Our Team

Every ambitious student needs a mentor

Here at the South Florida Conservatory of Music our teachers are highly experienced in all styles of music and work cohesively together as a team to provide a stable platform for students of all levels to reach their individual goals.

Located in the Heart of Hollywood, the South Florida Conservatory of Music have some of the best musicians and Instructors in South Florida. Our entire team work together to create a welcoming environment for all people to come and see our school. We can’t wait to meet each and every one of you!

Meet The Team

Francisca Balass

Violin/Piano/Early Childhood Instructor

Mrs. Balass has been a private teacher since 2014. As a devoted musician, she has a long history of using music as a tool for social integration, education, and healing...

John O'Leary

Saxophone/Piano Instructor

John O’Leary is a multi-instrumentalist with a love for jazz. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, John is a graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, where he received his Masters of Music in jazz saxophone performance, and also from Florida State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in jazz saxophone performance...

Catherine Spitzer

Voice Instructor

Soprano Catherine Ortega Spitzer began teaching voice in 2010 and is an accomplished performer based in South Florida...

Isaac Casal

Cello Instructor

I began teaching in 1998. My profile includes comprehensive training in cello performance, broad international exposure, extensive teaching experience, and 15 years of managing an international music festival and non-profit foundation..

Eric Swanson

Guitar Instructor

Eric received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami, with a full scholarship and winning outstanding performer award...

Mariangel Russian

Piano/Voice Instructor

Mariangel is an emerging musician. She has been teaching since 2020. Additionally, she has been immersed in music since childhood, born and raised in Venezuela. Her love for the arts brought her to start her more formal music training early, in high school in the US, attending the Academy of Arts and Minds, Coconut Grove, FL...

Jeffrey Brewer

Manager/Drum Instructor

Jeff has been a percussion/drumset instructor since 1991. In his career he has taught over 800 private students of all ages and experience levels in all areas of percussion...

Juan Upegui

Piano Instructor

Juan Upegui is a Colombian-born classical pianist with many years of teaching experience. He began private teaching in 2015. He completed his Associate degree at Indian River State College in 2017 where he graduated Magna Cum Laude...