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More than four dozen mentors and guest artists grace the halls of the Colorado Springs Conservatory, leading instruction, workshops, master classes and private lessons for students ages 4-19. From the White House and Carnegie Hall to capitol cities throughout the world, from dimly lit jazz clubs to the lights on Broadway, these multifaceted mentors have shared their passion for the arts with hundreds of students who have attended the Conservatory during its 21-year history.

THOMAS DAWSON is an accomplished recording engineer, musician, producer and composer. His experience as a musician combined with his knowledge of computer technology has made him one of the most sought after studio engineers in the business working with music greats including Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Lopez.

In his words:

“I’m from a family of educators. My high school was named after my grandfather where my dad was the principal, and my mom, aunt and uncle were teachers. It was a family business; like the bonds we share as family at the Conservatory. I love giving back to the students. Seeing their reaction when first exposed to music, is the same way I felt as a young musician.”

DR. ANGELINA GADELIYA is on the faculty at UCCS and a core member of the Decoda Ensemble in New York City, which was recently named the first-ever affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall. Angelina received her Master’s from The Juilliard School and her Doctorate from Stony Brook University.

In her words:

“I teach at the Conservatory because of the high quality and incredible dedication of our students, the vibrant and vital role CSC plays in the Colorado Springs community, and because I’m so inspired by my fabulous fellow faculty members.”

LEWIS KELLER has a Bachelor’s in music from Colorado College and a Master’s in composition from California Institute of the Arts. He has been interviewed by NPR and California PBS and performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as performed on Sony/Colombia records.

In his words:

“I really resonate with and appreciate the Conservatory’s mission of helping students to reach for their potential, not just as artists but as human beings. Every time I teach at the Conservatory I feel a great sense of gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the community where I have my roots.

CAREN TACKETT has been a Broadway actor, appearing in “Rent” and the revival of “Hair,” as well as performing extensively in New York and across the country. She is the creator and performer in the acclaimed theatrical work “Born Blue” that played in New York and will be at The Mezzanine through November 24.

In her words:

“It’s hard to imagine, but sometimes after a decade in show business, the hustle and grind can be very stifling. I needed space, air and quality of life. We had been talking about where to lay down our roots. My husband Jeremy was raised in Colorado Springs and he took me to Manitou. That was all I needed. I literally felt like I was home.”

“Artists of all kinds have had a deep impact on world culture, and we need that artistic expression now more than ever. Conservatory students develop tools to guide them through all aspects of life, like creative problem solving. Cultivating these fantastic children with artistic tools is my passion, responsibility and honor.”

WAYNE WILKINSON was instrumental in establishing the current jazz program at the Conservatory and is an adjunct professor for non-classical guitar at Colorado State University – Pueblo. A nationally acclaimed guitarist, Wayne has toured coast-to-coast for 38 years. He is a former guitarist of the premier Air Force jazz ensemble “The Airmen of Note” based in Washington, D.C. and the “Falconaires” based in Colorado Springs. Wayne has performed for presidents, heads of state and other dignitaries in venues including Carnegie Hall, The White House, the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage and major jazz festivals.

In his words:

“I teach at the conservatory because it’s my way of giving back and watching the students become wonderful musicians is the most rewarding part.”