Hello! My name is Elise Moltz. I studied music composition and piano pedagogy at the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory of Music and have over 12 years experience teaching children and adults in Austin, TX. After many years gaining experience teaching in music schools around town, going into pre-schools to teach, and driving to student’s homes, I decided to open my own studio in 2022.
My personal practice includes classical repertoire along with impressionistic and jazz improvisation. I love teaching music and watching my students’ confidence grow as they develop their own relationships to the instrument.
The corner stone of my teaching philosophy is flexibility. Lessons look different with each student depending on their interests and learning style. My goal with any student is to foster their love of music, give them the skills to advance, and —most importantly— build skills of emotional regulation and practice that will serve them in all areas of their life. For kids and adults, learning to do something difficult and stick with it while also enjoying the processes is the most important skill that I teach.
Available for: piano
Howdy! My name is Connor McCampbell and I am a performing musician and studio recording artist with an undergraduate degree in Plan II from The University of Texas at Austin. With my main project, TC Superstar, I’ve performed everywhere in Austin from Mohawk to ACL and thoroughly toured North America. I also run a small record label and work with other artists to record, arrange, mix, and master records for release. My music education was focused on piano, theory, and composition, but I’m comfortable teaching guitar, drums, and studio production as well.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I’m a classically trained pianist with over 13 years of formal piano study and experience teaching students through private lessons and local music conservatories. I began my musical training in New Jersey, where I competed extensively and with the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. I later majored in Piano at The College of New Jersey and continued my studies with professors from The New School in New York City as well as musicians from Taiwan and Japan.
Beyond classical piano, I enjoy creating improvisational arrangements inspired by film composers such as Hans Zimmer and Joe Hisaishi, an experience that has deepened my appreciation for music as a way to tell stories and express emotion.
I hold a master’s degree in Design focused on Health from The University of Texas at Austin. My background has shaped a teaching style rooted in empathy, curiosity, and adaptability. My values include building strong musical fundamentals, expressive playing, and healthy practice habits while creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to take on challenges and enjoy learning. The goal is to help students develop not only musically, but also in confidence, creativity, and self-expression. I believe the most meaningful part of teaching is watching students discover what they’re capable of.
Available for: piano
I’m Phara Charmchi, a songwriter, instrumentalist, recording artist, producer, and composer with over four years of piano-
teaching experience in Kansas City and Houston. My own classical training included a year at a music conservatory in
Vienna. Though I later pursued an academic career in political philosophy, music would have the final say.
In May 2026, my husband Ben and I released Baby OK, an album we wrote, performed and produced entirely in-house. The album had its radio debut in July on Austin’s KUTX. I’ve also composed for children’s choir, including a cantata for youth choir and string ensemble performed by Austin’s Illumine Youth Choir in 2024.
In my teaching (as in my life) I emphasize play, experimentation, improvisation, listening, and the connection between music and emotional experience. Technique, theory, and consistent practice are critical, especially as a student advances, but are ideally and most easily acquired when they answer an appetite.
For me, success is a student experiencing the joy and possibility of their own musical expression, and feeling empowered to expand on it. In a culture that often regards music as the province of a gifted elite, my mission is for students to relate to music as their imaginative and emotional birthright.
Available for: piano
Howdy! My name is Marina Staley, and I’m a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer and performing musician. I studied music composition, theory, and production at California Lutheran University and Musicians Institute in Hollywood, and have spent my career performing throughout Los Angeles, Austin, and touring across the country/overseas. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to tour as a background vocalist with successful bands, helping arrange and perform vocal harmonies on stages including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. When I’m not teaching, I’m usually writing, recording, or performing original music for my own projects.
Throughout the years, I’ve taught piano, guitar, and voice to students of all ages. Whether someone is sitting down at a piano for the very first time or returning to music after years away, I strive to create lessons that are engaging, encouraging, and tailored to each student’s interests and learning style.
I believe the best way to learn music is to build a genuine connection with it. Strong technique and theory provide an important foundation, but lasting progress comes from curiosity, creativity, and having fun along the way. I love helping students discover the music that inspires them, build confidence through achievable goals, and develop the skills to express themselves with freedom and joy. My hope is that every student leaves each lesson feeling excited to practice, proud of what they’ve accomplished, and inspired to continue their own unique musical journey.