Instructors

Eric Stevens, Guitar

Eric Stevens has taught more than 2500 guitar and bass students over the last forty years. Since 2006, 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, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, sitar, music theory and composition.

Emily has been playing viola since 2010, hailing from southeastern Michigan and going on to pursue performance at the University of South Carolina under the direction of Dr. Daniel Sweaney. Emily has also been teaching viola and violin privately since 2015, in addition to three semesters in the Music Education program at UofSC. Seeking to broaden her musical perspective, Emily has been partaking in a few different music groups during her studies: UofSC Symphony Orchestra, small classical ensembles, and the UofSC Jazz Strings group, which covers everything from Jazz to Blues to Film score adaptations for string quintet as well as original works from the Jazz department director, Bert Ligon. Emily intends to pursue graduate education in viola performance.

Emily Stegmuller, Violin/Viola

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.

Angelo Pacheco, Guitar/Drums

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.

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.

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.

Visit Svetlana's website at: http://www.svetlanavocalstudio.com.

Svetlana Royal, Voice/Piano

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.