Alex Ovando. Owner. Academic Director.

Alex is the Music Box founder and most avid advocate. He is originally from Guatemala City, Guatemala, but his love for music & passion for teaching, rooted him in Memphis TN, where he has taught guitar, bass, piano & drum lessons for over 20 years.

Alex’s vision for Music Box is to teach music as a language, and assemble a team of like-minded educators who help evangelize Music Box’s mission: to help aspiring musicians become a happier, more confident version of themselves.

Outside of Music Box, Alex enjoys investing in local community and spending time with his wife Yelena and their two very musical children - Marco & Sofia.

Ana Cristina Soto.Vocal & Rising Artist (Piano, Ukulele, Voice) Teacher.

Ana Soto is originally from Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, where her musical journey began in the San Juan Children’s Choir. Through singing and learning instruments such as recorder, guitar, hand bells, and flute, she discovered a deep love for music that has shaped her life ever since.

After graduating from high school, Ana moved to Nashville, where she earned a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the Vanderbilt University. Her studies eventually brought her to Memphis, where she is currently completing a Master’s degree in Voice at the University of Memphis. Ana is passionate about performing, and also studied and performed abroad in Italy, Germany, Spain, and England, which broadened her musical perspective and strengthened her commitment to helping students grow as expressive, confident musicians.

Outside of teaching, Ana enjoys reading, discovering new stories, and spending time with friends and family.

Vince Burns. Guitar. Bass. Ukulele. Keys. Band. Music Production Teacher.

Vince is a multi-instrumentalist, who started learning music at 7, and is now an educator, producer, composer, and performer. His recent work spans a diverse range of projects, including original solo releases, scores for student films, and soundtracks for indie video games. Vince studied music at Stax Music Academy, Visible College, and most recently, at the Frost School of Music in Miami, graduating with a Media Scoring and Production Degree, and minors in Composition and Creative American Songwriting.

Vince is a recipient of the Canes Festival Best Music Score Award.

Outside of Music Box, Vince enjoys playing and making video games, YouTube and writing.

Erin Smith. Vocal & Rising Artist (Piano, Ukulele, Voice) Teacher.

Erin Smith, originally from Jackson, Mississippi, has been surrounded by music her entire life. Growing up, Erin took violin and oboe lessons from a very young age, and performed in school choirs, as well as marching band, after moving to Collierville, TN in 2012. She received a Bachelor's degree in Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she fell in love with singing, specifically opera. This love of opera led to Erin pursuing a Master's in Vocal Performance at the University of Memphis, where she has the opportunity to star in operas in the Memphis area. Erin also studied and sang abroad, in Germany, as part of IPAI Bavaria Opera program.

When not teaching or performing, Erin enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with her friends and family.

YoJi Roby. Music Production Teacher.

Milan “YoJi Roby” Roby is a Memphis-born music producer, recording engineer, and post-production specialist whose work blends musicality, technical precision, and modern sound design. Growing up in one of America’s most influential music cities—and in a musical family—he spent time in iconic Memphis recording studios, surrounded by musicians, and began creating and engineering music at an early age. Throughout his childhood, YoJi played keys, trumpet, French horn, and violin.

Before relocating to Los Angeles to work in music production, YoJi worked under the Hall of Famer, David Porter, at The Consortium MMT, where he taught songwriting, production, and recording classes. His time in LA strengthened his capabilities in dialogue editing, sound design, mix enhancement, and post-production finishing for commercial and digital content. YoJi has collaborated with numerous Grammy winners and nominees across R&B, pop, and contemporary urban genres.

Now based in Memphis, YoJi continues producing, mixing, and teaching. Outside of music, he enjoys creating content, learning business strategies, watching the latest TV shows, and playing video games.

Brandon Lewis. Music Production Teacher.

Brandon Lewis is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, where he began singing, writing, and creating music from a very young age. Growing up in a city known for its deep musical roots, he developed his passion for music through church, school performances, and local showcases before moving into recording and producing.

As both a songwriter and producer, Brandon has built a career blending R&B, soul, and hip-hop while also sharing his skills with the next generation of musicians. He has taught songwriting, music production, and creative development to students of all ages, helping them gain confidence and discover their own artistic voices. In addition to teaching, he founded Right Side Music, an independent music distribution company designed to give artists the tools and support they need to share their work with the world.

Brandon also serves as Executive Director of The Consortium MMT, a nonprofit organization where he leads workshops and mentorship programs for young artists. He was elected Governor of the Recording Academy Memphis Chapter and Co-Chair of the Songwriters & Composers Wing, roles that allow him to advocate for music creators while staying deeply connected to his community.

When he’s not teaching or writing songs, Brandon enjoys producing new music, mentoring young artists, and spending time with his family.

Sean Gary. Teacher. Piano, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele. Drums. Band.

Sean is originally from San Diego, California, where he grew up playing from a very young age and started taking formal lessons at 9. As a multi-instrumentalist, he played in various rock bands throughout high school then spent two years in Hollywood where he played with pop and rock bands at storied venues such as the Roxy and the Whiskey a Go Go, and was featured on the soundtrack of the MTV show The Hills.

Sean then returned to San Diego and began pursuing music at the college level, and at this time fell in love with teaching and sharing his passion for music with students of all ages. He earned a Bachelor of Music in professional studies and a Master of Arts in musicology/critical studies from San Diego State University in 2018 and 2021 respectively, all while continuing to hone his skills as a music educator and performer. Sean taught popular music history courses at San Diego State University on topics such as The Beatles, American music history, and country and folk music. In 2023 Sean was nominated for a San Diego Music Award in the category of Country/Americana album of the year, as a member and principal songwriter for the band Midway.

In 2024 Sean moved to Memphis to pursue a PhD in musicology at the University of Memphis and teach undergraduate history courses on popular and American music. Since being in the Memphis area, he has become a regular performer at venues such as the Tin Roof on Beale. While not performing or teaching music, Sean likes to hike, fish, cook, exercise, and spend time with his wife, their dog, and their two horses.

Jamie Traylor. Teacher. Voice. Guitar. Piano. Ukulele. Music Therapy inspired adapted lessons.

Jamie Traylor is a voice, guitar, ukulele, and piano teacher at Music Box.  Jamie is from the Memphis, and her love for music began at a young age, singing along to endless genres in the backseat of her dad’s truck.  Jamie has been a member of a variety of ensembles, including CoroRio and the Ladies of Lee traveling choir, and she has served on church worship teams since she was 12. 

Her music background and love for people led Jamie to pursue a degree in music therapy at University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and she is trained to utilize music as a tool to address a variety of goals in social, emotional, communicative, cognitive, and physical realms.  She completed her internship at Memphis’s own St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and has now joined the music therapy team at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. 

Jamie is a Licensed and Board Certified Music Therapist.

Outside of Music Box, Jamie loves to cook, read, run, and spend time with her husband and dog. 

Keith Botello. MT-BC. Piano, Drums, Guitar, Ukulele Teacher.Music Therapy Inspired Adapted Lessons.

Keith Botello is a multi-instrumentalist and teaches drums, guitar, piano, ukulele and adapted music lessons at Music Box. His musical journey began at the age of eight when he started playing piano, and by ten, he was introduced to drums in his uncle’s garage, where he found his love for keeping the beat and making music. This early passion led him to attend the Arts Magnet High School in Dallas, where he studied music theory and further developed his skills on piano.

Keith went on to study music and music therapy at the University of North Texas, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and Southern Methodist University. He is a licensed, board-certified music therapist with over 20 years of experience using music to promote mental health, well-being, and personal growth. His background as both a performer and clinician informs his thoughtful, student-centered approach to music education.

Outside of Music Box, Keith enjoys spending time with his daughter, photography, bike riding, songwriting, and attending art galleries and finding new exhibits.

Jotham Billy. Teacher.

Drums. Piano.

Jotham Billy is a drums and piano teacher at Music Box. With a strong foundation in rhythm and melody, Jotham helps students develop their timing, feel, sight-reading, and confidence on their instrument. Jotham has played drums since he was 8 years old; he took lessons and attended Stax Music Academy in high school. He is very active in the local music scene, has played at the Mayoral Inauguration, with the B.B. King blues band, and on “Live at 9”, among other local iconic venues. 

Currently, Jotham is a student at Visible College, where he specializes in Drums. He also enjoys working out and collaborating with other musicians and fellow creatives.

Ty Matthews. Teacher.

Voice. Head of Academics.

Ty Matthews is a Voice & Piano educator at Music Box and Head of Academics at Music Box. From the age of 10 Ty started playing Piano at church and shortly after also became one of their lead vocalists. Ty holds a Bachelors Degree in Music performance (Oboe) from University of Texas at Arlington, a Masters Degree in Music Performance from Oklahoma City University, and is now pursuing a Doctorate in Music from the University of Memphis. Ty has sang as a lead vocalist in many bands and has toured on countless occasions around the United States. He also sang in many music festivals, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and Warped Tour. Through the years Ty enjoyed leading various Musical Theater programs as an accompanist and a vocal coach, as well as helping other vocalists with audition prep.

Learn more about Ty

Will Steen. Teacher. Piano. Guitar. Music Production.

Will is a dedicated piano teacher at Music Box, with roots in Germantown where he has lived his entire life. His musical journey began in 6th grade when he picked up the clarinet in his school band, sparking a lifelong passion for both music and teaching. Now studying Audio Engineering at the University of Memphis, Will is expanding his expertise in the technical aspects of music.

Beyond teaching, Will enjoys performing with various music groups at the University, including worship bands, pep band, and marching band. In his free time, you can find him on camping trips with friends and cooking BBQ.

Melissa Webb. Studio Coordinator.

Melissa is from Germantown, TN, and attends Houston High School. She was first introduced to music at a very young age when she started taking piano and voice lessons. She started playing the flute in sixth grade and continues to play in the Houston High School Marching and Concert Band. Melissa has participated in the Christian Brothers Honor Band and the Summer at the Scheidt band program. She has been on crew for multiple musical productions and performed as Matilda in the Germantown Community Theatre production of Merry Men. Melissa is a piano player in one of Music Box’s bands and performed at various locations all around the Memphis area. 

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hanging out with friends and family, reading, and traveling.

Danny Negrete. Piano Teacher.

Originally from Niles, Michigan, Danny has called Memphis home since the age of three. His musical journey began in sixth grade when he joined the middle school band as an alto saxophonist. Just a bit later, Danny started taking piano lessons at Music Box, and after several years, developed a passion for classical music and reached and mastered the advanced piano curriculum levels.

Throughout high school, Danny also was heavily involved in his school’s music programs. He performed with the varsity wind symphony, marching band, and jazz band. He also participated in marching competitions such as Bandmasters, attended All West and Concert Festivals, and played with Music Box’s own The Zoo band.

Danny is currently pursuing a degree in Music, and outside of music, he enjoys playing video games, creating art and spending time with friends.

Marco Ovando. Drum Teacher.

Marco has been studying music since he was 3 years old. He plays piano, guitar, bass, drums and orchestral percussion. He has been teaching at Music Box since 2024 and playing, recording and performing with one of the Music Box’s top Modern and staff Bands.

Marco spent the summers of 2022 and 2023, studying at the STAX Music Academy, and 2024 and 2025 - at the University of Memphis (Honor Band) and at the Tennessee Governors School For The Arts, as a percussionist.

Marco has placed in the All-West Honor Band for three years in a row, played for the Memphis Youth Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and 2024 and is currently a member of the Silver Note Collective Jazz Band, The Houston Marching Band and Houston High School Wind Ensemble.

In his spare time, Marco composes music, studies music production, and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

“For the time I’ve been at Music Box, the staff and students alike have been nothing but welcoming, encouraging, and always ready to learn (teachers included). I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working alongside colleagues that share the same love for music as I do and are eager to learn new techniques and styles to pass on to their students. Students at Music Box are unlike any students I’ve seen. They are always supportive of one another and excited about music. My vocal students are open-minded in every lesson and I’ve consistently seen immense progress in each lesson from every one of them. I couldn’t be prouder to have taught these wonderful musicians, and I know their hard work will help them grow in their musicianship incredibly. ”
— Karoline Larsen. Voice & Piano.
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