Students can take private lessons during class time with our private lesson teachers. If you are interested, please fill out this form by August 27, 2025.
Dr. Mallory McHenry
harp
Dr. Mallory McHenry, NCTM is a vibrant musician and educator located in Austin, Texas where she serves on the University of Texas at Austin, Butler School of Music faculty as Lecturer of Harp. At UT, Mallory teaches harp lessons and harp pedagogy to both undergraduate and graduate students, and is the director of the University of Texas Harp Ensemble. Mallory completed her Doctoral studies at the University of Texas in Austin where she also obtained her Master of Music degree with concentration in Harp Performance. Mallory also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakwood University, a Historically Black College and University located in Huntsville, Alabama.
Previously, Mallory served on faculty at Texas Christian University School of Music. At TCU Mallory taught harp lessons, harp pedagogy, directed the TCU Harp Ensemble and was the director of the TCU Summer Harp Workshop. She also served in the Theory and Composition department where she taught elementary to advanced theory and ear training.
Mallory is a certified Suzuki harp instructor and a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She also facilitates a private harp studio and serves the Round Rock Independent School District as the director of their Harp Facilitator program, offering harp lessons to middle school and high school students in the district. Mallory is also the Co-Director of the Young Artist Harp Seminar that takes place at Washington College every summer. Previously, she served as the harp instructor for TCU’s Music Preparatory program. Mallory has served as both the Administrative Assistant and a member of the Austin District Music Teachers Association. She has also served as an instrumentalist for the choral division of the Texas Music Educators Association at their annual convention and serves as the harp adjudicator for the State Solo and Ensemble contest with the University Interscholastic League. She is a member of the American Harp Society and sat on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Chapter of the AHS. She now serves the Austin chapter as their President.
Mallory has a love for premiering new works and has had the opportunity to work with several composers in creating new works for the harp. Offering masterclasses in harp composition, Mallory has appeared as a lecturer and guest artist at Andrews University, The University of Northwestern St. Paul, The University of Toronto, The Glenn Gould School, Texas Christian University, Oakwood University, The University of Minnesota, Florida State University and several academies across the United States.
As an avid performer, Mallory has performed as a soloist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and frequently appears with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Waco Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Winds and the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. She has made appearances with the Austin Civic Orchestra, the Laredo Philharmonic and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Mallory has presented recital programs and lectures with the American Harp Society Southern Region as well as the American Harp Society in Dallas in collaboration with the Mu Phi Epsilon Dallas Public Library concert series. Mallory also enjoys her time touring as a member of the professional choral group, the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and also serves on their administrative team as the Creative Director and Director of Education Advancement. Most recently, Mallory joined JMFS on Saturday Night Live with Coldplay and Jacob Collier and their appearance at the National American Choral Directors Association Conference in 2023 as the headlining ensemble.
harp
Dr. Mallory McHenry, NCTM is a vibrant musician and educator located in Austin, Texas where she serves on the University of Texas at Austin, Butler School of Music faculty as Lecturer of Harp. At UT, Mallory teaches harp lessons and harp pedagogy to both undergraduate and graduate students, and is the director of the University of Texas Harp Ensemble. Mallory completed her Doctoral studies at the University of Texas in Austin where she also obtained her Master of Music degree with concentration in Harp Performance. Mallory also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakwood University, a Historically Black College and University located in Huntsville, Alabama.
Previously, Mallory served on faculty at Texas Christian University School of Music. At TCU Mallory taught harp lessons, harp pedagogy, directed the TCU Harp Ensemble and was the director of the TCU Summer Harp Workshop. She also served in the Theory and Composition department where she taught elementary to advanced theory and ear training.
Mallory is a certified Suzuki harp instructor and a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She also facilitates a private harp studio and serves the Round Rock Independent School District as the director of their Harp Facilitator program, offering harp lessons to middle school and high school students in the district. Mallory is also the Co-Director of the Young Artist Harp Seminar that takes place at Washington College every summer. Previously, she served as the harp instructor for TCU’s Music Preparatory program. Mallory has served as both the Administrative Assistant and a member of the Austin District Music Teachers Association. She has also served as an instrumentalist for the choral division of the Texas Music Educators Association at their annual convention and serves as the harp adjudicator for the State Solo and Ensemble contest with the University Interscholastic League. She is a member of the American Harp Society and sat on the Board of Directors for the Dallas Chapter of the AHS. She now serves the Austin chapter as their President.
Mallory has a love for premiering new works and has had the opportunity to work with several composers in creating new works for the harp. Offering masterclasses in harp composition, Mallory has appeared as a lecturer and guest artist at Andrews University, The University of Northwestern St. Paul, The University of Toronto, The Glenn Gould School, Texas Christian University, Oakwood University, The University of Minnesota, Florida State University and several academies across the United States.
As an avid performer, Mallory has performed as a soloist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and frequently appears with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Waco Symphony Orchestra, The Dallas Winds and the U.S. Air Force Band of the West. She has made appearances with the Austin Civic Orchestra, the Laredo Philharmonic and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Mallory has presented recital programs and lectures with the American Harp Society Southern Region as well as the American Harp Society in Dallas in collaboration with the Mu Phi Epsilon Dallas Public Library concert series. Mallory also enjoys her time touring as a member of the professional choral group, the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers and also serves on their administrative team as the Creative Director and Director of Education Advancement. Most recently, Mallory joined JMFS on Saturday Night Live with Coldplay and Jacob Collier and their appearance at the National American Choral Directors Association Conference in 2023 as the headlining ensemble.
Flora Nevarez
violin
Flora Nevarez is a violinist, violist, and teacher in Austin, Texas. She has performed in the United States and Europe as an orchestral, chamber, and recording musician. Flora holds a graduate degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied violin pedagogy under Mimi Zweig and Dr. Brenda Brenner. A native of Edmonds, Washington, she has taught in private studio, university pre-college and college, private schools, and public schools for over 20 years. When she is not teaching or performing, Flora enjoys trail running, hiking, and baking.
violin
Flora Nevarez is a violinist, violist, and teacher in Austin, Texas. She has performed in the United States and Europe as an orchestral, chamber, and recording musician. Flora holds a graduate degree from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she studied violin pedagogy under Mimi Zweig and Dr. Brenda Brenner. A native of Edmonds, Washington, she has taught in private studio, university pre-college and college, private schools, and public schools for over 20 years. When she is not teaching or performing, Flora enjoys trail running, hiking, and baking.
Valerie Fischer
cello
Valerie Fischer is a native Texan and long-time Austin resident who has performed on most of the stages in town with a range of musicians from straight-up and avant garde rock bands, to popular "Texas Gypsy" artist Oliver Rajamani, and experimental string quartet Hill Country Strings. The variety of musicians she has worked with has given Valerie an ease with playing in small ensembles and an enthusiasm for the blending of pop, rock, and classical genres. Recent collaborations have brought Valerie back to a focus on classical music with solo recitals with pianist Melanie Richards and frequent performances with her current trio Fröhlich with pianist Storm Knein and clarinetist Rebecca Berinsky.
Valerie received a Bachelor of Music with Honors in Cello Performance from the University of Texas at Austin studying with Professor Paul Olefsky and has recently been a member of the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra and the Temple Symphony Orchestra. Although she loves to perform, Valerie has had a full and successful teaching studio for over twenty years and counts that as her true passion. Valerie's mission is to develop musicians capable of teaching themselves. By providing excellent instruction in technique, theory, and musicality, her goal at every lesson is to nurture the skills needed for freedom of expression, communication, and collaboration with others. Her belief is that through music we gain abilities relevant to all facets of life: independent and critical thinking, discipline, and most importantly a confident sense of self.
Valerie maintains membership with the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. She has received training for Suzuki Book 1 through 5 and Book 8 through 10 with acclaimed author and pedagogue Rick Mooney.
cello
Valerie Fischer is a native Texan and long-time Austin resident who has performed on most of the stages in town with a range of musicians from straight-up and avant garde rock bands, to popular "Texas Gypsy" artist Oliver Rajamani, and experimental string quartet Hill Country Strings. The variety of musicians she has worked with has given Valerie an ease with playing in small ensembles and an enthusiasm for the blending of pop, rock, and classical genres. Recent collaborations have brought Valerie back to a focus on classical music with solo recitals with pianist Melanie Richards and frequent performances with her current trio Fröhlich with pianist Storm Knein and clarinetist Rebecca Berinsky.
Valerie received a Bachelor of Music with Honors in Cello Performance from the University of Texas at Austin studying with Professor Paul Olefsky and has recently been a member of the Round Rock Symphony Orchestra and the Temple Symphony Orchestra. Although she loves to perform, Valerie has had a full and successful teaching studio for over twenty years and counts that as her true passion. Valerie's mission is to develop musicians capable of teaching themselves. By providing excellent instruction in technique, theory, and musicality, her goal at every lesson is to nurture the skills needed for freedom of expression, communication, and collaboration with others. Her belief is that through music we gain abilities relevant to all facets of life: independent and critical thinking, discipline, and most importantly a confident sense of self.
Valerie maintains membership with the American String Teachers Association, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. She has received training for Suzuki Book 1 through 5 and Book 8 through 10 with acclaimed author and pedagogue Rick Mooney.
Dr. Melissa Melendez
viola
Dr. Melissa Melendez, a Venezuelan-American, began her musical journey in Caracas, Venezuela, as part of El Sistema and the prestigious Emil Friedman Fine Arts School. After graduating from high school, she continued her studies internationally at Louisiana State University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Performance. She holds a Master’s in Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, an Artist Diploma from Duquesne University, and a Doctoral Degree in Musical Arts from The University of Arizona. She also holds a Texas Teaching Certification for Music (K-12).
Now based in Austin, Texas, Meléndez serves as Adjunct Professor of Viola at Austin Community College, faculty at the Austin Chamber Music Center, and teaches privately in her home studio. Her previous appointments include Adjunct Professor of Viola at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Orchestra Director at Roy Miller High School, and Assistant Director of the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Meléndez currently serves as principal violist of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, TX, and is a member of the Central Texas Viola Section. She has held full-time positions with the Tucson Symphony, the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Kingsville Symphony, and the Baton Rouge Symphony orchestras. She is also a member of the Iris Collective in Memphis, TN, and frequently performs with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in Charleston, SC as member of the viola section.
As a soloist, Dr. Meléndez has performed with the Austin Civic Orchestra, Corpus Christi Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Kingsville Symphony, Balcones Symphony Orchestra, Corpus Christi Chorale, TAMUCC Orchestra, Sinfónica de Carabobo and Virtuosi de Caracas. An avid supporter of new music for the viola, Meléndez performed the Castellanos-Yumar Concerto for Viola and Orchestra in the American Viola Society Festival 2016, and performed new music for viola and bassoon in the AVS Festival 2018. In 2018, during the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Soundwaves Festival, Meléndez premiered the Concierto in Tango (piano and viola version) by Miguel del Aguila, and again during the American Viola Society Virtual Conference in 2021. While teaching at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Melendez organized, and established for seven years the Islander Viola Days. Two days dedicated to teaching, and sharing viola music with Middle School and High School students from the Corpus Christi area. She has continued the Viola Day tradition at the Austin Community College since her arrival in 2024.
Melissa Meléndez is an active member of the American Viola Society, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Texas Music Educators Association. She has lectured on topics including new viola repertoire, Suzuki in the Schools, and Teaching in Title I public schools.
viola
Dr. Melissa Melendez, a Venezuelan-American, began her musical journey in Caracas, Venezuela, as part of El Sistema and the prestigious Emil Friedman Fine Arts School. After graduating from high school, she continued her studies internationally at Louisiana State University, earning her Bachelor of Music in Performance. She holds a Master’s in Performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music, an Artist Diploma from Duquesne University, and a Doctoral Degree in Musical Arts from The University of Arizona. She also holds a Texas Teaching Certification for Music (K-12).
Now based in Austin, Texas, Meléndez serves as Adjunct Professor of Viola at Austin Community College, faculty at the Austin Chamber Music Center, and teaches privately in her home studio. Her previous appointments include Adjunct Professor of Viola at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Orchestra Director at Roy Miller High School, and Assistant Director of the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra.
Dr. Meléndez currently serves as principal violist of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, TX, and is a member of the Central Texas Viola Section. She has held full-time positions with the Tucson Symphony, the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Kingsville Symphony, and the Baton Rouge Symphony orchestras. She is also a member of the Iris Collective in Memphis, TN, and frequently performs with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra in Charleston, SC as member of the viola section.
As a soloist, Dr. Meléndez has performed with the Austin Civic Orchestra, Corpus Christi Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Kingsville Symphony, Balcones Symphony Orchestra, Corpus Christi Chorale, TAMUCC Orchestra, Sinfónica de Carabobo and Virtuosi de Caracas. An avid supporter of new music for the viola, Meléndez performed the Castellanos-Yumar Concerto for Viola and Orchestra in the American Viola Society Festival 2016, and performed new music for viola and bassoon in the AVS Festival 2018. In 2018, during the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Soundwaves Festival, Meléndez premiered the Concierto in Tango (piano and viola version) by Miguel del Aguila, and again during the American Viola Society Virtual Conference in 2021. While teaching at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Melendez organized, and established for seven years the Islander Viola Days. Two days dedicated to teaching, and sharing viola music with Middle School and High School students from the Corpus Christi area. She has continued the Viola Day tradition at the Austin Community College since her arrival in 2024.
Melissa Meléndez is an active member of the American Viola Society, the Suzuki Association of the Americas, and the Texas Music Educators Association. She has lectured on topics including new viola repertoire, Suzuki in the Schools, and Teaching in Title I public schools.
Daniel Benoit
bass
Originally from Arlington, TX, Daniel Benoit got his bachelor’s degree in music from The University of North Texas, master’s degree in music from Indiana University, and then played in the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC for four years. Aside from playing classical music, Daniel likes to play jazz, rock, and other kinds of popular music. He also got a post-graduate certificate from Berklee College of Music in music production and audio engineering.
bass
Originally from Arlington, TX, Daniel Benoit got his bachelor’s degree in music from The University of North Texas, master’s degree in music from Indiana University, and then played in the United States Air Force Band in Washington, DC for four years. Aside from playing classical music, Daniel likes to play jazz, rock, and other kinds of popular music. He also got a post-graduate certificate from Berklee College of Music in music production and audio engineering.
Julie Munkholm Bruun
cello
Julie Munkholm Bruun has a degree in cello performance, teaching and chamber music instruction
from The Royal Academy of Music, Denmark and the Danish National Academy where she studied
under Harro Ruijsenaars, Henrik Brendstrup and Niels Ullner. In 2002-2003 she took a year of
absence from her studies in Denmark to deepen her understanding and knowledge of cello technique
through private studies with Gert Von Bülow in Rostock, Germany. Julie has participated in
masterclasses with Steven Isserlis and Ralph Kirschbaum and she has performed in Denmark,
Sweden, Italy and USA. Her repertoire spreads widely from classical to rock and she has worked on
stage with award winning pianist Mookie Lee Menuhin, Multi Grammy awarded musician/composer
Perry Stenbäck and Danish pianist/composer Jonas Frederik. Julie was a member of the crossover
ensemble “Laila & Symfobia” from 2001-2006 (Laila now tours the world with the extraordinary
“Between Music’s AQUASONIC”) and has recorded for artists such as Tina Dickow, Western Stars and
world famous Danish pianist and composer Bent Fabricius Bjerre.
Julie's extensive studies in teaching methods have taken her all over Europe, and she has developed
a large knowledge and expertise in what she is most passionate for: Teaching. Julie has studied
classic teaching methods and pedagogy during her education and has studied the Suzuki method in
Scandinavia throughout several years (although she is not certified). She has studied the
Colourstrings method in London and Helsinki and helped translate/tailor Colourstrings teaching
material to Danish students and to implement its use in Denmark. Julie has more than 22 years of
teaching experience and has taught students of all ages and levels. Several of her students have
continued their musical education and have become professional cellists. Julie’s teaching method is
creative and fun. She believes that the very foundation of teaching is to believe in the student and their
abilities – and that it is possible for anyone to find the love for music and learn how to play. She
believes that all students are unique and knows that everyone learns differently. The correct technique
and the ability to build up strength slowly, gives the student the very best foundation for becoming a
great cellist. She emphasizes teaching how to practice at home, she focuses on how to produce the
best sound and she always teaches her students to know exactly what they are doing anatomically.
Her special method of mapping out the cello makes it easier for students to get around on the
instrument. Julie is also a RYT500 yoga teacher and through her studies in yoga she has developed a
greater awareness for how to work skillfully with the anatomy behind playing the cello.
cello
Julie Munkholm Bruun has a degree in cello performance, teaching and chamber music instruction
from The Royal Academy of Music, Denmark and the Danish National Academy where she studied
under Harro Ruijsenaars, Henrik Brendstrup and Niels Ullner. In 2002-2003 she took a year of
absence from her studies in Denmark to deepen her understanding and knowledge of cello technique
through private studies with Gert Von Bülow in Rostock, Germany. Julie has participated in
masterclasses with Steven Isserlis and Ralph Kirschbaum and she has performed in Denmark,
Sweden, Italy and USA. Her repertoire spreads widely from classical to rock and she has worked on
stage with award winning pianist Mookie Lee Menuhin, Multi Grammy awarded musician/composer
Perry Stenbäck and Danish pianist/composer Jonas Frederik. Julie was a member of the crossover
ensemble “Laila & Symfobia” from 2001-2006 (Laila now tours the world with the extraordinary
“Between Music’s AQUASONIC”) and has recorded for artists such as Tina Dickow, Western Stars and
world famous Danish pianist and composer Bent Fabricius Bjerre.
Julie's extensive studies in teaching methods have taken her all over Europe, and she has developed
a large knowledge and expertise in what she is most passionate for: Teaching. Julie has studied
classic teaching methods and pedagogy during her education and has studied the Suzuki method in
Scandinavia throughout several years (although she is not certified). She has studied the
Colourstrings method in London and Helsinki and helped translate/tailor Colourstrings teaching
material to Danish students and to implement its use in Denmark. Julie has more than 22 years of
teaching experience and has taught students of all ages and levels. Several of her students have
continued their musical education and have become professional cellists. Julie’s teaching method is
creative and fun. She believes that the very foundation of teaching is to believe in the student and their
abilities – and that it is possible for anyone to find the love for music and learn how to play. She
believes that all students are unique and knows that everyone learns differently. The correct technique
and the ability to build up strength slowly, gives the student the very best foundation for becoming a
great cellist. She emphasizes teaching how to practice at home, she focuses on how to produce the
best sound and she always teaches her students to know exactly what they are doing anatomically.
Her special method of mapping out the cello makes it easier for students to get around on the
instrument. Julie is also a RYT500 yoga teacher and through her studies in yoga she has developed a
greater awareness for how to work skillfully with the anatomy behind playing the cello.