Faculty
Brenda Bedell
Founder · Music Director · Piano
Doniahl Afshar
Guitar
Anitra Coulter Blunt
Voice
Anitra Coulter Blunt is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where she earned her Master’s degree in Music/Voice Performance and Pedagogy with an Emphasis on Therapy. Known for her golden operatic tone and expressive versatility across classical, jazz, and spiritual music, Anitra has performed a range of character roles, including Madame Goldentrill in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor, Lucy in Menotti’s The Telephone, the Queen of the Night in
The Magic Flute, and Cinderella’s Mother/Rapunzel in Sondheim’s Into the Woods. She has been featured in the Living Paper Song Project’s award-winning I, Too: The Voices of Langston Hughes, performed as a soloist with the Texas Bach Festival, and appeared in the Black Divas Concerts of 2023, 2024, and 2025 through KMFA and PBS. Anitra has taught music for more than twenty years, serving students from early childhood through secondary levels. She has taught private voice and classroom music throughout the Austin area, specializing in movement and cognitive development. Her teaching embodies a passion for nurturing creativity, confidence, and connection through music education. She blends vocal coaching, music theory, and therapeutic principles to create learning environments that honor the whole person. She holds a deep commitment to inclusion and the belief that music can transform and heal lives. Looking ahead, Anitra aspires to develop holistic, wellness-centered programs and literature that inspire families and communities through the power of the arts.
Jack Daniel
Percussion · Voice
Jack was fortunate to have a mother who was the first accredited female band director in Louisiana. At the age of 13, his first drum set instructor was Joe Morrelo (drummer for Dave Brubeck) and then Roy Haynes (drummer for Miles Davis and others) when he attended the first Ludwig Percussion Symposium. Jack toured Europe with the All Student’s Band USA, at the age of 15, and performed with various bands throughout southern Louisiana. After attending LSU in Baton Rouge, he performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony and various circus and rodeo bands. He currently drums with John Pierre and the Zydeco Angels, Paul Klemperer Jazz Quartet, the modern Rock Band Relative Circle, and the World Music Band Suburban Beat. Jack is excited to teach percussion as well as vocals at Dolce as a Master Teacher and performer. He also directs intro group percussion classes each year as an elective for our summer camp music tours.
Wendy Dewerse
Piano · Voice
Wendy is an experienced music teacher, pianist, singer, mom of five, and grandma of three. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from John Brown University and holds her Texas Teaching Certificate for PreK through 12th grade music. Over the years, Wendy has taught piano and voice lessons, led children’s choirs and worship bands, directed musicals, and taught elementary music in Round Rock ISD and Georgetown ISD. She believes it’s most important for children to LOVE music and to have FUN while they learn! Wendy is accepting private or group piano and voice students on Tuesdays.
Jacob Dycus
Percussion · Guitar · Ukulele
Stephanie Goehner
Piano · Voice · Music Together
Stephanie has had a love for music for as long as she can remember. She grew up singing with her family at home and in church. At her Mema’s house, she listened intently as her grandmother played the piano and taught her notes and chords. As she got older, she started learning to read hymnals and listen to her mom sing harmony, eventually harmonizing pretty well herself! Her sisters and mom all played the flute, so Stephanie joined in, taking up band, dance, church, and school choir, piano lessons, and voice lessons as well. In her senior year of high school, she taught flute and played in the church band. While attending Baylor University, she sang in the women’s choir and currently sings with the church‘s praise and worship team. Sharing the gift of music isn’t a job but rather a joy for Stephanie, and her creative style is evident. She loves to lay the foundation for beginner piano students, adding an element of singing to the lesson format and providing essential tools to put a song in their hearts! Dolce is excited to announce Stephanie as a certified Music Together® teacher leading Mixed-Age classes on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15. These classes are the perfect beginning to prepare children for Little Mozart Piano group or private lessons designed for ages 4 to 6.
Hannah Gripp
Violin
Hannah is a passionate violinist, educator, and artist. She began her study of the violin at the age of seven and, since then, has been a winner of multiple competitions including the ASTA Arizona Solo Competition, the Phoenix Youth Symphony’s Young Musicians’ Competition, and the NAU Academy Orchestra Concerto Competition (resulting in the opportunity to solo with the orchestra). As a freshman at Northern Arizona University, Gripp was selected as a winner in NAU’s concerto competition, resulting in a solo concerto performance with the NAU Symphony Orchestra. In the spring of 2018, she soloed with the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra as a winner of their Solo Competition. She has performed in multiple orchestras, including the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Symphony of the Southwest, Arizona Philharmonic, the Arizona State University Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and the NAU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. During her time at NAU, Gripp performed as the concertmaster of both the NAU Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. A native of Arizona, Gripp has been privileged to study with numerous instructors and professors who have deeply impacted her musical career there. She received her Master of Music Performance degree at Arizona State University as a student of Dr. Katherine McLin. Before that, she graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Violin Performance, where she was a student of Shelley Rich. In addition to performing, Gripp is passionate about teaching the violin. An experienced instructor in both private and group lessons, she seeks to inspire the joy of the gift of music in all her students, while facilitating a rich musical experience for them. Hannah holds a Certificate in Suzuki Pedagogy for the Violin. She had the privilege of studying under renowned Suzuki pedagogues Dr. Karin Hallberg and Dr. Louise Scott. Hannah is dedicated to serving her church and community with music. She has been playing the violin in church bands for over a decade and loves to share her talents with others.
Portia Lahey Hansen, MA, MT-BC
Music Together · Music Therapy
Marianna Kazarian
Piano
Native of Tbilisi, Georgia, Marianna has lived in the United States for three decades. As a passionate admirer and practitioner of classical music, she uses the best European and North American methods in her teaching. Throughout her professional journey, she has taught students of all levels and ages, who soon became inspired with a deep love and appreciation for music. Her decades-long experience as an instructor helped her adapt her methods to the rhythm of each student. Marianna’s students usually graduate among the top in exams and competitions. Some have received a distinction for outstanding work from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and were awarded a Gold Medal from music competitions and auditions in the Bay Area, CA. Now in Georgetown, TX, Marianna plans to become a member of the American College of Musicians, allowing her to invite interested students to participate in the yearly National Guild Auditions.
Ernesto Lopez
Piano · Percussion
Andy McKay
Trumpet · Brass
Andy McKay has 50 years of experience playing trumpet as a solo and group performer. Since a young age, music has played an important role in Andy’s life, and his enthusiasm for music appreciation is palpable and infectious. He believes music education isn’t only about learning to play an instrument, but rather a pathway to learning life skills. Andy began formal music education at the age of 12, continuing through an active high school and college performing career. He studied music at Stephen F. Austin University and performed there with several ensembles, including concert bands and jazz bands. He has performed with numerous bands throughout Texas and Louisiana and currently enjoys leading an 18-piece band, “Not Past 11,” in the Georgetown and Austin area. Andy enjoys working with students from beginner to advanced, teaching and improving their technical skills, rhythm, music reading skills, and music theory foundations. As a Dolce instructor, Andy delights in helping his students set and achieve goals and celebrates their successes, big and small. He has an inspiring and effective approach to working with all ages and skill levels. Andy is available to teach all levels of trumpet students, as well as other brass instruments, depending on skill levels. When he’s not playing his trumpet, Andy enjoys RV travel, cruises, working on his 100-year-old historic home, hiking, and spending time with his wife and 3 children.
Monique McIntosh
Piano · Bassoon · Flute
Steve Merson
Violin
Steve was born into a musical family in Scotland, UK. He spent his formative years being taught by his father before moving to London to study at the renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Professor David Takeno.
Steve was awarded his Associate of the Guildhall School of Music (AGSM) and went on to the Advanced Solo Studies course for a further year. On completion of his studies, Steve joined the BBC, and two years later he won a position with the world-famous Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which he held for 23 years. During his career in London, Steve also performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and Philharmonia, to name but a few. He has also worked with several internationally recognized conductors. Steve has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Jesse Norman, and more. He has been fortunate to have traveled extensively performing at some of the most prestigious concert halls in the world, such as Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Boston Symphony Hall, Chicago Symphony Hall, and more. Steve has recorded numerous soundtracks for BBC television and films as well as for the big screen, such as The Red Violin, The Ghost and the Darkness, Mad Max 3, Ellis Island, and The Lord of the Rings. Steve now lives in Austin, Texas with his Chicago-born wife Norene and enjoys an active career performing with the symphony orchestras of Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Victoria, Mid-Texas, San Angelo, Waco, Abilene, Brazos Valley, Temple, Laredo and currently holds the position of principal 2nd violin with the Central Texas Philharmonic.
Lauren Mertens
Flute · Woodwinds
Konstantin Pavlov
Violin
Michael Pierce
French Horn
Mattie Reese Boykin-Robinson
Piano
Mattie has 50+ years of experience teaching piano privately. Since the age of 3, Mattie began her musical journey under the tutelage of her Master teachers: Mrs. B Love, Dr. William McKamie, and Dr. Roger Keyes. Her Master Teachers directed Mattie’s course to provide piano performance to the community. She competed in several piano concerto competitions and was the winner of the State of Texas Music Educators, concerto division 1971, as well as the Van Cliburn and Irl Allison scholarship, Baylor University. After attending Baylor, she became a Minister of Music at her Dad’s church, Corinth Baptist Church, and a vocalist at the Temple Theatre. Expanded her wings, she moved to Atlanta, GA, and became a member of the music scene, she served as Minister of Music at Israel Missionary Baptist Church, assistant Music Director of the General Baptist Convention of Georgia, member of the Super Choir of Atlanta which performed at Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Switzerland. Mattie is excited to teach piano at Dolce as a Master Teacher, offering private and group lessons on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Jasmine Roach
Piano
Jasmine has been playing piano for over a decade, and her passion has continued to grow. She is currently pursuing a Piano Performance Major with a Minor in Music Education, and she plans to continue teaching for years to come. She honed in on expression, sight-reading, and rhythmic accuracy, allowing her students to feel equipped and ready to tackle any musical challenge they desire. Jasmine has experience in worship bands, participating in keyboard and chamber ensembles, as well as solo performances. Her teaching includes Dolce Summer Camp Music Tours, providing an introduction to the piano. Her instruction is tailored individually for her private students, but also inspires growth in rhythmic accuracy and sight reading by providing monthly group lessons for them. Jasmine’s students love her kind yet thorough teaching style.
Michael Ross
Cello · Piano · Guitar
Michael hails from the arctic land of Anchorage, Alaska, where he held the position of principal cellist in the Alaska All-State Orchestra for all four years of high school. At the age of 15, he won the Anchorage Symphony youth concerto competition and enrolled in the University of Alaska Anchorage to lead the cello section in their Sinfonia. Mike has poked around the rest of the U.S. a little too, attending the Ithaca Violoncello Institute in NY, and sitting as principal cellist at the Marrowstone Summer Music Festival in WA. Mike has also attended the University of North Texas and Sam Houston State University, where he earned his B.M. in cello performance. Mike is also a skilled pianist, electric bassist, and guitarist in many different styles, and enjoys teaching cello, piano, and guitar students of all ages at Dolce Music Studio. Whether private or in a group setting, Mike is eager to engage his students in a musical journey that will inspire and motivate excellence. His commitment to education at Dolce for the past 13 years speaks volumes regarding his work. He has now moved out of state to assist his aging parents, but he is experienced with online instruction through virtual lessons.
Shawn Sanders
Cello
Shawn, a Naturalized Texan, began his career pursuing a Doctoral Degree at UT Austin and playing with the Austin Symphony, the Austin Opera Orchestra, the Camilli Quartet, and the Austin Sinfonietta. He also spent some time playing with the Sinfoniorkestern Norrkoping (in Sweden) and the Ibycus Players (in Bangkok, Thailand). He and his cello, Walter, have played gigs in many styles of music, with numerous great artists in countless venues around the world. Shawn is a kind but thorough instructor now teaching cello lessons on Thursday afternoons as well as cello intro classes during our Summer Camp Music Tours.
David Schoo
Guitar
Dave has been playing guitar for over 20 years and is passionate about sharing his acquired knowledge of the instrument. Living in the Austin area for over 10 years, he has enjoyed playing in original rock bands and cover bands as well as recording and producing various artists in his home studio. Dave’s lessons revolve around helping students learn how to play their favorite music while giving them a foundation of music theory as essential tools for inspiring creativity and finding their voice on the guitar. Lessons are tailored for each individual based on their interests and goals. Dave also uses a curriculum structured for younger students or anyone who is not quite sure where to start. He welcomes all types of musical tastes. Some of his favorite bands/artists include Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Sword, and many more.
Maja Ševo
Voice · Piano
Maja has received her Master’s degree in Voice Performance at the University of Arkansas. Her Bachelor’s degree (Cum Laude) was received in Music Education and Voice Performance at the University of Arkansas also. She attended Music Elementary and Music High School in her home country of Serbia. Her emphasis was on Piano Performance and Music Theory. Maja has performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Opera of the Americas while training with the New York Lyric Opera in 2018 and 2019 and has worked with numerous vocal coaches, conductors, and stage directors there. She also performed in Italy while premiering an American opera with Music Academy International (MAI) and has worked with many coaches, conductors, and stage directors who performed or conducted at the Metropolitan Opera. Maja has worked as a choir director, piano accompanist for soloists and choirs, voice and piano teacher, and is currently working as a full-time music teacher at a public school in Georgetown.
Keeley Spencer
Violin
Keeley embraced the violin at an early age, and due to her continued love of the instrument, she committed to continuous private lessons. As time progressed, Keeley came to Dolce with a desire to enroll in the Student Teacher program as an intern violin teacher. Under the direction of Steve Merson, she has immersed herself in private lessons, chamber intensives, and summer Student Teacher Training as well as teaching groups of children in the Dolce Summer Camp Tours. While Keeley continues her education, she has completed the internship for teaching violin. She has had many opportunities to show her commitment and dedication to excellence in guiding her students to success. Keeley strives to create engaging lesson formats for violin lessons, whether private or group classes, to plant seeds that will grow in her students. Keeley is accepting students on Thursdays and Fridays. She has expressed her desire to make it fun, yet her purpose in teaching and performing is to bring glory to God!
Veroslav Taskov
Oboe · English Horn
Veroslav has appeared all over the world as both an instructor and solo/orchestral performer. Studying piano since age four, he has extensive and complete training in music theory/solfege and, as a developing student, participated in many competitions and festivals in his native Bulgaria. He studied music performance at the National Academy of Music in Sofia, Bulgaria, Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida, and Scuola di Musica in Fiesole, Italy. He was appointed Solo English Horn with the Bulgarian National Opera in 2007 and went on to win Principal Oboe with the Miami Symphony in 2013. Taskov has performed in over seven countries and 36 states, including performances with such renowned artists as Andrea Bocelli and Plácido Domingo. A devoted teacher for over ten years, he offers a unique and enriching learning environment for his students. Veroslav designs lessons to give all students the tools required to achieve their different musical goals. He is comfortable working with students at all levels, from beginners to those preparing for auditions and competitions, while ensuring a solid music theory foundation.
Ron Tindle
Voice · Guitar · Piano
Ron is a versatile musician from Austin, with experience in various cover bands before returning to Austin in 1990. He has a diverse music background and has worked on multiple projects, including a CD with the “Planet Texas Band”, an original Latin Rock project, and solo CDs. Currently, Ron teaches and performs in the Central Texas area, specializing in vocals, guitars, and keyboards. He teaches a wide range of instruments to students of all ages, including piano, guitar, voice, drums, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. He offers intro classes for many of these instruments during the Dolce Summer Camp Music Tours.
Brian Todd
Saxophone · Clarinet · Flute
Brian Todd started on clarinet at age 10. Three years later, a need for a baritone saxophone player in his junior high band led him to change to saxophone, which became his main instrument. The flute was added as another double while he was working on his undergraduate degree. He holds a bachelor’s degree magna cum laude in music education from Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and a master’s degree in music education from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. He has also done graduate degree work towards a second master’s degree in jazz studies at California State University, Fullerton, in Fullerton, California. Some of the artists he has studied with include Raymond Schroeder, Robert Seligson, Joe Eckert, Jim Riggs, Jeff Ellwood, and Harvey Pittel. Teaching assignments include public school band directing at Ellison High School in Killeen, Texas, and in Madisonville, Texas. He has also taught adjunct classes in jazz studies and saxophone performance at the University of Texas Permian Basin in Odessa, Texas. Brian has played professionally since the late 1970s. Some of the groups he has performed with include the Gilbert / David Kautz Orchestra, Swingtime, the Republic of Texas Big Band, Nacho Average Jazz Band, Blatz, Not Past 11, and the Ken Ragsdale Orchestra. He has also played for musicals at the Viva Les Arts Theater in Killeen and the Palace Theater in Georgetown. He has also been a musician and staff arranger for Havoc Records and has written a film score for Shadowless Entertainment. He has taught all levels of players, from beginners to college to adults, for the past 43 years.
Ready to start? Call Brenda at (512) 591-7833 or send a message.