Music Voice Songwriting Production Acting

Our professional, industry-leading teachers collaborate and work together to raise your skills to the next level!
We provide custom teaching to your particular skill level no matter your experience or age.

BENJAMIN KAWSKY, voice + acting

Boston and online

Benjamin is a celebrity vocal coach and has helped singers reach the highest levels in the music business. He has extensively studied the art and mechanics of singing. He has a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts, and a Biology degree (which enabled him to study the anatomy of the voice). Benjamin founded BAWS Studio in 2017. He has worked for several recording studios and loves to help singers write, record, and cultivate their artistic voice. He works with singers of all genre and cares deeply about authenticity, originality, and technique. His students have received billions of streams, sold out world tours, been finalist on The Voice, won pageants, performed on Broadway, receive full-ride scholarships to study music, been in the Top 10 Billboard charts, and received record and publishing deals.

zachary bradley, acting

Chicago and online

Zach Bradley was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois and stayed true to his midwestern roots while he attended the University of Chicago.  While there, he studied Psychology and inevitably caught the “acting bug,” starring in several short films early on in his acting career. Before long, his hobby became his passion, and his passion became his life. Zach's unique journey helps him to bring a very grounded, genuine, and heartfelt nature to his teaching philosophy at BAWS.

His most recent works include a supporting role in Asbury Park, where he acted alongside veteran Hollywood actor, Glenn Plummer (Showgirls, Speed, Saw II), and up-and-comers Noah Lalonde (My Life with the Walter Boys, Criminal Minds) and Adrian Hassan (The Bachelorette). He also stars as Robbie in Connor McBride's Saturday Night Inside Out, which releases in theaters this fall. He also recently wrapped a Ukrainian feature film Love & Vodka, a film based off of R.J. Fox’s book, where he portrayed R.J. himself.  You may have also seen his face on recent national commercial spots for Honey Nut Cheerios and Kia Motors.

Zach will also be starring in a brand new series shooting all over the world following the end of the strikes, which is still set to be released in 2025.

Jonah brooks, guitar + production

Chicago and online

Jonah Brooks is a Chicago-based guitarist, music producer, and seasoned educator with over fifteen years of experience in private instruction. Jonah discovered his passion for the guitar at the age of 10, exploring a variety of musical styles throughout the years. With a B.A. in Music Business Management from Columbia College Chicago, Jonah teaches at an advanced level, guiding students to turn their passion into a profession.

As the proud owner of a music production business, he offers real-world insights into sound design, composition, mixing and mastering, and artist production. Jonah's achievements include reaching the semifinals in an international jazz competition, and in 2023, his music accumulated nearly three million streams.

Beyond the classroom, Jonah not only gives students a practical view of the dynamic music industry but also empowers them to create their own structure as professionals. Excited to share his expertise at BAWS, Jonah looks forward to embarking on a musical exploration together, diving into the realms of guitar, production, and creative expression.

Mario Ángel Pérez

Online

Mario Ángel Pérez is a Minnesota-based tenor. Previous roles include Remendado (Carmen) at the Pine Mountain Music Festival, First Priest (Die Zauberflöte) with Lakes Area Music Festival, a cover of Emperor Altoum (Turandot) at Cedar Rapids Opera, and Gran Sacerdote (Idomeneo), Gherardo (Gianni Schicchi), and First Priest (Die Zauberflöte) at the University of Minnesota.

Mario Ángel has also been seen in many productions with Minnesota Opera as a member of their professional chorus. As an avid recitalist, he has been performed in Adam Guettel Myths and Hymns at the MacPhail Center, Schumann's Liederkreis, op. 39 at Hamline University’s Sundin Hall and with the Pine Mountain Music Festival, and Die Schöne Müllerin at the University of Minnesota. He is a co-founder of B-Sides Art Song Collective in the Twin Cities, an organization which specializes in the performance of rarely heard art song and contemporary commercial music.

Mario Ángel studied Mozart arias with Helen and Klaus Donath through the Internationale Sommerakademie at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria and has performed for the Austrian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Wolfgang Waldner, at the Center for Austrian Studies 40th anniversary celebration at the University of Minnesota. Currently, he resides in Saint Paul and studies under Victoria Vargas. He received his BM and MM at the University of Minnesota under the tutelage of Adriana Zabala.

Stephanie Joyce, guitar + songwriting

Online

Stefanie Joyce is a singer-songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. With four years of experience as a signed writer on MusicRow, she is excited to teach and encourage the craft and art of songwriting. 

Whether you are writing songs for a personal project, for other artists, for fun, or for film and TV placement, Stefanie has experienced it all! She believes that all great songs, regardless of genre, need a strong foundation. Her lessons start with basics of form, rhyme, rhythm, lyric, hook, and melody before moving onto writing and workshopping full songs. She wants to give students the tools they need to best capture inspiration when it comes, and always encourages creative risks.

Stefanie grew up in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Nashville in 2018. After four years of penning songs for other artists (such as Mary-Heather Hickman's viral, billboard-charting hits "Baptist Parking Lot" and "Treasure"), she released her debut EP "Marlboro Reds & Motel Rooms" in 2022. The lead single "Idle Hands" was featured on editorial playlists and publications after amassing almost 1 million views on TikTok. Stefanie continues to write for other artists while working on new music for her own project and regularly performing with her band around Nashville. 

Stefanie encourages all songwriters regardless of musical ability. You don't need to be an amazing singer to write amazing songs! All you need is enthusiasm and a bit of creativity :)

Andrea shapiro, voice + acting

Online

Andrea Shapiro is a professional singer and actress in New York City. Having over a decade of private voice instruction and graduating with her BFA in Acting, Andrea is ecstatic to work as a vocal instructor.

When working with Andrea, her main focus will be cultivating and maintaining a healthy singer's body and mind, while discovering and achieving individual goals. Everybody learns differently, so being able to adapt to your needs is an essential part of Andrea’s teaching. She will develop technique, confidence, and individuality at every stage of the work. Andrea’s areas of expertise include: musical theatre, pop, rock, country, jazz, belting, and mix.

Harry Bartlett, guitar + songwriting

Online

Harry Bartlett is a Nashville based guitarist, composer, and bandleader. He has an education in jazz music from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music, The University of Toronto, and the School of Improvised Music in Brooklyn, NY. Harry is excited to share some tools and resources he has picked up over a 10 year career as a bandleader, composer, and guitarist spanning jazz, folk, bluegrass, and old time music.

As an educator Harry has a decade of experience teaching through the VSO School, High Park Music, and a private studio. In 2019 he developed and ran a program on open improvisation which were delivered across North America. This project successfully provided young musicians with an opportunity to improvise in a context free of right and wrong, providing a sense of confidence and a deeper connection to making music for students, which speaks to his philosophy as a teacher.

Harry adapts lesson plans according to his students goals and learning style to help you develop a personal voice on the instrument. Through a combination of personalized exercises, structuredimprovisation, and composition, you will develop genuine ownership of these techniques and concepts and an ability to freely make use of them.

Johnny wright, Guitar + Production

Chicago and online

Johnny is a multi-instrumentalist, music producer, and production manager with over a decade of experience coaching students across all areas of music. When not touring or managing festival dates for some of the most recognizable names in live music, his core teaching focuses include: music theory, recording and production, songwriting, performance, and anything else a student may take interest in.

A proud alum of Columbia College Chicago, Johnny is a big proponent of following your passion and strives to provide an open environment for students to grow while exploring theirs!

Hristo Mintchev, guitar + Production

Chicago and online

Hristo’s musical journey started when he was 13 and now holds a Bachelor's degree in Performance from Columbia College. Hristo started teaching all over the Chicagoland area when was 17.  Hristo’s fluency in Jazz, Blues Theory and Songwriting has led him to perform nationally and teach music at a high level. Touring nationally helped him understand how music affects others and the role it plays in the general public. He’s produced multiple albums and singles with different types of artists in varying genres. Hristo has appeared on Converse Rubber Tracks and Audiotree with his bands as featured artists garnering a following. 

Ever since Hristo immigrated to the United States from Bulgaria, music has always helped him communicate and is passionate about creating that experience for others. Currently Hristo is producing and performing with varying Artists in the city of Chicago.

Mingyeong Son, piano+Voice

Boston and Online

Mina is a versatile musician, educator, and scholar residing in the Boston area. Born and raised in South Korea, she embarked on her musical journey at the age of 5, immersing herself in classical piano and music studies. Throughout her academic pursuits, she earned a Bachelor's degree in music composition and music theory from Seoul National University, followed by a Master's degree from Northwestern University in IL, and finally achieved her Ph.D. in Musicology from the College of Music at Seoul National University.

She has worked as a piano faculty member at the Musical Offering at Evanston School of Music in Illinois over the past five years, Mina has honed her teaching skills, effectively blending music theory with practical techniques. Her teaching expertise is further enriched by her post-doctoral work as a Musicology Researcher at Harvard University. Currently, she holds the esteemed positions of piano/organ accompanist at Boston-West Korean Presbyterian Church.

This has allowed her to build strong connections with students of diverse ages and proficiency levels, ranging from beginners to advanced learners. Her primary goal is to foster a genuine love for music among her students. Mina's passion for music and her dedication to nurturing the talents of her students make her a remarkable presence in the musical community.

Mariana Elosua Serna, Voice and Acting

Boston and Online

My name is Mariana Elosúa Serna, and I recently graduated from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where I studied for my MFA degree in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy. During my time there, I took repertoire, acting, voice & speech (Alexander Technique, Fitzmaurice, Lessac), and vocal pedagogy, amongst other classes.

My mission is to facilitate and advocate for every student's journey, fostering comfort and empowerment in their voice. Voice lessons will encompass posture, breathing, vocalization, and resonance strategies in the head, chest/mixed voice, enhancing vocal flexibility and freedom through repertoire. Acting lessons will encompass character crafting, given circumstances, monologue coaching, acting the song, voice & speech, and more. All of this through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the aim of creating a safe space where all voices are heard and honored.

Teaching with adaptability, I recognize each student's unique persona and needs, honoring each student's autonomy within the classroom. Ultimately, my aim is to cultivate a classroom where students can explore their voices freely, understanding that there's no right or wrong to sing or act, but rather that there are more efficient ways to do so.

I am a bilingual speaker (English and Spanish), and I am able to extend my knowledge in the classroom in both languages.

JUNG DOOHYUN, Voice and Piano

Boston and Online

I am a dedicated and accomplished educator with a deep-rooted passion for vocal music,shaped by a strong academic Foundation and a wealth of teaching experience. As a graduate of Seoul National University's prestigious Classic Vocal Music department, my journey in the world of music began with consistently excellent grades and the unwavering commitment to honing my musical talents. Currently, I finished my degree in Classic Vocal Music at Boston University, where I am privileged to be supported by a prestigious scholarship. My continued pursuit of academic excellence has not only expanded my musical knowledge but has also fortified my commitment to the rich and ever-evolving world of vocal music.

Sharing my musical knowledge and passion with students has been an immensely fulfilling endeavor, and I take immense pride in the achievements of my students who have received recognition and prizes in various vocal competitions. This experience has profoundly underscored the importance of tailoring lessons to the unique needs and aspirations of each student, fostering their growth, and nurturing their innate talents.

I am deeply committed to helping my students unlock their full potential, fostering their love for vocal music, and guiding them towards musical excellence. As your private vocal music instructor, I will not only impart the technical skills and knowledge necessary for success but also share my unwavering passion for the art of classic vocal music. Together, we will embark on a journey of musical discovery and growth, nurturing your talents and achieving your musical aspirations.

Nathan Peterson, Voice,Breath,Songwriting and production

Chicago and Online

Nathan Peterson is a multifaceted artist and teacher with over 25 years of experience as a singer-songwriter. He specializes in voice and breathwork, songwriting, and audio production, helping singers, speakers, and leaders connect with their authentic voice and share it freely with the world. His deep understanding of vocal mechanics is rooted in his personal practice of breathwork, enabling him to teach students how to release tension, invite breath, and resonate fully.

Nathan also brings extensive expertise in songwriting and production, having written, engineered, and produced multiple albums and projects over the past two decades. He blends technical excellence with human authenticity throughout the creative process, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final performance or recording. Based in Chicago, Nathan is committed to fostering togetherness through music—a mission that permeates every aspect of his work as both an artist and teacher. this sentence : also highly experienced in songwriting and audio engineering. I've coached on both extensively—have led workshops and been hired as a consultant for both for years.

EE Chua, Voice

Chicago and Online

EE Chua is a Chicago-based voice teacher with extensive experience teaching a wide range of music genres, including classical, pop, and contemporary styles. With a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Eastman School of Music, he brings a deep understanding of vocal technique and performance to his students.

EE has performed everything from classical operatic roles to popular music. Trained as a classical singer, he has sung main roles with opera companies such as Haymarket Opera Company, Chicago Summer Opera, and Cedar Rapids Theatre.

In addition to his vocal expertise, EE has worked for many years in arts administration and college admissions, providing him with a unique perspective on the performing arts industry. This allows him to equip his students not only with technical skills but also with a deeper understanding of the broader artistic landscape.

As a versatile singer with a vocal range spanning more than three octaves, EE specializes in helping students expand their vocal range and develop a powerful, resonant head voice. His knowledge in these areas allows singers to fully explore their vocal abilities and build confidence throughout their entire range.

EE’s teaching philosophy is rooted in classical vocal techniques as a foundation for vocal development. He strives to help each student build their own vocal technique, discover their unique sound, and develop a deep connection with the music they sing. Above all, he encourages students to embrace the joy of singing and the personal growth it fosters.