MEET OUR TEAM

Hello! I am Miss Ashley, the founder of Heart Beats Music School. I am a certified piano teacher, professional music director and accompanist, singer, composer and arranger. I’m a classically trained pianist, with a Bachelor's degree in Music Theory and Composition from the University of California, Davis, and a Master's degree in Choral Conducting from CSU Sacramento. For many years, I sang with and directed sectional rehearsals for the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra; but these days my heart (and my extra time) is full being a mama to my little twin boys! 

     I have been a music director and accompanist since 2002, when I founded the St. Francis of Assisi children's choir, and have since taught group classes and private lessons for over 50 students a week, from ages 18 months to 85 years, both in-studio and in local preschool and elementary schools. I am the music director for Trinity Presbyterian Church in West Sacramento, and have served as the music director and accompanist at Echo Park United Methodist Church and Davis United Methodist Church. I am also on the local Board of Directors for MTAC, the Music Teachers' Association of California, and many of my students participate in the Certificate of Merit Program. I am certified to teach Harmony Road, a program designed to build musicality and fun into every child's musical education through every aspect of their development. I am a fully qualified Certificate of Merit instructor. I am also a professional piano performance evaluator, and have evaluated Certificate of Merit performances throughout California. I have worked as a private accompanist for classical singers and instrumentalists of all ranges and types.

I adore teaching. My goal is to share my joy in and love of music with my students, and to help them become the best versions of themselves through the learning process. In return, my students make me laugh and cry (in a good way!), teach me so much and fill my heart every day. I started Heart Beats with the aim of sharing this joy with more of our community, both students and teachers alike. I can’t wait to make music with you!

Moriah Wenzel is currently a junior undergraduate student at California State University of Sacramento. She is working towards a bachelor in Music Education and Jazz Studies with emphasis in voice. In addition to her jazz studies, Moriah has studied classical voice and sung in choral groups at Sacramento State University, Her education goal is to get a teaching credential and a PhD. In addition to Heart Beats Music School, Moriah has directed an elementary school choir through Mandarins Music Education. She has experience with both brass and voice and loves music theory! Throughout her life, music has served as an outlet which she loves helping others find for themselves. Moriah is passionate about teaching in such a way that students really understand music and can make connections for themselves.

Moriah is also able to teach beginning Piano, Tuba and Trombone.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Arend Aldama is a classically trained pianist who holds a bachelor’s degree in piano performance and a master’s degree from California State University, Sacramento. He began playing piano at the age of seven. Arend has performed and accompanied as a professional pianist around the Sacramento region. During his years at American River College (ARC), where he earned his associate degree in music, he auditioned for the Concerto-Aria competition and was chosen three times. He performed the Grieg “Piano Concerto in A minor” and Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the ARC orchestra.

Arend has a contagious excitement about the piano to share with his students. He is proficient in performing and teaching many different styles of music ranging from baroque, classical, and romantic to jazz, blues, ragtime, and rock. He also has a well-rounded appreciation for a variety of classical repertoire and a compassionate understanding of the learning process students are traveling through. Students enjoy his patient approach and willingness to relate to their personal musical interests and tastes.

A pleasurable environment in the piano lesson is a must. Arend believes a supportive atmosphere with positive, yet critical comments encourages students to learn more about the piano. He believes it gives them a desire to practice, which helps them become self-motivated and independent learners.

Annie Charleboix is a recent graduate at California State University, Sacramento, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in jazz voice. She sang Lead Soprano in the CSUS Vocal Jazz Ensemble and has performed with a variety of choral groups at both Christian Brothers High School and CSUS. Annie was selected twice for the California Alliance for Jazz (CAJ) All-State High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble at the California All-State Music Education Conference, where she had the opportunity to work under the direction of renowned jazz educators Kerry Marsh and Kim Nazarian of New York Voices.

In addition to teaching group classes in the Harmony Road program, Annie also serves as Heart Beats’ administrative assistant. She brings a warm, enthusiastic presence to the school and draws on years of experience helping in her mother’s second-grade classroom to connect with young students. 

Miguel Armendariz is a Sacramento native and classically trained pianist with over 20 years of experience in music study and performance. Growing up in a musical family, Miguel's passion for music emerged early. At the age of six, he began his formal music education at Iaea Music School, studying under Beth McGaughey-Iaea. During his 15 years at Iaea, Miguel participated in the National Guild of Piano Teachers' annual Guild Auditions (NGPT), where he earned multiple Top Talent awards by performing programs consisting of 10-15 compositions across various musical periods and genres. His accomplishments include the 5-Year Honors Award, the Paderewski Gold Medal Award for 10 years of Honors, a High School Diploma in Music, the Irl Allison Gold Medal Award for 15 years of Honors, and a national scholarship from NGPT.

In 2023, Miguel graduated Cum Laude from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, emphasizing Choral Education. During his time at San Jose State, he continued his piano studies with Dr. Gwendolyn Mok, a noted Ravel specialist, and Dr. Namiq Sultanov. He actively participated in several ensemble groups, particularly enjoying his experience with the San Jose State Baroque Music Ensemble, Collegium, which ignited his passion for Baroque music and the harpsichord. After graduating, Miguel taught general music for grades TK-5 in the Campbell Union School District before returning to the Sacramento area in June. Miguel is deeply passionate about teaching. He strives to create a classroom environment that is both enjoyable and challenging, where students can cultivate their love for music. His goal is to inspire his students and guide them in their journey to becoming accomplished musicians.

Looking ahead, Miguel plans to attend California State University, Sacramento, next fall to pursue his California Teaching Credential.

Mayling Lopez is a dedicated violinist with 17 years of playing experience and a deep passion for music education. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance from California State University, Sacramento, where she also served as a student teaching assistant for the renowned CSUS String Project—an after-school program providing young students with hands-on instruction in violin and cello. It was through this work that Mayling discovered her love for teaching and inspiring the next generation of musicians. In addition to her studies at CSUS, she earned Associate Degrees in both Commercial Music – Performance and Commercial Music – Songwriting/Arranging from Sacramento City College, bringing a well-rounded and creative approach to her teaching.

Mayling brings a kind, encouraging, and compassionate presence to every lesson. She strives to create a warm and supportive environment where students feel comfortable, inspired, and motivated to grow. Her patient and empathetic style helps students build confidence as they develop their skills, while her enthusiasm for music fosters a genuine love of learning that goes beyond the instrument.

Michael Alexander Aoun is a Lebanese-American bass-baritone and dedicated voice teacher who views music as a way to explore one’s whole self and create something entirely unique. Michael believes strongly in artistry rooted in authenticity, human connection, and a deep respect for the varied ways people learn and experience the world.

Michael’s performance background includes work with the Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra, Bard Conservatory, and Milton Community Concerts. Highlights include featured roles in La tragédie de Carmen and Iolanthe, chorus work for Aida and Norma, premieres of new works with contemporary composers, and concert collaborations that engage diverse artistic communities, including In Community: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Stories and Trans Joy & Resistance. His 2025–2026 engagements include chorus work with the Sacramento Philharmonic and Opera during the 2025–2026 season and a return to Boston in April 2026 for Boston Lyric Opera’s production of The Daughter of the Regiment.

At Heart Beats, Michael brings a collaborative and encouraging approach to vocal study, supporting singers of all backgrounds and learning styles — including neurodivergent students — in developing healthy technique, expressive confidence, and a meaningful personal connection to music.

Music has always been more than a hobby for me. I am happy to dedicate and serve my life to it. My goal as an educator is to create an environment where every student feels appreciated, challenged, and motivated to learn. Although foundational, I believe music is more than the “technicalities” of performing on a given instrument; it is also expression, collaboration, discipline, creativity, and interaction.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (Classical Guitar Emphasis) from California State University, Stanislaus, and I am currently pursuing a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at CSU Sacramento, with an emphasis in Jazz Performance (Upright Bass). Throughout my education, I have continued to develop as both a performer and educator, seeking opportunities to bring real-world musical experiences into the classroom.

My teaching experience includes working as a substitute teacher for Natomas Unified. I have also worked as a Rock Band Summer Camp Music Teacher for Modesto Junior College, leading students through rehearsals, instrumental basics, and live performances, and as a private guitar instructor with Starlight Studios, creating lessons to meet each student’s goals and learning styles.

These experiences have strengthened my communication, knowledge, and ability to connect with students from a variety of backgrounds and skill levels. I am dedicated to helping students discover their musical voices and embrace their overall musical experience, whatever that may mean to them.

Manqi Liang is a classical pianist who has held solo and chamber recitals both across California and internationally. She earned her Master of Music in Piano Performance at Sacramento State, where she studied with Richard Cionco.

As a dedicated chamber musician, Ms. Liang has recently been a festival artist at the Music and More Summerfest in Trebinje, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Pacific Crest Music Festival in Dunsmuir, California.

When working with students on piano technique and performance strategies, Ms. Liang focuses on practical, real-world application, helping students learn how to listen dynamically to their own playing and in an ensemble setting, and how to overcome performance anxiety. She is driven by her passion for building musical connections and sharing the joy of performance with colleagues and audiences alike.