Our Instructors
.
Kim Bates
PIANO
Kim is an award winning pianist with over thirty years of teaching experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music at Rhodes College, Master of Music in Piano Performance at The University of Alabama, and Master of Music Education at Samford University. She has experience teaching piano to students ages 4 through adult, and has taught school music at the elementary and secondary levels. Kim is passionate about helping students develop musical minds, hearts, and hands.
Certifications and Memberships: Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), TEA certified Music K-12 educator, Central Texas Area Music Teachers Association.
.
.
Krista Eshbaugh
VOICE/PIANO/CHOIR DIRECTOR
Krista received her Bachelor of Music Education from Stetson University, FL and her Masters of Music from University of Miami, FL. Her choir and musical theater teaching experiences have been with students in grades K-12 and college. She has been teacher, choir director, music director or choreographer for youth musicals at the UMHB Conservatory of Music, the Cultural Activities Center, Providence Preparatory School, Academy High School and Temple Civic Theatre.
Besides her passion for giving people of all ages the confidence and skills to grow as performers, she strives to help her students develop a deep love and appreciation of the arts.
Certifications and Memberships: Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
.
.
Johanna Escoe
VOICE | PIANO
Johanna has a Bachelors degree in Music Education from University of Texas at Arlington. She has 7 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary students in both classroom and private lesson settings. She is a vocalist of 20 years and has performed in UTA's "West Side Story'', "Die Fledermaus", and UTA's A Capella Choir. She currently sings on the worship team at Grace Church Salado.
Johanna loves to see her students gain confidence in their musical skills and abilities which she believes also strengthens their confidence in life. She loves teaching her students a lifelong love for music and seeing their faces light up with joy!
Certifications and Memberships: Orff Level 1 Certified, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
.
Jeff Hill
Guitar
Jeff has been playing guitar since the age of 7. He attended his first open mic at 9 years old, and has been playing live music ever since. He has taught private guitar lessons to students of all ages from elementary through adult. Jeff also taught elementary school music in Southeast Colorado. Jeff and his wife and son are new to central Texas and look forward to becoming a part of the community. Jeff is excited to share his passion for and knowledge of music with the students of Salado Conservatory of Music!
Avalyn James
Voice, Assistant Choir Director
Avalyn, a Nolanville native, is currently pursuing a BM in Vocal Performance at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. At UMHB, Avalyn is involved in One Voice, Concert Choir, and Opera Music Theatre, which she has also performed and toured with in Wales, UK, and Carnegie Hall, New York City, NY. Most recently, she portrayed the role of Esmeralda in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Avalyn is an alumna of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State Mixed Choir. She is currently a member of Las Voces Chorus and cantors at First Methodist Church Temple. Avalyn is eager to see students gain a deeper understanding of their instrument (their voice) as it connects to the style and genre (s) they wish to pursue.
.
Ernie Lopez
PERCUSSION | PIANO
Ernie Lopez is starting his second year teaching at Salado Conservatory and starting his senior year of college. Ernie attends the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor where he is pursuing a degree in Music Education and a minor in Pedagogy & Professional Practices in music. Ernie plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin for a Masters in Jazz Studies. He has been studying and playing percussion since he was eleven. Ernie is also a jazz pianist and has played at numerous jazz festivals and competitions around the country. He has played and worked with some of the leading jazz musicians in the field.
As an instructor, Ernie will develop technique and push his students to the absolute best while making music and having fun.
Ernie is in demand as a teacher, performer and music collaborator at the local and state level.
Certifications and Memberships: Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
.
Isabelle Smith
THEATRE ARTS: ACTING /VOCALS / CHOIR DIRECTOR
Isabelle has her Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University and a degree in Performing Arts and Christian Studies from the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (UMHB). During her Senior year at UMHB, she served as the President of the Student Chapter for the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Women’s Chorus. Over the years, she has participated in numerous theatrical productions on and off the stage. She has taught in various capacities and received a Big Red Heart Award from BISD for her dedication to students.
Before moving to Texas from Seattle, Isabelle participated in over thirty productions at professional and community theatre companies including The 5th Avenue Theatre, Edmonds Driftwood Players, Taproot Theatre, and Edmonds Heights Performing Arts. Isabelle desires to share her passion for the stage and storytelling with her students and strives to inspire joy and confidence in every aspect of performance, from auditions to the final bow.
Isabelle desires to share her passion for the stage and storytelling with her students and strives to inspire joy and confidence in every part of performing, from auditions to the final bow.
Certifications and Memberships: International Thespian Society.
.
Doug Uyechi
GUITAR/BASS/UKULELE
Doug has 30 years of playing experience on bass, acoustic and electric guitar. He has played in a wide variety of musical settings from jazz trios to rock bands to praise and worship teams. He currently leads the worship team at Grace Church Jarrell .
Doug’ loves to help students discover the joy beyond just playing and instrument. the joy of unique expression and creativity.
.
Kimberly Uyechi
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PERCUSSION/ADVENTURES IN MUSIC/PIANO/GUITAR
Kimberly has a Bachelors degree in Education from Baylor University. She has 30 years of experience teaching early childhood and elementary students in the classroom and in after-school music enrichment programs. She is a percussionist of 37 years and has played in the Baylor University Golden Wave Band, the Baylor Symphonic Band and Courtside Players. She currently plays drums for the worship team at First Baptist Church of Salado.
Kimberly loves to see her students gain new skills. She enjoys working with children, putting an instrument in their hands and watching them delight in making “music”. She also enjoys teaching aspiring drummers. Her heart beats with the rhythm of a drum.
Certifications and Memberships: Member of the Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)