Welcome!
Iovanne Music Academy
ABOUT
WHY IOVANNE MUSIC ACADEMY?
Making music fun. Keeping standards high. Iovanne Music Academy features highly qualified, enthusiastic educators dedicated to teaching private piano, voice, guitar, ukulele, electric bass, drums, oboe, clarinet, flute, cello, violin, saxophone and bassoon lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds. Based in Kirkland, families enjoy the ease and comfort of teachers traveling to their home for lessons.
Interested in classical, jazz, pop, country, theory, improvisation, composition, or learning the basics? Rather than follow a 'one size fits all' approach, our educators work to understand your goals, learning styles and interests. We believe in building well-rounded musicians, with lessons tailored to the individual. Our students read music, compose, arrange, perform for others and enjoy lessons. We believe music is a lifelong journey that should be fun, challenging, and shared with others. Iovanne Music Academy is a wonderful place to explore your music goals and learn from teachers truly dedicated to their craft.
Call 206.384.7952 to find out more! Lessons offered weekdays and weekends to fit your schedule.
MEET OUR TEAM
Jennifer Iovanne Mackend
FOUNDER
TEACHER - PIANO AND VOICE
Jennifer began teaching private piano and voice lessons in 2007, and founded Iovanne Music Academy in 2013 to provide quality music education to students of all ages and backgrounds. Drawn to music at an early age, Jennifer began music lessons at age 5 and was accompanying choirs and working under a voice teacher in her middle and high school years. An active music educator, director, arranger and performer since graduating from the University of Washington, Jennifer has taught privately and collaborated with some of the area's most vibrant performing arts organizations, including Studio East, Broadway Bound, Gallery School of Music and Dance, and Evergreen City Ballet. She has also served as Music Director for Northwest Christian Church in Seattle since 2008.
Jennifer performs at private and corporate events, and has been awarded #1 Music in KING5's Best of Western Washington numerous times. She has performed in some of the area's top venues, including the Washington State Governor's Mansion, Columbia Tower Club, Four Seasons Hotel, and Salish Lodge.
Jennifer lives in Kirkland with her husband and children.
​​Kim
PIANO, VOICE, GUITAR, UKULELE
Kim is an accomplished music teacher and director. She grew up in Olympia and began studying music as a young child. Since graduating from UC Davis, Kim has been very active as a music teacher, director, conductor, arranger, and curriculum developer. She has worked with incredible and diverse organizations over the years, including ArtsWest, Seattle Musical Theater, Bellevue Christian School, Northwest University, Balagan Theatre, and Second Story Rep. One of Kim's favorite aspects of music is the opportunity to "tell stories and shape performances in a way that drives the story forward." When working with private music students, Kim adores "the opportunity I have to grow a student's confidence and sense of self."
.jpeg)
Lauren
PIANO AND VOICE
Lauren has been surrounded by music throughout her life. She studied at Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University Long Beach, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral-Vocal Music Education. In addition to teaching private piano and voice, she has conducted children's choirs and performed/recorded with professional choirs at prestigious venues around the world, including the Vatican and Walt Disney Concert Hall. When not teaching music, Lauren can be found swing dancing and training dance teachers at workshops around the world. She also enjoys working on her balcony garden and is an avid reader.
Daniel
PIANO, SAXOPHONE, FLUTE, CLARINET, OBOE, BASSOON
Daniel is a pianist, woodwind doubler, and educator with a deep passion for musical theatre and chamber music. Originally from Georgia, he is dedicated to storytelling through music, a love that has taken him to stages and concert halls across the Southeast and the Pacific Northwest. As a versatile musician, Daniel has performed in various roles, including collaborative pianist, section player, pit musician, and music director.
As an educator, Daniel is known for his kindness, patience, and ability to adapt his teaching to suit each student’s learning style and musical goals. He believes in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment, whether working with beginners or advanced musicians. His teaching experience spans individual instruction, group lessons, and large ensembles, always with a focus on helping students grow in both skill and confidence.
For over a decade, Daniel served as the resident music director for Athens Creative Theatre in Athens, GA, before relocating to the PNW. Now based in Seattle, he continues his work as a music director and pit musician with The 5th Avenue Theatre, Renton Civic Theatre, and Magpie Artist’s Ensemble, while also inspiring young performers at Willows Preparatory School.​
_edited_edited.jpg)
Evelina
PIANO
FLUENT IN RUSSIAN
Evelina started her musical journey at a very young age in Ukraine. Growing up in a musical family, her exposure to frequent concerts, opera and ballet performances led her to her love of classical music. Evelina graduated from a Ukrainian music school for children, and holds a degree in Piano Pedagogy and Accompaniment through Shostakovich State College. Evelina teaches beginner through advanced students, and loves to help her students discover the beautiful language of music. She and her husband have a college-aged son and daughter.
Isaac
PIANO, VOICE, OBOE
Isaac grew up in the midwest and began studying piano at age 6. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in music therapy. His musical work experience is broad: he has worked as a music therapist with people in hospice care, sung competitively in national and international barbershop competitions, played keys and musically directed pit orchestras in the theater community, and has played in a house rock band on international cruise ships. Isaac is a gifted music educator and, stemming from his background in music therapy, he believes that music is for all. He is happy to offer lessons adapted to suit each individual's unique learning styles and interests. Beyond music, Isaac enjoys chess and spending time outdoors with his partner, Leta and their cat, Lydian.
Marieta
PIANO AND VOICE
FLUENT IN SLOVAK, CZECH, GERMAN
Marieta is an enthusiastic, patient and experienced music educator. She has worked as a choral conductor with both youth and adults, and has served as a presenter, interpreter and jury assistant for choral competitions. She has performed extensively in her home country of Slovakia, and throughout Europe. Marieta has 12 years of music teaching experience and has worked with all ages, including toddlers and preschoolers. Locally, she has worked with LWSD choirs, Music in the Parks, Kirkland Choral Society, and has taught piano and voice both privately and in small groups. She lives locally with her husband and school age children.
Ilene
PIANO, VOICE, UKULELE, FLUTE, OBOE, CLARINET, VIOLIN, CELLO
Ilene is a talented and engaging multi-instrumentalist and educator. She grew up in Illinois, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Wesleyan University. Ilene has taught private music lessons since 2010, and teaches piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, flute, oboe, clarinet, violin and cello to all ages. She enjoys meeting individual student needs and helping them navigate the path to their musical goals, while also fostering a growth mindset. In addition to teaching private students, Ilene has experience working as a Band Director at a middle school, providing music enrichment to preschoolers, working with youth in STEM as a Computer Science Teacher with Chestnut Hill Academy and Curriculum Writer with CodeWizards HQ, and has served as Board President of the Seattle Festival Orchestra. Ilene lives locally with her husband. Beyond music, she enjoys baking, sewing, and gardening.
Rebecca
PIANO AND VOICE
Rebecca is a dedicated and awesomely inspiring piano and voice teacher. A PNW native, she received her BFA from Bellhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. She has taught piano and voice since 2016, and her musical experience also includes work as an Assistant Music Director and Pianist for Kitsap Forest Theatre, Pianist for Village Theatre, Accompanist at Bellhaven University, Church Pianist and Musical Theatre Coach. A self-proclaimed "music history and theory nerd", one of Rebecca's favorite aspects of teaching is sharing the joy in developing her students' musicality and creatively collaborating with others. She is a huge fan of classical music and musical theater. Beyond music, she enjoys baking, spending time in nature, and collage.
Lisa
GUITAR AND UKULELE
Lisa is a guitar and ukulele teacher, songwriter/musician, and ASCAP member. She holds a degree in Music from The Evergreen State College, and has written songs with Roger Fisher (of Heart) and played benefit concerts with Alan White (of YES). Lisa has been teaching guitar/ukulele since 1996, and enjoys working with students of all ages, adults included! In addition to her work as a music educator, Lisa has worked as a Board Operator for AM 880 KIXI, provided audio training and support to local organizations, and volunteered with YWCA Children's Center. Her music has been played on radio stations throughout the United States and Europe.
Matt
PIANO, GUITAR, UKULELE, ELECTRIC BASS, DRUMS
Matt is a PNW native with a deeply rooted love of music. Influenced at a young age by artists like Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, he grew up studying music and began teaching peers while in high school. Matt holds a degree in Music Production from Seattle Pacific University, where he studied both classical and jazz styles. He has taught and performed throughout the Seattle area as well as abroad, while living in Ecuador for a year. He has performed extensively as a solo musician and in collaboration with others through his funk jazz quartet. Matt teaches various styles with a focus on musicality, expression, improvisation, and promotes efficient and healthy technique. He believes in the importance of structure and commitment in music lessons, while also ensuring they are enjoyable. Matt values the sense of community that music fosters and views this as an integral aspect of personal and musical growth.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​Maria-Viktoria
PIANO, VOICE, VIOLIN + VIOLA​
Maria-Viktoria is a Seattle-born musician with a lifelong love of music sparked by her musical family. She grew up singing and playing piano, violin, and viola, which led her to earn a Bachelor of Music from Pacific Lutheran University. There, she performed in opera, accompanied on piano and organ, and studied with top musicians. She went on to complete a Master of Sacred Music at the University of Notre Dame, where she focused on choral and instrumental conducting. Now nearing 10 years of teaching experience, Maria-Viktoria has taught music in both classroom and private settings, working with students of all ages to help them build confidence and creativity through music. She's especially interested in how music brings people together and creates space for connection, reflection, and joy.
Kylie
PIANO + VOICE
Kylie is a singer, actor, and dedicated voice and piano teacher with a passion for helping students discover joy through music and artistic expression. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Utah State University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from NYU Steinhardt. Kylie has taught at both NYU Steinhardt and Boise State University as an adjunct professor and most recently worked at Seattle Voice Lab, specializing in gender-affirming voice training for trans and nonbinary individuals. Her teaching methods are grounded in modern vocal pedagogy and tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, fostering both technical growth and confidence. In addition to teaching, Kylie is an active performer. Favorite roles include Christine in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Woman 1 in Songs for a New World. She is continually learning and exploring new ways to bring music to life, both in the studio and on stage.