Success Stories

Over the decades, countless students have achieved personal and professional milestones thanks to the support of Northside and the Music Foundation. Here are some of the many inspiring stories:

Diana Vasileva

After coming to the United States in 2019, Diana Vasileva and her mother searched for a school so she could continue her music studies.  Northside Music School accepted Diana’s application for a scholarship.  Betty Roque and Dr April Brahinsky recognized her musical skills and worked together to find a quality piano for Diana.  The piano was generously donated by the estate of Gilda Cruz-Romo, an operatic singer who performed at the Metropolitan Opera and many other world-acclaimed opera houses.  Diana has continued to take lessons at Northside Music School and performed admirably on piano and voice at the studio 2025 Fall recitals.

Aiden Putra

Michael Villareal has been a great mentor to so many of our talented and gifted students.  In 2024, he taught Aiden Putra, a 13 yr old Full Scholarship Violin student, who placed in Region 29 Youth Orchestra of San Antonio (YOSA) 2024. The purity of performance of Aiden Putra’s virtuoso abilities gained the attention of many in our classical community as a prodigy. Aiden is now under the explicit instruction of Karen George.

Kate McHerron

In 2025, Kate McHerron, a high school sophomore who has studied with Micheal Villarreal for over three years, placed 1st chair Cellist with Region 29, made Youth Orchestra of San Antonio, and will be featured in YOSA’s upcoming 2026 European Tour.

Everette Montoya

Everette Montoya who is in 8th grade, has recently been referred to Micheal Villarreal’s instruction. Everette placed 1st chair Cello Region 29 2025 and has an opportunity to solo with the Youth Orchestra of San Antonio Philharmonic Performances in 2026.

Karine and Raquel Vasquez

Our voice instructor, Alicia Graham taught voice lessons to Karine and Raquel Vasquez, who attended Northside Music for over a year. Both Karine and Raquel were accepted into Incarnate Word to pursue higher education in voice. Karine is studying for a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a concentration in voice. Raquel is studying for a Master’s Degree in Education. We are very proud of these two individuals’ efforts.

Dr. Beth Downum Quillian

Dr. Beth Downum Quillian studied piano here at Northside Music School with Peggy Abraham from ages seven to seventeen and went on to earn degrees in music, including a doctorate in piano performance. Dr. Downum Quillian then became a professor of piano at Dallas Baptist University.