice at Ira Lee’s Studio, Phil Moore’s Workshop, and the Dick Grove School of Music. After three years touring with The Billy Eckstine Show, Gina launched her solo career at the La Costa Resort Hotel, eventually relocating to Las Vegas. She has since performed in major venues across Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, and opened for artists such as Brad Garrett at the Mirage Hotel.
Gina Eckstine
Voice
Gina Eckstine is a Las Vegas–based vocalist whose career began at age 7, performing alongside her father, legendary jazz singer Billy Eckstine. As a teen, she studied voice at Ira Lee’s Studio, Phil Moore’s Workshop, and the Dick Grove School of Music. After three years touring with The Billy Eckstine Show, Gina launched her solo career at the La Costa Resort Hotel, eventually relocating to Las Vegas. She has since performed in major venues across Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, and opened for artists such as Brad Garrett at the Mirage Hotel.
Giselle Rodríguez Montenegro is a Cuban musician, composer, and educator with over 20 years of international experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of the Arts in Cuba and is a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), specializing in inclusive music education. Giselle spent 12 years directing the Cuban band Alma en Clave, blending jazz, Latin, and Afro-Cuban styles. She has performed across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and now teaches piano, guitar, and ukulele with a compassionate, creative approach that supports learners of all abilities.
Giselle Montengro
Piano & Guitar
Giselle Rodríguez Montenegro is a Cuban musician, composer, and educator with over 20 years of international experience. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from the University of the Arts in Cuba and is a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), specializing in inclusive music education. Giselle spent 12 years directing the Cuban band Alma en Clave, blending jazz, Latin, and Afro-Cuban styles. She has performed across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and now teaches piano, guitar, and ukulele with a compassionate, creative approach that supports learners of all abilities.
Brooke Herndon is a composer, pianist, and educator who teaches piano and composition. A graduate of UNLV in Music Composition, her work blends classical roots with experimental sound and narrative. Her music has been performed across the country by ensembles including the UNLV Symphony Orchestra and TaiHei Ensemble. She has scored several films, earning “Best Score” for Oh, The Guilt. In addition to her solo work, Brooke enjoys collaborating with musicians, filmmakers, poets, and artists across a variety of creative disciplines.
Brook Herndon
Piano
Brooke Herndon is a composer, pianist, and educator who teaches piano and composition. A graduate of UNLV in Music Composition, her work blends classical roots with experimental sound and narrative. Her music has been performed across the country by ensembles including the UNLV Symphony Orchestra and TaiHei Ensemble. She has scored several films, earning “Best Score” for Oh, The Guilt. In addition to her solo work, Brooke enjoys collaborating with musicians, filmmakers, poets, and artists across a variety of creative disciplines.
Michael New is a musician, educator, and author based in Summerlin, NV. He has been teaching privately since 2004 and joined the faculty at Family Music in 2011, where he now serves as Education Director. Michael studied classical guitar at Kennesaw State University and later pursued graduate work at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He teaches guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele, and brings over two decades of performance experience. He performs in jazz and classical settings and remains active in Nevada’s music community.
Michael New
Piano & Guitar
Michael New is a musician, educator, and author based in Summerlin, NV. He has been teaching privately since 2004 and joined the faculty at Family Music in 2011, where he now serves as Education Director. Michael studied classical guitar at Kennesaw State University and later pursued graduate work at The University of Texas at San Antonio. He teaches guitar, bass, piano, and ukulele, and brings over two decades of performance experience. He performs in jazz and classical settings and remains active in Nevada’s music community.
Tim Warren is a conductor and director based in Las Vegas, leading Vegas City Opera, the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra, NEXTET, and the Southern Nevada Chamber Orchestra. He teaches at UNLV, CSN, and Palo Verde High School, and has directed over 300 productions. A clinician and adjudicator nationwide, Warren champions new music and education, presenting on topics from acting in music to sensory-friendly concerts. His guest work spans the U.S. and abroad. He holds degrees from NEC and Roberts Wesleyan, and is a DMA candidate at UNLV.
Tim Warren
Brass, Woodwinds, Viola & Cello
Tim Warren is a conductor and director based in Las Vegas, leading Vegas City Opera, the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra, NEXTET, and the Southern Nevada Chamber Orchestra. He teaches at UNLV, CSN, and Palo Verde High School, and has directed over 300 productions. A clinician and adjudicator nationwide, Warren champions new music and education, presenting on topics from acting in music to sensory-friendly concerts. His guest work spans the U.S. and abroad. He holds degrees from NEC and Roberts Wesleyan, and is a DMA candidate at UNLV.
Ms. Lindsey Live has been singing and playing piano for over 20 years, and teaching professionally for more than a decade. She is the founder of The Breakfast Piano Project, a nonprofit supporting family-friendly live music entertainment. Lindsey performs regularly as a singing bartender at Don’t Tell Mama Fremont and works behind the scenes with shows like Tape Face and Lucy Darling. Her passion lies in helping students develop piano, voice, and light-hearted comedy skills—all in the service of expressing self-directed authenticity through joyful, creative exploration.
LINDSEY GALLAGHER
Piano & Voice
Ms. Lindsey Live has been singing and playing piano for over 20 years, and teaching professionally for more than a decade. She is the founder of The Breakfast Piano Project, a nonprofit supporting family-friendly live music entertainment. Lindsey performs regularly as a singing bartender at Don’t Tell Mama Fremont and works behind the scenes with shows like Tape Face and Lucy Darling. Her passion lies in helping students develop piano, voice, and light-hearted comedy skills—all in the service of expressing self-directed authenticity through joyful, creative exploration.
Cosmo Watts began playing ukulele at age 3 and guitar by age 6. He studied with jazz legends including Jimmy Wyble, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, and Laurindo Almeida. By age 15 he was performing in rock bands and leading a jazz trio, later appearing on TV with Pat Boone. From 1967–1979, he toured and recorded with several L.A. bands. He’s worked as a studio tech with artists like Ringo Starr, Edgar Winter, and Joe Walsh. Cosmo teaches guitar, bass, banjo, and keys, and has taught at Family Music since 2019.
Cosmo Watts
Guitar & Bass
Cosmo Watts began playing ukulele at age 3 and guitar by age 6. He studied with jazz legends including Jimmy Wyble, Herb Ellis, Tal Farlow, and Laurindo Almeida. By age 15 he was performing in rock bands and leading a jazz trio, later appearing on TV with Pat Boone. From 1967–1979, he toured and recorded with several L.A. bands. He’s worked as a studio tech with artists like Ringo Starr, Edgar Winter, and Joe Walsh. Cosmo teaches guitar, bass, banjo, and keys, and has taught at Family Music since 2019.
Denise Chividian, violinist, holds BA and MA degrees in violin performance from the Music Conservatory of Bucharest, Romania. She has performed with the Greenwich, New Haven, and Bridgeport Symphonies, and has toured internationally in Italy and Germany, as well as with the Israel Pops under Columbia Artists management. Denise is a former faculty member at Fairfield University and continues to bring her extensive performance and teaching experience to her students.
DENISE CHIVIDIAN
Violin & Viola
Denise Chividian, violinist, holds BA and MA degrees in violin performance from the Music Conservatory of Bucharest, Romania. She has performed with the Greenwich, New Haven, and Bridgeport Symphonies, and has toured internationally in Italy and Germany, as well as with the Israel Pops under Columbia Artists management. Denise is a former faculty member at Fairfield University and continues to bring her extensive performance and teaching experience to her students.
Deven Balding is a music educator specializing in guitar, bass, ukulele, composition, and music theory. A dynamic teacher, he customizes each lesson to meet the individual needs and goals of his students. With over a decade of experience as a performing and recording artist, Deven brings real-world insight into every lesson. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the renowned Berklee College of Music and is passionate about helping students grow and develop their unique musical voice.
DEVIN BALDING
Piano
Deven Balding is a music educator specializing in guitar, bass, ukulele, composition, and music theory. A dynamic teacher, he customizes each lesson to meet the individual needs and goals of his students. With over a decade of experience as a performing and recording artist, Deven brings real-world insight into every lesson. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the renowned Berklee College of Music and is passionate about helping students grow and develop their unique musical voice.
Lauren Sofka holds degrees in Flute Performance from the University of Houston (M.M.) and UT Austin (B.M.), studying with Aralee Dorough and Marianne Gedigian. She has performed with ensembles like the Moores School Symphony, AURA Contemporary Ensemble, and the UN Choir. A prizewinner in multiple competitions, Lauren brings over 15 years of teaching experience, working with flutists of all ages through private lessons and masterclasses in Austin, Houston, and Las Vegas. She is known for her supportive, personalized approach to helping each student grow.
LAUREN SOFKA
Flute
Lauren Sofka holds degrees in Flute Performance from the University of Houston (M.M.) and UT Austin (B.M.), studying with Aralee Dorough and Marianne Gedigian. She has performed with ensembles like the Moores School Symphony, AURA Contemporary Ensemble, and the UN Choir. A prizewinner in multiple competitions, Lauren brings over 15 years of teaching experience, working with flutists of all ages through private lessons and masterclasses in Austin, Houston, and Las Vegas. She is known for her supportive, personalized approach to helping each student grow.
Elena Rivard has been teaching piano for over 30 years and has been on faculty at Family Music Centers since 2007. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy of Individual Piano from the Belgorod School of Music. Elena has taught in Germany, Russia, and across the United States, and has frequently performed with the Boys’ Youth Choir. Her teaching approach focuses on building strong, lasting piano skills that students will retain and enjoy for years to come.
ELENA RIVARD
Piano
Elena Rivard has been teaching piano for over 30 years and has been on faculty at Family Music Centers since 2007. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy of Individual Piano from the Belgorod School of Music. Elena has taught in Germany, Russia, and across the United States, and has frequently performed with the Boys’ Youth Choir. Her teaching approach focuses on building strong, lasting piano skills that students will retain and enjoy for years to come.
Cathleen Borns has been teaching piano and guitar since 2003, offering students of all ages a positive and enriching music education. She believes music instruction is a powerful tool for personal growth, creativity, and lifelong fulfillment. Cathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Biola University, where she enjoyed performing in a variety of ensembles. She joined the teaching staff at Family Music Center in 2011 and continues to inspire students through thoughtful and engaging instruction.
CATHLEEN BORNS
Piano
Cathleen Borns has been teaching piano and guitar since 2003, offering students of all ages a positive and enriching music education. She believes music instruction is a powerful tool for personal growth, creativity, and lifelong fulfillment. Cathleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Biola University, where she enjoyed performing in a variety of ensembles. She joined the teaching staff at Family Music Center in 2011 and continues to inspire students through thoughtful and engaging instruction.
Conrad hails from Geneva, New York, and earned a Certificate of Musical Performance under Alan Dawson at Berklee College of Music. He continued graduate studies at CMF Studios in Woodstock while performing across New York and the East Coast. His career includes stints with Carnival Cruise Lines, the Red Foxx Show in Las Vegas, and tours with The Platters throughout Asia. Now based in Las Vegas, Conrad teaches drums at Family Music Center and with the Nevada Blazers Drumline. He currently performs with the Billy Ray Charles Band at the Cellar Lounge.
CONRAD CSOGI
Drums
Conrad hails from Geneva, New York, and earned a Certificate of Musical Performance under Alan Dawson at Berklee College of Music. He continued graduate studies at CMF Studios in Woodstock while performing across New York and the East Coast. His career includes stints with Carnival Cruise Lines, the Red Foxx Show in Las Vegas, and tours with The Platters throughout Asia. Now based in Las Vegas, Conrad teaches drums at Family Music Center and with the Nevada Blazers Drumline. He currently performs with the Billy Ray Charles Band at the Cellar Lounge.
