Sladjana Saric
Piano , Voice and Flute Teacher
Sladjana Saric is the founder and director of Bel Canto Music Academy with both master's and bachelor's degrees in Flute Performance from the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Serbia. She is an accomplished opera singer and concert performer in both Europe and the United States, and is currently a member of the Grammy-winning Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Lakeside Singers. Sladjana earned her Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, Serbia, and she earned a specialization degree in Vocal Performance from the Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest, Hungary in the class of opera star Eva Marton.
Jorge Alvarez
Guitar/Cello/Violin/Piano Teacher
Jorge Alvarez's music journey began at the age of 7, igniting a
lifelong passion that continues to inspire and shape his career today. With over 23 years of
dedicated experience, he exudes an unwavering enthusiasm for sharing his love of music
with others.
Throughout his musical journey, Jorge has cultivated a diverse skill set, ranging from
orchestral performances to jazz ensembles and the creation of his own rock bands. This
breadth of experience not only showcases his versatility but also underscores his deep-
seated commitment to musical excellence.
Jorge’s true strengths lie in his patient and empathetic approach to teaching, understanding
the nuanced and gradual learning process that accompanies mastering an instrument. With
a profound understanding of music and an ability to convey complex concepts with clarity,
he serves as a beacon of guidance for aspiring musicians.
Nicolas Muñoz
Guitar/Drum Teacher
Nicolas Muñoz is a multi-instrumentalist from Chile who is based in Chicago, IL. He has performed professionally since the age of 16, and since then he has toured across the United States.
Nico is a long-time fixture of Alma Andina, a band that fuses traditional and native Latin American instruments with world rhythms and electronic sounds. Nico has made his career on his ability to play a wide range of instruments, including world percussion, drum kit, charango, pan flutes, guitar, and more. Not only does he play them solo -- he can play them all at the same time, a talent he features in his solo project “Nico’s One Man Band.”
Nico began his journey with Chile Sin Fronteras, and now in his 30s, he has graced the stage freelancing with several groups back in MN (his home state). In addition to his core projects, Nico has been hired to compose and play for multiple live radio dramas, and he regularly tours, performs, and leads workshops with choral ensemble Border CrosSing among others.