Belinda Tietgens

Owner/Instructor

I taught in the Atlanta area for 17 years for a family music company (Courtnay and Rowe). And as a teacher and teacher trainer I learned all aspects of the company. I teach piano, guitar, string, woodwind and brass.

I am originally from Florida and brought my husband (Mike) to visit family and he saw why I called the area HOME! So, we decided to pack our bags and come to Florida and now two years have passed! I am also a Life Coach for adults and children, so I care about my students in all aspects of their lives. As a life coach for children I really understand kids and empower them to build their self-esteem and confidence. Music is a big connector that makes you feel good, so when you study music your world opens. Parents that say, "Oh my child is so shy" and then are so surprised when their child feels confident in all areas of their life. I have so much passion for what I do and enjoy building a lasting relationship with my students. It's not just about the music!

As my schedule overflowed with referrals, I began hiring musically talented teachers. I have been fortunate to attract many fine teachers that have the same philosophy as me. It’s very important to me to bring my style of teaching to the community.

Mike and I are so confident about our family and our teaching family, our work ethic and positive attitudes, that we are excited to bring B Amazing Music to our community.

Samuel Carlton

Voice

Samuel Carlton has just received his master’s degree in choral conducting at Florida State University where he also received a bachelor of music in theory and composition. As a vocal soloist, he has made multiple appearances in Tallahassee performing with FSU Student Opera Society, Florida State University Singers, FSU Chamber Choir, Tallahassee Civic Chorale, and Tallahassee Community Chorus. His recent performances include Presidents in Leonard Bernstein’s A White House Cantata, Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, Page in Gian Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Pilate in J.S. Bach’s St. John’s Passion. Outside of solo work, Samuel enjoys working as the instrumental director at First Baptist Church of Tallahassee as well as a church pianist and singer at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

As a pianist, Samuel received first place in FSU’s annual piano competition for his performance of Olivier Messiaen’s Vingt Regards and Paul Hindemith’s Piano Sonata No. 3. He also collaborated with many vocalists and choirs during his time at FSU. Samuel is also an established arranger with publications at Colla Voce and Beckenhorst Press.

Elizabeth Ward

Voice, Guitar, Bass, Piano

Elizabeth Ward is a native Tennessean who has spent the last 3 years here in Central Florida. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies with a concentration in Voice and Bass from East Tennessee State University in 2015. That same year, she was an instructor for the Junior Appalachian Musicians program. A jack of all trades, Elizabeth has learned instruments such as guitar, ukulele, bass, and piano over her years of studies.

When not teaching or working for Disney, Elizabeth spends much of her time songwriting and playing her own music around the city of Orlando as a solo artist. She recently released her first album “Fireflies” and spent a week playing her music in Nashville, TN this past spring. A few accredited venues she has performed at are the Opry Mills Mall in Nashville, TN, Tin Roof in Orlando, FL, the Lake Lure Arts Festival in Lake Lure, NC, and the Paramount Theatre in Bristol, TN. She was also a featured artist in the May 2018 issue of Winter Garden Magazine.

Elizabeth hopes to continue teaching and performing music for as long as time allows. She hopes to one day return to school to receive her masters in order to teach at the college level. Like those who inspired her, she hopes to inspire others with her passion for music.

Johnathon Kress

Guitar/piano/voice/drums/acting

Born and raised in a musical and theatrical family, Jonathan has always had a strong affinity for the Arts. From growing up in his father's church choir, to playing mainstage at Warped Tour with his late band in 2006, to playing bass guitar in the band for Osceola Arts' production of Rock of Ages, Jonathan has had the pleasure of experiencing music in a wide variety of different forms.

t a very young age, he started fiddling around on the piano until he picked up (he calls his"official" first instrument) the trombone in sixth grade, where he began studying heavily for the next seven years. Further diving into his newfound passion, Jonathan picked up, on his own, the bass, guitar, drums, baritone, steel drums, double bass, and would later finally receive formal training on one of his favorites; piano. In high school, Jonathan was involved with most of the Arts. From TV production, to acting in plays, to everything that music had to offer. Jonathan was in the symphonic band, marching band, jazz band, steel drum band, Orchestra, chamber choir, and Men's Choir.

After High School, Jonathan was heavily involved in the music industry for many years, and would later begin his first teaching job. It was only after his first lesson when the bug hit him. And now, four years later, his love for teaching has grown exponentially.

Now, Jonathan is back in school, studying the acting techniques of Sanford Meisner and Michael Chekhov, while simultaneously being focused on launching his solo career as a singer-songwriter.

Alfredo Meyer

Piano/violin

Born in Venezuela with Swiss nationality. Moved to Florida in 2014 and graduated in West Orange High School. His school in Venezuela was a music school so Alfredo started learning violin since he was 5 years old and has played since then. During his school years in Venezuela Alfredo participated in different orchestras within the school. He’s currently pursuing his studies as an industrial engineer at Valencia College and plans to move on to University of Florida. Alfredo is also a great swimmer and was captain of both swimming and water polo. He also teaches the younger kids that are new to the team. Alfredo loves kids and has always enjoyed giving violin/piano lessons. Alfredo also loves teaching kids to swim.

Holly Parilla

Voice and Piano

Originally from Puerto Rico, where she worked as a Music and High School Mathematics teacher, Holly Parrilla moved to Florida in 2017. She has over 8 years of experience in teaching voice, piano, music theory and sight singing privately. Also, she conducted many vocal and instrumental ensembles in schools and in community groups such as voice choirs, hand bell choirs, and concert bands, as well as organizing and conducting music concerts for schools and churches. She has a true passion for teaching and firmly believes in music’s ability of transforming a student’s life and helping in other areas besides music, such as reading, mathematics, and basic life skills, such as work ethics, responsibility, and self-esteem. Holly has a Bachelor’s degree in General Sciences and a Master’s degree in Educational Neuroscience. She is a K-12 certified music teacher as well as a 6-12 certified mathematics teacher. Currently, she is a teacher with Orange County Public Schools.

Javier Parrilla

Acoustic / Electric Guitar

Javier Parrilla, naturally from San Juan Puerto Rico, developed his musical skills since he was a child. While growing up on the island of Puerto Rico, at the age of 14, Javier began studying guitar at the School of Fine Arts of Carolina Puerto Rico. Then, in 2001, he began his studies of Bachillerato in Popular Music, at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. Later he began to play in many churches and in different bands. Years later he began to give private classes and in different music academies, among them, the School of Fine Arts of Carolina Puerto Rico, where everything had begun. Currently, he continues to practice as a professional musician and as an educator in Central Florida.

Austin Palmer

Guitar, Piano, Percussion

Austin was interested in music at a young age. He took lessons and played percussion in band and also sang in choir from grades 6-12. Specializing in timpani, he performed as the first chair timpanist for his grade level numerous times at district and state levels in North Carolina. He also performed in honors state chorus numerous times as a tenor 2 and bass 1. In his spare time, Austin taught himself ukulele, guitar, and piano.

After graduating high school, Austin relocated to Orlando where he received his BFA in musical theatre from UCF in spring of 2017. Since then, he has acted in dozens of professional, educational, and community productions in the states of Florida and North Carolina along with music/vocal directing and playing guitar in the pit for productions.

Since attending and graduating from university, Austin has also turned his attention towards writing and performing his own material around the Central Florida area. His first EP Empire Man was released in June 2017 and is available to download or stream on all major music services.

Scott Beck

Voice and Piano

Scott is a born and raised Michigander. After many years of scraping off his car and driving in the snow, he decided to move to Orlando, Florida after graduating from Western Michigan University in December 2013. While attending Western, he graduated Magna Cum Laude and received a BM in Music Education K-12. When arriving in Orlando, Scott first started at Disney World working at Star Tours and opening Diagon Alley at Universal Studios. After transferring his teaching certificate, Scott began teaching at Kaley Elementary in the downtown Orlando area. He then transferred to Keene's Crossing Elementary in Windermere and is finishing up his second year there this May. While teaching music at Keene's Crossing, Scott has a 4th/5th grade chorus and 5th grade Hand Chime choir that he rehearses after school. Scott is also the Vice President and one of the directors of Magic of Bronze, an adult community handbell ensemble that rehearses in Winter Park. Scott took 13 years of piano lessons while in grade school, and is looking forward to sharing his passion with new students looking to excel in music.

Daniella Moreno

Voice and Piano Instructor

Daniella is a vocalist, producer, songwriter, and musician. Born in Orlando, Florida she was always surrounded with music in her life. Being the only musical member in her family, she strives for new opportunities by stepping into the acting, modeling, and art world to enhance her creativity and passion. Graduating from Dr.Phillips High School, she obtained the knowledge of complex music theory, piano, and voice. During her time in School, she played a big role in the music department in becoming a production assistant, audio engineer, choral director, music society member, and producer. She was well known in her community as the "studio girl" for always being in the music studio practicing new techniques and helping out. She spends much of her free time honing in on her craft of art and finding ways to improve as a person and artist.

Daniella hopes to change the entertainment industry one day at a time to show the world what hard work and confidence truly means. She loves learning and inspiring people on work ethic, confidence, and that you can live any life you want without obstacles stopping you.

Caitlin Caggiano

Piano, Guitar, Bass and Drums

Caitlin graduated in 2017 as the first female to earn a degree in Classical Guitar Performance from University of Central Florida. During her time at UCF, she has studied with Dr. Eladio Scharrón and has performed for and attended the masterclasses of Marco Sartor and Pepe Romero. In 2017 she performed in Tampa as the opening artist before Pepe Romero as part of the Guitar Series at Hillsboro Community College. Caitlin performs and teaches in the Orlando area and has 10+ years of teaching experience. While her main instrument is the guitar, she also plays piano, bass, and drums. She took years of piano growing up, jazz piano courses in college, and has played keyboard at her church. She has held the position of lead guitarist at mega church First Baptist Orlando since 2013 and has performed in several countries throughout Europe in different bands.

Aaron Wiggins

Piano, Viola , Violin, Cello

Aaron Wiggins is an enthusiastic pianist and proud violist. Born in Long Island, New York. He started his musical journey with the piano at the age of 3. He later decided to learn the Viola at age 11 which is his current primary instrument. He graduated from Olympia High in 2016 and is now in his final semesters at Valencia college pursuing a double major in viola performance and music education; he will be transferring to The University of Central Florida in the fall. During his time at Olympia, Aaron was Vice president of his Orchestral Program and took up the challenge of conducting. He helped teach and conduct the different class levels and won a medal at the 2015 Music Performance Assessment for conducting. He is also the leader of The Strolling Strings music group who perform for different venues and whose musical styles range from bluegrass to jazz and even pop tunes. He also is an independent contractor with Lake Highland Preparatory School where he helps teach the 4th-12th-grade string program.

Kathleen Herron

Piano, Vocal

I was born in California but raised in the charming small town of Huntingburg, Indiana. Having grown up in a very musically inclined family, it was a given that I would be enrolled in piano lessons at the age of 5. As I got older, I spent more and more time participating in other musical activities.I enrolled in voice and flute lessons in middle school and participated in band and chorus as well. In marching band, I spent 2 years playing flute and my last 2 years as field commander, and in choir I would help lead rehearsals and began accompanying groups at competitions and recitals, while still participating myself. After graduating high school, I kept myself active in music and have always made it a point to be involved in my church’s worship team and other extracurricular musical activities. I love children and get so much joy out of watching them grow and looking back, my music teachers were some of the most positive influences on my life. When I’m not making music, I adore baking, everything Disney, and taking care of animals. I’m so very excited to be part of the B Amazing Music family!

Elise Levesque

Piano, Vocal

Elise is a native Floridian who has been involved in music since very early on and came from a very musical family where her mother and father both sing and play guitar. She’s had classical piano training since second grade all the way through college. She has also been singing and playing piano in church since middle school and helped lead several different worship teams since high school. Elise toured 7 countries in Europe for 14 days singing in several different languages with hand selected choir members. But most of all she has a passion for kids and helping them express themselves through music. Nothing else makes her happier than putting a smile on a kid’s face while furthering their skills in music.

Alejandro Naranjo

Piano, Voice, and Guitar teacher

Alejandro Naranjo is a pianist, composer, vocalist, and guitarist born in Bogotá, Colombia. Alejandro has studied music both at the State College of Florida and the University of Central Florida. He has been a part of many choral concerts and competitions as a pianist, throughout his professional career. He also was chosen to travel to Carnegie Hall to Perform as a part of the All State Choir. Alejandro has a deep passion for composition, and mainly composes piano pieces and choral works. He also enjoys the piano and guitar as mediums for composition. Alejandro has studied classical piano and classical voice as a tenor for over four years as a part of his university studies; under both Randolph Locke and Jeremy Hunt. He wants his music to help people realize the gift that music is in our lives.

Hannah Buckingham

Violin and Piano

During Hannah’s childhood as an army brat Violin and Piano were the only activities she pursued consistently. Living around the world, she had the opportunity study with British, American, and Italian teachers resulting in her acceptance to the Vicenza Conservatory of Music in Italy. Returning to the States she studied at Cal Poly, earning her degree in music with emphases in Violin and Music Education. Throughout her college years she taught violin and piano privately as well individual and group instruction in Music Theory. With four younger siblings and ample experience she has developed a love for teaching that she has pursued in many different subjects not limited to music. Hannah’s favorite musical memories involve performing special music for the Christmas services at her church. When Hannah’s not performing she loves being time outside, spending time with friends and family, and learning new things.

Michelangelo Emmanuelli

Piano and Woodwind

Michelangelo Emmanuelli is currently attending UCF to earn a Bachelor’s in Music Education. He was born in Puerto Rico and moved to Orlando when he was 11 years old. He first began playing Viola, and a year later switched to Clarinet which became his primary instrument. He began playing piano in college as piano is vital for any music educator. Michelangelo is a member of the UCF Orchestra, UCF Wind Ensemble, The Rollins Wind Ensemble, and the Calico Woodwind Quintet. He is a vendor for OCPS as a Clarinet Clinician. Most recently he assisted the Boone High School’s Marching Band by leading Clarinet and Woodwind sectionals.

Michelangelo is dedicating himself to his studies and is passionate about inspiring love for music and the performing arts in children of all ages and adults. His dream is to further his craft by one day moving to South Korea as an educator and student.

Michael Grier

Guitar, Bass, and Beginner Piano

Mike has taught guitar, bass, and beginner piano for the past 11 years and has performed for the past 15 years in the Central Florida area. He began his study of music during middle school with a deep interest in the rock and pop music of the time, which quickly blossomed into a love of all genres of music and especially songwriting. During middle and high school Mike studied under Matt Baynes who guided Mike to getting two college scholarships to study music. However, there were other plans in store for Mike. During Mike’s senior year of high school, Mike’s mom notified him about a musician wanted ad from a signed band looking for a guitarist and vocalist to join their lineup. Mike applied and was accepted into the band. Mike was able to perform at many esteemed establishments like the House of Blues and Hard Rock Live. Also, Mike was fortunate to open for bands like the Wallflowers and Edwin McCain.

The experience of being a professional musician was transformative for Mike’s path as both a musician and teacher. After the band’s momentum slowed, Mike decided to pursue his joy of teaching music to others. Mike has been teaching music to all ages (5-60) for the past 11 years and has also developed a specialty for teaching children with Asperger’s. Mike brings the utmost level of patience, joy, passion, and energy to all his students regardless of their background or level of musicianship.

Several years ago, Mike graduated college Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. The study of philosophy has provided Mike with an outlet to express thoughts and ideas in songwriting. Mike has been an avid songwriter his entire life; he loves to share this aspect of his craft with students. Songwriting is a special gift to be shared with students because it allows the individual to connect their emotions and thoughts into one form. Mike believes that all students can learn to access their own ‘songs’ if they choose to.

Mike believes that music is a gift to be shared and explored by all. Mike is an enthusiastic teacher who strives to inspire each student to develop passion, energy, and fulfillment in music. Mike understands each student has specific musical interests and desires and seeks to nurture each student's musical style while continually advocating the correct technique, pedagogy, and fundamentals. He is proficient in performing and teaching various musical styles. His specialty is on guitar, bass, and beginner piano.

When Mike is not teaching, he enjoys songwriting, spending time in nature, seeing live music, and studying philosophy.

Nicholas Siler

Piano, Voice performance

Nick auditioned for his first musical at the age of 5 and has been performing ever since. He spent six years singing in a children's show choir before diving into acting, singing, and piano classes. Nick studied piano at an early age and performed in musicals all through junior high and high school before earning bachelor's degrees in musical theatre and psychology. Originally from Salt Lake City Utah, Nick has been singing and dancing in theme parks from coast to coast.

Nick performed in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts with guest artists Audra McDonald and Renee Flemming, and recently met Donny Osmond during a production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Nick has been dancing down Main Street USA for over a decade, but his true passion lies in singing. Nick has 20 years of private voice training and is excited to pass his knowledge on. Musical theatre, opera, pop...he loves it all! He believes that nothing can touch people the way music can, and anyone brave enough to stand in front of a crowd and share their voice deserves to be commended.

Kamilah Smith

Piano

Kamilah was raised in Norwich, England, by a music loving family. She began piano lessons at age 2, and passed the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, Grade 8 examination at age 12, making her the youngest in the region to achieve this at the time.

She went on to successfully compete in the regional Young Musician of the Year competitions, and performed in various locations, in the U.K and even in Germany. She went on to take piano performance credits at college, alongside her Bachelors in Business Management, and began work as a professional accompanist and piano teacher.

Following graduation, she embarked on a successful career in Marketing, eventually moving to the U.S in 2011, working with Virginia Opera and then as Marketing Director for Orlando Ballet. During this time, she continued to accompany for the local public school system and now has over 20 years of experience as an ABRSM registered piano teacher, both in the U.S and the U.K. She is the co-founder and CEO of Spark Social, a marketing agency in Downtown Orlando that works with performing arts clients including Opera Orlando and United Ballet Theatre.

Kamilah is excited to be joining the staff at B Amazing, and looks forward to working with students and their families to inspire a lifelong passion for music.

Justin Smolik

Piano and Vocal

Justin E. Smolik is a graduate of Northwestern University in Chicago, Il with degrees in piano and vocal performance, as well as a Masters of Music in Vocal Pedagogy. While a student in Chicago, he worked as rehearsal pianist for Lyric Opera of Chicago and Roosevelt University.

In 2009, Justin took over as Resident Music Director for New Line Theater Company in St. Louis, Mo, where he served until 2014. His projects with New Line include I Love My Wife, Two Gentlemen of Verona, bare: a pop opera, Passing Strange, the American regional premiere of Cry-Baby, High Fidelity and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Prior to his work at New Line, he has music directed or supervised such favorite shows as Songs For A New World, Curtains, and [title of show] for several additional companies including Stray Dog Theatre, Dramatic Lisence Productions, STAGES St. Louis, and Cutler Bay Community Theater.

His work as Music Director has received awards both locally and from American Theatre Magazine. As a performer, he has entertained audiences and guests for Walt Disney Theme Parks and Resorts in Orlando and the Disney Cruise Line Flagship, the Wonder. He has performed with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, Grant Park Festival Chorus. Since 2017, he has served as an instructor of private voice, piano, and musical theatre classes at Miami Fine Arts Academy in Coral Gables, Fl.

He is excited to further his love of teaching at B Amazing Music!