Meet The Team

Leslie Cozakas

Leslie has been teaching music for 17 years. She has her teaching credential, Masters of Education, and has taught in an impressive variety of classroom settings. Although she loves to learn about and do pretty much anything, music is her utmost passion, and it fills her heart to share this love through teaching. Leslie is a classically trained violinist and pianist and is currently studying the cello. She has played with the UC Davis Symphony, Folsom Symphony, Dallas Unity Orchestra, and Fort Worth Civic Orchestra, as well as baroque ensembles, quartets, bluegrass groups, a country band, and a rock band. Leslie is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association, Texas Music Teachers Association, and several local chapters around Ellis County. She loves to collaborate with professionals and musicians around North Texas and is an avid supporter for fine arts in Ellis County. Aside from music, Leslie enjoys running, hiking, and a good cup of tea. She lives in Waxahachie with her husband Jeremy, her two children Maleah (8) and Duke (5), and her cat 'Kovsky' (named after Tchaikovsky).

Jeremy Cozakas

Jeremy (known as "Mr. C" by his students) has been playing the guitar for 30 years. He has performed in a wide variety of bands, from country to rock, and has studied multiple styles of playing. Mr. C is also a songwriter and plays the bass and banjo. Aside from music, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and going to church (where he performs with both the orchestra and the contemporary band).

Tetiana Chernysheva

​Mrs.Tetiana has a bachelor's degree in music. She has been playing the piano for more than 20 years and also learned to play the violin, fulfilling a childhood dream. As a violinist, she played in chamber and symphony orchestras. She was born and raised in Ukraine, lived and worked in Germany for some time, and in 2022 moved to the USA with her husband and three daughters. Mrs. Tetiana loves to sing, do arrangements of music, collaborate with professionals and musicians around and share music knowledge. In addition to music, she likes to cook, visit new places, travel and soulful conversations over a cup of delicious coffee.

Caitlin Yadamec

Caitlin was a four-time Texas All-State Choir singer, a Student Director of the Concert Chorale at the University of Houston, and the Head Director of award-winning high school choirs for ten years. She currently teaches pre-K at a local preschool, as well as voice and piano lessons at Leslie’s School of Music. She lives in Midlothian with her husband, two children, and their crazy miniature schnauzer. 

Ella McCown

Ella has a B.A in Music from Nelson University (previously SAGU) and has been involved in music her whole life. She has been singing classically since she was a little girl and doing more contemporary styles since teenhood. She started piano later in life but has a wealth of music theory knowledge. Ella loves children! She has been an active member of children programs for almost a decade and a teacher for many years.  Ella loves to encourage creativity and freedom in her students. Ella has been on many worship teams, leading both vocally and on keys. She enjoys arranging and writing music in her free time while snuggled up on her couch with her cat. She is also a barista! Ask her for recommendations!

Kerri Beckman

Kerri is a strings and piano teacher and has been playing violin and fiddle for over 20 years. When she isn't teaching or practicing herself, Kerri can be found chasing after her two toddlers, painting, or caving with her husband. Kerri lives in Waxahachie with her husband, her two daughters, and her music-loving Labrador, Winnie.

Saige Flores

Saige Flores has been playing the piano for over 12 years. She has worked as a music teacher for the past three years, and looks forward to continuing to share her love of music for years to come. She has been well-trained in music theory and has won the annual Dallas Southwest Music Teachers Association Jazz Contest the last four years. She has participated in sonatina and hymn festivals for the piano, medaled in state solo music performances for piano, violin, and voice, as well as performed as a soloist for several private events. She loves serving on her church’s student worship team and performing at various assisted living facilities in the area. In addition to the piano, she also plays the violin, ukulele, and guitar. Saige is attending DBU for music education.

Matthew Brodeur

Mr. Matt has been playing drums since he was four years old and is incredibly talented. He currently performs with multiple bands, has an impressive drum teaching and performance resume, and even has his own recording studio!