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.

MaKayla has been immersed in music for nearly her entire life. She has played guitar for almost two decades, started piano at a young age, and has recently embraced the ukulele for the past four years. A passionate singer since childhood, MaKayla’s love for music has been a constant driving force in her life.

Over the years, MaKayla has performed in a wide variety of settings, from churches and recitals to talent shows and restaurants. She has been a part of several musical projects, including bands as a lead vocalist, backup singer, and keyboardist, as well as in an acoustic duo where she sang and played guitar. As a prolific songwriter, she is constantly creating and regularly incorporates her original compositions into her performances as a solo artist.

MaKayla’s musical tastes are diverse, spanning genres such as classical and jazz guitar, metal, pop, classical and jazz piano, classic rock, alternative rock, pop punk, punk rock, and even a touch of country. She has a deep love for music theory and strives to continually expand her knowledge of instruments and musical concepts.

Teaching has always been one of MaKayla’s greatest passions. She has been sharing her love of music with students since her teenage years, teaching a wide range of students from ages four to 68. She offers lessons in guitar, beginner and intermediate piano, vocals, and ukulele at all levels. Additionally, MaKayla helps her students with songwriting and performance skills.

Music, teaching, and writing are at the core of MaKayla’s life, and she is grateful for every opportunity to inspire others through her craft.

Charles Zaremba

Charles Zaremba has been playing the violin for nine years and currently serves as Assistant Principal 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 two 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.

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.