We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Banjo, Chris Roszell, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Chris reflects on what drew him to the banjo and its expanding role across musical styles, shares his philosophy of building strong, well-rounded musicianship alongside technical banjo skills, and discusses the simple gear and practice tools he recommends.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Bass Guitar, Gustavo Martinez, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Gustavo reflects on discovering the bass guitar at a young age and how it became a lifelong passion, describes how he creates a focused and high-quality online teaching environment, and shares the deeper value he believes music brings to life beyond professional goals.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Violin, Benjamin Henson, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Benjamin reflects on what drew him to the violin, the balance of challenge and reward that keeps the instrument endlessly expressive, and the importance of relaxation and physical awareness in learning.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Worship Piano, Makayla S., to share insights into her journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Makayla reflects on her transition from classical piano to worship piano, the challenges that inspired her teaching approach, and the musical skills essential for worship settings.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Electric Guitar and Ukulele, Brad Ward, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Brad reflects on what first drew him to the electric guitar, how he sets up his teaching studio, and the mindset he encourages students to develop as they grow on their instruments.
We asked 2025 Overall Lessonface Teacher of the Year, as well as Teacher of the Year in Piano and Drums, Aaron Crouch, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, Aaron reflects on what first drew him to rhythm and music, the role piano and drums have played in his life, and why music can be meaningful at any level.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Flute, Erika Andres, to share insights into her journey as a flutist and educator. In this Q&A, she reflects on what first drew her to the flute, how she creates a welcoming and effective teaching environment, and the foundational skills and habits she emphasizes for student growth.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Alto Sax, Willem Moolenbeek, to share insights into his journey as a musician and educator. In this Q&A, he reflects on what first drew him to the alto saxophone, how he structures his teaching and learning environment, and the key skills and habits he emphasizes for student growth.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Mandolin, Rachel Coats, to share insights into her work as both a performer and educator. In this Q&A, she talks about what drew her to the mandolin, why it’s such a versatile and exciting instrument, and how she approaches teaching with patience and creativity. She also offers a peek into her cozy Nashville studio, shares essential gear and resources for students, and highlights the lasting lessons she hopes her students carry with them.
