Carlos Avila
Carlos is the Owner and President of the Kendall Conservatory of Music. He is also well known around town as a professional trombonist, music educator, composer and transcriptionist.
Victoria (Vicky) Davide
Vicky has been studying music for over 8 years. A multi-instrumentalist for Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, and Ukulele. She has had experience in symphonic, band, and solo performances. She has taught as a woodwind clinician for Elementary, Middle, and High school. Vicky also has been teaching privately for three years. She is currently getting a Bachelor's Degree at FIU.
Robert Byrne
Robert Byrne - Teacher at KCM for 25 years!!
Keyboards/Guitar/Bass(Electric & Upright)/Producer/Composer & Arranger -Born in Mt.Vernon, N.Y. Moved to Miami and became a musician at the age of 10. He started playing in The Greater Miami Youth Symphony at age 12 as well as various local bands. He has worked with and alongside various famous musicians such as Delbert McClinton, Charlie Daniels, Ed Calle, KC & the Sunshine Band and others. He has recorded and worked at Criteria, Quad Radial, TK, and Bayshore Studios and has recorded for Columbia Music.
Matt Johnson
Matt Johnson is a freelance bassist and music educator living in Miami, FL. From an early age Matt has shown a strong interest in the arts. Originally a visual artist, Matt started his journey as a musician while living in South Carolina after being accepted into his school’s band program where he studied the Trombone in orchestra and the bass guitar in his school’s jazz band.
In 1998, Matt’s family moved to Miami, FL where he continued his studies, however mostly focusing on the bass. After graduating High School, Matt decided to pursue a college education in music, and enrolled in Miami Dade College’s music program, and performed three days a week at his father’s church.
After graduating MDC, Matt later transferred to Berklee College Of Music where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 and later returned to Miami where he began his career as a Professional musician and private music instructor.
In 2011, Matt decided to further his musical education by attending Florida International University’s music school on a full-ride scholarship.
In 2013, Matt Johnson received his Master’s in Jazz Performance from FIU, and has since then performed in countless events throughout Florida as both an electric and upright bassist, all the while also working as a private instructor, adjunct professor and public school teacher.
Matias Jurado
A nature/Music lover. Born and raised in south miami, started playing drums at 6 years old and guitar at 8. Currently studying environmental science at MDC and playing drums in a band with a few other co-workers. Played with multiple local bands playing drums, guitar, bass and even backup vocals. Been working at KCM since June of 2015 and TEACHING since 2018. Good with students of all ages young and old while being patient and understanding. Also greatly enjoys fishing, sports, video games and anime!
Patricio Acevedo
Patricio Acevedo, is a Miami-based musician and music educator. My musical journey started in elementary school when my music teacher gave me the opportunity to play violin in the orchestra. Once I reached high school, I switched primarily to cello which has remained my primary instrument ever since!
As well as rehearsing and performing with orchestras, I also play and teach Core style drums and percussion. Including, but not limited to, Snare, Bass, and Tom drums, Keyboard Percussion, as well as Guitar and Bass.
My experiences in public school music motivated me to study at Miami Dade College, where I earned my Associate of Arts in Music in 2019. On top of my general music coursework, I played with the Chamber Music Ensemble and the Film Scoring Orchestra. During this time, I also cofounded the local rock band Slim Glasses as a cellist, electric bassist, and a vocalist.
Just as my teachers provided me with inspiration and a variety of opportunities to involve myself in music, I want to create the same open environment for my students to explore music. No matter what type of music you enjoy – classical, pop, folk, rock, or any other – there is a space ready for you in my studio!
Joscar Poerschke
Joscar Poerschke, Born and raised in Miami Florida, descendent of American German and Cuban parents, started piano at the age of 5. Being homeschooled, he was able to have private instructors and teachers on classical piano, guitar, and voice. Joscar Poerschke is registered with the Piano Guild and tested at the University of Miami.
Joscar has experience in theater, acting, performing, and singing his own music and music of others. He belongs to various organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America (he is an Eagle Scout) and he is a Freemason. He has composed his own piano concerto called Masonic Avant-garde which can be heard here at www.masonicavantgarde.com
Due to the fact that Joscar was homeschooled he began teaching privately in 2008. In 2012 he began teaching at the Kendall Conservatory of music.
Joscar specializes in music therapy, believing that children, adults, and students with special needs, can heal and benefit with the power of enjoying music without pressure. By making it fun and enjoyable in a relaxed manner, students are able to learn and progress at their own pace
Gerardo "Jerry" Oviedo
Gerardo "Jerry" Oviedo started out taking guitar and piano lessons in 7th and 8th grade, which gave him his foundation of his knowledge, but not his passion; that came about a year later when he turned 14. He used this newfound passion for music as a way to channel his ideas and as an escape. As a result, he would practice up to 3 hours a day working on technique and song writing.
He led many groups and even took up singing because "no one else in the group was willing to." Again, he had no teacher to guide him, just his love for music and desire to fill the spot. Through the years, he went from guitar (lead and rhythm) to bass and keyboards aside from vocals, depending on the what band needed. He has taken music to other levels learning not only western music but also getting into eastern music, mainly playing a custom made "western" sitar and developing his own style of East meets West.
In 1997, he went to Miami Dade Community College, where he got his A. A. in classical singing. He later went to FIU where he got his B. A. in 2002. That same years he applied to work at the Kendall conservatory of music which is where he teaches till this day.
Yolemny Rivera
A Cuban violinist began at the age of 7 years in the Conservatory Guillermo Tomas Havana, Cuba. She continued her studies in Colombia where she graduated as a violinist in an emphasis on Musical Education at the Atlantic University of the city of Barranquilla. She participated as a violinist in the city's Philharmonic, violin teacher and music theory at the University of the Atlantic. Also she was a teacher of violin, chamber music and musical coordinator and violinist of the Symphonic Orchestra of the University Institution Bellas Artes in Cartagena, Colombia. She participated as a guest violinist at the Barranquijazz festival in 2011 played with renowned pianist and jazz teacher Mark Levine. Guest at the Symphony d University of Richmond, Virginia. She currently participates as a violin II at the Miami Symphony Orchestra.
Jose Negroni
Three-time Grammy nominees and Sony Music Latin artists...The Negroni Trio is comprised of Jose Negroni (piano), Josh Allen (bass), and Nomar Negroni (drums), are back with a new and exciting album (Produced by Jose Negroni) that will leave an everlasting mark in the Jazz world."
-Jazz Weekly
“New Era is a delightfully fresh take on a set of classics that, while intricately weaving in and out of deliciously daring arrangements, provides a boundaryless Latin jazz experience. It’s as if Negroni’s Trio invited you to your favorite restaurant then ordered an off-menu dish you’ve never had before that just blows your mind…
-Nir Seroussi, President
Sony: Latin Music Division
Negroni’s Trio is comprised of the “father and son team” of Jose and Nomar Negroni. Jose, on piano, Nomar, on drums and completing the trio are numerous virtuoso bassist on the recordings and live performances. The Negroni team have worked together as Co-Founders and Co-Producers to form an ensemble of master musicians who create their own unique traditional and Latin jazz fusion.
Jose, originally from humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, is a classically trained pianist, composer and arranger who is known internationally for his unique brand of jazz which fuses classical and Latin rhythms. He fulfilled his early musical years educating young promising talents in the world of music and later developing and strengthening his musical chops as musical director for many Latin artists that included Jose Luis Rodriguez, Chayanne, Ednita Nazario, Carmita Jiménez, Braulio and Placido Dominguez Jr. Today teaching and mentoring still continues to be part of his daily life as he continues to find the space to devote time between concert tours in order to give back to the music education community.
Most recently Jose has chosen to express his musical genius through a trio of master musicians that he and his son Nomar have painstakingly assembled and is now well known in the industry around the world. Nomar followed in his father’s footsteps and developed into a master musician in his own right. Nomar is a consummate percussionist scholarship winner to The Berklee College of Music where he formally enhanced hisnotable skills and has worked on major projects with many internationally celebrated musicians such as Alejandro Sanz, Arturo Sandoval, Dr. Ed Calle & Oz Noy, to name only a few.
Negroni’s Trio is an intimate ensemble that performs on stages throughout the world including many U.S. and international Jazz festivals as well as numerous key Jazz venues throughout the United States, Japan, Spain, Italy, South America, the Caribbean, Latin America and including of course New York’s world infamous Blue Note Jazz Club. The music of NEGRONI’S TRIO receives airplay in more than 600 radio stations worldwide that includes the U.S., Japan, Spain, Argentina, England, Greece, Uruguay, Indonesia and Mexico.
With a catalog of 8 albums and “3 Latin Jazz Grammy Nominations” (2005, 2012 & 2015) NEGRONI’s TRIO always seduces and entertains their audiences across the continents. Taking musical risks with performance and repertoire, the result is an array of classic lyricism mixed with innovative and sincere improvisations that quenches their audience’s thirst for world class Jazz.
NEGRONI’s TRIO released NEW ERA ,their 9th album, in late 2017 with a video release of the title track Sweet Georgia Fame, the album is unlike any of their previous albums. Still keeping to their straight-ahead Jazz trio setting, the trio has embellished the repertoire with electric keyboards throughout the entire album. Also featured is a string quartet throughout most of the repertoire. Along with superbly featured guest vocalists, a string quartet and all of the new innovative musical arrangements it is noted as one of the most talked about Latin Jazz albums in recent times and continues to keep its momentum and critical acclaim with the recent release of the album’s second video of the titled track Incomprendido which features Sony Latin Music Artist Pedro Capó.
“Nomar Negroni has been on my musical radar since he was a youngster. Even then, his extraordinary musicianship and creativity was evident. Today, Nomar is one of the most complete, creative, versatile, and musical drum virtuosos on the planet. On stage or in the studio, Nomar Negroni lifts those around him to higher levels. Nomar’s brilliant, Latin Grammy-winning drum performances on Mamblue showcase his virtuosity, versatility, and ability to make ensembles shine. I am blessed to call this master musician a friend and colleague.”
-Dr. Ed Calle
“Negroni’s trio is one of the most compelling Latin Jazz groups in the world. The interplay and chemistry between drummer Nomar Negroni and his father Jose is exciting to watch. The traditional percussion instrumentation implicated in Nomar’s playing is distinctive and innovative and Jose’s compositional approach is both musical and tasteful. I’m always looking forward to a new Negroni release.”
- Julio Bague, Vice President
Peer music
“I was there when Negroni’s Trio was but an idea in the mind of Jose Negroni, pianist extraordinaire and Nomar Negroni, drummer extraordinaire, and I had the pleasure to see the idea develop into an incredible three-time Latin Grammy nominee super group that plays and tours all over the world. And it is no wonder - the musicianship and dedication of its founding members is only matched by the generosity and size of their hearts. I should know, I was there.”
- Jorge Mejia, President
Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Latin America & US Latin
​
​
Damian J Sanchez
A Miami native by way of Pinar del Rio, Cuba began his musical journey at the age of 12. He received his Bachelor of Music: Instrumental Performance on Oboe in 2004 Cum Laude with Honors. He received his Master of Music: Instrumental Performance on Oboe and Jazz Studies emphasis on Woodwinds in 2006 at the University of Memphis - Rudi E Scheidt School of Music. Damian J was by then performing on Beale Street on a regular basis with such groupsas Freeworld, Memphis Jazz Orchestra, BB King Band, Orquesta Symbiosis, and countless others freelancing as a reedman in Memphis, TN and its surrounding area. He also had developed his own sound as the Damian J Latin Jazz Quartet. In 2008 Sanchez was one of the quarter finalists for the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition after touring extensively following his graduate studies with the United States Air Force Band of the West Jazz Ensemble being featured as a special guest soloist. He had also been on tour with the Inner City All Stars Brass Band famous for their performance on Showtime at the Apollo as well as for backing up Erykah Badu. In 2007 Damian J began performing on the riverboats of America in the tradition of Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden, seeing the mighty Mississippi and its shores made jazz history come alive for him. The Columbia Queen had Sanchez traveling up to Oregon and exploring the Columbia River system on paddle wheel steamboats in the Pacific Northwest. Apart from his musical advancements Sanchez also enjoyed being in front of the camera, acting in two independent short films and one full feature independent film made in Memphis and Nashville between 2006 and 2008. He also composed the entire score to Ariadne's Thread filmed in and around Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. In 2009 Damian J was selected to become a part of the Glenn Miller Orchestra following a lengthy audition process. He played tenor saxophone, clarinet, and flute with the orchestra from March 2009 until January 2012 touring the United States, Canada, and Japan extensively. He then returned to New Orleans, Louisiana and completed one more season on the American Queen riverboat for the 2012 re-inaugural season before returning to Miami in December 2012 to care for his debilitating mother stricken with chronic kidney disease and macular degeneration. He remained by her side until her passing in March 2016. While in Miami established the Damian J Project, a new and singular voice dedicated to the preservation, development, and education of Jazz in the 305. It is Miami's first and only open source musical collaboration performing in and around South Florida where the musicians are free to focus on specific time periods in jazz history or future. It is a network of musicians broken up into different ensembles each with a unique representation of jazz and one common denominator, Damian J. The TRAD305 represents the beginnings of jazz from 1914 until the rise of swing. Our Swingin' Sensations bring back the era of swing music and big band jazz. Los Havana Knights pay homage to the roots of Latin Jazz from its inception on the island of Cuba. Made from Scratch featuring Guti Talavera is where the modern electronic DJ turntable improvisatory master meets the vintage jazzman in a musical encounter for the future. Those are just a few of the recurring collaborations within the project. Prior to the project Sanchez freelanced in Miami with such greats as Suenalo, Electric Piquete, The French Horn, and many others. Damian J has been included on several recordings for different musical groups in his past as well as been a backup musician for such celebrities as Jennifer Holliday, Kurt Elling, Lionel Richie, Debby Boone, Tito Puente Jr., Willy Chirino, Chuck Mangione, and many others. He was featured with Made from Scratch at the 2016 Heineken JazzFest in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Damian J Project’s TRAD305 most recently won 1st place at the Miami Made Concert Series “Best of Miami” 2016 Competition. In July 2015 Damian J took The TRAD305 on tour performing in Portland, Oregon. A year prior to that in July 2014 Damian J toured Argentina collaborating with national rock sensation, Cyro y los Persas as well as recording with pianist Ray Pugliese. His experience lies in Broadway productions, musicals, and operas playing multiple woodwind combinations in several orchestras such as the Memphis Symphony. Sanchez plays oboe, English horn, all saxophones, all clarinets, flute, piccolo, recorder, bagpipes, bassoon, guitar, and piano as well as sings, composes, arranges and music engineers. He has been on staff at the Kendall Conservatory of Music as Professor of Woodwinds, Classical Guitar, and Piano exclusively on Mondays and Saturdays since November 2013 and handles all management, marketing, and directing for the Damian J Project. He currently resides in Kendale Lakes, Florida with his lovely spouse Raquel and enjoys cooking alongside his brother Kosme as his sole passion other than music.
You can follow the Damian J Project on ALL social media @damianjproject
You can also view our YOUTUBE channel @damianjproject