Welcome!
Voice in the Valley Music School is proud to celebrate 15 wonderful years of serving the musical community in the greater Maple Valley area! Since 2010, we’ve been committed to nurturing talent, building confidence, and inspiring a lifelong love of music.
Our dedicated and passionate teaching faculty brings together over 150 years of combined experience, offering expert instruction in a warm, energetic, and family-centered environment where classical education meets modern musical instruction.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned performer, we welcome students of all ages and experience levels. We offer in-person and online lessons in:
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🎤 Voice
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🎹 Piano
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🎻 Violin, Viola & Cello
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🎸 Guitar & Ukulele
Plus, don’t miss our Group Voice Classes for young beginners, Summer Camps, and year-round performance opportunities to help every student shine.
Thank you, Maple Valley, for 15 years of music, growth, and community. We look forward to many more!
"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
Mars Licciardi is a Chicago native and seasoned performer, educator, and songwriter with over 30 years of experience in the music industry. He studied theory, composition, and jazz guitar at William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, building a strong musical foundation that has shaped his diverse career. Mars has collaborated with Grammy Award–winning producers and has shared the stage with dozens of national acts at some of the Midwest’s premier venues. Over the years, he has brought his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence to countless performances across the Pacific Northwest, including casinos, theaters, festivals, and even Seahawks games. He also performs in multiple tribute bands that showcase a wide musical range spanning from the 1970s through the 2000s. A versatile musician, Mars specializes in rock, blues, country, R&B, indie/alternative, and acoustic genres. Beyond the stage, he is an accomplished songwriter, collaborator, and studio musician, working alongside local artists and producers to bring their music to life. Mars’ vibrant energy and unwavering work ethic are his trademark characteristics. As a full-time music educator, he understands that each student is unique and works hard to adapt his teaching style to the strengths and needs of the individual. For the past four years, he has been a valued instructor at Voice in the Valley, where he continues to share his passion for performance and vocal artistry with students of all ages.In his spare time, Mars loves to cook. He enjoys whipping up both new and traditional Italian dishes for his girlfriend, family, and friends.
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 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 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 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 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 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 MIA
Mia Bankston is a Washington-born professional vocalist, songwriter, and vocal coach with national-level performance experience and a passion for helping singers grow into confident, expressive artists. She has recorded background vocals for Sia on two tracks, Oh Body and the unreleased Go Get It featuring Mr. Eazi and brings real-world industry and songwriting experience directly into the studio. Mia won the Celebration of Music Competition (2020) and placed 5th nationally in the USKA competition (2025) in Las Vegas. She is also the lead vocalist and songwriter for several active bands, including Southern Echo, Got 90’s, and Rumor 6, performing live regularly and continually refining her craft on stage. Inspired by powerhouse artists such as Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey, Mia specializes in Pop, R&B, and contemporary vocal styles. Her teaching focuses on healthy technique, belting, vocal control, range expansion, tone development, and songwriting fundamentals. Whether working with beginners or advanced singers, Mia creates a supportive, encouraging environment where students can build confidence, versatility, and authentic artistry. Born and raised in Washington, Mia has a deep love for her home state and its vibrant creative community. When she’s not teaching, writing, or performing, she enjoys snowboarding, crocheting, and gaming—creative outlets that keep her inspired both on and off the stage.
ABOUT PETER
Peter Schumacher is a composer, educator, and singer, originally from central Iowa. After beginning his journey with piano lessons at the age of 4, he only grew more passionate about learning music as he got older, participating in band, choir, jazz band, and show choir all throughout middle and high school.
Peter began formal voice lessons as a freshman in high school, through which he discovered his passion for music education and making connections with others through music. This led him to pursue a degree in music education at Iowa State University, where he graduated with his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education in May 2024. Following this, he moved to Seattle to pursue his other passion of music composition, especially for film and games, and graduated with his Master's degree in Film Music Composition from the nationally-acclaimed Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program in July 2025. As an educator, Peter's philosophy is one based on kindness, trust, and connection through music. Having been inspired by the countless teachers who served as role models in his own learning as a student, he strongly believes that singers learn best and have the most fun making music when they are in an environment that is comfortable, judgment-free, and supportive. He strives to build an individualized curriculum that, in addition to enriching the student's foundational skills as a musician by practicing good technique, ear training, and sight reading, is also supportive of what the student wants to learn! He is excited to join the Voice in the Valley team to instruct our beginner piano students, as well as our beginner-advanced voice and song-writing students!
ABOUT LUCY
Lucy Organ is a junior at Tahoma High School and is passionate about singing and acting. Lucy started her music lessons at Voice in the Valley when she was 7 and loved every minute! Lucy enjoys singing in the school choir every year where she has been given the opportunity to sing at many concerts and sporting events; she was even the 2023 winner of the Maple Valley Idol, Jr singing competition. In high school Lucy discovered a love for musical theater and has had roles in many of the Tahoma Drama productions, including Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, Mean Girls, The Little Mermaid and most recently, Hadestown. Lucy also enjoys performing solo acts at different venues. And recently had the opportunity to be a counselor at musical theater camps sponsored by the Tahoma’s Performing Arts Boosters. As she thinks about her future, Lucy wants to pursue becoming an elementary music teacher. That’s why she is so excited to be a student teacher with Voice in the Valley-to share her love of singing and music and help kids start off with a strong vocal education! In addition to being passionate about singing and acting, Lucy loves playing games with her family and friends, drawing, crafts and reading.
ABOUT LINCOLN
Lincoln Uffenorde loves to play music, and began learning to play the piano at the age of 7. He has studied with outstanding music educators such as Julie Swenty and Douglas Ostgard. Lincoln has competed in several piano competitions across the state of Washington and won 1st place in the South King County Chapter Honors Competition, going on to compete as a state recitalist. He has also received multiple “superior” rankings in the regional Solo & Ensemble Competition, placing among the top three competitors of the region. Lincoln was also awarded the 2025 National Frederic Chopin Piano Award. Throughout his musical education, Lincoln also developed a love for jazz and instruments in the saxophone family. Lincoln is highly involved in the Tahoma Band Program, where he plays the baritone saxophone in the Tahoma Wind Ensemble, the Advanced Jazz Band, and the alto saxophone as the section leader in the Tahoma marching band. Lincoln also frequently accompanies the Tahoma symphony and orchestras. In his free time, Lincoln enjoys being outdoors, hiking, reading, and spending time with his siblings. Lincoln is excited to be part of the Voice In The Valley Team!
ABOUT SOPHIA
From a young age, Sophia Gedevanishvili’s love for music has been inspired by a wide range of styles—from classical to blues and old jazz. After teaching herself to play the violin, she quickly discovered a passion not only for performing but also for sharing the joy of music with others through teaching. A senior at Kentlake High School and a Running Start student at Bellevue College, Sophia is an active member of the [untitled] Jazz Project, a small jazz ensemble based in Enumclaw that she performs in alongside her brother and mother. The group is currently collaborating with professional musicians on their debut album, featuring creative jazz interpretations of modern video game music. Beyond her jazz performances, Sophia serves as the principal violinist and concertmaster of her high school orchestra, where she also leads sectional rehearsals and helps guide the first violin section through challenging repertoire. She brings that same leadership and enthusiasm into her lessons, helping students build both skill and confidence. Previously, Sophia taught a children’s orchestra group at Enumclaw Music—an experience that deepened her love of teaching and inspired her to continue mentoring young musicians. She is thrilled to join the Voice in the Valley team and looks forward to helping students grow, explore, and find joy in making music.
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!
