08/19/2026
Our Teacher Feature for the month of August is Rea!
Book a lesson with Rea HERE: https://musicalsurprise.opus1.io/w/rea
With more than 30 years of experience in music ministry, education, and performance, Rea brings a lifelong passion for piano, voice, and choral leadership to every student she teaches. She served as Director of Music & Liturgy and Music Teacher at St. John Vianney Catholic Church & School from 2012–2026, following more than a decade as Music Director at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Throughout her career, Rea has directed choirs, cantors, children’s ensembles, and contemporary worship bands, while accompanying and leading Masses in English and Spanish on piano and organ. Her work has also included planning music for bilingual and trilingual liturgies, weddings, funerals, retreats, concerts, and special diocesan events throughout the Phoenix area.
Teaching has always been at the center of Rea’s work. Over the years, she has taught hundreds of students each week in Pre-K through 8th grade music programs, helping young musicians grow in confidence, creativity, discipline, and performance skills. She has extensive experience training singers in healthy vocal technique, musicality, stage presence, ear training, and ensemble performance, while also helping piano students develop strong foundational technique and a genuine love for music. Whether preparing students for recitals, auditions, performances, or simply personal enjoyment, Rea strives to create a supportive and encouraging environment where every student can thrive.
In addition to teaching and directing, Rea has performed throughout the Diocese of Phoenix for concerts, liturgies, weddings, and major diocesan celebrations, including Arizona Rosary Sunday and Bishop Nevares’ ordination Mass. She studied at Phoenix College and the Kino Institute and continues to pursue ongoing musical and liturgical education. Her teaching approach blends professionalism, patience, and joy, with lessons tailored to each student’s unique goals and abilities. Rea believes music is both an art and a gift and considers it a privilege to help students discover their own voice and musical expression.