Rise Music
Music lessons for all ages and abilities!
Piano |
Voice |
Guitar |
Violin |
Drums |
Rise Music
Music lessons for all ages and abilities!
Piano |
Voice |
Guitar |
Violin |
Drums |
Our Facilities
When students are given the opportunity to learn music with the highest quality of instruments, they not only have more fun, but they also develop an ear for how an instrument should sound.
That’s why RISE has committed to be a Steinway School, which means all of our pianos are designed and maintenanced by Steinway & Sons Piano Company.
We want our students to experience firsthand how premier instruments feel and sound, so their musicality has a strong foundation.
We have 4 private music rooms for individual lessons and 2 group music rooms for band and ensemble lessons.
We offer lessons for piano, voice, guitar, bass guitar, drums, violin, and more. If you are interested in a particular instrument not listed, please let us know!
Performance Opportunities
Our campus offers students several performance spaces where they can showcase what they’ve been learning. Performing is an integral part of our music program; we believe students should have as many performance opportunities as possible to help normalize the experience of playing in front of an audience.
We build confidence by starting with smaller, more intimate performances for family and friends. Students then work up to performing more difficult pieces for larger audiences.
We offer performance opportunities in our lobby space, in our group music rooms, our 2,400 sq. ft. performance space, and our 2,400 sq. ft. outdoor lawn!
Teaching Methodology
We understand that no two students learn the same way, and that’s why our teaching approach is custom-tailored to the specific needs and interests of each student. Our music instructors have a diverse background in teaching methodologies and curricula, enabling us to ensure that our approach matches each student.
The one common denominator for all of our lessons is that they be engaging and fun. Students will only progress when they are genuinely enjoying what they’re learning; that’s why we make it a point to have a blast during our lessons!
Our Instructors
Rafael Tacaki, MM
Piano
Rafael Tacaki holds a Masters degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Bachelors degree in Piano Performance from the State University of Paraná/ School of Music and Fine Arts in Brazil and is currently working on his Artist Diploma at Sam Houston State University.
His performance experiences go beyond piano solo such as musicals, choirs, chamber music and ensembles. As a teaching assistant he accompanied the University Chorale and also taught piano class for music majors and performed with the UMass Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band.
During graduate school, Mr. Tacaki collaborated with singers, solo instrumentalists and chamber groups. Mr Tacaki was granted a prestigious merit-based scholarship from the program DIEUWERTJE MEIJER, which sponsored his Bachelors degree.
Currently, he is a pianist at the Houston Grand Opera for the 2022 Production of the Barber of Seville in Texas.
Mr. Tacaki caters his instruction to meet each student’s needs and musical interests. He promotes an environment where students can develop a love and passion for music while having fun and learning injury-free piano technique. Mr. Tacaki makes it a priority to develop strong musicality in his students that will serve in all of their music endeavors . His motto for his students is to perform to the best of their abilities!
Treshana Lewis, NYVC
Voice, Piano
Treshana Lewis is a piano and voice instructor, professional singer-songwriter, and worship leader here in Houston. She’s had a passion for music her entire life and has been singing since the age of 2. As a child Treshana frequently got in trouble for singing during class but soon found fertile ground for her love of music to bloom in private lessons, choirs, and ensembles. She has an appreciation for all styles of music including classical, gospel, pop, musical theater, and jazz.
Treshana received her Voice Teacher Certification from Justin Stoney’s esteemed New York Vocal Coaching program. Alongside being a professional singer and music teacher she is also a Licensed Mental Health Professional with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Treshana draws on her expertise in Mental Health to help empower her students to overcome the psychological challenges they may encounter on their musical journey (performance anxiety, self-criticism, etc.).
Treshana enjoys working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping them learn to love music.
Valeri Speights, BFA
Violin, Viola, Piano
American violinist Valeri Speights helps her students cultivate a life-long love of playing the violin through the use of historically informed techniques and practice strategies.
As a chamber musician and orchestral performer, she has travelled and trained extensively in the pursuit of mastering her instrument. Valeri studied historically informed performance with Dr. Mario Aschauer & Zachary Carrettin as a member of SHSU’s Center for Early Music Research and Performance (CEMRAP). Aside from her undergraduate studies, during which she studied with Dr. Pinell and Dr. Gjevre, Valeri is also an alumna of Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Dylana Jenson Workshop, the MasterWorks Festival, and the Saarburg International Chamber Music Festival.
Valeri has been a faculty member of the Woodlands Chamberfest, a non-profit hosted by the Woodlands Pavilion, for several years. She has taught for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, the Art of Music Studio, the Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch, and was a guest conductor for the Conroe Youth Symphony.
Along the way, Valeri has also taken on many unique roles in the classical music world, such as conductor, personnel manager, orchestra librarian, PR manager, instrument sales representative, board member, and administrative assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Violin Performance from Sam Houston State University.
Mike Barrows, BA
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano
Mike Barrows earned a bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He has had a passion for music his entire life which began at the age of 6, starting with piano lessons from his mother, a Master Organist. After picking up interested in guitar, Mike began taking lessons formally at age 17. His first teacher introduced him to jazz, blues, and music theory and this has been his true passion ever since.
Mike has led and been a member of blues bands, classic rock cover bands, jazz bands and duos and has performed solo as well freelance gigs throughout the past 17 years. He has also played in worship bands at various churches in Houston and is currently the guitarist in the worship band at Emmaus Road church in Katy, TX.
Mike has been teaching privately for 14 years and has a passion for teaching guitar. He has taught hundreds of guitar students of all skill levels from beginner through advanced and all ages from 7 years old to adults. He also teaches beginner piano lessons to children and adults.
Margarita Divinskaya, BM
Piano
Margo Divinskaya has been successful pianist, chamber artist and teacher for over 27 years. She performed at Houston Ballet and HB Academy, HSPVA, SPA, City Ballet of Houston, Joffrey Ballet Schools of New York and San Antonio, Pittsburg Ballet Theatre School, Twin City Ballet of Monroe, Company on Stage in Houston, Regional Dance America Festivals, Feijoo Ballet School and many more.
Ms. Divinskaya received a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Kiev State R.M. Glier College of Music in Ukraine. She had an opportunity to learn from distinguished teachers Olga Lotova, Roman Gindin,
Valeriy Kozlov.
After graduation Ms. Divinskaya worked for 10 years as a teacher, pianist and concertmaster at Kiev State Children’s Music School preparing students for Recitals, Tests and Festivals.
In 1992 she moved to Houston and continues performing and successfully preparing kids for different National and International Tests and Events.
While learning to express the music of great composers past and present, her students discover how to achieve technical freedom and professionalism with their piano playing.
Fiona Reid, HND
Piano, Voice, Guitar
Fiona Reid is a fun-loving, multi-cultural, globetrotting, singer/songwriter and music instructor who has gained a wide variety of experience in several areas of the music industry after completing her HND in music in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fiona credits her diverse musical background to helping her find her true happy place: teaching and training students in music!
Fiona comes with 15 years of performance experience along with her own success in teaching private music lessons, vocal coaching, and launching a young artist development course. She has performed in a variety of bands and styles including multi-art form productions. She has managed and produced shows and events, recorded and produced original music, commercially released singles, and song-written for other artists.
Growing up, Fiona’s creative and musical family moved between their different countries before making home in Houston. She continued to travel and see as much of the world as possible during her music career before settling back in Houston to be close to family.
Fiona’s teaching style is creative, adaptive, and individual-based. Her passion is to help her students have a blast while discovering their musical gifts and talents!
Bernie Baldwin
Drums
Born and raised in east Houston, Bernie Baldwin has been playing drums since he was a small child. Bernie attended North Shore High School and was a member of the drumline, concert band, and the percussion ensemble.
Mr. Bernie was an award-winning soloist, getting high marks in the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition, and was the first member of the class of 2009 to receive a letterman jacket for making the State Solo and Ensemble competition as a freshman.
After graduating in the top 10 of his class, Mr. Bernie went on to receive a full scholarship to Texas Southern University as a member of the TSU Big Band Experience and Latin Jazz Ensemble, where he studied under Horace Alexander Young and Darryl Singleton. He then attended the Musicians Institute in LA and worked as a gigging musician in various bands across several genres before returning to Houston to study Audio Recording Technology and becoming a Certified Audio Engineer.
These days Mr. Bernie gigs in Houston playing anything from Jazz, Trap, and EDM to Country, Christian Contemporary, Hardcore, and Metal. In his personal time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his cat, Monster.
Trevor Black, BM
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Musicianship
Trevor has been playing guitar since age 12, when his cousin convinced him that it was way cooler than the trumpet. Since then, Trevor has studied Music Technology and Composition at Duquesne University, where he specialized in Classical Guitar, and went on to create music for both Hollywood film and video games.
He has studied the Shearer and Kodaly techniques for music instruction, and has discovered a talent for teaching music and guitar fundamentals to students as young as 5.
When he’s not teaching or writing music, Trevor enjoys bike rides with his wife, walks with his dog, and large bowls of ramen. He does, however, wish he could still play the trumpet.
Andrei Chelaru, BM
Piano, Composition
Andrei Chelaru was born in Iasi, Romania and moved to North America at a young age, eventually making Houston home in 2009 and earning his Bachelors of Music from Sam Houston State University.
Andrei has been a performer and teacher of various musical styles throughout the greater Houston/Huntsville area and enjoys playing a wide variety of music including classical music, jazz, latin jazz, and pop. He is an avid learner of music and enjoys not only playing written music, but also composing and improvising original music in a wide variety of styles.
Andrei has worked with students of all ages and enjoys instilling a love of music in his students. He loves to see his students progress over time all while gaining confidence and enjoyment in their newfound abilities.
Although teaching traditional piano lessons is his primary focus, he also teaches jazz piano, music composition, music theory, musicianship and other specific aspects of music.
In his spare time, Andrei enjoys lifting weights, salsa dancing, eating delicious food and spending time with family and friends.
Our Instructors
Rafael Tacaki, MM
Piano
His performance experiences go beyond piano solo such as musicals, choirs, chamber music and ensembles. As a teaching assistant he accompanied the University Chorale and also taught piano class for music majors and performed with the UMass Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band.
During graduate school, Mr. Tacaki collaborated with singers, solo instrumentalists and chamber groups. Mr Tacaki was granted a prestigious merit-based scholarship from the program DIEUWERTJE MEIJER, which sponsored his Bachelors degree.
Currently, he is a pianist at the Houston Grand Opera for the 2022 Production of the Barber of Seville in Texas.
Mr. Tacaki caters his instruction to meet each student’s needs and musical interests. He promotes an environment where students can develop a love and passion for music while having fun and learning injury-free piano technique. Mr. Tacaki makes it a priority to develop strong musicality in his students that will serve in all of their music endeavors . His motto for his students is to perform to the best of their abilities!
Valeri Speights, BFA
Violin, Viola, Piano
As a chamber musician and orchestral performer, she has travelled and trained extensively in the pursuit of mastering her instrument. Valeri studied historically informed performance with Dr. Mario Aschauer & Zachary Carrettin as a member of SHSU’s Center for Early Music Research and Performance (CEMRAP). Aside from her undergraduate studies, during which she studied with Dr. Pinell and Dr. Gjevre, Valeri is also an alumna of Interlochen Center for the Arts, the Dylana Jenson Workshop, the MasterWorks Festival, and the Saarburg International Chamber Music Festival.
Valeri has been a faculty member of the Woodlands Chamberfest, a non-profit hosted by the Woodlands Pavilion, for several years. She has taught for the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, the Art of Music Studio, the Conservatory of Music at Cinco Ranch, and was a guest conductor for the Conroe Youth Symphony.
Along the way, Valeri has also taken on many unique roles in the classical music world, such as conductor, personnel manager, orchestra librarian, PR manager, instrument sales representative, board member, and administrative assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Violin Performance from Sam Houston State University.
Treshana Lewis, NYVC
Voice, Piano
Treshana Lewis is a piano and voice instructor, professional singer-songwriter, and worship leader here in Houston. She’s had a passion for music her entire life and has been singing since the age of 2. As a child Treshana frequently got in trouble for singing during class but soon found fertile ground for her love of music to bloom in private lessons, choirs, and ensembles. She has an appreciation for all styles of music including classical, gospel, pop, musical theater, and jazz.
Treshana received her Voice Teacher Certification from Justin Stoney’s esteemed New York Vocal Coaching program. Alongside being a professional singer and music teacher she is also a Licensed Mental Health Professional with a Master’s degree in Social Work. Treshana draws on her expertise in Mental Health to help empower her students to overcome the psychological challenges they may encounter on their musical journey (performance anxiety, self-criticism, etc.).
Treshana enjoys working with children of all ages and is passionate about helping them learn to love music.
Mike Barrows, BA
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Piano
Mike Barrows earned a bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He has had a passion for music his entire life which began at the age of 6, starting with piano lessons from his mother, a Master Organist. After picking up interested in guitar, Mike began taking lessons formally at age 17. His first teacher introduced him to jazz, blues, and music theory and this has been his true passion ever since.
Mike has led and been a member of blues bands, classic rock cover bands, jazz bands and duos and has performed solo as well freelance gigs throughout the past 17 years. He has also played in worship bands at various churches in Houston and is currently the guitarist in the worship band at Emmaus Road church in Katy, TX.
Mike has been teaching privately for 14 years and has a passion for teaching guitar. He has taught hundreds of guitar students of all skill levels from beginner through advanced and all ages from 7 years old to adults. He also teaches beginner piano lessons to children and adults.
Fiona Reed, HND
Piano, Voice, Guitar
Fiona Reid is a fun-loving, multi-cultural, globetrotting, singer/songwriter and music instructor who has gained a wide variety of experience in several areas of the music industry after completing her HND in music in Edinburgh, Scotland. Fiona credits her diverse musical background to helping her find her true happy place: teaching and training students in music!
Fiona comes with 15 years of performance experience along with her own success in teaching private music lessons, vocal coaching, and launching a young artist development course. She has performed in a variety of bands and styles including multi-art form productions. She has managed and produced shows and events, recorded and produced original music, commercially released singles, and song-written for other artists.
Growing up, Fiona’s creative and musical family moved between their different countries before making home in Houston. She continued to travel and see as much of the world as possible during her music career before settling back in Houston to be close to family.
Fiona’s teaching style is creative, adaptive, and individual-based. Her passion is to help her students have a blast while discovering their musical gifts and talents!
Margarita Divinskaya
Piano
Margo Divinskaya has been successful pianist, chamber artist and teacher for over 27 years. She performed at Houston Ballet and HB Academy, HSPVA, SPA, City Ballet of Houston, Joffrey Ballet Schools of New York and San Antonio, Pittsburg Ballet Theatre School, Twin City Ballet of Monroe, Company on Stage in Houston, Regional Dance America Festivals, Feijoo Ballet School and many more.
Ms. Divinskaya received a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Kiev State R.M. Glier College of Music in Ukraine. She had an opportunity to learn from distinguished teachers Olga Lotova, Roman Gindin,
Valeriy Kozlov.
After graduation Ms. Divinskaya worked for 10 years as a teacher, pianist and concertmaster at Kiev State Children’s Music School preparing students for Recitals, Tests and Festivals.
In 1992 she moved to Houston and continues performing and successfully preparing kids for different National and International Tests and Events.
While learning to express the music of great composers past and present, her students discover how to achieve technical freedom and professionalism with their piano playing.
Trevor Black, BM
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Musicianship
He has studied the Shearer and Kodaly techniques for music instruction, and has discovered a talent for teaching music and guitar fundamentals to students as young as 5.
When he’s not teaching or writing music, Trevor enjoys bike rides with his wife, walks with his dog, and large bowls of ramen. He does, however, wish he could still play the trumpet.
Bernie Baldwin
Drums
Mr. Bernie was an award-winning soloist, getting high marks in the UIL Solo and Ensemble competition, and was the first member of the class of 2009 to receive a letterman jacket for making the State Solo and Ensemble competition as a freshman.
After graduating in the top 10 of his class, Mr. Bernie went on to receive a full scholarship to Texas Southern University as a member of the TSU Big Band Experience and Latin Jazz Ensemble, where he studied under Horace Alexander Young and Darryl Singleton. He then attended the Musicians Institute in LA and worked as a gigging musician in various bands across several genres before returning to Houston to study Audio Recording Technology and becoming a Certified Audio Engineer.
These days Mr. Bernie gigs in Houston playing anything from Jazz, Trap, and EDM to Country, Christian Contemporary, Hardcore, and Metal. In his personal time, he enjoys playing video games and spending time with his cat, Monster.
Andrei Chelaru, BM
Piano, Composition
Andrei Chelaru was born in Iasi, Romania and moved to North America at a young age, eventually making Houston home in 2009 and earning his Bachelors of Music from Sam Houston State University.
Andrei has been a performer and teacher of various musical styles throughout the greater Houston/Huntsville area and enjoys playing a wide variety of music including classical music, jazz, latin jazz, and pop. He is an avid learner of music and enjoys not only playing written music, but also composing and improvising original music in a wide variety of styles.
Andrei has worked with students of all ages and enjoys instilling a love of music in his students. He loves to see his students progress over time all while gaining confidence and enjoyment in their newfound abilities.
Although teaching traditional piano lessons is his primary focus, he also teaches jazz piano, music composition, music theory, musicianship and other specific aspects of music.
In his spare time, Andrei enjoys lifting weights, salsa dancing, eating delicious food and spending time with family and friends.