Who We Are
Our Instructors
Rooted in Music offers private piano, voice, clarinet, guitar, + ukulele lessons in Tampa. Our in-home lessons are taught by our classically-trained instructors, Elisabet Fandiño, Carrie Clarke, Matthew Heger, Amanda Coleman, Traviona Cross, and Alexander (Sasha) Shaneyfelt.
Elisabet Fandiño
Owner + Piano Instructor
Born in New Jersey and raised in Jacksonville, Elisabet Fandiño graduated from the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts with a Gold seal for Piano Performance. Ms. Fandiño holds an Associate of Arts degree from Florida State College of Jacksonville (2011), a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Tampa (2013) and a Master’s Degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Florida (2015). While studying at both the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida, she was a recipient of the honored Sant’Yago Foundation Scholarship. Her principal teachers are Dr. Grigorios Zamparas, Dharshini Tambiah, and Ileana Fernandez.
Ms. Fandiño has performed as an extra musician with The Florida Orchestra, a group with which she also received a teaching fellowship in 2013. She has also worked as an accompanist for many soloists and chamber ensemble and presented both solo and chamber works at the International Festival of Art and Culture in Portoheli, Greece in 2016.
Elisabet is the owner of Rooted in Music LLC, a large private piano studio in Tampa, FL where she teaches upwards of 60 students each week and coordinates biannual recitals and other performance opportunities for her students. She is a member of the National Piano Guild and has served as both the Secretary and Treasurer of the Tampa Chapter of the Music Teacher’s National Association.
Carrie Clarke
Piano Instructor + Accounting
Carrie Clarke holds a Master of Music in Composition degree from The University of South Florida (2024). She also holds degrees in music from The University of Tampa (2013, Magna Cum Laude) and Hillsborough Community College (2011). Previously, she gained certification to teach Music K-12 in Florida, and taught Elementary Music (Grades 1 thru 5) throughout Hillsborough County Public Schools.
She received the University of Tampa Music Technology and Composition Award for her compositions, “Along the Gaviota Coast” and “Brass Quintet No.1.” Carrie is a member of the Music Teachers National Association.
Carrie was raised in Buffalo, NY, where she graduated from City Honors High School (1979) with a New York State Regents Diploma as well as an Academic Music Diploma. She enjoyed performing in several musicals in school and in the community (Art Park in Lewiston NY) and singing in several choirs.
Matthew Heger
Piano, Voice, Clarinet Instructor + Administrator
Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Matthew Heger is a Music Teacher throughout Hillsborough County Schools and the Director of both Drum and Recorder ensembles at Hunter’s Green Elementary. Matthew completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2024 in Music Education at the University of South Florida. During his time at USF, Matthew has been a member of the Symphonic Band, Clarinet Ensemble, and Chamber Singers, studying under esteemed directors such as Dr. Tina DiMeglio, Prof. Calvin Falwell, Dr. Asher Carlson, and Prof. Allyssa Jones and was an intern Music Teacher and Director with Hillsborough County Public Schools with mentors Cliff Fouts, Sean Hankins, and Sarah Baca.
Matthew’s community involvement includes playing with the Hillsborough Community College Band “Fanfare Concert Winds” and singing with the Concert Chorus. He has also performed in the Musical Pit Orchestra for the production of “Carousel” and participated in the award-winning “Hurricane of Harmony” group at the Barbershop Harmony Society’s Mid-Winter Convention held at the Grand Ole Opry in 2019. His early musical education included piano lessons with Betty Carrico, Rachel Fraser, and Renee Pendry while living in Pennsylvania and Illinois, where he also played both the piano and organ at church.
As a dedicated member of the National Association for Music Education, Florida Band Association, Florida Vocal Association, and Barbershop Harmony Society, and Hillsborough County Elementary Music Educators Council (HCEMEC). Matthew is committed to fostering a love for music in his students.
He has been recognized for his excellence with awards such as the “Semper Fidelis” Award for Musical Excellence by the United States Marines Youth Foundation and the Marine Corps League, as well as two Director’s Awards.
Matthew is also a Rooted in Music administrator, assisting with scheduling and client inquiries.
Kevin Hawes
Piano Instructor
Born and raised in Temperance, MI, Kevin Hawes is an American pianist with a deep passion for the Romantic era of classical music. He has performed major works from this period, including Chopin’s Ballade No. 4 in F major, Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Danse Macabre for two pianos, Brahms’ Op. 39 Waltzes for four hands, and more. Kevin is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Studies at the University of South Florida under Professor Ghadeer Abaido, where he has refined his skills in music theory and piano technique.
Kevin’s musical journey began over a decade ago when he started playing piano at age eight. Initially pursuing biomedical engineering, he ultimately decided to follow his passion and switch to music full-time upon entering university. Now, nearly three years later, he is preparing to attend international piano festivals and attend graduate school at the University of South Florida next year.
Outside of school, Kevin contributed to the music community by teaching piano privately under the guidance of Derek Hudson in 2024. During this time, Kevin taught students from the age of eight to Adults, covering a wide range of music fundamentals, piano technique and music theory. Kevin’s main philosophy is to engage with the student on a personal level and instill in them the same passion and emotional depth he has found through music. When not playing music, Kevin likes to bake goods; ask him about his cinnamon bread!
Traviona Cross
Piano + Voice Instructor
Traviona is a dedicated music educator, performer, and composer with over a decade of experience in vocal performance and a strong foundation in piano. Traviona is currently at Hillsborough Community College studying voice under Professor Stephanie Sager and Piano Skills and Techniques under Professor Ken Hanks. Both mentors have been instrumental in refining her technical skills, musical expression, and versatility.
Her musical journey began 11 years ago as a vocalist on the worship team at Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church. My passion and leadership in music led me to become the church’s Youth Worship Leader, where she mentored and directed young musicians. In 2019, she began studying piano to support my leadership role, and since then, piano has become a central part of her musical identity.
As a versatile musician, she performs and teaches a wide range of styles including jazz, classical, opera, and musical theater. Traviona also is a member of Tampa Master Chorale, an auditioned, highly select 150-voice volunteer chorus embracing a broad representation of singers from the entire Tampa Bay area. Traviona has successfully prepared Durant High School students for competitive events such as All-County, All-State, and Solo & Ensemble, with every student earning superior ratings—a testament to her dedication to excellence in music education. In recognition of her efforts, Traviona was honored with the Director’s Award by Durant High School.
In addition to teaching, she is deeply passionate about choral composition and am committed to helping students unlock their full musical potential while also growing as a composer. Her strong piano foundation, developed through years of focused study, continues to support and enhance her vocal work, teaching, and creative expression.
Amanda Coleman
Piano + Voice Instructor
Born in Maryland and raised in Clearwater, Florida, Amanda Coleman is a dedicated music educator passionate about fostering creativity and musical growth in students of all ages. Specializing in voice, piano, and string techniques, she brings extensive experience from her roles as a teacher, intern, and performer. Amanda graduated with her Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of South Florida, where she has refined her skills in vocal techniques, piano, songwriting, and performance. Amanda fostered her love for Piano and Viola at a young age starting in Elementary school and has continued to develop her skills through her time at USF.
As classically trained soprano, Amanda has performed arias from Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte, as well as Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. In addition to her experience with Classical Vocal music, Amanda has written and released her own music, within the genres of Pop, Contemporary, and Gospel.
As a Music Intern at the Patel Conservatory, Amanda led sectionals during the Choral Intensive Camp and provided individualized feedback to aspiring singer-songwriters, along with leading music direction for showcases within the camp.
When not practicing or doing homework assignments, Amanda enjoys roller skating and baking sweet treats!
Alexander Shaneyfelt (Sasha)
Piano Instructor
Alexander Shaneyfelt is a first-generation American pianist raised in Texas. He is currently pursuing an associate degree in Piano Performance at Hillsborough Community College studying under Prof. Ken Hanks, with plans to further his music education. Alexander trained under Judith Cataldo at the Musical Arts Piano Conservatory in Tampa, where he earned a high school diploma in piano performance with high honors, awarded by the National Piano Guild. Specializing in classical piano, he is also an accomplished improviser, and composer for solo piano, orchestra, and chamber groups.
He composes in both his free time and for larger projects; his work has been featured in short films, indie games, and live performances. Outside of music, Alexander enjoys language learning, literature, strength training, and film.