Our Board
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Roots & Wings Community Music School is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who share our passion for music, education, and community.
Our board works tirelessly to ensure we fulfill our mission of providing the highest quality music education while making it accessible to families throughout Albuquerque and beyond. Their leadership, expertise, and commitment help us grow a school where every child can develop strong roots and soar with wings—both in music and in life.
Crystal Boyack
Crystal Boyack is a trailblazer in early childhood violin pedagogy, and world renowned teacher, clinician, and lecturer. She is the author of "Wee Violin: World Music Preparatory to Twinkle" a groundbreaking introduction to Suzuki Violin Education.
Barbara Barber
Barbara Barber is a world renowned violinist, violist, and educator. Known for her "Music for Young Violinists" series, she has performed and taught internationally. In 2014 she joined Robertson & Sons Violin Shop, Inc. here in Albuquerque.
Norlynn Blocker-Price
A "recovering attorney", Norlynn currently serves as Executive Director of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony. Since leading AYSP in 2017, she has secured financial partnerships, strengthened alumni relationships, and launched beginner and subsidized lesson programs, driving growth and opportunity for young musicians.
Heidi Deifel
An immigration attorney by day and a professional violinist by night, Heidi Diefel specializes in immigration and criminal law, advocating for immigrants and crime victims in Albuquerque. Fluent in Spanish, she also performs as a first violinist with the New Mexico Philharmonic.
Brennan Wright
Brennan Wright is the Orchestra Director at Rio Rancho Middle School. A UNM graduate and Las Cruces High alumnus, he fosters musical excellence and inspires young musicians through his leadership and passion for music.
Alissa Rieb
Alissa Rieb is a dynamic violin and viola instructor based in Albuquerque and is co-director of Ready. Set. Violin. Named Nevada’s Emerging String Teacher of the Year in 2003, she currently performs with the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, runs ABQ Strings and co-directs Ready, Set, Violin!
Leisa Wallace
Leisa Wallace
Leisa Wallace is an author, entrepreneur, and advisor with the Women’s Business Center of Utah. After her 2019 MS diagnosis, she founded “Chronically Thriving,” inspiring others to turn hardship into purpose. She is an award-winning advocate and author.
Our Faculty
We know that YOU are the real teachers. You shape your child's musical journey every day. Our faculty is here to support YOU in your role as both parent and music mentor at home.
At Roots & Wings Community Music School, our instructors are the heart of our mission—dedicated educators and musicians who inspire, mentor, and nurture a love of music in every family.
Passionate about both teaching and music, our faculty brings expertise, creativity, and care to every lesson. With their guidance, students and their grownups build strong foundations and gain the confidence to soar—both in music and in life.
Alissa Rieb
Ready Set Violin Director
Alissa Rieb is a dynamic violin and viola instructor based in Albuquerque and is co-director of Ready. Set. Violin. Named Nevada’s Emerging String Teacher of the Year in 2003, she currently performs with the Albuquerque Philharmonic Orchestra, runs ABQ Strings and co-directs Ready, Set, Violin!
Terra Whitehead
Music Together Team
With a dedication to music and education spanning most of her life, Terra has taught students from 18 months to 70 years old in various settings including private violin lessons, public school orchestra, general music and singing classes. At the heart of Terra’s teaching is a deep passion to inspire kindness, empathy, strong connections and joy through music. Terra holds degrees in Music Education and String Pedagogy and is an active violinist in the community.
Kristen Pickens
Southwest Suzuki Institute Director
Kristen Pickens is a dedicated violinist and educator with extensive experience in orchestra programs. She maintains string instruments, teaches privately, and steps in when needed.
Kristen studied violin at Denver University, NAU, and UNM. A longtime New Mexican, she helps run Hummingbird Music Camp and performs as a session violinist and worship team leader. At Roots & Wings, she runs Ready Set Violin, ensuring a seamless and magical experience for students and families.
Cammi Venegas-Ramirez
Teacher Training Coordinator
Cammi is a Suzuki violin and Music Together teacher from Cleveland, OH with a strong passion for joyful, student-centered teaching. She began studying violin and piano at a young age and has completed Suzuki Teacher Certification and Wee Violin teacher training. She believes in teaching the whole musician through singing, movement, and creative exploration, making every lesson feel like joyful play. Cammi teaches private and group lessons to ages 3+ out of her home studio and delights in welcoming families into a family-oriented, community-focused space.
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Kathryn Schwarr
Music Together Team
Kathryn Schwaar is passionate about music education and that singing is for everyone! She believes strongly in the power of communal singing to foster connection, hope, and empathy. She holds degrees in Vocal Performance from Utah Valley University and The University of New Mexico. Along with teaching Music Together she is a Teaching Artist with Sing Together Albuquerque! and a member of Quintessence, a Community of Singers.
Katia Linda
Executive Assistant
Katia Linda serves as Assistant to the Executive Director, bringing over eight years of executive assistant experience to her role. A graduate of Brigham Young University–Hawaii, Katia ensures the smooth running of the school’s back-office operations and supports the day-to-day needs of the team. With a keen eye for organization and a heart for service, she plays an essential part in helping our community thrive.
