Meet our String Teachers
Tony Chang is a dedicated violin performer and educator with over 28 years of experience. He studied violin performance at Indiana University. He has taught violin and conducting at Central College and Simpson College, performed with orchestras in the US and Japan, and maintains an active private studio. He is accepting violin and viola students of all ages and skill levels. He uses both Suzuki and Traditional Orchestral methods to bring out strong skills of musicianship with his students.
Zoraida Oyola Rebaza is an avid artist and teacher, often performing with regional orchestras. Originally from Peru, Ms. Oyola Rebaza came to Iowa to study music at the University of Iowa and graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. She served as the violon/cello teaching assistant and leader of the University Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra
Iowa City resident, double & electric bassist, vocalist, composer/arranger, band leader, and teacher Blake Shaw brings a wide variety of inspiration and experience to the table. After receiving both his Bachelor of Music in classical double bass performance (‘13) and Master of Arts in Jazz (‘17) degrees at the University of Iowa he continued his quest of playing any and all kinds of music. Being an ambitious and hungry bassist as well as having a heavy background in jazz studies has helped him navigate through many different genres of music and work with a wide variety of artists. This has given him the opportunity to play at various festivals, cruise ships, clinics, masterclasses, concert halls, and venues all across the US and even as far as Australia. In his main group, The Blake Shaw Quintet, he not only showcases his original compositions but adds a mix of jazz influenced arrangements. Many of these elements are used in creating the music for his 12 piece Big-ish Band as well. Frequently you can catch him playing solo gigs utilizing live-made loops and effects pedals while playing bass lines and chords up high on his electric bass simultaneously. For more info and things to listen to find Blake on Instagram @theeblakebass or @blakeshawbass on FB.