Oksana Pavilionis
A violinist who can switch from a heart-rending song by Rachmaninoff to a lilting waltz by Strauss, then to a fiddle tune that would make you believe she was born in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. A perfectionist without a perfectionist’s temperament, Oksana’s performance is always honest and impeccable. Her solo performances, as well as performances with a group, showcase the beauty of string music and demonstrate the variety of music that can be performed with a string instrument. Oksana began playing at age of five in Russia and started teaching shortly after that.
Oksana plays violin in the Texarkana and Conway Symphonies and has recorded several CD’s which are available through Ovation Music Academy. Most recently, she won Musician of the Year from the Royal Players in Benton, Arkansas, for her successful work as Musical Director for the musical, ‘Nobody’s Business’. Not only is Oksana the founder and owner of Ovation Music Academy, but with three Master’s Degrees in Music Education, Performance, and Child Psychology, she also actively teaches violin, piano, and group string lessons at the academy. She carefully selects and oversees the work of each teacher to maintain the high quality level of music education at the academy.
Svyatoslav Bolubah
Svyatoslav (Slavek) Bolubah serves as the drum, percussion, piano, and band instrument instructor at Ovation Music Academy, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for teaching students of all ages and skill levels. He began his formal music education at Gateway College in St. Louis, Missouri, where he honed his craft and recorded with the college chorale and ensemble. Slavek further expanded his expertise under the guidance of Mike Johnston, renowned founder of MikesLessons.com and recipient of Modern Drummer Magazine’s Clinician/Educator of the Year award.
Beyond his teaching, Slavek is deeply immersed in the Arkansas music community. He actively performs as a drummer and percussionist in Little Rock’s vibrant music scene, collaborating with local bands at venues, festivals, and studio sessions across the state. His role as an audio engineer for choirs and orchestras has made him an indispensable part of Arkansas’s music landscape, capturing live performances with precision and artistry.
As an instructor, Slavek is dedicated to helping each student discover their potential, whether they are learning piano, band instruments, or percussion. He excels at tailoring lessons to suit the unique needs of each individual, from young beginners building foundational skills to advanced musicians refining their technique. His engaging teaching style inspires creativity and confidence, while his extensive real-world experience equips students to thrive in both solo and ensemble settings.
Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time, revisiting your love of music, or preparing for performances and auditions, Slavek’s personalized approach ensures every student receives the guidance they need to succeed—and enjoy the journey.
Daniel Malek
Daniel Malek is an electric bass, upright bass, and beginner guitar instructor at Ovation Music Academy. A dedicated bandleader, sideman, and lifelong student of music, Daniel has studied under acclaimed bassists Gary Willis (Tribal Tech, Allan Holdsworth) and John Ferrara (Consider the Source).
A versatile composer, performer, and arranger, Daniel explores a wide range of musical styles—from Bebop to Heavy Metal. His broad appreciation for music informs his teaching approach, helping students develop the skills to pursue their own unique musical journey. Daniel’s lessons focus not only on building a solid foundation in music theory and technical proficiency, but also on fostering creativity, self-expression, and personal freedom in the art of music.
Charles Zaremba
Charles Zaremba has been playing the violin and viola for ten years and currently serves as assistant concertmaster in the violin section in the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO). He has a natural ability to connect with learners, making lessons both engaging and productive.
Charles is passionate about guiding students through their musical journey, starting with the fundamentals of music theory, composition, timing, and tempo. His goal is to equip students with the essential skills needed to advance to higher levels of proficiency.
Each lesson includes a detailed lesson plan and a practicing itinerary tailored to the student’s needs. Practice agendas are sent home to reinforce learning, with assignments to be completed and reviewed at the start of the next session.
Charles is dedicated to fostering a love for music in his students while helping them build a strong foundation for future success.
Nam Le
With five years of dedicated musical experience, Nam has distinguished himself as a versatile and accomplished musician. For three years, he earned a coveted spot in the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, where he showcased his exceptional skills. Nam also served as the principal flutist in the All-Region Junior High Band for two consecutive years, demonstrating his leadership and artistry.
In addition to his performance accolades, Nam actively engages in music communities, striving to inspire and connect with others through his passion for the art. He was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Stella Boyle Smith Competition, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent.
Currently studying under the esteemed Dr. Phoebe Robertson at Arkansas Tech University, Nam combines his own experience with a commitment to teaching. He excels at guiding his students to success in orchestral settings, as solo performers, and in preparation for All-Region tryouts or any type of audition. Nam’s dedication to both his craft and his students ensures they are equipped with the skills and confidence to excel in their musical studies.
Zane Lee
Students of all ages, both children and adults, love their lessons with Zane. His teaching style is fun, engaging, and informative, making each lesson both enjoyable and educational. Zane excels at preparing students to play a wide variety of music, ranging from classical and rock to pop, country, and beyond. His broad musical interests allow him to introduce students to diverse genres and styles, helping them become well-rounded and confident players.
A natural with children, Zane has a special talent for creating a supportive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable exploring their musical abilities. As a passionate musician and dedicated instructor, Zane is excited to help students build strong skills, develop their musical ear, and truly enjoy the journey of learning the guitar.
Hannah Gridley
Hannah Gridley is a dedicated and experienced teacher of violin, viola, and piano. Her musical journey began at the age of six when she started playing the piano, and she later took up the violin at age 16. With over two decades of experience playing piano, violin, and viola, Hannah has also been teaching music for more than 20 years.
Since high school, Hannah has been an active performer in orchestras. She is currently a violinist of the Saline Symphony Orchestra, where her talent and leadership shine.
Hannah is known for her kindness, professionalism, and innovative teaching methods. She tailors her approach to suit each student’s unique learning style, fostering a love for music and helping them achieve their full potential. Under her guidance, many students have grown into successful and confident musicians.
Hannah’s passion for music, dedication to her students, and extensive performance experience make her an inspiring teacher and mentor in the world of music education.
Laila Leon
Laila Leon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She received four years of classical vocal training and studied a diverse range of classical and musical theatre repertoire, including works by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Mozart, Bizet, Mendelssohn, Fauré, and others.
During her time at UALR, Laila performed in Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers—the university’s premier auditioned ensemble, for which she was selected for three consecutive years. Through her choral experience, she performed Francis Poulenc’s Gloria at Carnegie Hall. Classified as a mezzo-soprano, Laila developed a strong foundation in healthy vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble performance.
Beyond her academic training, Laila has been an active member of the praise and worship team at Full Counsel in Pine Bluff for nearly three years. Having grown up shy and introverted herself, she brings a patient, encouraging, and confidence-building approach to her teaching. Laila is passionate about helping beginner singers feel comfortable with their voice, develop confidence, and discover the joy of singing in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Elizabeth Pavilionis
Elizabeth (Lisa) Pavilionis is a versatile musician with a minor in French and a deep love for music, culture, film, and literature. In her teaching, she emphasizes foundational music theory to help students clearly understand what they are playing and why it works. Her goal is to make learning music engaging, thoughtful, and accessible, while encouraging curiosity and a deeper connection to the art.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance, with concentrations in harp, violin, and piano. She performs professionally with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, appearing in concerts on harp, violin, and piano. Her diverse performance experience allows her to bring both technical excellence and musical depth into her teaching.
In addition to teaching students, Lisa plays an important role in mentoring and educating fellow teachers at Ovation Music Academy. She actively supports continuing musical education among the faculty, helping instructors refine their skills, expand their knowledge, and grow as musicians and educators. Through this collaborative approach, Lisa helps create a culture of constant learning, ensuring that both teachers and students continue to develop and thrive.