Students in the Jones Studio
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Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Meet the Pianists of the Future
These amazing students are working diligently to improve their art, one practice at a time. Keep them in your thoughts, and come to our events.
Lauren Martinez is currently a graduate student at UTEP. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy from the same institution. Lauren has a private studio and is interested in musicology--presenting original research at the Rocky Mountain American Musicology Society Conference in 2023.
Cristina Meléndez Rascon is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Piano Performance, as well as being a teaching assistant. She began her own piano studio The Academiz de Cristina Meléndez and held recitals at the Country Club and Museum of Archeology. Ms. Meléndez will grow her private studio and showcase the music of Mexican piano composers.
Avary Gladden joined the UTEP Department of Music in 2022, after studying piano with Guillermo de la Garza. Ms. Gladden has been putting together original compositions for an animated project. "Music has always been a part of my life...I can't see myself having a career in anything but the arts."
Gabriel Parra is a Commercial Piano major and loves listeninng to and playing music for others. Also a violinist, he was a member of the All-Region Orchestra during his high school days. This is no small task for this elite ensemble! Dedicated, patient, and kind, Gabriel understands the time and effort it takes to become an excellent musician. This brings him great enjoyment.
Pablo Raposo began studying piano at the age of six, under the direction of Mrs. Angelica Cano. He has experience volunteering with the EPMTA (El Paso Music Teachers Association) and was a multi-instrumentalist under the direction of Mr. David Rodriguez, playing piano, drums, bass, and acoustic guitar. He is part of a band called FEVER. He enjoys playing the piano because "it is a way for me to express myself without words."
Adrian Santillan plays piano, violin and flute and now is a piano major at UTEP, after deciding to specialize in this wonderful instrument. He particiapted in orchestra and solo and ensemble and attends UTEP in order to learn a lot more and develop more skill for his music career and life.
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