Our Staff
Red Leaf instructors provide lessons for Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, Voice, Piano, Drums/Percussion, Violin, Music Theory, and more. Our teachers are seasoned professionals, frequently performing in Texas, around the U.S., and internationally.
Geno Stroia II
Guitar & Bass
Geno co-founded Red Leaf School of Music in 2007 with fellow Austin musician and producer Daniel Barrett. Geno has toured and played with The Gene Pool, The Damn Torpedoes (a tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers), Tyrone Vaughan, and also as a solo artist.
His practical guitar teaching method stands as the cornerstone of his instruction to this day. He describes this approach as "laid back yet ambitious". In his words: “I never want students, adults or children, to feel like they are at a ‘job’ when they are at Red Leaf…This is a getaway for them to nurture their artistic side away from daily obligations and distractions.”
Geno is very passionate about Red Leaf School of Music, and is committed to developing a strong relationship with each new Red Leaf student in order to help them realize their potential both in music and in life!
Jon Hanford
Guitar, Bass, & Voice
With over two decades of playing, performing, and songwriting experience, Jon Hanford offers guitar, bass, and voice lessons that blend technical skill with real-world musicianship. As the frontman of Austin-based alt-rock/prog/punk fusion band Thee Ancient Asses, Jon brings a deep understanding of how music connects, from the first chord to the full stage experience.
Jon teaches students of all levels, focusing on building confidence, creativity, and a solid foundation in rhythm, tone, and feel. Whether you want to learn your first song, write your own music, or take your playing to the next level, Jon tailors each lesson to your goals and interests. His teaching style is down-to-earth, encouraging, and rooted in genuine love for the craft.
Jeff Botta
Drums, Voice, Electric Bass, & Piano
Jeff’s approach to musical instruction is informed by both his classical training in vocal performance and his extensive experience as a professional vocalist, drummer, and bassist in rock bands. Jeff holds a degree in vocal performance from Texas State University. After graduating, Jeff was chosen to participate in the Austin Lyric Opera’s highly-selective Young Artist Program.
Jeff then went on to perform and tour (nationally and internationally) with artists such as James McMurtry, Guy Forsyth, Patrice Pike as both a drummer and vocalist. Jeff has also fronted numerous cover bands (The Motts, The Recliners). Jeff’s work as a professional musician gives him the opportunity to apply the technical abilities learned through his classical vocal training to a variety of musical styles.
Jeff’s unique background enables him to instruct students on critical fundamental skills as well as how to apply those skills in any stylistic context. Jeff is passionate about helping hobbyists and professionals alike achieve their musical goals while developing technique that will prevent risk of strain or injury.
Sarah Lynn
Violin, Flute, & Piano
Sarah Lynn is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist specializing in Classical, Folk, and Early Music. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baroque Flute Performance, and was the graduating recipient of the Excellence In Early Music Award. Lynn is a Faculty Member of the Mountainside Baroque Academy in Cumberland, Maryland, where she teaches Baroque Flute, Recorder, and Scottish Fiddle.
Sarah is currently (2024) the undefeated, two-time US National Scottish Fiddle Champion and mentee of ten-time Champion, Dr. John Turner. A passionate teacher for beginner musicians, Lynn believes that the best music-making happens in a positive and encouraging environment.
Find out more about Sarah at her website, www.SarahLynnMusic.com
Ty Hurless
Guitar
Ty’s approach to teaching guitar is to share his 40-year passion for the instrument, and for music in general, with the student. This excitement is contagious, helping to foster the student’s new-found interest and serving as the spark that inspires them to progress and realize their goal of becoming the musician that they want to be. Ty focuses on letting the student progress at his or her own pace, without the common tendency to overwhelm or intimidate.
Whether it’s young people who are just starting out and are excited about playing music for the first time, or folks later in life that always wished they’d learned an instrument, Ty finds and uses that motivation to get the most out of his students.
Cid Sanchez
Guitar & Bass
Cid Sanchez is a guitarist performer and teacher. He has been a working musician in the Austin music scene for over 40 years. He has been a guitar teacher in Austin for over 25 years, currently teaching at Red Leaf School of Music.
Cid grew up in Corpus Christi, learning to play guitar at the age of 12 with his best friends, Grammy Award winner, saxophonist Joe Sublett, and Austin legend drummer, Chris “Whipper” Layton. Cid was a middle school and high school band student playing the trumpet. With Joe and Chris, he attended Del Mar Junior College in Corpus Christi for 2 years studying music. They also played together In their first rock bands. Cid has played
and recorded with many well-known artists, spanning from Austin to Los
Angeles.
Cid’s music styles include Rock, Blues, Country, Surf, Pop, R&B, Soul and Folk. He teaches Acoustic, Electric and Bass Guitar. He uses many traditional guitar methods, including reading music and fundamentals of music. Cid has written his own 10 Part Guitar Series called “Have Fun and Play Guitar”. This series includes beginning chords, strumming exercises, scales and songs. The heart of Cid’s teaching styles are to make the lessons FUN and ENGAGING.
Visit cidsanchezguitar.com for more of Cid’s own music, live videos, albums and experiences with other bands.
Jake Farr
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, & Banjo
The Farr Guitar Studio's mission is to teach excellent craftsmanship and to inspire creative growth through private guitar lessons in Austin, Texas.
Jake Farr’s unique approach allows students to play music they are passionate about, understand musical concepts, and develop healthy technique. The Farr Guitar Studio curriculum encompasses the student’s preferred style of music, studio-original compositions, and opportunities for creative expression.
Find out more at: farrguitarstudio.com
Kice Simko
Guitar
Kice has taught over 30,000 private guitar lessons with 25 years experience. Accepting students of all ages and skill levels for virtual or in-person lessons. Lessons are all one-on-one and customized to your goals. Kice has a background in jazz, blues, and classical guitar.
Stefano Intelisano
Piano, Keyboards, & Accordion
Stefano has 20+ years experience working internationally with artists such as The BoDeans, Jason Mraz, Christopher Cross, Patty Griffin, Cristian Castro, David Grissom, Chuck Rainey, and Pat Green.
Versatile in most genres, from classical to rock, soul, r & b, funk, gospel, etc., Stefano will guide you through the foundations and further development of your skills on piano, electric pianos, organ, synths and accordion.
Stefano's lessons are offered online only.
