As a music major graduate and professional musician, Daniel Zayas has over 25 years of music training and performance experience. He is accomplished in piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar and music theory. Daniel’s well-rounded knowledge of multiple instruments and music as a whole, combined with his dynamic personality makes him an incredible instructor. He has experience in many genres of music and specializes as well in worship platform training. Additionally, Daniel was employed at Christ Fellowship as a Youth Worship Leader in which he led worship, developed student bands, wrote and arranged music and directed youth choir. For five consecutive years Daniel also toured with the national act band “Tenth Avenue North” playing lead guitar, keyboard and BGV.

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Daniel’s passion for music and people has been reflected in the past seventeen years of his teaching history. He is gifted in communicating music principals by integrating his fun and creative energy with excellence in music instruction. Currently, he is a Music Director at Christ Fellowship and owner of Zayas Studios.

Maria Foreman is a skilled piano and voice teacher with over 13 years of formal training and performance experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music and Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Versed in multiple genres, Maria teaches classical, pop/contemporary, musical theatre and worship.

 

Her background includes several years of musical theatre performances, 10 years of formal music training in voice and piano, choir and worship team experience and has completed worship training programs. Additionally, Maria is currently the main keys player and Music Director for Christ Fellowship Downtown and also oversees music for their student program.

 

Maria is a very relatable and patient teacher, pairing her personal understanding and experience in music lesson processes with her kind spirit. She helps her students connect the dots musically and also presents musical concepts in ways that are simplified and easily understood.

Sarah Allen brings over 25 years of classical piano training and a wealth of teaching experience to Zayas Studios. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Performance from Florida Atlantic University, in addition to being a piano major graduate from Dreyfoos School of the Arts and BAK School of the Arts. Sarah has taught for several years at Florida Atlantic University’s TOPS piano summer programs and has been on our Zayas Studios teaching staff for 17 years. She has also played alongside Libby Larson, one of today’s most renowned female music composers.

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We are fortunate to have Sarah apart of our teaching staff and value her patient, personable and knowledgeable approach to music lessons. Accomplished as a classical pianist, her strong foundation of music theory is of great worth to each of her students. She is a wonderful piano teacher for students of all ages – challenging and inspiring them to grow in the art and love of piano.

Dakota Rucker is an accomplished piano instructor with over 20 years of classical piano experience and more than 15 years of worship leadership and performance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University and has an extensive background in classical, worship, pop, gospel, and jazz. Dakota enjoys helping students build strong musical foundations while learning the music they love.

Her performance experience includes classical piano solo performances, musical theatre, worship bands, and live ensemble performances. As a Music Director and worship leader, she has spent years developing musicians, leading music teams, and directing both youth and adult music programs.
 

Dakota's teaching style is patient, encouraging, and personalized to each student's unique learning style and goals. She is passionate about making music both understandable and enjoyable, helping students connect technical skills with creativity while building confidence and a lifelong love of music.

Felipe Cardenas is a music graduate from Instituto Canzion Colombia and is a highly skilled acoustic and electric guitarist. With over 22 years of experience, Felipe is familiarized with a broad range of genres including rock, pop, jazz, funk and worship. During his studies, he trained in improvisation, guitar techniques and harmony.

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In addition, Felipe also has extensive performance experience and is currently a guitarist at Christ Fellowship. He integrates his knowledge of guitar technique into his lessons to develop a strong musical foundation for each student; providing them the ability to enjoy music in all of its expression.

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Felipe is both a friendly and patient instructor and is very intentional in his planning for each student’s lessons – helping them discover a passion for music, while developing their skills along the way.

Tesa has 20 years of training and experience in both piano and voice. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and Worship Leading from North Central University. Being well versed in all areas and genres of piano and voice; Tesa teaches classical, worship, pop, broadway and contemporary from beginning to advanced levels.
 

Having extensive performance experience, Tesa has performed in church bands (including worship leading), musical theatre performances and choral concerts. Additionally, Tesa is also skilled in preparing and developing students for worship platform.
 

Tesa also has lots of experience working with the youth and children of all ages – helping develop and oversee music programs. Combining her formal music training and experience with her early childhood education background; Tesa creates a learning environment to help students discover and sharpen their musical abilities. Her passion for and knowledge of music combined with her friendly, down to earth personality helps students tap into their musical potential and discover their own passion and creativity in music.

Cooper is a highly accomplished and versatile musician with over 15 years of professional experience. As a dedicated instructor at Zayas Studios, he teaches piano, bass, guitar, and ukulele, and also brings a strong background in clarinet, saxophone, and organ. Cooper’s musical expertise spans a wide variety of styles, including classical, jazz, contemporary, and worship music.

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With extensive performance experience in classical piano recitals, ensemble and band concerts, Florida All-State Band, and as a lead musician in church worship settings, Cooper offers students a well-rounded and deeply informed musical perspective. His diverse background allows him to connect technique with creativity, helping students understand and appreciate music in a broader context.

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Cooper is known for his calm, encouraging approach that makes learning an instrument both enjoyable and accessible. He fosters a positive and supportive atmosphere in every lesson, inspiring confidence and a genuine love for music in his students.

Davion has 12 years of drumming experience and professional training. As a well-rounded drummer, Davion teaches multiple genres of music including pop, rock, latin, reggae, contemporary, worship and gospel. Davion is a professional musician having played in shows all around South Florida. Additionally, he has been a studio drummer, live recording drummer and has made television appearances.

 

Davion’s warm and energetic personality combined with his music knowledge creates a balanced learning environment for students. He aspires to challenge students to a new level on their music journey, while also making learning fun and engaging.

Christy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University and has over 16 years of professional vocal training. She teaches many genres of music including contemporary, pop, classical, jazz, musical theatre and worship. Christy has extensive performance experience both in the theatrical setting, as well as contemporary and worship settings. She has performed in international concert tours, choral ensembles, solos, church settings, has been the lead in multiple musicals and has an array of live community performances. Additionally, Christy instructs beginner guitar and utilizes her guitar experience to combine with vocals in performance settings.
 

Christy has a dynamic, friendly teaching approach to her lessons and is passionate about equipping students with the skills, techniques and confidence they need to escalate their musical abilities. She strives to create a learning environment that is full of energy and fun while imparting techniques and proper vocal and guitar knowledge.

Morgan Chavez is a dedicated piano and voice teacher with 8 years of musical training and performance experience. She is currently a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic University, pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Worship Leadership. Her musical background includes choir, musical theatre, jazz band, solo performances, live ensembles, and extensive worship experience. Morgan has experience working with lower school-aged children as well as students of various ages, allowing her to connect with learners at different stages of their musical journey.
 

Morgan teaches classical, pop/contemporary, and worship and enjoys helping students develop both their musical skills and confidence. Her warm, patient, and encouraging personality allows her to create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable learning and growing. She strives to make each lesson engaging and joyful while presenting musical concepts in a way that is approachable and easy to understand.

As a highly experienced and gifted music instructor, Lisa Gold has been a professional piano teacher for over 18 years. She holds a degree in Montessori Education and has taught music for multiple schools and academies in Palm Beach County. Lisa has a combined 45 years of piano training and experience, teaching all genres of music with a focus on classical and pop/contemporary music. She has classical piano performance experience among which she has written and performed for New Day Singers here in Florida.

 

Lisa is passionate about honing in on each student’s musical desires, goals and interests in order to provide a tailored lesson experience that keeps them motivated and on track. In addition, Lisa incorporates music theory training in her lessons to develop a strong music foundation for her students.

 

Her gentle teaching approach combined with her vast background in teaching piano to children and adults of all ages and stages, makes her an effective and enjoyable music teacher here at Zayas Studios.

With years of experience in the arts, office administration and business, Renee brings an array of assets to Zayas Studios. She attended Dreyfoos School of the Arts with both dance and communications majors, as well as trained professionally in classical ballet for over 13 years. Renee has directed and choreographed several performances and has a wealth of hands on experience in the arts including dance, writing and design.

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In addition to her love and exposure to the arts, Renee comes with lots of office administration background through which she helps direct and support the back-end of things here at Zayas Studios. You will often see her face in the front office or speak with her over the phone.

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Together with her husband Daniel Zayas, this great duo has built a strong, inspiring foundation for the studio.

Jessica Gomez is one of the first people you’ll meet at Zayas Studios as our Office Manager. With a strong background in arts education and administration, Jessica brings extensive experience working with students, families, and arts educators. She previously directed an after-school theatre education program for many years and has also supported various arts programs administratively.
 

Jessica is passionate about creating a welcoming and organized experience for our students and families. She assists with scheduling, tuition, communication, and the day-to-day needs of our studio while helping ensure our students and staff feel supported. She also brings her own performing arts experience as an actress and singer, making her a natural fit for our music and arts community.

We know you’ll love Jessica as much as we do!