We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Blues Guitar, Rod Ferreira, to share insights into his journey as a blues guitarist and educator. In this Q&A, Rod talks about what drew him to the blues and its creative freedom, how he maintains a professional, well-lit, and distraction-free teaching studio, and the belief he instills in students that everyone can improvise and express themselves on the guitar.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Jazz Piano, Piano Composition, and Keyboard, Beverly Cashin, to share insights into her journey as a pianist, composer, and educator. In this Q&A, Beverly reflects on her early challenges with improvisation and how discovering effective, concept-based approaches shaped her teaching philosophy.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Voice and Pop Voice, Jillian Comrie, to share insights into her journey as a singer and educator. In this Q&A, Jillian reflects on what first drew her to singing as a deeply expressive and human instrument, how she has created a vibrant, instrument-filled teaching studio that inspires creativity, and the balance she emphasizes between technical skill and authentic self-expression.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Singing and Musical Theatre, Louise Gast, to share insights into her journey as a singer, performer, and educator. In this Q&A, she reflects on what first drew her to singing and musical theatre, how she creates a supportive and effective teaching environment, and the key skills and habits she emphasizes to foster student growth.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Acoustic Guitar, Derek Gonzales, to share insights into his journey as a guitarist and educator. In this Q&A, Derek reflects on what first drew him to the guitar, the qualities that make it such a versatile and social instrument, and how he has created a dedicated, well-equipped teaching studio for focused online lessons.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Crochet and English, Erin R., to share insights into her journey as both a creative maker and language educator. In this Q&A, Erin reflects on what first drew her to crochet and to teaching English as a second language, how she designs an organized and supportive online teaching environment, and the skills she believes are most important for long-term growth in both subjects.
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.
