Who are the music teachers?

School Director

Erica Mulcahy

Erica Mulcahy, an accomplished music teacher with a passion for piano, who founded IMBAS in 2018 and established it as a NGO in 2022, in collaboration with benefactor Seyda San. Erica has created a welcoming community space for art and culture in Portugal and her wealth of experience has enabled her to develop the music teaching methodology in use at IMBAS. At its core is a system of learning that promotes the students' development and a positive connection to music. Through her method, students build confidence, refine focus and discover the joy of performance. Her mission is to create an educational environment for our students to express creativity and personal development, celebrate artistic expression and to create an inspiring community.

Piano

Holly Shirra de Carvalho

Holly is a dedicated piano teacher with over 15 years of experience, known for her calm, supportive style and ability to connect with students of all abilities. With a background in music therapy, she helps students build confidence and a deep connection with music. Passionate about creating her own resources, she makes lessons fun and interactive often incorporating other instruments. Holly has a special interest in teaching children with special needs, especially those on the autism spectrum, and adapts her approach to suit each child's learning style.

Piano & Vocal Coach

Rebeca de Souza

Rebeca is a pianist, singer, and passionate educator from Brazil, who spent her childhood in Africa. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Music Sciences. With experience training 64 music teachers in Guinea-Bissau, she is dedicated to fostering musical education. In her lessons, Rebeca connects with her students' interests to enhance their love for music, creating an engaging and inspiring learning environment.

Vocal Coach

Elisa Rodrigues

Elisa is a Portuguese international jazz singer who started performing live at the age of 8. Although she pursued other academic subjects, music has remained a source of pleasure, self-discovery, self-love, and confidence. At age 24, she recorded her first album, which became a best-seller in Portugal and earned her the title of the country's best jazz singer in 30 years. Today, she is a passionate and experienced vocal coach for students of all ages and skill levels.

Piano and Vocal Coach

Maria Voitenkova

Maria is a multilingual teacher and from Riga, Latvia, fluent in English, Russian, Dutch, and Latvian. She graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of the Hague, with a bachelor's degree in Jazz Vocals. Maria is an expert in various musical genres and provides personalised singing and piano lessons in various levels and styles. She has a friendly and personal approach, adapting her teaching methods to the needs of her students, focusing on building up confidence, posture and stage presence.

Saxophone, Clarinet and Composing

Tomás Boto

Tomás Boto is a Saxophonist and Clarinetist as well as a composer/arranger. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire in the Hague with a bachelor's and master's degree in Jazz Saxophone. He is also experienced in composing and arranging for large ensembles. Passionate about Jazz and also interested in diverse genres, he teaches from beginner to advanced students of all ages. Focusing on improvisation and the students own expression in music, Tomás blends theory and technical abilities in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Groups

Carolina Manfredi

Carolina is a classically-trained singer and actor. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Voice Performance from McGill University in Montreal, where she also specialized in early and Baroque music performance. She has performed in operas, choirs, stage theatre, and film. Carolina teaches voice (mainly centered in classical and musical theatre styles and enjoys exploring other genres), drama, and dance/ movement. As a teacher, Carolina works to adapt to students’ needs to help them grow and reach their full potential.

Art classes for Adults & Children

Angie Hickson

Angie Hickson, an English artist with a background in fine art and textile design, moved from The Netherlands to Portugal in 2020. Inspired by the vibrant coastline, she has focused on restoring surfboards into art. With over 20 years of experience, her paintings have been exhibited and sold internationally. In 2021, she founded Portugal Art Classes, offering art workshops and events in Cascais. Since September 2024, she has been teaching at IMBAS, helping students explore creativity through various artistic mediums.

Drums

Nuno Sarafa

Nuno's passion for music and dedication to his craft shine through in every beat he plays. His wealth of experience and versatility as a musician have allowed him to collaborate with various bands in the Portuguese music scene, like X-Wife, Best Youth, We Trust or White Haus. Beyond the stage, Nuno's commitment to music education is evident in his lessons. By understanding each student's strengths and preferences, he creates a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Guitar & Drums

Eduardo Faustino

Eduardo is an experienced teacher and musician with a degree in Jazz e Musica Moderna. He has collaborated with numerous Portuguese artists such as Nena and Carolina de Deus. Eduardo creates a fun and engaging learning experience for his students. He customises lessons to each student's abilities and interests. Eduardo is passionate about inspiring the next generation of talented musicians.

Guitar

Adam Dilke Wing

Adam’s journey with the guitar began at 8 years old. Originally from the UK, he achieved merit awards in classical guitar before expanding his abilities to cover acoustic, electric and bass guitar. Adam has a relaxed teaching style, a natural charisma and positive attitude that make it a joy to come and learn. His customised session plans emphasise the importance of understanding core musical concepts which then can be applied to any style of playing. Whether it’s your very first lesson or you’re getting ready to take centre stage, Adam will be there to inspire your creativity and foster your love of music!

Piano & Vocal Coach

Victor Martins

Victor, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, moved to Portugal at 14, where he discovered his love for singing, joined a local choir, and formed his first band as lead vocalist. In 2011, he moved to Lisbon to study jazz at Escola de Jazz Luiz Villas-Boas, where he also became the lead singer of the Students Big Band. He later pursued a degree in Jazz and Modern Music at Lisbon Lusíada University, specializing in singing and piano. After over eight years of jazz studies, Victor transitioned into teaching non-classical vocal techniques and piano at 3 Tempos Music School. He has since taught over sixty students, preparing them for competitions, music college, and offering career consulting and recording services.

Violin, Classical Singing and Piano

Miroslava Takova

Born in Bulgaria, Miroslava (Mira) graduated from the Sofia State Musical Academy having studied violin, singing, piano and chamber music. She has performed in numerous International Concerts and Orchestras, including being a part of Michael Buble's concerts in Portugal. Mira is passionate about teaching violin, classical singing and also piano to students of all ages and skill levels.

Piano & Flute

Becky Hazlewood

Becky is a singer, pianist, flutist and songwriter. With an ABSRM Grade 8 in Flute and an ABSRM Diploma in singing. She is originally from the UK and her love of music spans many styles from opera through to rock. Becky’s lessons combine fun and theory, focusing on developing students’ natural strengths and abilities as well as building confidence. She enjoys singing performances, both as a soloist and as part of different choirs and ensembles. Her experience includes gigging as a singer-songwriter, holding a choral scholarship in Norwich and most recently performing with the BBC Symphony Chorus in London.

Music together & groups

Christophe Sainsot

Christophe, a French native who has lived in England, Barcelona, and Portugal, is a music teacher specializing in early childhood education. Graduating from the University of Toulouse, he has led musical workshops for children aged 0-5 for 15 years. A multilingual composer (French, English, Catalan, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese), Christophe writes and composes musical plays for children, including some for babies. He is the author of nine plays, with more in the works, and plays guitar, bass, double bass, and drums.

Drums

João Pinheiro

João’s love for drums began at a young age, when he stumbled upon his father’s old drum kit stored in the back of the garage. What started as instinct quickly grew into a deep passion and a dedicated musical journey. Known for his powerful and expressive playing, João has become a defining presence in bands like Diabo na Cruz, Cassete Pirata, and SAL. His ability to adapt across a wide range of styles reflects both his musical versatility and commitment to the craft. As a teacher, João brings that same dedication to his students focusing on technique, musicality, and helping each drummer find their own voice.

Join Our Team!

At IMBAS we're Always Looking for Fresh Talent and Ideas!

At our music school, we believe in keeping things dynamic and creative. We're always on the lookout for passionate music teachers who bring fresh perspectives and exciting class ideas. Come join a supportive, collaborative team where your creativity is truly valued!

info@imbasmusicschool.com

Apply Today