Conor Bell (Teaches Applied Recording/Live Sound, Bass Guitar & Percussion)
I believe the best way to learn how to swim is by getting in the water! My teaching style is about
getting direct hands-on experience on whatever subject I am teaching. Expect to hit the ground
running and learn valuable, practical skills that will help you get a gig. I’ve been playing music
for 20 years and working in the audio field for 10 and have a wealth of experience to offer. Feel
free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Scott Cain
Background in guitar and teaching Philosophy
I began music studies in voice and saxophone at 9 years of age singing in a competitive
boys choir on the east coast and junior high band. At the same time I began taking
guitar lessons. During high school I began playing in a local band that performed Pop,
Rock and Country music.
In college I majored in Performance of guitar and graduated with a performance degree
From The University of North Texas at Denton.
During college I was selected by audition to perform for Andre Segovia in Madrid, Spain
I was also awarded partial and full scholarships to study at the Aspen Music festival.
I have been teaching music and guitar at ACC for over 35 years as well as playing
professionally in the Austin area.
I have been a winner of the KLBJ battle of the bands with the original Pop group
“Curtain Call” and have one the Austin Chronicle 1st place for new Band and Lounge
group with Casino Royal.
I have performed with Grammy Winners Floyd Domino (Asleep At The Wheel), Ernie
Durawa (The
Texas Tornados) Shirley Jones, Al Dimeola, The Platters and many other national as
well as local artists and Bands.
I have studied and performed the following styles of Guitar: Classical, Flamenco,
Brazilian, Acoustic finger style, Blues, Rock, Country, Western Swing, Jazz and, Pop
and Funk.
I prioritize students individual needs while fostering an environment where the student
takes responsibility for their own learning experience.

Christina Carmona (Teaches Voice Applied) 
My professional work has been as a contemporary commercial singer and performer playing in
bands; however, my roots are in classical music. From a very young age I began singing,
performing, and competing with solo repertoire, choral music, and orchestral music as a
violinist. I grew up under the training and guidance of my mother, a renowned Lyric Soprano and

Voice Teacher in Austin, Texas. My father, a choral director and pianist, instilled in me musical
foundations such as music theory and having passion for music.
As a commercial performer, I have been fortunate enough to tour with my band internationally,
record in professional studios across the country, receive support from independent record
labels, sell merchandise all over the world, and receive features in numerous esteemed
publications.
Teaching Philosophy
I have been teaching at Austin Community College since 2020, and have taught Applied Voice,
Music Theory for the Working Musician, and Small Commercial Music Ensemble (Rock Band).
As an Applied Voice instructor, my pedagogical approach blends traditional and contemporary
vocal technique to give students well-rounded instruction and guidance. I incorporate voice
science, Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) training, and elements of classical singing
techniques. My goal is for students is to develop their artistry and achieve vocal versatility,
enabling them to sing with precision and confidence, no matter the genre or style they choose.
I work with students on material that is relevant to their goals, whether that is their own original
material, audition pieces, recital repertoire, etc. I’ve successfully helped a wide range of
students to develop their voices in order to transfer to colleges, begin playing live shows,
prepare for studio sessions, refine their craft, heal from vocal injuries, and overcome
performance anxiety.
I love teaching voice, and I truly enjoy teaching everyone of all skill levels.

Brian Donohoe
My teaching philosophy is centered around two core concepts. The first is to meet
students where they are: regardless of background, any student can develop an
appreciation and foundational understanding of music. Slow and steady development
of technique and aural comprehension of melody, harmony, and rhythm will, over time,
allow students to explore performance, improvisation, and composition, regardless of
where they started, as long as they’re willing to put in consistent time and energy.
The second core concept is to structure the curriculum around specific goals of each
student. Contemporary music is extremely broad, and students develop most
effectively when they’re working towards specific goals that matter to them. While I
teach all students a certain set of universally-applicable foundations, the repertoire we
focus on will be largely determined by what music they love, where they’d like to go
professionally, and who they want to become as creative artists.

Herbie Hernandez (Teaches Applied Recording/Live Sound)

I have been an audio engineer as my career since around late 2016, early 2017. I started with
studio work and moved very quickly into live sound.
Current experience is the following; Live sound engineer at Empire, Parish, Emos and Scoot
Inn, have toured with The Used and Pierce The Veil mixing DeathbyRomy and Don Broco,
Currently work for mid 2000s Emo cover band, Y’all Out Boy.
I have my own personal Digital mixing console, stagebox, microphone etc. to make myself fully
self contained for a show.
I am certified Dante Level III
Proficient in systems used for live sound such as NEXO, D&B Acoustic, and L Acoustics.
I can help reinforce a stronger foundation of practices for mixing while also assisting to develop
a workflow for you. This goes for both studio and live sound. My philosophy and practice for
mixing live sound was developed in the studio.
I am a multi instrumentalist, but principally a drummer. Been playing drums for over 20 years.
Playing drums has started the journey for my curiosity into Audio Engineering.
We will set clear goals to accomplish throughout the semester.
Within the realm of Audio Engineering, my limitations are with sound design (film and video
games), foley, and Dolby Atmos. This means I understand it but my experience and knowledge
is limited.
If what I offer is what you need or want for an applied lesson, I look forward to working with you.

Nick Landis
As a Mastering Engineer, I bring extensive experience and expertise to the table. I am currently
the Chief Mastering Engineer at Nick Landis Mastering and have previously held the role of
Senior Mastering Engineer at Terra Nova Digital Audio, Inc. Throughout my career, I have had
the privilege of working on over 5,200 albums, playing a crucial role in helping musicians
complete the final creative step and first technical step in producing and distributing their music
to fans. I am honored to have the trust of each and every client and take great pride in guiding
them through the mastering process.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching philosophy in applied audio engineering centers around empowering students to
develop a deep understanding of both the technical fundamentals and the creative artistry of
sound. I believe that education should serve as a bridge between knowledge and practice,
enabling students to succeed as audio engineers while embracing the ethereal artistic concepts
that make their work unique.

Inspired by the mentors who guided me, I am committed to giving back to the next generation of
audio engineers. My primary purpose in education is to equip students with the skills and
knowledge necessary to excel in the field. I do this by providing a supportive environment for
learning, offering valuable feedback, and addressing misunderstandings and knowledge gaps
as they arise.
In my teaching, I emphasize the importance of technical expertise while recognizing that the
rules of audio engineering are meant to be understood before they can be intelligently bent or
broken. Students are encouraged to explore and experiment, making conscious decisions in
service of the music.
Diversity and inclusivity are essential to me, and I strive to create an environment that welcomes
all students, with a particular emphasis on supporting female and minority students who may
have faced additional challenges in this field. Collaboration and community-building are fostered
through class critiques and opportunities for peer interaction.
Assessment is centered around progress rather than a strict measure of quality. I hope to see
growth from the beginning to the end of the semester, in alignment with each student’s individual
goals. My ultimate goal is to empower students to leave my class as more confident and
competent audio engineers, equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in this dynamic
field.

Darin Layne (Teaches Applied Guitar)
Teaching Philosophy Statement:
As a teacher and professor of music I am committed to the success of each individual
Student. This includes taking time to address individual needs to better understand
the materials presented. Individual student outcome is key to overall success of any
Course. Everyone learns differently. For me, the highest priority is to be aware of each
student’s individual understanding of the concepts being presented in relation to their
current level of musical experience, understanding and application. To accomplish this, I like to
ask detailed questions about the students’ understanding of the course material being studied
as it relates both to music theory and application to the instrument.
I believe in giving the student the core tools to eventually teach themselves beyond
the scope of the materials being presented in my classroom, so they have the
confidence to use the skills presented in the course to grow, and expand their
knowledge for a life long productive career.
In my courses, I often encourage improvisational discovery, as well as assign specific
goal-oriented tasks. This approach ranges from fundamental to advanced concepts

depending on individual skill level.
My current active performing and recording schedule combined with 35 years
experience in the professional music world as a composer, bandleader professor,
performer, producer, audio engineer and session guitarist makes me an effective teacher
as I can relate real world experiences to the materials being taught.
I am inspired by each of my student’s progress regardless of pace or level. Overall student
identity in the classroom has no affect on how I teach, unless specific special needs are made
apparent. In these cases I take the extra time needed with students to make sure they can
accomplish the goals outlined in the course.

Thank you for your interest in taking applied lessons! The information you provide in this questionnaire will assist in the advising process.

Student Name:
ACC ID:
ACC Email:
Phone Number:

What semester are you interested in taking applied lessons?

1. What is your musical/industry background and what are your interests?

2. Do you have prior experience with the instrument you are choosing for applied lessons? If
you are taking applied recording/live sound, do you have any prior experience in the field?

3. What are your goals for taking applied lessons?

4. Are there any days or times that you would be unavailable for your one hour per week applied
lesson?

5. Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?