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Dan Bourguet has been teaching music to children of all ages for over 30 years. “Mr. Dan” found his love of music at a young age in classical and flamenco music. Dan began playing guitar at the age of 5, followed by the bass, and continued following that love into his early career. In addition to numerous studio and live performance credits to his name, Dan was also a bass player in numerous bands for many years. Dan, along with his wife, has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years. In addition to being highly skilled in drums, guitar, and bass, Dan is also fluent in Spanish. Dan is a proud homeschooling father of 2 children and is excited to continue teaching music to the next generation.

James Rogers has performed live for over 5,000 audiences in over 30 states, including 4 international tours. James played saxophone in school from grades 5-12 and began studying guitar starting at age 7. James furthered his music studies at Indian River State College and took private lessons at Western Michigan University. James has played with or opened for Greg Allman, Patti LaBelle, Molly Hatchet, and Kirk Franklin among others. He began teaching guitar at age 14 and currently teaches guitar, bass, piano, voice, and ukulele. James was also formerly a vocal coach for WWE superstar, Chris Jericho, who is the lead singer of the band Fozzy. 

Otto is a drum instructor here at GMS with a lot of experience in percussion as a whole. His cultural Cuban background has made him a versatile drummer who can play almost any kind of musical genre. Otto graduated in 2000 from Escuela de Superacion Profesional Y Artística Rafael SomaVilla in Matanzas, Cuba. Otto has an extensive performing background as well as broad history working with others to enhance their musical abilities. Otto is a charismatic soloist and ensemble performer who has mastered various repertoires of music. Otto has performed in many and different kinds of festivals and various venues such as Disney, as well as with several different artists and bands, including but not limited to NFusion, La Calle, Lati2, Rico Monaco, Geesie Torres y La Reina Vive (a Selena tribute band). Otto speaks Spanish and English.

Marcus began studying the piano at age four, but truly began playing/performing at only 5 years old with Catholic Nuns. Marcus was exposed to a wide variety of music, listening leisurely to bands such as Van Halen and Metallica, while studying the likes of Bach and Beethoven. Marcus' interests quickly migrated to the guitar and bass, followed closely by drums and percussion. Marcus attended Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School, instead of public high school, where his love for music grew rapidly. It was at Lincoln Park Performing Arts School that Marcus was studying music all day with professional teachers such as Todd Goodman and Eric DeFade, and also the peers around him. Marcus began performing and participating in every musical event available. Marcus' primary instrument of focus is piano, followed by percussion. Marcus also plays guitar, bass, ukulele, and even the accordion.

Ashmin [ASH-min] is passionate about helping singers improve their voices to their fullest potential and find their unique sound. Ashmin takes pride in helping singers succeed in all styles and genres of music. You can find her in her happy place coaching clients, helping to capture a perfect blend of technique, performance, and artistry. She is currently certified as a Level I Somatic Voicework™ Instructor and teaches using the principles learned at the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework™. Above all, Ashmin prides herself in her goal to help every student achieve not just their truest, healthiest, and freest voice, but their truest, healthiest, and freest self.

Connor is an Orlando-based guitarist with 15 years of live performance and teaching experience. Connor has performed a wide variety of genres with many different artists. In 2023 Connor released several records with Pablo Aragona, Zach Muth, and others. Connor has studied with renowned guitarists Bill Harkleroad and John Stowell. Connor earned his degree in Sound Production from Valencia College in 2020 and has produced several records. Connor has experience with multiple instruments including guitar, cello, bass, violin, banjo, and upright bass. Connor prides himself in his modern approach to teaching that focuses on applied music theory, live performance, and the students' creative growth.

Diego Valencia Jaramillo was born on July 25th, 1985, in Cali Colombia. He had his first experience with music at the age of 7, when he began studying grammar and soprano recorder. Later, he entered the Antonio Maria Valencia Conservatory to study soprano recorder, and guitar. This led Diego to the Music School Preludio, where he began as a young student and years later became a well-known piano, saxophone, and music grammar teacher. In 2008 Diego graduated from Universidad del Valle and received his bachelor's degree in music. Diego complemented his career with studies on Latin music in piano, harmony, and musical arrangements. He has been part of different Latin music groups and orchestras, mainly in the salsa field, but also jazz and Latin jazz. Diego has 15 years of experience working as a piano, soprano recorder, and grammar teacher, especially with children and teenagers.

Dimitri Nikitopoulos started taking drum lessons at the age of eight, where he realized his passion for music. Dimitri learned how to play the guitar, bass, ukulele, and harmonica. He has had the opportunity to travel abroad and visit his Greek, German, and Brazilian relatives, and through his travels, Dimitri has experienced their culture and music, which has helped him develop a love for many different genres. Dimitri teaches a wide range of styles including pop, rock, funk, blues, jazz, hip-hop, metal, reggae, fusion, folk, and bossa nova. He has a deep appreciation for the way music can bring so many – who come from such diverse backgrounds – together. Throughout the years Dimitri has had the opportunity to perform live, create and write songs, and record music. He has a passion for learning and sharing with others what he has learned. Dimitri works with all ages and also works with students who have special needs. He is patient and approaches each student differently – focusing on their unique strengths, learning styles, and their musical goals while being creative and having fun.

Forest began playing guitar at age 10. He is completely self-taught, and has been a lifelong musician. In addition to touring internationally, Forest is also a published author of guitar instruction material with the reputable Hal Leonard. In addition to playing music, Forest is experienced with the workings of a recording studio, and has recorded music for television commercials, and movie soundtracks. Impressively, Forest is also a published composer and a member of the A.S.C.A.P. Forest has played for or opened for hundreds of classic country artists in Nashville, Tennessee, and he is also a former Nashville Union member. Teaching has been a large part of Forest's life for the past 20 years, where he has taught guitar, 5-string banjo, and ukulele. Forest's main language is English.

Javier Parrilla studied music at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico. He has been a professional musician since 1997. Since then, he has had the opportunity to play and develop with veteran musicians from Puerto Rico. Javier was born in Puerto Rico and lived there for almost 35 years, but in 2017 he moved to Florida where he continued his work as a musician and teacher. Some of Javier's musical mentors are amazing musicians from Puerto Rico: Professor Hector Hance, Professor Osvaldo Lopez, and his dear friend Juan "Richi" Morales. Since becoming a professional musician, Javier has dedicated himself to playing in many prestigious churches in Puerto Rico and Florida, and regularly participates in jam sessions. Javier began teaching guitar in 2007. Since then, he has taught at various music academies and also in private lesson settings. Javier's main instrument is the guitar. Javier is bilingual: his first language is Spanish and his second language is English.

Mariangel began her musical career back in Caracas, Venezuela with Manolo de Freitas. After coming to the U.S. she became a student right here at Garden Music School, where she became so proficient at singing and performing that she got the opportunity to become a teacher! Mariangel teaches her students to open their minds and practice various genres of music! Mariangel has had the opportunity through the years to make her own music and perform live all over the Orlando area. Mariangel's main focus is vocals, with an emphasis on modern and pop genres. She speaks Spanish and English.

Noel is a gigging and touring bassist and drummer from Vallejo, California. Growing up traveling with Radio Disney, his experience on stage has led him to perform and record with various artists including Manny Garcia, Ashlee Barrera, Mars Wagon, and Run Raquel. After graduating from high school, Noel earned the Louis Armstrong Jazz Achievement Award which led to him attending Ball State University. Noel can be seen regularly playing at Disney Springs, Margaritaville Resort, and Universal City Walk. As a teacher, Noel believes that in order to progress, music has to be relatable, and he often tells his students, “Play like you would buy a ticket to see yourself on stage.”