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
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.
Sharee Gariety
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.
William Berg
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
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.
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!
Kristen Pickens
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.
Terri Reck
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.
