Star Music Academy
Guitar & Percussion
Our Teachers
Angelo Pacheco
Determined to play drums and guitar, Angelo purchased his first instruments from Star Music Company in 1974. His natural talent soon propelled him into spotlight, playing gigs regularly in the Columbia area. Angelo brings over 30 years of professional experience to Star Music Academy.
Eric Stevens has taught more than 2000 guitar and bass students over the last thirty years. For the last nine years, Eric has been a teacher with Star Music Academy.
Eric earned his degree at the University of South Carolina, where he studied both classical guitar and music composition. Later, he toured cross country engaging both Rock and R&B bands. Eric went on to lead his own Hendrix cover band, in addition to a specialization in interpreting the works of Django Reinhardt. His musical activities have included arranging music, performing with theatre orchestras, and producing and performing for radio and tv commercials. He is fluent in a wide range of styles including Classical, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Bossa (Brazilian) and Carnatic (Indian Classical) music.
Eric found his passion in teaching. He has shared his gifts not only in the studio, but also in public and private schools. Now the author of an original guitar method, Eric currently offers instruction in guitar, bass, music theory and composition.
Guitar
Eric Stevens
Shelby Ledbetter
Clarinet, Flute & Saxophone
Shelby Ledbetter is the director of bands at Cardinal Newman School where she teaches beginning and advanced band, as well as marching and pep band for grades 7-12. She is also Co-director and conductor of the Columbia Church of Christ Orchestra. Ms. Ledbetter has participated in clarinet workshops in the Czech Republic and has attended several International Clarinet Association conferences.
Ms. Ledbetter is currently pursuing her masters in music at the University of South Carolina, where she obtained her bachelors in music education and clarinet performance while studying with Joseph Eller. She performed with the USC Wind Ensemble, USC Symphony Orchestra, the USC Marching band, Palmetto Concert Band and Aiken Civic Orchestra.
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Ms. Ledbetter's students range from beginning to advanced levels. Their accomplishments have been enhanced by her direction in repertoire studies, fundamental tone and technical enhancement, and chamber music experiences. She provides training in both classroom and one on one instruction time, working to meet the specific music needs of each student.
Ronald High
Voice, Piano
Ronald H. High, a native Texan, received a B. M. degree, cum laude, from the University of North Texas; a M. M. degree in voice from Arizona State University; and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in voice from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign.
In 2005, High was a Fulbright Scholar to the Hochschule für Musik und Theater (University/Conservatory of Music and Drama) in Hannover, Germany. In the fall of 2016, he was a recipient of a second Fulbright Scholar Award as a guest lecturer/teacher at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary.
Pupils of High have been winners in major competitions in the United States and abroad. High’s diverse experiences in music are evident in his professional work as a voice and piano teacher, organist, researcher, and performer.
Svetlana Royal
Voice, Piano
Svetlana Royal received her musical education in Russia, from the Penza Musical College. In addition to working as a choral and piano teacher, she has performed extensively with the Russian Penza Philharmonic. Her operatic repertoire spans several languages.
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Since beginning teaching in the United States in 2002, the students Ms Royal has prepared for their college entry auditions have all received full or partial scholarships.
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Ms. Royal focuses her students' technique in a way that will allow them to pursue a plethora of musical styles including sacred, classical, opera, Broadway, folk, and pop.
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Visit Svetlana's website at: http://www.svetlanavovalstudio.com.
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Lacy Reese
Violin
Lacy Reese has been teaching private students for Star Music since 2005, when she graduated from USC with her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education along with her Performance Certificate from USC. She completed her studies under the direction of Dr. Gayle Barnes (via the USC String Project) and Dr. WIlliam Terwilliger.