about us

"I've connected with the feeling that music gives us for as long as I can remember. I learned the basics of guitar with my siblings at the age of 8, taught myself drums and singing as a teenager, and wrote/performed original music throughout high school. My formal music education began in college in 2014 where I was graced with the opportunity to perform professionally and teach that same year which I've been doing ever since. As of now I'm currently aspiring to be an artist in the music industry as a songwriter, producer, and session musician. With hundreds of national performances under my belt, songs I've written and/or worked on, and thousands of hours of practice and studio time, I'm truly blessed to be at the point in my career where I currently stand. As an instructor, I am always thriving as a lifelong student of music and aspire to instill not just fundamentals and technical abilities in my students, but an appreciation of its core values and an understanding of the power that it can have on themselves and others. My favorite thing about being an instructor is the rewarding feeling of watching the “light bulb” moment and getting to watch their confidence grow in their abilities and in themselves. The inherent value that I get to be part of in my students' own journey through music, art, and life is something that I will always be grateful for.

Nick Pandolph - guitar, piano & ukulele

"Let’s start with some honesty: my brother (former Music Box instructor, Alex Pandolph) and I grew up in a household with no shortage of music in all aspects of our lives, but while our dad taught us all about classic rock, and our mom made sure we practiced our classical piano pieces, it was really Guitar Hero that really drove us to learn newer and harder music. Inspiration is everything. From early childhood to my teenage years, I studied guitar and piano privately under accomplished musicians, Terry Bradds and Lisa Lynn, respectively, and began using those skills professionally at age 15. I started teaching here at The Music Box in 2017, and since then, I’ve also been involved in worship teams in a few different roles; notably, I was a music director for Journey Christian Church up until I retired (can I retire at 25?) that part of my career. The majority of my experience and passion for music lies in live formats with my fellow musicians, and it’s my favorite thing to incorporate into lessons with my students. I love getting to see the gears turning in their heads until one day, all of the crazy music theory and rhythm practice just makes sense, and they can simply enjoy playing music along with their friends - bonus points for original songs!"

natasha dealecio - voice & piano

"My name is Natasha and I can proudly say I’ve spent almost my entire adult career in music! My specialty is vocal training, but throughout the years I’ve had many mentoring opportunities that have put me in rooms I never would have imagined! 
I have worked at several different recording studios and have recorded with producers, musicians and engineers who have worked with main stream artists like Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato and the Black Eyed Peas. 
I’ve done voice over work for companies like “The Start up Studio” and “Paradise Grills”. I’ve performed as an opening act for artists like Pat Benatar, Jake Owens, Colt Ford, Chris Jansen, and the late Charlie Daniel’s. I’m currently traveling with the band Natural Instinct. I’ve written and co written songs for several artists and have vocal coached major artists like “LUCI”. 
My newest career adventure, in addition to all things music, is moving forward with serving my community as a life coach.
 I am passionate about mental health, setting goals and emotional/ career growth! I’m helping people of all ages discover their passions and form a plan to live alongside them, whole heartedly!"

paul garzon - drums, guitar & piano

"I've connected with the feeling that music gives us for as long as I can remember. I learned the basics of guitar with my siblings at the age of 8, taught myself drums and singing as a teenager, and wrote/performed original music throughout high school. My formal music education began in college in 2014 where I was graced with the opportunity to perform professionally and teach that same year which I've been doing ever since. As of now I'm currently aspiring to be an artist in the music industry as a songwriter, producer, and session musician. With hundreds of national performances under my belt, songs I've written and/or worked on, and thousands of hours of practice and studio time, I'm truly blessed to be at the point in my career where I currently stand. As an instructor, I am always thriving as a lifelong student of music and aspire to instill not just fundamentals and technical abilities in my students, but an appreciation of its core values and an understanding of the power that it can have on themselves and others. My favorite thing about being an instructor is the rewarding feeling of watching the “light bulb” moment and getting to watch their confidence grow in their abilities and in themselves. The inherent value that I get to be part of in my students' own journey through music, art, and life is something that I will always be grateful for.

"My name is Vincent Valentin and I am a native of Winter Park, Florida. A graduate of Lake Howell High School, I was the featured soloist for the district-wide Critic’s Choice Award in Musical Theater and selected among one hundred high school men nationwide for the ACDA National Men’s Honor Choir. I was fortunate to receive competitive scholarship offers from the New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Choosing San Francisco, my merit scholarship covered 75% of the tuition. My Master’s degree at Georgia Southern University was also fully funded! In college, I worked hard to achieve multiple first-place awards at the regional level in competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and a finalist at the national level. Recently, I was selected to compete in The Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. It is my sincere joy in life to pass on the art of music to others, regardless of age and skill level. I’ll see you at the Music Box!"

kayla liquori - voice, piano & guitar

"I graduated from Berklee College of Music with a degree in songwriting and music business. While in college I performed around the world with two a cappella groups: a collegiate group, Upper Structure, and a professional group, Cape Harmony. I am currently working towards a second degree in music therapy, which has heavily influenced my instruction style. To me, the most important aspect of teaching is ensuring my students are comfortable enough that they can step out of their comfort zone. I look forward to working with you and making music together!"

lexi dares - voice & piano

"Hello! My name is Lexi Dares, and I am voice and piano instructor here at the Music Box. I graduated from Jacksonville University in the class of 2023 with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater. When I’m not teaching, you can find me performing at the Orlando theme parks and theaters in the area! Performing is my passion and I am truly so lucky that I am able to share and encourage this passion with my students. While my training is predominantly Musical Theater based, I have trained in multiple styles, ranging from classical arias to 70’s rock. I love helping students discover new things about their voice and building confidence in their abilities!"

vincent valentin - voice & piano

"My name is Vincent Valentin and I am a native of Winter Park, Florida. A graduate of Lake Howell High School, I was the featured soloist for the district-wide Critic’s Choice Award in Musical Theater and selected among one hundred high school men nationwide for the ACDA National Men’s Honor Choir. I was fortunate to receive competitive scholarship offers from the New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Choosing San Francisco, my merit scholarship covered 75% of the tuition. My Master’s degree at Georgia Southern University was also fully funded! In college, I worked hard to achieve multiple first-place awards at the regional level in competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and a finalist at the national level. Recently, I was selected to compete in The Metropolitan Opera’s Laffont Competition. It is my sincere joy in life to pass on the art of music to others, regardless of age and skill level. I’ll see you at the Music Box!"

"I began creating rhythmic beats and patterns with just about anything my hands could reach at a very young age. I've grown up around music and developed a love for it early on. For as long as I can remember, I have attended various groups, classes & programs at The Music Box and have loved every opportunity to grow as a musician. I began taking drum lessons at age 8, and have spent the better part of my life learning skills & technique on drums. I have had the opportunity to play for various youth worship teams, events & camps, and now play as part of the lead team for Sunday mornings at Church of The Commons in Winter Springs.  I am also part of the worship team for the International Community School High School and enjoy leading for chapel on a weekly basis. Although I recently began teaching, I have loved helping younger students grow in confidence through music."

"Giving excellent service with a smile & passing on some of my happiness to you...that is something I am very passionate about!  My goal is to influence your day for the better by providing great communication, detailed information, and compassion. In every part of my career I have eventually ended up in a trainer position: allowing me to improve the performance of those around me and find ways of enhancing my own knowledge of the job. This type of work has lead me into Customer Service Management - where I was able to make a difference in even more employee’s and customer’s lives. That difference involved time management, communicating accurate information, maintaining a clean environment, improving efficiency, guiding a consistent positive experience, and always with a smile! A smile is a powerful and infectious tool that I intend to share with everyone I meet - giving a glimpse of the joy God has given me! Although I am not an instructor, I do also share a love for music and have been playing piano from a young age. Excited to see you in the Studio!"

javier lopez - drums, guitar & piano

"Music has been a big part of who I am for as long as I can remember. I taught myself to play the piano, guitar, drums and percussion. Later on I received a more traditional education, where I learned to read sheet music, and understood the importance of music theory. It helped enhance what I already learned on my own. Throughout my time in school and beyond, I’ve had the privilege to perform and work in a professional capacity as a musician. It’s lead me into wonderful communities like the Music Box! Most recently, l’ve had the honor of teaching students at various levels. I’ve led songwriting groups, and am working on my skill set as a music producer. I also have the privilege to be one of the music directors on my church’s worship team. My passion for teaching and creating music comes from the impact my instructors have had on me, and I am passionate about impacting my students the same way.
I’m beyond grateful to say that my passion also gets to be my Job! Even after all that I’ve experienced in music, I am excited to keep building on what I have learned, and continue to discover new things to both grow and pass on to others!"

isaiah chaves - drums

joanna Sandiford - studio manager

"I began creating rhythmic beats and patterns with just about anything my hands could reach at a very young age. I've grown up around music and developed a love for it early on. For as long as I can remember, I have attended various groups, classes & programs at The Music Box and have loved every opportunity to grow as a musician. I began taking drum lessons at age 8, and have spent the better part of my life learning skills & technique on drums. I have had the opportunity to play for various youth worship teams, events & camps, and now play as part of the lead team for Sunday mornings at Church of The Commons in Winter Springs. I am also part of the worship team for the International Community School High School and enjoy leading for chapel on a weekly basis. Although I recently began teaching, I have loved helping younger students grow in confidence through music."

"Giving excellent service with a smile & passing on some of my happiness to you...that is something I am very passionate about! My goal is to influence your day for the better by providing great communication, detailed information, and compassion. In every part of my career I have eventually ended up in a trainer position: allowing me to improve the performance of those around me and find ways of enhancing my own knowledge of the job. This type of work has lead me into Customer Service Management - where I was able to make a difference in even more employee’s and customer’s lives. That difference involved time management, communicating accurate information, maintaining a clean environment, improving efficiency, guiding a consistent positive experience, and always with a smile! A smile is a powerful and infectious tool that I intend to share with everyone I meet - giving a glimpse of the joy God has given me! Although I am not an instructor, I do also share a love for music and have been playing piano from a young age. Excited to see you in the Studio!"