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, and Dallas Unity 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 (7) and Duke (4), her dog 'Banjo' and 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).

Mark Freitas

Mark has a degree in Music Performance (Trumpet) and Master's degree in Church Music (Major: Conducting, Minor: Voice). His professional music career has spanned over 40 years as a trumpeter, pianist, keyboardist, Minister of Music/Worship Pastor, jazz band leader, choral and orchestral conductor, composer, and arranger. He has taught private trumpet lessons in classical and jazz techniques for over 40 years, as well as private lessons for keyboardists, conducting, music theory, and worship leading. Aside from music, he enjoys woodworking, movies, traveling
and cooking. Mark and his wife, Janine, have three amazing sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and six furry grandsons (dogs and cats).

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. 

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 10 years. She has been well-trained in music theory and has won the annual Dallas Southwest Music Teachers Association Jazz Contest the last three years. She has participated in sonatina and hymn festivals for the piano as well as performed as a soloist for several private events. Besides the piano, she also plays the violin, ukulele, and guitar. Saige enjoys drawing, reading, and watching movies with her family in her free time.