“I would not be where I am in music today without Alex Ovando.
I began playing guitar in 2007 at age 12. I didn’t have prior experience as an instrumentalist, but Alex quickly picked up on my desire to improve and helped set me on the path to get there. Alex introduced me to many artists who formed the backbone of my musical influences. He lent me gear to play my very first shows and was always open to hearing my ideas. I produced my first recording with Alex.
I really appreciate that Alex saw something in me, but also that he had the wisdom as a teacher to cultivate a path that would allow me to discover my passion and develop it. As someone who has experienced music education up to the collegiate level, Alex stands in a place that many do not occupy—that of truly engaging with the student and tailoring his approach to their needs.
Alex set me on the path to get the top chair in the All-West Tennessee Jazz Band twice, to get a full ride to Thornton School of Music at USC, and to have a self-sustaining career in music now. I am currently a musical director, producer, and guitarist and just played my first Coachella on the main stage. I have gone on 3 national tours, played 8 major music festivals and been on national TV twice at the age of 24. Songs I have produced have over 55 million combined streams online. I would not have gotten there without the guidance and advice of my instructor and friend, Alex Ovando.”
“I like my piano classes”
“I like my piano classes because I like to play music and I like to hear it, and the piano instructor is good at teaching piano and playing...”.
Nelvin C. (piano program student, 13 years old, 3 years with us)
“Multilingual educators.”
“I like how my piano instructor knows both languages that I know, and I can understand better”.
Jade M. (piano program student, 11 years old, 4 years with us)
“Su pasciencia y disciplina les ayuda a saber que tipo de instrumentos pueden tocar y les ayuda a desenvolverse en la musica”
Ana M. (Jade’s mom)
“I get to learn music that I love and the piano instructor is amazing.”
Alan G. (piano program student, 12 years old, 1.5 years with us)
“Our success through encouragement and patience”
“My piano classes are amazing. My piano instructor is incredibly patient and dedicated to his students. His teaching methods are at the forefront of music instruction. He encourages me to succeed through hard work and to reach my musical dreams.”
Hernan S. (piano student (adult), 2 years with us)
“Our own kids take lessons too!”
“It’s easy for me to understand when my dad teaches me guitar. He gives me the freedom to choose a song to learn.”
Marco O. (guitar student, 9 years old)
“I like playing drums with my dad, ‘cause it’s fun. I like to hear the beat andget to try new things on my drums. I feel related to music.”
Sofia O. (drum student, 7 years old)
“Music theory can be fun”
“Music Box has an excellent grasp of music theory, but even more important, they make the classes fun.
Kristina W. (guitar student (adult), 3 years with us)
“Great Experience”
Music Box has been a great experience for my son. His teachers have all been very experienced, patient, and encouraging. He looks forward to his lessons. I like that he has been able to learn from several different educators during his time at Music Box. The new portal makes it easy to reschedule lessons and track practice time.
Libby P. (mom of drum student, 3 years with us)
“Yay for guitar techniques!”
What I like about the guitar classes is learning about music and the notes, and learning guitar techniques, like hammer, slide, and other stuff.”
Christian R. (guitar student, 13 years old, 3 years with us)