Lessons

With 18 individual rooms dedicated to music education, Danny Ray’s Music has Round Rock’s most modern and spacious lesson facilities. We offer private instruction in almost every instrument including:

• Guitar | Bass Guitar | Piano | Drums | Saxophone | Voice | Violin | Cello | Clarinet |
  Flute | Viola |Trumpet | Fiddle | Banjo | Ukulele | French Horn | Trombone | Tuba

Having recruited some of Austin’s most talented players and well-known instructors, our staff is easily one of the most comprehensive and experienced in the area. Whether you want to learn classical theory or just want to rock out, we have a teacher for you.

We offer a $110.00 flat monthly tuition program that includes weekly 30 minute private lessons with your instructor. If you are interested in signing up and discovering your musical talent, please contact us. All ages and experience levels are welcome and encouraged.

Our Instructors

Piano – Angelo Lembesis

Angelo began playing the piano at age five when his father, a guitarist, realized it was the only instrument his son could not break. Angelo received his Bachelor’s in Music from Berklee College of Music in Jazz Composition and his Masters of Music in jazz studies from the University of North Texas, where he also taught. Although Angelo teaches all styles he has a particular interest in jazz and the art of improvisation. He currently resides in Austin as an in demand performer, educator, and composer.

Voice, Piano – Darla Bower

Darla began singing on-stage at the age of 4, and was playing piano by age 6. Darla is dually-degreed, as a graduate of the Judy Jones School of Music and the University of North Texas as a Paralegal. She also enjoys perpetually continuing her own education in Music. She also served as a Music Teacher at a local private school for grades K-5. Darla enjoys performing, teaching, and singing all styles with a particular affinity for Classical, Broadway, Jazz, and Sacred. Darla has performed at Georgetown PAC, Art in the Park, St. Vianney, St Paul Lutheran, Marguerite Edwards Auditorium, and Ft. Hood. She performs at several hotels in Austin and has sung with professional classical groups in several states. Check out Darla's website.

Voice, Piano - Denise Stewart

Denise Stewart is an international recording artist who has many years of experience in every kind of vocal arena: Jazz, Gospel, R&B, Country, Choral & Classical. Upon obtaining her B.A. in Music from Fisk University, she started touring and recording with R&B/Jazz Impresarios, James Polk, Norman Connors, Craig T. Cooper and Pete Moore (of the Miracles). Her most recent accomplishment happened in 2009, when she had the honor of singing during the Inaugural festivities in Washington D.C. with ACC’s Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Thom Husak. Denise has been a vocal coach with an emphasis in performance for 20+ years and enjoys teaching piano as well. You can learn more about Denise Stewart at her website www.myprivateheavenworks.com , www.accbigband.com , www.craigtcooper.com , www.juewettbostick.com .

Voice, Piano – Rachel Romo

With 25 years of playing music, Rachel has had the opportunity to play many different styles of music and in many different settings. She trained in classical voice, guitar and keyboard harmony at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music, and pursued studies in history and Japanese language at Texas State University. She began playing live locally in 2001 and has played in country, psycho-billy, rock n' roll, a soul and funk girl-group, fronting a thirteen piece brass swing band, and several solo residencies emphasizing her blues and jazz abilities. She has had the pleasure to play on many local stages including: Stubb's, Emo's, the Continental Club, the Parrish, Flamingo Cantina, Momo's, the Mohawk, and Club DeVille. Rachel's comfort and fluidity of styles, from classical piano and voice; to blues, jazz, country-western, and rock keys, synths, vocals, and guitar allows her to throw back the doors of music wide open to students. She believes in fostering a deep love of music in her students and encourages them to explore all genres. Rachel has been teaching in a private studio environment for 2 years and has taught children of all ages from 6 months to 60 years.

She firmly holds true that no matter what age or talent level, anyone can learn an instrument and join in the joy of making music.

Piano – Shani Castle

Shani began studying piano at the age of 6. She was later recommended by her instructor to advance in her classical piano studies, and received a full scholarship to the world renown Interlochen Arts Academy in Northern Michigan. She went on to study Piano Pedagogy at Michigan State University and completed her BA degree in Music at Wayne State University. While at the university, she accompanied jazz bands and studied classical piano. She also taught group and private piano lessons at Wayne State University's Weekend School of Music. Shani served as a music instructor for all grade levels in Michigan's public and charter school system, as well as teaching Music and Movement classes for ages 0-5. She teaches all styles of music using different piano methods for all levels. Shani now lives in Austin, TX where she is currently involved in the music department of a church, serving as an accompanist.

Piano – Michael Gibson

Michael received his bachelor’s in Music Composition and graduated Cum Laude in Classical Piano at West Texas A&M University, and was the recipient of 4 Classical Piano scholarships while there. In addition to classical, Michael also enjoys playing rock, jazz, alternative, R&B, blues, metal, and hip hop. Michael has toured as a professional musician and now plays frequently at local venues. He also enjoys singing, playing harmonica, bass guitar, and composing. Check out Michael’s website at www.michaelgibsonmusic.com.

Violin, Viola, Cello – Julie Adams

Julie began studying piano, cello and violin at an early age, and enjoyed singing in various choirs, as well. She earned a Bachelors degree in Vocal & Instrumental Music Education from Oklahoma City University (majoring in cello, piano, and voice), and is also is pursuing a Masters Degree at UT. Julie has been teaching strings, piano and voice for 21 years. She teaches traditional and Suzuki methods, and enjoys teaching all styles of music. Julie performs professionally with the Temple Symphony and the Brazos Valley Symphony, and has performed as a cellist for a baroque ensemble, performing at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, Italy. She has also performed with several other ensembles across Europe and the US. Julie has taught in the public schools and has conducted orchestral and choral groups of various ages. She is an accomplished pianist and enjoys accompanying ensembles and soloists. Julie also performs as a vocalist, both solo and ensembles. She currently sings with the St. David's Episcopal Choir.

Viola, Violin, Cello – Thomas Bandar

Thomas Bandar currently teaches for Texas Lutheran University's Community Music Academy and the Austin Chamber Music Center. He performs frequently with the Mid-Texas Symphony and the Brazos Valley Symphony. Previously he was a member of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra, and has also performed with the Cleveland Opera, the Toledo Symphony, and at the Aspen Music Festival. Tom holds degrees from the Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Denver.

Rock-Blues-Jazz Fusion-Classical Violin, Piano – Victoria Hammill

Victoria and her electric Zeta Five string violin is a true blues/rock/rhythm 'n blues/jazz fusion violinist and vocalist, with passion, energy, tone, and stellar delivery and presence. Influenced by electric blues/rock guitarists and nominated by the Music City Blues Society for Bluesy Award 2003, 2004, and 2005, she is a modern pioneer in electric blues violin. Victoria has been playing violin for nearly 18 years, with 7 years of formal classical training, 2 years of training with state champion Texas style fiddler, Valerie O'Brien, and 9+ years experience as a blues violinist with rock, rhythm and blues, and jazz influences. She started her formal classical violin training at 10 years of age in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, holding first chair, first violin throughout her orchestra days, studying under John Slagle, Diane Mueller, Cybil Simone. Other mentors include James "Nick" Nixon (The Imperials), Waldo Weathers (former saxman for James Brown and Charlie Pride), Marion James (Nashville's Queen of the Blues), and more. The piano is Victoria's first instrument and love. She was drawn to the piano at an early age, and at 8 years of age she taught herself to sight read and play, and then began formal classical training under the direction of Sarah Conrad. She has been the pianist and vocal soloist for the Unity Church of Arlington, Arlington, Texas, for Staples United Methodist Church, Staples, Texas, has taught piano individually and to groups of children, ages 5 to 10, at the Arlington, Texas Community Center, and has accompanied herself vocally for numerous live performances. Most recently, she has channeled deep meditative music to set the space for the mid-week Wednesday night contemplative service at Unity Church of the Hills, Austin, Texas.

At the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, she studied music theory, literature, conservatory, and performance for voice. Victoria now fronts her own band, Zeta Five, with vocals and electric violin lead.

Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba, Saxophone, Clarinet, and Flute - Jenn Dygert

Jenn has been taking piano lessons since the age of four. After four, she picked up a number of instruments knowing her future would be in education. Jenn attended San Diego State University majoring in music, emphasizing in education and performance. She is currently teaching piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, tuba and voice. Jenn has toured extensively conducting and performing throughout the southwest. She is excited to bring her career to this region.

Guitar, Bass Guitar – Craig Thigpen

Craig has been teaching and performing in the Austin area for over 30 years. He teaches all ages and a wide variety of styles including Rock (AC/DC to Van Halen), Blues, Jazz and Classical as well. As a Composition Major at UT, he also leans heavily toward theory and tries to give each student a solid foundation of musical knowledge.

Guitar – Andrew Webster

Andy began playing guitar in 1983, and began his teaching career in 1988. Andy holds several degrees in music performance relating to guitar and voice. He has been an instructor/administrator at The National Guitar Workshop, Colorado School of Music, The Performing Arts Lab of Mission Viejo, and Lifetime Music Academy. He has appeared as a soloist, as part of rock bands, opera companies, barbershop quartets, jazz trios, big bands, and in the studio as a composer, producer, and arranger. His guitar work has been heard on TV commercials, indie-films, popular CDs, not-so-popular CDs, and from the orchestra pit of theater productions. He is currently working on a return to live performance with a new band based in Round Rock and Austin. Check out Andy’s websites at andywebster.tv and www.myspace.com/andywebsterguitar.

Guitar, Classical Guitar – Michael Temple

Michael comes from a musical family, and has been playing guitar for 15 Years and teaching for 5 years. Michael enjoys teaching Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, modern shred techniques, Jazz, Classical, and music theory. He has studied classical guitar under Dr. Kim Perlak since 2007 and is well-versed in the tradition of both European and Brazilian Classical Guitar styles. Mike has also studied Jazz Guitar and theory under Professor Russell Scalon, a master teacher who was educated at the renowned Berklee school of Music. Mike has the skills and methods to take any guitarist to the collegiate level and is an excellent choice for any parent wanting to prepare their child appropriately for college entrance auditions. Michael is methodical and easy-going. He is proficient and flexible to adapt his methods to the needs of his students. Michael is working toward his degree in Applied Guitar at ACC. He is also a professional musician, playing at clubs regularly in Austin, Texas.

Guitar – Matt Read

Matt began studying the guitar at the age of 12. At 16 he joined Dallas based band Blu Shale and recorded a guest guitar solo on their debut CD. Matt and other members of Blu Shale would later become one of Dallas's top cover bands, Space Monkey, which Matt played in for over five years. Matt went to The University of North Texas and studied jazz under guitarists Fred Hamilton and Joe Lee. At age 19 he began his professional teaching career at The Master's Touch School of Music in Grapevine, TX where he taught for over five years. Following graduation from North Texas in 2006 with a bachelors of education Matt moved to San Diego, California where he continued his teaching career for the next 2 ½ years at two local music schools and recorded his first CD, Solo Acoustic Guitar Vol 1. He also played numerous gigs with local jazz musicians as well as solo guitar shows. In 2008 Matt was accepted and received a scholarship to study at Berklee College of Music. While there he studied under some of his musical heroes including guitarists Tim Miller and Julian Lage. Matt now lives in Austin, TX where he is furthering his passion for teaching, playing live, doing studio work, and songwriting.

Guitar, Bass Guitar – Jay Clark

Jay Clark has played guitar & bass for almost 30 years, and has over 20 years teaching experience. Jay enjoys teaching beginning guitar, as well as intermediate and advanced rock styles. Jay plays professionally in Jay Satellite, where he serves as frontman on vocals and guitar, as well as playing bass in Austin's The Coast of Nebraska and serving as sideman on guitar and bass for several local singer/songwriters. In addition to guitar & bass, Jay also plays keyboards and drums and enjoys producing music in his home studio. When not making music, Jay enjoys spending time with his family, and teaching music to his two children Jack and Lily.

Guitar, Bass Guitar, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute - Matt Temple

Matthew began playing music at the age of 10; playing every instrument around the house he started learning saxophone, piano, bass and guitar. In High School as a member of the All State Jazz Band he began teaching at local music stores in 1999, since then he has studied classical and jazz performance at the university level and toured, performed, and recorded with many artists internationally including Peter Erskine, Tony Campise, Stanley Jordan, Cake, Joan Jett, Inner Circle, The Tortilla Factory, Elida Reyna, Flaco Jimenez, Maneja Beto, Stoney Larue, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan and many others. Currently tours with The Bleu Edmondson Band.

Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Ukelele – Wes Green

Wes Green started playing guitar at age 10. Early influences of Bob Dylan and Doc Watson motivated Wes to learn finger-style and flat-picking guitar styles. His early influences include the Kingston Trio and Flatt and Scruggs bluegrass music. Starting folk bands in high school, Wes also started to play banjo. Later in a band in college, Wes picked up the fiddle and in 1978, the mandolin, in 1995, the ukulele. Wes has been in several bluegrass bands playing professionally and touring the US and Europe. Wes has been teaching for 36 years and has a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art at UT and a Masters of Fine Arts from Cleremont Graduate School in Claremont California.

Guitar – Christopher Cesta

Christopher is a graduate of Musicians Institute, Guitar Institute of Technology, but professes to be a perpetual student of the guitar himself. He has studied and played with many of our contemporaries in guitar music including Keith Wyatt, Carl Schroeder, Ross Bolton, Maria Zemantauski, Chip Austin, Matt Smith, and Jon Dee Graham. Christopher has also been a contributing columnist for Rock and Read magazine. Christopher’s main focus is on building solid foundations in the study of guitar. How to practice, theory, single string techniques, chords, reading charts, and beginning to sight read all while having fun, are among the main building blocks of focus. With the fusion of Blues/Rock, Jam band and contemporary worship music, Christopher’s teachings are sure to continue to inspire the spirit of music.

Guitar - Jake Sherard

Jake has been playing guitar professionally since age 15 and teaching for 3 years. He is well-versed in Rock, Pop, and Blues but has also played and recorded with country, metal, and punk bands as well. Jake enjoys teaching beginner and intermediate students of all ages. Jake is a working musician, playing in several rock cover bands around Austin and surrounding areas.

Drums - Danny Dale

Danny has been playing drums for 33 years, and teaching for 11. He has also been playing professional gigs for 29 years. He enjoys teaching all styles and experience levels. Danny attended Southwest Texas State University for Music Education and Berklee College of Music.

Drums - Tony Miller

Tony has been playing drums for 39 years and teaching for 8. He attended Richland College as a Music major and University of North Texas for Jazz Studies. He also studied with famous drummers Colin Baily, Greg Bissonette, and Rick Latham. Tony enjoys teaching all styles and experience levels. Check out Tony’s website at www.myspace.com/thetonymiller.com

Drums - Melodie Zapata

Melodie began playing snare drum at the age of 10, then by age 12 had taught herself to play the drum set and was next put into private drum set lessons. She performed and continued private lessons through junior high and high school, concentrating mainly on jazz. After high school she was awarded a full ride scholarship to attend college and study music. It was during her first year of college that she began playing professionally, gigging at parties, events, and clubs around the college and town. It was also during this first year in college that she acquired her first student, an eight year old beginner, to which she was recommended by her college band director. Melodie has been playing professionally and teaching ever since, accumulating over 20 years of experience. She has played with artists and bands such as Rosie Flores, Hell's Belles, Danny B. Harvey, Adrian and the Sickness, and Neutralboy, to name a few. She was even featured in an article in the June 2007 issue of Drum! Magazine . Currently she still plays with Rosie Flores and also plays in an all female 80's cover band called Cover Girl and a metal fusion band called Masikrator, in addition to playing many fill-in gigs around Austin.