Rafael D  
Instruments: Piano, Voice, Music, Keyboard
Styles: Classical, Pop, Country, Musical Theater, Opera, Showtunes

Rafael is a High School Graduate from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Math and Science Academy (2019) and is currently a Music Education (Vocal Concentration) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley under the guidance of Dr. Sean David Taylor. Rafael´s career began in 2015 when he founded the Choral Program at Brownsville Early College High School. Under his direction, the choir performed in multiple choral concerts and public performance in the Brownsville Area. In 2016, Rafael joined the Hanna Early College High School Choral program to compete in the Texas All-State Process under the direction of Gene Holkup and Travis Carie. Rafael was selected to be part of the Texas Tenor-Bass All-State Choir in 2017 and the Texas Mixed All-State Choir in 2019. In 2017, he was given the opportunity to sing with the Hanna ECHS Choir at Carienge Hall for the CODA Music Festival. In April 2019, Rafael was a Semi-finalist at South Texas Regional NATS in the Freshmen Independent Men Studio Division. Currently, Rafael is an active member with UTRGV Master Chorale (under the direction of Dr. Sean David Taylor), UTRGV Bravo Opera Company (under the direction of Dr. Daniel Hunter-Holly), and First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir (under the direction of Ms. Joan Wiley). He is also an active Student Observer/Assistant with Oliveria Middle School Choir and Hanna High School Choir. In October 2019, Rafael performed in the Opera Show Hansel and Gretel and played the Role of the Rosina Lickspittle (Witch). Rafael continues to work as an independent Voice and Piano Instructor as he continues to complete his degree. On his free time, He enjoys connecting with people and being an active member in the community.

For Beginning Children, I start with Allred's Basic Piano Library All in one course Book 1. This book is great for beginning works to help them grasp the fundamentals of music. Once this has perfected, the introduction of solo repertoire will being for the student. For Teens and Adults, we will begin with Alfred's Group Piano Book 1 which covers multiple sections of piano starting with fundamentals and solo repertoire. For Beginning Vocalist, we will start off with some vocal warm ups and then from there proceed in song selection or interest in learning, so that we may see some impact and growth. I will choose first selection and there we will move on into student selected music.