At Emerald Music Academy, we believe that music lessons should be a positive and enriching experience for students of all ages. We take pride in our ability to create a supportive community where students can develop their musical skills, creativity, and discipline in a fun and engaging way.
We believe that music is meant to be shared, which is why we foster a sense of community among our students. Through regular recitals and performances, as well as studio classes, students have the opportunity to showcase their progress, learn from one another, and build confidence in their abilities. We provide a supportive environment where students can share their music and celebrate their achievements. Our goal is to nuture each student's love of music and help them develop the skills they need to succeed, both in their musical pursuits and in life.
has been an active soloist and chamber musician throughout the United States, China, Russia, Italy, Malaysia, and Bulgaria. He has performed with orchestras including Varna State Orchestra, Sofia Soloists, Baylor Symphony, and St. Petersburg Philharmonic, among others. Alex has been a pianist for the Metropolitan Opera National Council, Ima Hogg, National Association of Teachers of Singing, and the National Trumpet Conference. He has played for the Maryland Opera Studio, the Baylor University Opera, and the New York Opera Studio, amongst others. He also served on the music faculty at the Peabody Preparatory Conservatory, Soulfege Music Studio, and the Capital Piano Conservatory.
Throughout the years, Alex has won several international competitions including: First prize at the Joseph Dichler Piano Competition in Vienna, Grand Prix at the Amici del Pianoforte Competition in Venice, and Grand Prix at the Competition for Slavic Music in Moscow. Alex has also received several awards during his music education including: the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Performance from Baylor University, a special award from the mayor of Varna, Bulgaria, for high music achievements, and the Robert McCoy Award for Collaborative Piano at the University of Maryland.
He has collaborated with artists such as Renée Fleming, Carol Vaness, Matthew Guilford, Wiff Rudd, and has been pianist for the workshops of Chris Martin, Joseph Aleesi, Edward Berklee, and Lawrence Brownlee. Alex has performed as soloist and chamber musician in venues such as Carnegie hall, Rachmaninov hall, Bolshoi Theater, and the United States Supreme Court. In 2018, Alex was invited to go on a tour and give masterclasses in Hong Kong and Malaysia. Alex has participated in festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and School as well as the Collaborative Piano Institute, where he worked with Golda Schultz, Stephen King, Lawrence Brownlee, Martin Katz, Kathleen Kelly and Rita Sloan.
Alex earned his doctorate degree in collaborative piano at the University of Maryland, where he studied under Rita Sloan. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music performance from Baylor University where he studied with Krassimira Jordan.
brings over 15 years of teaching experience, during which she has developed unique methods that make music lessons both enjoyable and effective. Her comprehensive teaching style combines music theory, ear training, and music history, empowering students to become well-rounded musicians with a deep understanding of music. Outside of her work in music education, Bonnie works as a software engineer. She also enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters.
Bonnie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Baylor University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in piano performance, studying under Krassimira Jordan. While at Baylor, she was a member of the Symphonic Band, pianist for the theater department, as well as collaborative artist for her peers as well as ensembles. She was the recipient of the Music Incentive Talent Scholarship, the nominee for the J. Harry and Anna Jeanes Academic Honors for the School of Music, and the recipient of the Gladys Calder Stinson Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Performer in Piano. Prior to attending Baylor University, she was the principal clarinetist in the Southwest Honor Band and the Texas All-State Concert Band, as well as winner of the TMTA Orchestral Instrument division in 2013. She has won several piano competitions including the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra Competition, the UTEP Piano Competition, and the Baylor Semper Pro Competition. She has had the opportunity to study abroad and perform in concerts and masterclasses in Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria, where she studied with world-renowned musicians.
