Meet Our Teachers

Raymond Nathan has been a drum teacher at Music Matters for 17 years! He is a self-taught drummer and percussionist, musician, and entertainer. Born in Montreal, Canada, he started playing drums at 5 AM on Christmas day when he was eight years old. At fourteen, his dreams, life, focus, and attention all changed on Sunday, February 9, 1964 at 6 PM, when he first saw The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. At that moment, he knew what he wanted to be, and was manically driven to be just like Ringo!

After another six years of following his dreams and passion, most importantly with hard work, dedication and focus in spite of enduring personal sacrifices and overcoming the numerous barriers of life's hurdles, he had already managed to tour around the world once, playing drums for some of the world's most popular international BIG NAME bands, acts, and personalities. 

Raymond has performed on some of the world's biggest and most prestigious stages, stadiums, opera houses, night clubs, cruise ships, and show bars. He continued to travel the globe performing across Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, the Philippines, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and every possible exotic island and tourist resort in the Pacific Ocean.

As a result, due to his hectic, busy lifestyle, he forgot to have kids of his own. Subsequently, his life's career mission, dreams, and focus have now been directed toward today's youth. As a drum teacher at Music Matters, he would feel greatly fulfilled and rewarded if just one of his students went on to fulfill their dreams and have the same blessed life and experiences as a world class drummer, musician, and entertainer as he.

Raymond has been married to his beautiful wife Cathy, who is a wonderful human being, for 36 years.

Lillian is a pianist and music teacher with over 20 years of experience! She began piano studies at the age of seven, and with her discipline, perseverance and love for piano, she excelled and performed in several competitions. This influenced her desire to become a professional pianist. 

Lillian completed her bachelor’s degree in music and a bachelor’s in psychology at the Superior Institute of Arts of Havana. She also attended graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi, obtaining a degree of Master of Music in Piano Performance. She has worked as a teacher and collaborative pianist at the Superior Institute of Arts in Havana, Music Conservatory at Polytechnic University of Managua, and the University of Louisville in Kentucky. 

She has developed her career as a teacher, solo pianist and accompanist, performing in more than 150+ recitals in styles ranging from classic music to contemporary and Latin American music. While teaching, Lillian helps promote the student’s personal interests in a patient, needs-based approach, making learning music motivating and fun. She welcomes students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels.

Jim Donaldson has been a part of the Florida music scene for over 20 years. Originally from Michigan, he studied jazz at the University of South Florida, where he was influenced by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Jimmy Page, and Joe Pass. He moved to New York City in the 90’s and was a part of the jazz scene there before returning to the Tampa Bay area. Jim plays for different groups in the Tampa music scene. He’s been touring with Colleen Orender for two years all over the state of Florida, and teaches guitar when he’s not on the road, in New Port  Richey where he currently resides.  

Alsie holds her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of St. Augustine Conservatory of Music in the Philippines, her native country. She majored in voice and music education with a minor in piano. She also had her bachelor recital in voice. 

Alsie has extensive experience as a choir instructor, music teacher and musical director in educational and private sectors, instructing all ages. She has sung in concerts at the Lincoln Center in NYC and was proclaimed the 1979 national champion at the Literary Musical Vocal Solo contest in the Philippines. In 1994, she was awarded 1st place at the Philippines independence day vocal solo contest in NYC. Her talents have won many other musical events.

She has also performed in many theatrical and opera stage shows such as: The King and I, South Pacific, Madame Butterfly, and many others. She also won the Pasco Idol open contest in May 2010!

Shirley is a highly experienced piano and vocal instructor who has spent many years helping students build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love of music. Known for her patience, positivity, and personalized approach, she works closely with each student to ensure steady progress—whether they are complete beginners or developing musicians.

With a teaching style rooted in encouragement and clear guidance, Shirley focuses on strong fundamentals, proper technique, and musical expression. She creates a supportive learning environment where students feel motivated, capable, and excited to grow. Shirley is passionate about nurturing her students’ potential and takes pride in watching them thrive on both piano and vocals. We are happy to have her as part of the Music Matters teaching team. 

Linda brings a remarkable depth of experience to Music Matters, with a professional background spanning performance, composition, television, musical theatre, and education. She studied voice and piano at McGill University and the McGill Conservatory of Music, later continuing advanced vocal training with renowned instructors Carmen Mehta and Harriet Coyle.

During her time at McGill, Linda earned the Silver Merit Award for writing, directing, and choreographing an original musical, and performed works by fellow student Galt McDermot, composer of the Broadway hit Hair.

Linda’s professional work includes membership in ACTRA, SAG, ASCAP, BMI, and AGAC, as well as publishing and performance credits with Bourne Music (New York), Warner Bros. (Hong Kong), and Magic Music (Canada). She also completed extensive television work for major Canadian networks, earning recognition as one of the country’s most promising young composers.

Her creative career has taken her from New York—where she released two singles and produced commercials—to Florida, where she wrote and directed an original Christmas musical for the Show Palace. Her experience with choirs, ensembles, and conducting awards further enhances her ability to guide singers of all levels.

Linda’s rich background in film, TV, commercials, and musical theatre makes her an outstanding voice teacher, and we are proud to have her as part of the Music Matters faculty.

Sandra is a skilled violin and beginning cello instructor with a warm, encouraging approach that helps students feel confident from the very first lesson. With years of experience as both a musician and a licensed occupational therapist, she brings a unique understanding of how students learn, move, and develop fine-motor skills.

Her background in occupational therapy enhances her teaching by allowing her to tailor lessons to each student’s needs—whether it’s improving hand positioning, developing coordination, or building focus and confidence. Sandra creates a calm, positive lesson environment where students can explore music at their own pace while building strong foundational technique.

Passionate about helping students discover the joy of strings, Sandra combines musical expertise with a nurturing and supportive teaching style that helps young musicians thrive.

Sean is an exceptional drummer and seasoned musician with over 22 years of musical experience and 5 years of dedicated teaching experience. Based in the greater Clearwater area, he has built an impressive career both on and off the stage. Sean has opened for—and collaborated with—a wide range of nationally touring acts, showcasing his versatility across Rock, R&B, Hip-Hop, Electronic, and Pop genres.

With performances in 30+ states and more than 15 years of professional recording experience, Sean brings real-world industry knowledge to every lesson. He has recorded in several prestigious studios, including Cleartrack Studios and Executive Studios, and understands the creative and technical processes that shape modern music production.

Sean has been teaching since 2020 and has worked with students ranging from ages 5 to 35, though he specializes in mentoring young musicians in the 12–18 age group. His teaching style blends technical skill-building with creativity, confidence development, and a genuine love for music. Whether students are just starting out or looking to refine advanced techniques, Sean helps them grow as musicians while keeping lessons engaging, modern, and inspiring.

Kevin is the owner of Music Matters, a long-established music school built on a legacy of passion, community, and a lifelong love for music. Before Music Matters became the thriving multi-instrument lesson studio it is today, Kevin owned and operated The Organ Orphanage, a business focused on organ sales and organ lessons. That early venture laid the foundation for the teaching environment Music Matters is known for—hands-on instruction, skilled educators, and a family-focused atmosphere.

Kevin has been involved with music since childhood and first found his musical voice as a drummer. His early experiences performing and learning shaped his belief that music education should be accessible, supportive, and inspiring for every student.

Under his leadership, Music Matters has grown into a welcoming hub where students of all ages can explore instruments, discover their talents, and connect with exceptional instructors. Kevin remains deeply committed to fostering a positive learning environment and ensuring that every student receives the encouragement and resources they need to succeed.

His dedication, vision, and love for music continue to shape Music Matters into the vibrant, community-driven school and retail store it is today.

Bio Coming Soon