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 | Piano | Violin | Viola | Cello | Voice | Drums | Woodwinds | Brass

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 $99.00 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 a graduate of the Judy Jones School of Music and the University of North Texas as a Paralegal. She continues education in Music History and is seeking to be dually degreed in Sacred 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.

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 .

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, Piano – Julie Adams

Julie has been teaching strings for 21 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Oklahoma City University and is working toward a Masters degree at UT. Julie teaches traditional, Suzuki, and Kodaly methods. She enjoys teaching classical, pop/rock, and broadway musical styles. Julie performs professionally with the Temple Symphony Orchestra, and Mid-Texas Symphony and has performed as a cellist for a Baroque Ensemble, performing at St Mark’s Cathedral in Venice Italy. She has also played in several cello choirs and chamber orchestras across Europe and the US.

Saxophone, Brass, Piano - 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 – Kevin Sims

Kevin has been playing guitar for 23 years and teaching for 4 years. He enjoys teaching all levels and styles.  His specialties include Rock, Blues, Country, Lead Guitar Theory, Rhythm Guitar Theory, and Songwriting/Arranging. Kevin plays professionally with Lies a bloom, his original band, at many Austin venues including The Saxon Pub, Stubbs, and the Flamingo Cantina and all over Texas.  Check out Kevin’s websites at www.Liesabloom.com, www.myspace.com/liesabloom, and www.myspace.com/se7enkims.

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 has been playing guitar for 26 years and teaching a number of years. He enjoys teaching students at all levels and ages. Andy specializes in teaching music tools and their application to the guitar, regardless of style. Andy obtained degrees in Music Performance from State University of New York-New Pultz and Quincy University and also attended USC. He has been a soloist, part of rock bands, opera companies, barbershop quartets, jazz trios, big bands, written commercials, written arrangements for Grammy winners, and played on popular CDs. Check out Andy’s websites at andywebster.tv and www.myspace.com/andywebsterguitar.

Guitar – Michael Temple

Michael comes from a musical family, and has been playing guitar for 14 Years and teaching for 4 years. Michael enjoys teaching Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, modern shred techniques, jazz, and music theory. 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 – Carson Alexander

Growing up in Memphis, the "home of the blues" and "birthplace of rock and roll”, Carson was exposed to a great variety of music at a young age. Picking up the guitar at the age of 11, Carson realized what it was he wanted to do with his life. He has been playing for live audiences since he was 13 starting on Beale Street, a famous music strip in his home town of Memphis. Carson moved to Austin at the age of 15 after the suggestion of famous Austin music man, Clifford Antone. He plays professionally at popular venues such as Carlos and Charlies, Saxon Pub, and Hanover’s Carson teaches Blues Rock, Pop Rock, and Classic Rock. Check out Carson’s websites at www.CarsonAlexander.com and www.myspace.com/carsonalexanderband .

Guitar – Jim Lutz

Jim has been playing guitar for over 35 years and teaching for 5 years. He enjoys teaching blues, country, swing, rockabilly and jazz, as well as theory. Jim is also a professional musician, playing regularly at the Cotton Club, Donn’s Depot, and Jovita’s. Check out Jim’s website at http://www.myspace.com/jimlutzguitar.

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.

Bass Guitar, Guitar, Woodwinds - 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.

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 – Arturo Meza

Arturo has been playing drums for 31 years and teaching for 16. He especially enjoys teaching beginners and watching them develop their skills. Arturo teaches students in drumset and/or Latin percussion instruments. His specialty styles are Latin, Jazz, and World Beat. He has the distinguished honor of being a Grammy nominee with the band Tortilla Factory. Check out Arturo’s website at www.myspace.com/mezadrum