Our Music Teachers

Our Music Teachers

We pride ourselves on our team of highly qualified and experienced musicians who serve as our teachers. Each member of our teaching staff has a rich background in music, with skills honed through years of practice and performance. 

But it’s not just about their expertise. What makes our teachers truly special is their passion for sharing their knowledge. They don’t just teach—they inspire, engage, and nurture. They’re dedicated to helping each student discover their unique musical voice. 

When you learn with us, you’re learning from the best!

Adam Irubor
Adam Irubor
Violin, Strings, Piano

Adam is an accomplished musician who lives in Sugar Land.  When not teaching or studying music, he loves to attend concerts, play his instruments, and attend sporting events.  Adam loves classical music as well as jazz and blues.  Adam says the best part of teaching is helping students realize their potential in music performance.

Education

  • B.A. Music, Houston Baptist University (2005 – 2012)
  • Outstanding Pianist Award, Houston Baptist University (2012)
  • Outstanding Violinist Awards, Houston Baptist University (2012)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2008 – Present)
  • West Oaks Music Center Teacher (2008 – 2010)
  • Rockin’ Robin Teacher (2010 – 2012)
  • Colony Music Teacher (2006 – 2012)
Ahmed Yaqot
Ahmed Yaqot
Piano, Violin

Ahmed is a highly energetic and enthusiastic individual and loves creating music programs.  He also loves working with various television stations and performing music for plays.  Ahmed’s native language is Arabic.  He is dedicated to providing the best music education experience for every student he works with.

Education

  • Masters Degree in Music (Baghdad Conservatory – 1998)
  • Instructor of Music Degree (Baghdad University – 2002)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2015 – Present)
  • Musician & Performer, Jordan TV, Amman (2009 – 2013)
  • Rosary College Music Instructor, Jordan (2003 – 2009)
  • Musician & Performer, Baghdad TV (1993 – 2002)
Amanda Chen
Amanda Chen
Piano

Amanda has always enjoyed listening to classical and jazz music. It inspired her to improve her own musical abilities. Encouragement from her own piano teacher motivated Amanda to share that joy with others. At Fort Bend Music Center, she loves teaching all students of all ages. In her free time, Amanda enjoys baking and spending time with her family.

Education

  • Stephen F. Austin High School (2023)
  • University of Houston (2023 – Present)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2023 – Present)
Ana
Ana Perez
Flute, Piano, Voice

Ana has been playing the flute for 18 years. She grew up in a family full of musicians, which inspired her to learn music – “it’s in my blood”, says Ana. She loves to play all styles of music. In her free time, Ana loves to be in contact with nature, exploring places and cultures, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Music in Artistic Educations, University of Matanzas – Cuba, MO (2018-2020)
  • Bachelor of Music in Flute, Ensemble, Music Pedagogy, National School of Music Cuba – Matanzas (2012-2016)
  • Matanzas Conservatory of Arts (2007-2012)

Experience:

  • Fort Bend Music Center (2024 – Present)
  • Professional School of Music of Cuba – Matanzas (2016-2021)
  • Company of The National Music of Cuba and The Matanzas Symphony Orchestra – Matanzas (2016-2020)
Bob Suttie
Bob Suttie
Piano, Strings, Guitar, Bass, Accordion

Bob has been singing and playing music since the late 50’s.  While in high school, he was chosen for the all-state orchestra and all-state choir.  Bob has directed four different church choirs and played cello in the Sugar Land Symphony Orchestra (now the Fort Bend Symphony).  He appreciates and plays many different genres of music.

Education

  • Coached by Bobby Jones Czech Band (1989 – 2007)
  • Mackinac College, Michigan (1968 – 1969)
  • B.A. Elem Ed., Metropolitan State College, Denver (1974)
  • MA Education, Prairie View A&M University (1988)
  • University of Colorado Psychology Major (1972)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2013 – Present)
  • Teacher, Westlake Lutheran Prep Academy (2010 – Present)
  • Diretor, First Colony Home School Ensem (2011 – Present)
  • Band Leader, Czech Polka Band, Houston (2007 – Present)
Charlie Bubenik
Charlie Bubenik
Guitar, Piano, Drums, Bass, Trumpet

Charlie grew up in a musical household, which afforded him a wealth of practical music knowledge and performance experience at an early age. All throughout elementary and middle school Charlie participated in band, orchestra, and choir. By the time he was in high school, felt it was time to share his love of music with his peers. He began teaching lessons to classmates and their siblings in 2015, and in 2018 began teaching at Fort Bend Music Center. Charlie studied music education at Houston Community College from 2018 to 2020 and has been a professional performing musician for over a decade. Patience and adaptability are the traits that he believes define his teaching style.

Education

  • Dulles High School (2018)
  • HCC – Music Education Major
  • 1st Chair All-Region and 1st Chair All-Area Jazz Guitar (2017)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2018 – Present)
  • Freelance Rock, Jazz, R&B Musician (2016 – Present)
Cindy Tan
Cindy Tan
Advanced Piano

Cindy is a classically trained instructor and active member of the Houston Music Teachers Association.  She enjoys teaching many forms of music but is especially fond of giving children a solid foundation in the classics.

Education

  • Masters Music Ed, University of Houston (1995)
  • BA Ed Najing University, Najing China (1986)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2004 – Present)
  • Private Instructor, Home Studio, Houston (1991 – Present)
  • Piano Teacher Anybody Can Play, Houston (1995 – 1998)
  • Associate Professor, Najing Teacher’s University, China (1986 – 1991)
David Jenkins
David Jenkins
Brass, Woodwind, Piano

With a passion for music that spans across various instruments, David is a versatile musician who is experienced in French horn, Alto saxophone, Tenor saxophone, piano, and an array of other musical instruments. He has performed in all 48 states of the continental U.S. and he has graced the stage in 28 countries. His involvement extends to playing in multiple church orchestras, showcasing a commitment to music and the community.

Education

  • Army Band (1969 – 72)
  • Evangel University (1967)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2022 – Present)
  • Houston Symphonic Band European Tour (2000 & 2003)
  • Deputy District Clerk (1977 – 92)
  • Private Lessons (1967 – Present)
  • Springfield Symphony (1966 – 75)
  • 11 Country Tour for Evangel Band (1964)
Doug Magness
Doug Magness
Guitar

Doug was born in Ft. Worth, TX and began playing the guitar at age 11, after taking his brother’s guitar, taking a few lessons, and never looking back.  While in college at Texas Tech in Lubbock, TX, Doug began playing at fraternity parties and local clubs.  In 1978, he moved to Houston where he toured the club circuit with local bands.  He has been teaching beginning and advanced guitar lessons at Fort Bend Music Center since 2002.

Education

  • Texas Tech University, Lubbock (1971 – 1974)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2002 – Present)
  • Guitarist & Vocalist, The Relics, Houston (1989 – Present)
  • Guitarist & Vocalist, Steve Long, Houston (1978 – 1981)
  • Guitarist & Vocalist, Kayote, Houston (1981 – 1988)
Jason Johnson
Jason Johnson
Drums, Percussion

Jason started playing drums when he was 6 years old, as his father is also a drummer. He formally learned how to play school band percussion through 6th to 12th grade in Katy ISD, and was a music education major at Blinn College. Jason has been playing and growing ever since. His favorite style is classic rock and he teaches school percussion (jazz/funk).

Education

  • Blinn College – Music Education Major (2001)
  • Kathy High School (1998)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2017 – Present)
  • Lone Star Symphonic Band (2009 – 2014)
  • Various Churches (1994 – 2019)
Kaori Becker
Kaori Becker
Classical Piano

Kaori is a professional classical pianist who was educated in Folkwang hochschule, in Ruhrebiet, Vienna, and Zurich.  After a seventeen-year career of teaching and performing on the piano, she met and married her husband in Japan. Kaori currently teaches classical piano five days a week at Fort Bend Music Center.

Education

  • Musashino Academia Musicae (Japan)
  • Apprentice to Kawasaki PHD & Yabu PHD (Tokyo 1978 – 88)
  • Flokwang University of the Arts (Germany 1976 – 78)
  • All Japan Classical Piano Competition Semi-Finalist (Japan 1974)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2010 – Present)
  • Kaori Piano Academy (1978 – Present)
Kathy Mangum
Kathy Mangum
Viola, Violin, Cello, Piano

Music has been a part of Kathy her whole life, whether it was her mom teaching her to play piano as a little child, singing in church, and later playing violin or viola in school and church orchestras. Kathy is a lifelong learner and has learned to play the cello, and some flute. (One day maybe the harp.) She desires to pass on that passion of learning to her students. Kathy uses a mixture of both traditional and modern day methods to bring out the best in her students.

Education

  • Master, Instructional Technology, Grand Canyon University
  • Bachelors, History, UT Dallas
  • TX EC-12 Music Teacher Certificate

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher
  • Orchestra, 2nd Violin, Viola, Sugarcreek Baptist Church (2019 – 2022)
  • Orchestra Viola, Second Baptist Church (Kingwood 2015 – 2019)
  • Orchestra 1st Violin-Viola, Spring Baptist Church (2004 – 2014)
  • Carnegie Hall – Viola for Backup Orchestra for Annie Moses Band
  • Strings Instructor – Landes Music (Woodlands)
  • String Instructor, Music & Arts (Shenandoah)
Olivia Sears
Olivia Sears
Violin

Olivia has 5 plus years of string music instruction in both group and individual instructional settings, and has been playing violin for almost 20 years. She spent her formative years playing violin, and performing in band and choir. Olivia is a proud graduate of Vandercook College of Music, where she studied music education with a focus in orchestral music. As well as teaching lessons at Fort Bend Music Center, she is currently the head orchestra director at Watkins Middle School in Cypress Fairbanks ISD. Olivia performs professionally on both violin and viola throughout the Houston area and is a violinist in the Galveston Symphony orchestra.

Education

  • VanderCook College of Music (2019)
  • Professional Educator License in Music Education K-12

Experience

  • Watkins MS Head Orchestra Director (2019 – Present)
  • Emerson Middle School
  • District 64 Elementary Schools (2019)
  • York Community High School (2019)
  • Private Instruction (2017 – 2019, 2021)
  • Galileo Math & Science Academy (2016 – 2017)
Ryan Ramirez
Ryan Ramirez
Guitar

Ryan has been playing guitar for 14 years and has been teaching for 7 years. He is a graduate of Houston Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. He is mainly a rhythm player who specializes in rock, metal, and various other associated genres. Ryan enjoys exploring students’ tastes in music and planning their lessons around that so they can get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. He wants students to truly have the desire to improve. By doing so, it allows them to learn the music they love and find success.

Education

  • Houston Baptist University – BBA in Finance
  • HCC – Associates in Computer Technology
  • Bellaire High School State Qualifier for IUL (Guitar)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2018 – Present)
Shane Blume
Shane Blume
Voice, Piano, Guitar

Shane began taking guitar lessons at the age of eighteen in Rosenberg, TX.  He enjoys teaching children and watching them grow in their musical journey.  Shane’s favorite composer is Pacini, favorite singer is Andrea Bocelli, and his favorite type of music is Country and Western. He also enjoys watching wrestling and working in his home garden.

Education

  • MM, Sam Houston State University (2002)
  • BM, Sam Houston State University (1998)
  • Wharton County Junior College (1993 – 1995)

Experience

  • Fort Bend Music Center Teacher (2008 – Present)
  • Holy Rosary Catholic School Music Teacher (2022 – Present)
  • Wharton County Junior College Adjunct Instructor (2016 – Present)
  • Teacher of the Month, Wessendorff Middle School (2007)
  • Church Choir Director (2005 – 2012)
  • Public School Choir Director (1999 – 2009)

 

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