We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Beatboxing, Paul Arnett, to share what first drew him to the art form and how he approaches teaching it today. In this Q&A, Paul reflects on discovering beatboxing through friends and early online influences, his decades-long journey of continual learning, and the calm, focused environment he creates for students.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Classical Voice & Opera, Denise Bayraktar, to share what draws her to this art form and how she supports singers at every stage of their journey. In this Q&A, Denise discusses the expressive power of the human voice, her highly individualized and goal-oriented teaching approach, and the importance of body awareness as the foundation of healthy, expressive singing.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Bagpipes, Toni Cline, to share insights into her connection to the instrument and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Toni reflects on what first drew her to the bagpipes, how she uses the Lessonface platform to support effective online lessons, and the practice habits she believes lead to real progress.
We spoke with 2025 Lessonface Double Bass Teacher of the Year, David Jerkovic, about his journey as a performer and educator. In this Q&A, David shares what first drew him to the double bass and how he views the instrument as both the rhythmic foundation and an expressive, versatile voice. He discusses the importance of creating a calm, intentional teaching environment, building trust between student and teacher, and approaching challenges as a natural part of growth.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in French Horn, Olivier Blakney, to share insights into his journey as a French horn musician and educator. In this Q&A, he reflects on what first drew him to the instrument and the rich emotional range that makes the French horn such a compelling voice.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Acting, Stephanie Barton-Farcas, to share insights into her journey as a working actor and educator. In this Q&A, she reflects on what drew her to acting, why understanding the realities of the entertainment industry is essential, and how she structures a focused, professional learning environment for her students.
We spoke with 2025 Lessonface Saxophone Teacher of the Year, Andrew Larsen, about his journey as a performer and educator. In this Q&A, Andrew shares what first drew him to the saxophone, how he creates a student-centered and supportive teaching environment, and the mindset he encourages students to adopt as they build both skill and confidence.
We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in R&B Voice, Julieta Pizarro, to share insights into her journey as a vocalist and educator. In this Q&A, Julieta reflects on what drew her to R&B’s soulful blend of emotion and groove, how she creates a calm and welcoming teaching environment, and the mindset she encourages students to cultivate as they develop confidence in their own voice.
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.
