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.
Crystal Boyack
Executive Director
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. She was a parent and then teacher of Music Together® before becoming the director of the Albuquerque center, then Harmonic Kids. She is thrilled to build a community of little musicians at Roots & Wings.
Alissa Rieb
Suzuki Violin Team
Ready Set Violin Team
Music Together in the Schools
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!
William Berg
Music Together Team
Mr. Bill has been sharing his love of music with families since 2002, teaching Music Together® classes across the country, from New York to Los Angeles. The son of a music teacher and a lifelong performer, he brings energy, spontaneity, and joy to every class. His high-energy lessons are a celebration of music and movement, where kids and parents alike leave smiling, singing, and feeling more connected.
Tori Anderson
Ready Set Violin Team
Tori Anderson is our Wee Violin specialist at Ready Set Violin. She began playing at five and earned a Master of Music in String Pedagogy (UNM) and a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance (UNL).
With 10+ years of teaching experience, Tori trained in Suzuki Violin Units 1-3 and completed her Wee Violin training under Crystal at the University of New Mexico. She is the orchestra director at Oak Grove Classical Academy and teaches violin and viola privately in Albuquerque, NM.
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
Ready Set Violin Team
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.
Sharee Gariety
Music Together Team
Hailed as the "Mary Poppins" of Music Education, Sharee Gariety has been passionate about choral singing since childhood. In addition to teaching Music Together®, Sharee runs the children's chorus at UNM Music Prep School, The Women's Chorus at the University of New Mexico, and is an active performer in musicals and operas.
Terri Reck
Ready Set Violin Team
Terri Reck is a pianist, harpsichordist, and one of the only certified Dalcroze educators in New Mexico. She specializes in blending music and movement, helping students embody music and develop a deeper understanding of musical principles.
As the Enrichment Specialist at Ready Set Violin, Terri brings creativity and expertise to every class, making learning engaging, dynamic, and immersive for young musicians.
Victoria Lucas
Music Together Team
Victoria Lucas is a vocalist, pianist, and passionate music educator who has spent her life immersed in music. A California native, she recently earned her B.A. in Music from Chapman University with a specialization in voice, and she brings extensive experience performing in and directing a wide range of vocal ensembles. Having fallen in love with music at a very young age, Vicky believes deeply in its power to enrich children’s lives and is excited to share that joy with your family.
Nia Batiashvili
Suzuki Violin Team
Nia Batiashvili earned her Bachelor of Violin Performance from the Tbilisi State Conservatoire in Georgia and her Master of Music from the University of New Mexico. She has taught across Europe, Georgia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, and has performed in concerts and festivals throughout Europe. She loves teaching because she believes it is essential for a performer not only to share music but also to give back and help nurture young musicians. Supporting students as they grow, discover their voice, and develop a lifelong love of music is at the heart of her work.
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.
