Groove Music School Team

Meet your Instructors

The heart of Groove Music School is our talented teaching team. Each instructor brings unique expertise, endless patience, and a commitment to making every lesson engaging, effective, and enjoyable for students at every skill level.

Chloe Escalante
Music Teacher
Ms. Chloe, a Missouri City native, discovered her love for music at age seven and was inspired to teach by her own piano mentor. With an Associate of Arts in Music from Houston Community College and nearly seven years of teaching experience, she specializes in working with young students. She’s passionate about making music fun, creative, and meaningful for every child she teaches.
Elton Tai
Music Teacher
Elton Tai, currently studying at Rice University with James Dunham in the Master’s Degree for viola performance, is a violist based in Houston. He started his musical training on piano at the age of five years old and eventually began playing the violin at the age of eight. He participated in many local competitions in both violin and piano. He later switched to a focus in viola at the age of seventeen.
Gonzalo Arjona
Director
Gonzalo Arjona, a longtime Sugar Land resident, began his musical journey at H&H Music in the '80s and went on to earn degrees in Music Production, Engineering, and Music Business Management from Berklee College of Music, as well as an MBA from the University of Denver. After a 12-year career in real estate financing, he returned to his true passion and opened Groove Music School in 2015. Gonzalo is passionate about the joy of music and its powerful role in child development, especially for kids like his own.
Jack Westmoreland
Music Teacher
Jack is a seasoned musician and educator with over 45 years of performance experience in Houston’s vibrant theater and church communities. A graduate of the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, he went on to earn degrees in Music Education and Music Performance from the University of Houston. In addition to teaching at Groove Music School for the past five years, Jack is also a music instructor at Houston Community College and continues to perform as a freelance musician across the city.
Lewis Ortiz
Music Teacher
Mr. Lewis teaches all string instruments and brass/reeds. He holds a PHD in music from the University of La Habana and bachelor’s in Music and Education and has taught all levels of music for the past 30 years. He’s also published several books on Music Education. He studied music theory, composition, and jazz performance in college, and has been teaching since 2003.
Reef Stallworth
Music Teacher
Reef is a one-name wonder - like Prince, but with a bass. Trained in jazz and seasoned in rock and hip-hop from his days at Prairie View A&M, he brings serious groove and good vibes to the classroom. Teaching music is his way of sharing the magic.
Sergio Cano
Music Teacher
Mr. Sergio has been playing music since the age of 10, starting on alto sax before expanding into bass and guitar—his main instruments since 1990. Over the years, he’s also picked up piano, ukulele, and mandolin, performing and recording with numerous local bands throughout his lifelong journey in music.
Tony Desoto
Music Teacher
Tony DeSoto has been part of Groove Music School since it opened in 2015, teaching voice, piano, guitar, and bass, and leading student bands. With degrees in voice performance, choral conducting, and church music, he brings both skill and heart to his teaching. Originally from New Orleans, Tony now plays bass in Houston’s music scene, performing with Billy Joel and Elton John tribute bands.
Tony Sessions
Music Teacher
Tony Sessions is a veteran musician with over 40 years of experience in Houston’s music scene. Trained in voice and piano, he’s performed around the world—from Carnegie Hall to the Liszt Academy—and sung in over 900 concerts with the Houston Symphony Chorus, where he also serves as music librarian. Tony’s rich background includes working in the print music industry and contributing to acclaimed music biographies. He’s passionate about all forms of music and believes it’s never too early or too late to start learning.

What Students Say

Real Stories of Success

Hear from students and parents who’ve discovered confidence, creativity, and joy through our lessons. Their stories reflect the lasting impact Groove Music School makes on every learner’s music journey.

Natalee T
We’ve spend 2 generations at groove, and it’s truly the place you want to be if you want your artist-side to thrive. Amazing teachers, great environment, and very encouraging and supportive to singers and instrument players alike!! Thank you, Groove!
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Francisco B
I had a very pleasant experience. Luis is an excellent saxophone instructor. I cannot wait to continue my musical journey.
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Evelyn s
We have loved our experience with Groove. Since covid the move to online teaching has been easy with Ms. Katalin and Brandon. Our kids take piano and guitar and they love their instructors! We've continued to see good progress and growth as they practice their instruments.
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