Welcome!
Voice in the Valley Music Studio is proud to embark on their our 8th year at our location in the heart of Maple Valley, WA. It is our pleasure to serve your musical needs both online and in-person. Our highly educated and passionate teaching faculty boasts a combined teaching experience spanning over 150 years! Voice in the Valley Music Studio is a fun, energetic, family-based studio where classic education meets modern, musical instruction. No matter your age or experience level, we can help you reach your full musical potential! Voice in the Valley Music Studio has been encouraging the musical talents in the greater Maple Valley area since 2010. We are excited to serve the musical needs of our local community offering private Voice, Piano, Viola, Violin, Cello, Guitar, and Ukulele Lessons, as well as Group Voice Classes for young beginners, Summer Camps, and year-round performance opportunities!
"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth!" Psalm 100:1
ABOUT JESSI
CEO and Instructor, Dr. Jessica Jumper completed her Doctorate of Arts in Music and Vocal Performance from Ball State University in 2011. She began teaching in 2004 and thrives on a career that includes solo performance and student education. She began her collegiate teaching career as Assistant Professor of Music at Lynchburg University, in Lynchburg, Virginia and has served as an Adjunct Instructor at Indiana Wesleyan University, Sweet Briar College, and Green River College. She currently serves as Adjunct Instructor at Ranger College and Weatherford College where she teaches History of American Popular Music and Music Appreciation. Her passion for musical research has lead her to present at numerous national and international conferences. Jessi founded Voice in the Valley Music Studio in 2010 and enjoys supporting and encouraging the musical needs in the greater Maple Valley area. She is incredibly grateful that God has given her this opportunity to share her musical passion with the talented musicians in Maple Valley and beyond. She is currently accepting new vocal students for online/remote lessons. In her spare time, Jessi loves to exercise, travel, camp, fish, and sing at her church. Her and her husband, Travis, continue to raise their two energetic boys, Jamesson and Jasper along with their four-legged child, Jax.
ABOUT MARIA
ABOUT MARS
Hailing from the greater Chicago area, guitarist, Mars Licciardi, boasts a professional career spanning over 25 years. Mars began his musical journey at William Rainey Harper College, in Palatine, Illinois where he studied theory, composition, and jazz guitar. A driven musician and passionate educator, his hunger for performance and music education grew, allowing him the opportunity to work in the US and abroad, including collaborations with multi-platinum/Grammy award winning producers, Johnny K and Warren Riker, as well as performances with dozens of national acts at some of the Midwest’s premier venues. In partnership with Consolidated Music of Barrington Illinois, Mars co-founded Rockstar 101, one of the most successful independent rock schools in the Chicago area. A passionate musical philanthropist, Mars has been highly active in non-profit Arts organizations fronting music marathons for non-profit entities such as: United Way, American Heart Association, American Cancer Association, Make a Wish Foundation and Harmony Hope and Healing. Equally at home on the contemporary worship stage, Mars has served as Music Director and Worship Leader at several churches, including Advent Lutheran Church in Charlotte, NC and Mathews United Methodist in Mathews, NC. A versatile musician now based in the Seattle/Tacoma area, Mars specializes in contemporary worship music, rock, blues, country, R&B, indie/alternative, country, and acoustic genres. His musical collaborations can be found on iTunes with bands, Elston and The Last of the Showmen. An active volunteer in his field, Mars currently serves as a music and arts performing practitioner for SINGRLY, a Seattle based arts engagement platform, offering musical therapy for dementia patients. A sought-after guitarist, vocalist, and music educator, Mars excels at creative songwriting and arranging, as well as inspiring and mentoring players and singers of all ages. Mars’ vibrant energy and unwavering work ethic are his trademark characteristics. He understands that each student is unique and works hard to adapt his teaching style to the strengths and needs of the individual. In his spare time Mars loves to cook! He enjoys whipping up new and old Italian dishes for his girlfriend, family, and friends. He is excited to join our teaching team and work with our talented guitarist and aspiring vocalist at Voice in the Valley Music Studio!
ABOUT KAITIE
Washington native, Kaitie Wade is a country/pop recording artist, songwriter, and active performer. She moved to Nashville right out of high school and graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance with an emphasis in Commercial/Contemporary Music in 2016 from Belmont University. Along with performing in some of Nashville’s most famous showcase venues and honkey-tonks, Kaitie completed a nation wide radio tour and opened for notable artists such as Russel Dickerson, Adam Craig, and Riley Green. A sought after entertainer, Kaitie consistently performs at fairs, festivals, rodeos, casinos, pubs, and private parties. Kaitie boasts numerous original songs on Spotify and iTunes and is currently cutting her second studio album. A sought after instructor and vocal coach, Kaitie has been working with our talented vocalists since 2018.
ABOUT ARIEL
Hailing from the great state of Idaho, pianist Ariel Faith Candies began her musical journey at a very young age. Raised in an artistically inclined family,Ariel was afforded the opportunity to begin formal Suzuki piano lessons when she was just four years old, studying sight-reading, music theory, and history, in addition to classical piano techniques. When she was ten years old Ariel had the honor of studying under Danny Wayne Beal, a well-known piano icon who toured the west coast for several decades. Growing up, Ariel and her talented family frequently performed together throughout Idaho, Montana, California, Oregon, and Washington, participating in Sonatina festivals, recitals, concerts, weddings, conventions, and competitions; she even recorded an album with her violinist brother entitled, “The Potter’s Hand.” Ariel began her formal academic career at Gem State Adventist Academy in Caldwell, Idaho, acting as lead accompanist for the choir program, where she also sang in an elite vocal octet that toured the west coast and Canada in 2006. After high school, Ariel continued to study music at the collegiate level enrolling as a music major at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama. Wanting to return to her roots, Ariel returned to Idaho where she served as Musical Director at both Nampa Seventh Day Adventist Church and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Caldwell.Ariel officially launched her teaching career in 2009 at St. Luke’s Elks Rehabilitation Hospital in Boise, Idaho, offering lessons to children transitioning out of therapy; a position that fostered her love for piano and while supporting her desire to serve others, especially children. Her passion for early childhood education continued to grow and the following year Ariel began teaching at both New Way Montessori and Five Mile Montessori schoolswhere she served as an instructor from 2010 to 2013. Ariel’s unique teaching style provides tailored instruction for all ages and skill levels, from beginner-to-advanced. Her collaborative approach respects the individual interests, skill-level, and goals for each student, while upholding high musicianship standards. Ariel is excited to work with the skilled piano students at Voice in the Valley Music Studio and looks forward to nurturing and empowering their musical talent!
ABOUT STEPHANIE
Pacific Northwest native, Stephanie Fiskum has been teaching voice and piano for 38 years both public and privately. She was classically trained by Kenn Wilson and Istvan Nadis. Stephanie has toured with a Christmas rock band as a lead vocalist and has done background vocals for jazz bands. She has worked with vocalists both in musical theatre and church worship. She has a passion for seeing others develop their gifts. Her and her husband raised their kids in Maple Valley. When she's not encouraging the musical gifts of others, you can find her cheering on her talented children, relaxing by her pool, gardening, and enjoying the role of "grandma" to her many grandchildren. It has been a blessing to have Stephanie on our team since 2021.
ABOUT KARL
A graduate of the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Karl Angelo Tangco majored in Voice and minored in Piano. After graduation he was the artistic director of the Far Eastern University Chorale, the official choir of Far Eastern University, one of the leading universities in the Philippines. Under his baton, the FEU Chorale gained regional recognition at numerous choral competitions: 1st Place in the Senior Choir Category of the 2019 National Music Competition for Young Artists, 1st Runner up and ‘Best Folk Music’ at Sing Tarlac National Choir Competition, and 1st Place in the Mixed Choir Category and 2nd Place in the ‘Folk Song’ Category in the 4th annual Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival. His choir was also awarded the ‘Ani ng Dangal’ or “Harvest of Honors” Award, an organizational award given by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, an agency under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines. Mr. Tangco was also the conductor of The Accountancy Chamber Singers, where under his tutelage, the ensemble won the top prize in Musica FEUROPA 2016 and UST’s Himig Tomasino in 2015, 2016, and 2019. Karl also managed the PREx Choir at St. James the Great Parish of the Ayala Alabang Village of Muntinlupa City and Vox Paul of St. Paul College, Pasig. In addition to his extensive choral directing experience, Karl has a vast experience in solo vocal performance, serving as a vocalist and performer on Holland America Cruise Line and Thomson Dream Cruise Ships. He has also performed in several operatic works, including, Rossini’s Barbiere de Seville and Strauss’ Die Fliedermaus. A critical and skilled vocal adjudicator, Mr. Tangco served as a vocal judge for ‘Alfredo M. Velayo Idol,’ a college-level solo singing contest and ‘Thomasian Idol,’ a singing competition at the University of Santo Thomas. For the past ten years Karl’s musical passions have extend far beyond the baton into the private musical setting, teaching both voice and piano lessons to students ranging from age 7 to 65! He is passionate and committed to the art of vocal and piano music, in addition to the transformative power of choral performance. He and his wife recently welcomed their first baby boy in October and are enjoying their time as first-time parents. He is excited to join the talented teaching team at Voice in the Valley Music Studio!
ABOUT SKYLER
Skyler Milburn, a young and enthusiastic pianist, is eagerly embarking on a new chapter as he joins the Voice of the Valley team. His lifelong passion for music has been evident since he was just 6 years old, dedicating countless hours to refine his skills in musical composition and piano performance. Beyond his musical talents, Skyler has demonstrated a deep sense of community and altruism by dedicating his time to volunteer work at his local church. Through his engagement with young children, he imparts not only musical knowledge but also invaluable life lessons, fostering a positive and nurturing environment for these young minds to thrive. While the piano has been his primary medium of artistic expression, music's significance in Skyler's life extends far beyond its melodic notes. Throughout his academic journey, he encountered challenges that he triumphantly overcame, graduating with straight A’s at the age of 15. His secret? The peace and resilience he derived from playing the piano, which provided him with the mental fortitude and emotional support needed to excel academically. Skyler's aspiration reaches beyond his personal accomplishments; he ardently desires to share his insight into the transformative power of music. He firmly believes that music is not a diversion, but a potent avenue to discover inner peace and resilience, a message he wishes to convey to fellow students and aspiring pianists. At Voice in the Valley, Skyler's distinctive mission is to establish authentic connections with each pianist he encounters. With an empathetic approach, he seeks to understand the individual journeys of his students, fostering an environment of mentorship and guidance that extends beyond musical technique. Looking towards his future, Skyler envisions an academic pursuit that parallels his passion for music. He harbors a deep fascination with the dynamics that shape our world, fueling his ambition to study political sciences at Harvard. Through this path, he aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex factors that influence our global affairs. As Skyler Milburn forges ahead, his trajectory is one characterized by unwavering dedication to both music and academia. His impact on those around him, whether through his piano melodies or his sincere commitment to supporting growth, is a testament to his remarkable potential and his ability to enrich the lives of others.
ABOUT CHLOE
Chloe Kim is excited to embark on her second year teaching at Voice in the Valley Music Studio! Ms. Kim will be starting her sophomore year at Tahoma High School where she has played in the 1st Violin section of the school symphony orchestra since 2019. She also served as the President of the Korean Club, ASB Class Secretary, and was recently awarded student of the Quarter in her English class. Equally passionate about serving the needs at her church, Chloe serves on the Worship Team as a singer with the band helping lead their worship services. Ms. Kim also serves as a Teacher’s Assistant for her church’s Vacation Bible School each summer. Ms. Kim’s musical skills are quite exceptional for her age. In addition to her vocal skills, her primary instrument is the violin, which she has been studying for over 10 years, as well as playing the piano for four years. Chloe loves working with kids and is excited to share her musical passions with young musicians at Voice in the Valley Music Studio!
ABOUT ROBERT
Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Robert Keene has been performing, recording, and composing music across a wide-range of musical genres in the Seattle area since graduating from Seattle University in 2012. While performing as an actor in high-school musicals, Robert was struck with a deep fascination at the power and emotion possible in music performance, which spurred him on to teach himself piano and music theory. Through high school and college, he was also introduced to classical and jazz piano, which he took to with fervor, and began composing and songwriting. Since then, he has been performing, writing, and arranging for a multitude of original bands ranging from indie pop to progressive metal, while also performing covers and original music as a solo artist, picking up guitar, bass, and singing along the way. Robert has also had the great pleasure of performing as a part of Bossa Nova Burlesque Brunch, Rock on the Rocks on Orcas Island, recording as a session artist for Foundry Studios, and playing improvised music for Jet City Improv as part of A New Improvised Musical and Twisted Flicks. He believes strongly in the emotional power and joy of music and wishes to engender in students an understanding of their capability to join with and share that power in whichever musical direction they choose to manifest. Robert is thrilled to join the Voice in the Valley community, and to help guide and facilitate piano students in the process of bringing their musical aspirations into reality.
ABOUT EMILY
Emily Reed has loved music from a very young age. She got her start performing in church and school shows, as well as acting favorite scenes in the car with her little brother – not always to her parent’s amusement. Bringing nearly 20 years of teaching experience, Emily studied Music Education and Vocal Performance at George Fox University in Newberg, OR. Since then she has performed with a number of community theaters, sang with the Seattle Symphony Chorale, Portland's Singing Christmas Tree, and George Fox Master Chorus, played with the Chehalem Symphony Orchestra and Newberg Community Band, and enjoys teaching both privately and in local schools. Currently Emily is serving as the music director and a board member with From Page to Stage Productions and as a violin coach with Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras. A multi-instrumentalist, Emily also enjoys teaching cello and piano. With a passion for serving the diverse educational needs in her community, she is excited to offer private lessons and group classes for homeschoolers inthe greater Maple Valley area. Emily is thrilled to be joining the team at Voice in the Valley and helping to inspire the next generation of musicians! She is currently accepting new students for voice, piano, violin, cello, and leading our group classes for kids through adults!
ABOUT JESSICA
Young and upcoming professional vocalist Jessica Soltero is embarking on a new journey as she joins the teaching team at Voice of the Valley Music Studio! Carrying a life-long passion for singing and education, Jessica recently graduated cum laude from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance. In 2021 she graduated with her Associates of Arts Degree from Olympic College in Bremerton, WA, where she made the Dean’s List five consecutive quarters. While at UPS she was awarded the Marie Usher Scholarship and the Dr. Bruce Rodgers Adelphian Scholarship. She was honored to study voice under renowned instructors, Dr. Emerald Lessley and Dr. Dawn Padula. In addition to her vocal studies, Jessica excelled at music theory, ear-training, music history, vocal pedagogy, and vocal diction. She is trained in the International Phonetic Alphabet and enjoys coaching Italian, German, and French vocal repertoire. A versitle vocalist, she enjoys teaching and performing a variety of vocal styles, including classical, jazz, musical theatre, and contemporary commercial. An avid performer, Jessica favorite roles include: “Edith” from the Pirates of Penzance, “Laetitia” from The Old Maid and the Thief, and the “Baker's Wife” from Into the Woods. Jessica has gained regional recognition in vocal competitions including First Place winner of the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition, under the Upper College Classical category. Jessica is delighted to join the Voice of the Valley team and provide guidance to students of all ages and skillsets!
ABOUT JOSEPH
Illinois native and lyric tenor, Joseph Muriello received his Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in Piano Performance from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2012. Upon graduation, Joseph relocated to Seattle to pursue his graduate studies at the University of Washington. Muriello completed his Master’s in Vocal Performance in 2014 and will begin his doctoral studies in 2019. A passionate music educator and avid performer, Joseph continues to perform in the greater Puget Sound area, and has made appearances with Seattle Modern Opera Company, Northwest Opera In Schools, Etc., Operamuse, and Pacific Musicworks. An eternal learner, Joseph actively studies modern vocal pedagogy techniques and enjoys helping students understand their instrument through a tailored instructional approach. A voracious music lover, Muriello enjoys teaching all genres from opera and musical theatre to jazz and pop. Joseph is currently completing his doctoral studies at the University of Washington and is currently a member of the Puget Sound NATS chapter. He is thrilled to work with our talented online voice and piano students since 2019.
ABOUT DEVIN
Mr. Devin Shea holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Violin Performance from the University of Puget Sound, complemented by a K12 Music Credential and a Master’s degree in Education. He led award-winning strings programs in Southern California for over a decade while teaching privately. As a versatile performer, Devin has been a member of the Olympia Symphony, Puget Sound Symphony, and La Jolla Symphony. He has recorded and performed with national touring acts and Grammy-winning artists at renowned festivals such as Stagecoach, Coachella, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, showcasing his expertise in classical and contemporary settings. He proudly teaches a variety of styles ranging from Bach, pop, bluegrass, and beyond to ensure his students can adapt to various performance settings. He is excited to support beginner-advanced violin students at Voice in the Valley!
ABOUT KARISSA, Assistant Manager
Local super-mom, Karissa Davydov, was raised in Hobart and now enjoys raising her two beautiful children in the same neighborhood she was grew up in! Having an innate passion for service and people, she began her career as a nurse. After several years in the nursing field, Karissa left nursing to focus on her family. A skilled and gifted home renovator, Karissa currently enjoys flipping houses. In her spare time she enjoys volunteering, mountain biking, hiking, camping, traveling, and pretty much anything outdoors with her kids and hubby Ryan!
ABOUT ADENA, Manager
Adena Pasibe is a smart, friendly, highly-organized, master-juggler, and super-mom that helps keep us sane and keep our music lessons on track! You will often find Adena helping onboard students, prepping for recitals, and basically keeping families and teachers happy and balanced; and for that we are truly grateful! What a blessing it is to have her on board!
