Miana Corona
General Manager, Music Director, Show Director, Vocals Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Miana is a professional singer, songwriter, and producer with an abundance of experience under her belt. She is a summa cum laude graduate from Berklee College of Music with a bachelor's degree in songwriting and a minor in psychology. During Miana’s time at Berklee, she mastered many areas of music such as advanced theory, ear training, arranging, conducting, counterpoint, tonal harmony, producing, live sound engineering, music business, psychology of music, band leading, and more! She performed in productions such as the Ídolos Latinos show, a Tribute to Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga featuring Tony Bennett’s Trio, and The Commencement Concert alongside names such as Gilberto Santa Rosa, Ledisi and Q-tip from a Tribe Called Quest. She also had involvement as a stage crew member, assistant of the voice department, theater mentor, and private lesson instructor.
Miana believes that music is an inherent part of life and experiences as people. It connects us to others in unbelievable ways and allows us to find who we are as individuals. Growing up listening to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, Selena Quintanilla, The Doors, Michael Jackson, and Ella Fitzgerald has shaped Miana as a musician. She writes her own music that merges the styles of Latin, indie pop, and classic rock. Miana is also a musical theater performer! Her roles in musicals include American Idiot, Adams Family, West Side Story, Willy Wonka, The Sound of Music, and many more. When she’s not teaching at School of Rock Tucson and working on her new music, Miana spends her time volunteering with animals, crocheting, dancing, hiking, painting, and spending time with her dog Mowgli.
Daniel Villa
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Daniel showcases a deep passion for the guitar (and basically anything with a string). Over the past decade, he has honed his skills as a guitarist, driven by his love for rock music and an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence.
Daniel has established a strong presence in the local music scene, performing at numerous shows and open mic nights, captivating audiences with his undeniable talent. However, fueled by an unyielding ambition, he aspires to broaden his horizons and take his music on tour, reaching new audiences and expanding his creative boundaries.
In addition to his musical pursuits that include teaching at School of Rock Tucson, Daniel is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics with a Minor in Music at the University of Arizona. He embraces the harmony between his academic studies and musical endeavors, merging his analytical mindset with his artistic expression.
Natalie Pohanic
Vocals Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Show Director
Natalie is a native of Tucson, Arizona, and her beginning to music was singing to lizards and honey bees in her childhood backyard, leading to explorations in classical music on cello and a few riotous teenage garage bands.
A lifelong songwriter, Natalie makes her musical home in dream folk—songs rich with tender melody and stories of starlit desert adventures—psychedelic grunge, rock, and Ayurvedic sound healing.
Before joining School of Rock Tucson, Natalie studied cello performance at The University of Arizona. She currently plays and teaches vocals, guitar, bass guitar, and cello.
Rick Bailey
Drums Teacher, Guitar Teacher
Rick started drumming in his middle school marching band, then his high school marching and jazz bands, as well as garage bands with friends. Through the help of a great drums teacher, he got started playing professionally at 15 and has been playing in bands ever since.
When not at School of Rock Tucson, Rick is currently playing live and recording. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with many touring bands including The Wallflowers, Beabadoobee, and Los Lobos.
Wolfgang Wang
Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
Having played piano since the age of three, Wolfgang always sought to understand other musical cultures by deviating from but also incorporating his classical upbringing. From singing across all voice parts in different choir settings to playing and coordinating in various contemporary bands, Wolfgang has also experimented with electronic sound designs and has led and arranged a capella group performances.
Described by many as music that boasts visual evocation, Wolfgang's compositions tell stories about fantasies that give courage in times of low. He continues to pursue music as the language that connects the world, which includes teaching at School of Rock Tucson.
Cliff Wesley
Drums Teacher
Cliff Wesley brings a wealth of experience to our team with his extensive background in drum line and drumming. An excellent drummer, Cliff has had the privilege of working with renowned artists such as Joan Jett, John Legend, and many other touring musicians. His skill and dedication to his craft have made him a sought-after drummer in the industry, and his contributions are invaluable.
Beyond his impressive musical achievements, Cliff is known for his super friendly and patient demeanor. He excels at working with others, always ready to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge. His ability to connect with people and create a positive, supportive environment makes him a cherished member of the School of Rock Tucson team, both professionally and personally.
Tim Ronan
Bass Guitar Teacher, Drums Teacher, Guitar Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher, Show Director
Tim was born and raised in Tucson, and has been playing music in some form for 16 years. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 2023 with a degree in Linguistics, and is now teaching music full-time, as well as performing and recording music with several groups.
Tim enjoys many different genres and styles of music; in particular he has recently been listening to a lot of classic rock, including artists such as The Doors, Steely Dan, and Led Zeppelin. At School of Rock Tucson, Tim is available to teach are guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboard + piano, as well as several non-standard string instruments, which include banjo, ukulele, mandolin, and stand-up bass.
When Tim isn’t teaching or playing music, he enjoys cooking and going on walks with his girlfriend Lili and his dog Burly.
Lizzie Reaves
Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Lizzie is a born-and-raised Tucson musician, songwriter, and vocalist! She performs at venues all over Arizona and has participated in the Tucson Folk Festival Songwriting Competition and the Dusk Music Festival Battle of the Bands. Lizzie won Alice Cooper's Proof is in the Pudding Contest in 2024 and got to open for him at The Celebrity Theater in Phoenix! Her music involves a variety of folk, indie, and Americana, with a touch of rock.
Phil Espinosa
Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Phil has been performing since the age of ten when he auditioned for the Tucson Boys Chorus. He was immediately placed in the top touring group that sang all over the country, including for the President's annual White House tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. By high school, Phil was singing and playing keyboard with a popular local band when he was “headhunted” by a well-established group called Oracle. That band was soon picked up by national talent agency, ATI, and they played nightclubs and concert venues in Denver, Chicago, Milwaukee, and all points between for a decade. One of their biggest highlights was being the opening act for the international super-group Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Between tours, Phil earned a degree in Music Theory and Composition from the University of Arizona, was an assistant opera conductor as a grad student, and then switched to a degree and career in law. But he has never stopped making music and performing, both in Tucson bands playing for conventions and charitable events, and as the director and keyboardist for CCM groups at local churches where he enjoys working with many diverse musicians, both young and old.
Phil is delighted to continue expanding students' musical horizons at School of Rock in Tucson! He and his wife have five now-adult children who are very musical, including two attorneys, an environmental scientist, and a professional musical theater actor.
Alex Faulkner
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher, Vocal Teacher
Alex grew up near Charleston, West Virginia, where he picked up the guitar at age ten and never looked back, also diving headfirst into percussion in concert/marching band and guitar in jazz ensembles throughout middle school, high school, and college.
A multi-instrumentalist, he plays guitar, bass guitar, vocals, percussion, and also enjoys experimenting with digital performance tools like the Launchpad. Guitar remains his first love—especially when he's exploring the sounds of classic rock, jazz fusion, jam bands, bluegrass, reggae, folk, R&B, and outlaw country. A lifelong Deadhead, he blends his deep musical curiosity with a free-spirited, improvisational edge.
Alex studied Music Education at West Virginia State University and Music Production/Technology at Kent State University. He has also been gigging since the age of 15, with performances across the U.S. in cities such as NYC, Chicago, Orlando and St. Louis, as well as internationally in Toronto, Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz.
Now based in Tucson, he teaches guitar, bass, and vocals, bringing years of stage experience, technical training, and heartfelt passion to his students at School of Rock Tucson. When he’s not teaching or playing music, he enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with his wife and their two children.
Diego Nava
Guitar Teacher, Bass Guitar Teacher
Diego has been playing guitar for 17 years and bass guitar for 15 years. Diego is currently a student at the University of Arizona pursuing a Bachelor’s in Music Education. His preferred styles of playing include mariachi, classic rock, indie, alternative, and pop.
In his spare time, Diego likes to play video games on a variety of systems, such as PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo. As part of his love of video games, Diego started to play the guitar after experiencing a video game called Guitar Hero. When not at School of Rock Tucson, he is currently is playing around Tucson with a Gypsie Jazz band called Goonsville as the guitarist, and also as the bassist for Mariachi Arizona, the official mariachi group of the University of Arizona.
Xiamara Jennings
Vocal Teacher
Xiamara Jennings is an artist, singer-songwriter, and vocal teacher from Atlanta, Georgia, who believes music is one of the most powerful tools for confidence and connection. With a background that bridges performance and early childhood education, she brings patience, passion, and creativity to every class.
She’s been performing since she was four, trained in chorus and music theory, and toured in a professional girl group where she gained experience in studio recording, vocal arranging, song writing and live performance. Alongside her artistry, she’s worked in childcare for over six years—helping kids grow through music, movement, and imagination.
Today, she continues to pursue her career as a singer and performer while sharing her love of music with her students. At School of Rock Tucson, Xiamara brings all those experiences together to help young musicians explore rhythm, melody, and stage presence in a fun, encouraging environment where their individuality shines.
Emily Blomstrand
Vocal Teacher, Keyboard + Piano Teacher
Emily started her music journey growing up in Sierra Vista, just south of Tucson. There, Emily learned the basics of music theory and performance, which served her well later in her college career at the U of A’s Fred Fox School of Music. Emily furthered her music education while applying her abilities in both school ensembles and several extracurricular music projects, including performing at the Dusk Music Festival.
Emily’s main instruments of voice and keys are complemented by her time songwriting and producing in her home studio, where she works on alt-rock and indie-pop soundscapes.
Emily comes to School of Rock Tucson with a drive to empower students to find meaning, community, and fulfillment in music!
Christina Daniels
Lead Studio Coordinator
Born and raised in northern New Jersey, Christina grew up with music and the arts being a big part of her life. From her family members introducing her to different genres and artists and influencing her current music taste, to being surrounded by many different mediums of art with the support of her parents to explore them as much as she’d like, it inspired her to pursue hobbies and eventually jobs in the arts that she otherwise would not have had the opportunity or courage to pursue. She went to Montclair State University originally studying math education and Spanish translation, but soon realized photography had her heart and pivoted to that as a career path. She opened her own photography business that focused on portraits and events such as weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and concert photography, but had to close it after a few years once the pandemic hit in 2020. Christina then moved to Tucson amidst the pandemic and soon found her place in the local performing arts community.
Since moving to Tucson, she has worn many different industry hats before landing in music education—positions that now help her connect with students, families, and staff from all walks of life. Christina joined School of Rock Tucson in February 2025 as Lead Studio Coordinator, bringing over three years of experience in music school administration. Her diverse professional background and lifelong passion for music and community keeps her at the heart of the studio’s daily operations—supporting students, families, and staff to ensure everything runs smoothly, all the while creating a welcoming and energetic studio environment. Whether she's helping students thrive at School of Rock or belting out a throwback anthem on stage, Christina brings enthusiasm, personality, and heart to everything she does.
Outside of work, Christina is an avid karaoke enthusiast (with a couple of competition wins under her belt!), and has shown that karaoke is a longtime outlet and creative passion for her. She’s also a burlesque vocalist, combining dance and performance with live vocals, and celebrated her two year anniversary in April 2025. She recently stepped into the spotlight as the lead singer of a local Emo cover band. At home, she’s a proud pet parent to three cats—Oliver, Gambit, and Harvest—and a spirited ferret named Scooby.
Lili Steffen
Studio Coordinator
Lili's first exposure to music was the songs her mother sang to her as a baby, with folk ballads by Joan Baez imprinted in her memory to this day. She learned classical piano and cello as a kid, but took a long hiatus from playing music until she found a love for plucking out the folk songs from her childhood on the guitar. She hasn't looked back since, and is now a dedicated student of the fiddle.
After working for a few years as a repair tech at The Folk Shop in Tucson, Lili co-founded a music store called The Sound Post in 2024, which she now operates as a standalone violin shop and luthiery. Her true passion is repairing and restoring orchestral instruments. When not working on one of her many projects or at School of Rock Tucson, you can find her spending quality time with her life partner, Tim, and cattle dog, Burly.
Jesse Brown
Studio Coordinator
Jesse Brown is a passionate young music producer with a diverse range of interests across various music genres. He has produced songs for artists that have collectively garnered over 3 million streams.
Jesse is dedicated to building an enthusiastic fan base for the music he creates with his two closest collaborators. With eight years of self-taught composition experience, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and empowering young people to create music they can be proud of.