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
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Joncarlos & Gabriella velez
FOUNDERS
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Audrey johnson
SOAR DIRECTOR
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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!