About Us

The School of Artistic Refinement launched in 2017 as a private music lesson school in Minneapolis, MN. SOAR began as a dream for our founders, JonCarlos and Gabriella Velez, to be a place where young people could find purpose in the arts.

“We began SOAR as a place to empower people to reach their fullest potential in the creative arts. SOAR is a training ground to help people grow, discover, and fulfill their unique purpose-creatively. At SOAR, our mission is to guide and develop the gifts of students through skilled training and one-to-one encouragement.”

We currently offer lessons in voice, drums, guitar, bass, and piano as well as ensembles. SOAR is staffed with talented musicians who also have a desire to mentor and encourage all ages through music. Our instructors are highly qualified artists and each carefully chosen to bring alignment to our mission. 

Meet the Team

  • Joncarlos & Gabriella velez

    FOUNDERS

  • Audrey johnson

    SOAR DIRECTOR

  • DANA CRETILLI

    SITE DIRECTOR

Instructors

Gabriella Velez - Voice

  • Teaches Intermediate to Advanced Voice

  • Teaches beginner to advanced Songwriting

  • Bachelors Degree in Music Performance

  • Professional Certification in Vocal Styles from Berklee School of Music

Gabriella has 10+ years of teaching experience and is passionate about young artists and singers discovering their unique sound and finding freedom in their voice. Her passion for performing translates into coaching others on how to effectively use their gift and share their own expression. Her goal is for students to leave every lesson feeling empowered, excited, inspired, and challenged.

Heather wile - voice & piano

  • Teaches beginner through advanced Voice Lessons

  • Teaches beginner piano

  • Bachelors of Arts in Music

  • 5+ experience teaching lessons

  • Loves helping students become confident in their skills throughout the learning process

kenzie Hanley - voice & piano

  • Teaches beginner through advanced voice lessons

  • Teaches beginner through intermediate piano lessons

  • Bachelor’s of science in Music Pastor

  • 4+ years teaching music lessons

  • Passionate about developing students and helping them find confidence in their musical ability

caleb erickson - voice & piano

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

  • Teaches beginner to advanced contemporary piano and music theory

  • Teaches beginner to intermediate classical and jazz piano

  • Teaches beginner to intermediate voice

  • Teaches beginner to intermediate guitar

  • B.S. in Music

Evan Sterling - Piano

  • Teaches beginner Piano Lessons

  • Bachelors of Science in Music

  • 15+ years experience playing piano/keys

  • Loves helping students discover their passion for music and ability to succeed

audrey johnson - piano & Voice

  • Teaches beginner to advanced Voice Lessons

  • Teaches beginner to advanced Piano Lessons

  • Bachelors of Arts in Music 

  • 15+ years experience teaching lessons

  • Passionate about students discovering their potential and love for music

ishmael mensah - drums

  • Teaches beginner through intermediate drum lessons

  • Bachelors of Arts in Music Business

  • 6+ years of experience teaching drum lessons

“I love teaching and having the opportunity to be part of the exciting journey students get to take in the growth as musicians.”

lauren hopper - voice & piano

  • Teaches Beginner through intermediate voice lessons

  • Teaches beginner piano

  • Bachelor’s of Science from North Central University

  • Songwriting and Recording experience

  • “It is my passion and joy to help students grow in the gifts and talents they have.”

SOAR INSTRUCtors

Are you interested in being an instructor for SOAR? Competitive wages, flexible schedules, fulfilling work! Fill out an application today. We would love to have you on our team!