About Us

The School of Artistic Refinement launched in 2017 as a private music lesson school in Minneapolis, MN. SOAR began as a dream for our founders, JonCarlos and Gabriella Velez, to be a place where young people could find purpose in the arts.

“We began SOAR as a place to empower people to reach their fullest potential in the creative arts. SOAR is a training ground to help people grow, discover, and fulfill their unique purpose-creatively. At SOAR, our mission is to guide and develop the gifts of students through skilled training and one-to-one encouragement.”

We currently offer lessons in voice, drums, guitar, bass, digital audio software, songwriting, music theory and piano. SOAR is staffed with talented musicians who also have a desire to mentor and encourage all ages through music. Our instructors are highly qualified artists and each are carefully chosen to bring alignment to our mission.

Meet the Team

Joncarlos & Gabriella velez

FOUNDERS
Dylan Hathcock

SOAR DIRECTOR

Instructors

Gabriella Velez - Voice

Teaches Intermediate to Advanced Voice

Teaches beginner to advanced Songwriting
Bachelors Degree in Music Performance
Professional Certification in Vocal Styles from Berklee School of Music

Gabriella has 10+ years of teaching experience and is passionate about young artists and singers discovering their unique sound and finding freedom in their voice. Her passion for performing translates into coaching others on how to effectively use their gift and share their own expression. Her goal is for students to leave every lesson feeling empowered, excited, inspired, and challenged.

Heather wile - voice & piano

Teaches beginner through advanced Voice Lessons
Teaches beginner piano
Bachelors of Arts in Music
5+ experience teaching lessons
Loves helping students become confident in their skills throughout the learning process

kenzie Hanley - voice & piano

Teaches beginner through advanced voice lessons
Teaches beginner through intermediate piano lessons
Bachelor’s of science in Music Pastor
4+ years teaching music lessons
Passionate about developing students and helping them find confidence in their musical ability

caleb erickson - voice & piano

“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

Teaches beginner to advanced contemporary piano and music theory
Teaches beginner to intermediate classical and jazz piano
Teaches beginner to intermediate voice
Teaches beginner to intermediate guitar
B.S. in Music

DYLAN HATHCOCK - voice, piano, digital audio production, & songwriting

Teaches beginner to advanced contemporary piano lessons, music theory, songwriting, & digital audio production.
Teaches beginner to intermediate voice.
B.A. in Music
10+ years of experience in singing & playing piano.
Loves seeing the growth and development of students, while also having FUN!

ZACHARY HATHCOCK - DRUMS

Teaches beginner to advanced drum lessons.
B.S in Teaching with an emphasis in instrumental music.
18+ years of playing drums in many different musical contexts.
Has experience working with students grades K-5th grade.
“Teaching lessons for me is all about building up the student in their confidence, strength, and perseverance in achieving their goals.”

Karin Valdizan - Violin & Viola

Teaches Violin and Viola
B.A. in Music & German and 26+ years in Music Education
Teaches 6th grade orchestra at Maple Grove Middle School
Teaches classically based foundations and technique and then actively coordinates with students and families to set goals and plan content.
Enjoys meeting new students and helping them find out what their musical passions are and what they want to explore with their playing.